Written for a drabble tree challenge with et_tu_lj, with the prompt "many lives had been lost."
A Father's Loss
He led his family back to their bakery in silence. The cheering in the crowded streets made him feel ill, though he'd been one of them in years past. They were celebrating another year of safety for their children, and they should. Tonight, he had lost one.
Grief settled on his heart like a stone as he closed the windows and doors of his home and business. His other sons sat at the table, staring at the floor. They looked ashamed when they said goodbye to their brother. Should they have volunteered to save Peeta like the girl did for her sister? The baker could not be angry with them. Many lives had been lost in the Games. He would not trade one son for another. When they watched Peeta die, he hoped they could forgive themselves.
His wife was in the kitchen, preparing for tomorrow's bread. Usually she whistled during preparations but she moved about silently tonight. When she noticed him watching her, she paused and pressed her lips together.
"Well, at least we have one less mouth to feed," she said and turned away.
The words pierced him. He could not speak to her. He sat down at the head of the table between what was left of his family, and hoped to be out in the streets next year.