The smell of pine needles that's always thick here in the woods, comforts her a little.

Johanna let her mind wander as she watches her sister play with the bark. A quick look at the sun shows it's about time to head back, but it's so peaceful, so quiet, when it's not full of people working here, she really doesn't want to. But after a minute, she gets up anyway.
"C'mon, Dee, we've got to head back home," Johanna says to her sister. Dee looks up, then back at her boat, then back to Johanna.
"Can I keep this?"
"Sure you can. Now get up, or we'll be late", Johanna reminds her sister, and takes her hand. Dee, at least, is one person she can stand. With her blonde hair, always frizzy and wild, and those clear eyes, and the naivety of a five-year-old, she is one of the few persons that could bring a smile out of Johanna.

She is nervous, she always is, but nothing shows, she makes sure of that. Steeph meets her at her house as he promised, and together they make their way to the square. He chatters away, as he always does, Johanna listens, or at least pretends to.
It's not that she doesn't care about what Steeph has to say, it's just he's got so much to say, there is no chance she could listen to everything. So for the past five years or so, she hasn't paid that much attention when he starts talking, or rather, doing his monologue. But somehow, the sound of his voice calms her. It's so familiar, because no matter what day it is, he's talking about everything. Its what makes it almost bearable.

The square is already packed with people, but there's next to no queue to sign your name.
"I'll see you later," Johanna says to Steeph as she makes her way to the other seventeen-year-old girls, and watches him disappear into the seventeen-year-old boys section. He is the closest to a best friend she has, since she never really got along with the girls, and he... well, she really hasn't figured out why he sticks to her. But she doesn't mind. And he's great with Dee.
That reminds her. Johanna looks around, and spots Dee, playing with her bark boat, carried by their mother. Next to them stands her father, looking pale. He never handled this well since that year in his youth when he almost was selected. But that year, there was a volunteer. His name was Matchell Treacling, or something like that. He was drowned by a career two days in. His niece is in Johanna's class.

The mayor starts speaking, and Johanna turns her attention to the stage. It's an odd assembly of people up there, old mayor Roofley, looking almost bored, the mentors – Seaton Blight, his glance slightly unfocused and his hair hanging in front of his left eye, something he doesn't seem to notice, and Kara Wrinth, the old woman whose eyes never rest, always flickering through the crowd – and the escort, Minni Alter, with shocking green hair and a skin that sparkles. Yes, it sparkles. Johanna nearly rolls her eyes, despite the situation.
"District seeeeeven!" Minni greats them. A polite applause that Johanna doesn't take part in.
"So wonderful to be here! I bet you're as excited as I am for the seventy-first hunger games! Let's start with our boys!" The way she says 'our' boys, makes Johanna disgusted. Like she, with her sparkling skin, was a part of them. An equal. Even though nothing could be further from the truth.
"Our boy tribute... for the seventy-first hunger games... is..." Minni makes a short pause, take a breath, and the crowd is so silent , and then she shouts, "...Salmer Cringston!"

A wail from a woman, possibly his mother, silences all other noises for a second. The Peacekeepers starts to move in her direction, but then Salmer detaches himself from the crowd, and steps up on the stage. Minni gives him a bright smile he doesn't notice, and then reaches for a name in the girls bowl.
"Now for the girls! Exciting, huh?" Her hand picks up a name, drops it, picks another. "And we congratulate... Johanna Mason!"
Oh fuck.
Someone, somewhere, is crying. Johanna takes one step at a time, feeling as though someone had just slapped her across the face. She takes the stage, Minni is looking surreal from up close, and Johanna finds her mother in the crowd. Looking blankly back at Johanna, the face of one who just woke from a nightmare and realised it was real, and her father, who've covered his face, and Dee, sweet, innocent Dee, who's too young to understand, but her sister's name caught her attention. Dee looks up, and when she see Johanna looking back at her, she smiles, and waves.
Johanna looks into those blue eyes, and suddenly, her vision is getting blurry.
Johanna doesn't cry. She never does.
Not when she gets hurt, not when her mother yells at her, never. Still she's standing here on that damn stage with a tear running down her cheek. And when she's shaking Salmers hand, another one detaches from her eyelashes.

"Oh Johanna, oh darling, oh honey..." Her mother hugs her in a way she never hugged Johanna before. Dee stands beside her, looking up, and then starts to pull Johannas sleeve. Johanna goes down on her knees, watching Dee's face closely.
"Are you going away, Jo-onna?"
"I am."
"Where?"
Johanna hesitates. Dee watches the Games, so does all, but she's only five, she hasn't figured out death yet. So the Games meaning hasn't sunken in. For that, Johanna is thankful.
"Just... away."
"When are you coming back?"
"I..." This isn't like her. She's stronger than this. "I don't know," she manages to get out.
"Oh. But I wan't to finish my boat," Dee complains, looking at the piece of bark in her hand.
"I bet you Steeph can help you," their mother says, stroking Dee's hair. But her eyes lie on Johanna.
"Time's up", the peacekeeper calls. Johanna seeks her father's eyes, he hasn't uttered a word since they came, and he takes an insecure step forward. Her mother busies herself with Dee, giving them a second of privacy. They're standing face to face, she almost as tall as he is. His eyes are widened, bottomless.
"Jo... I..." This time, it's his voice that cracks. But it it's not that that concerns her. His voice. It's like there's something missing. He takes a breath, then look directly into her eyes.
"I'm not ready to loose you." Johanna have no words to say, so she stays silent. The peacekeeper comes forward, escorting her father out. After one last look, her mother shuts the door.

Next time it opens, it's Steeph. His eyes are reddened. He's always been the emotional of them. But Johanna doesn't hesitate when he holds out his arms. Leaning her head against his chest.
"Don't fall apart, Johanna. Not yet. Besides, it's not your style."
Johanna almost smiles.
"I know."
"You're strong. Not just physically, you're not one to break down."
"Well, everyone already thinks I have", Johanna answers, concentrating on the sound of his heart pounding. It's a soothing sound.
"But... but you haven't. And you won't. And... I'll miss you."
Johanna nods, still leaning her forehead against his chest.
"That's the spirit. I'll be watching you." He gives a hollow laugh. "Not like I'll have any choice."
Just when he's about to leave, she calls out his name. He turns.
"Take care of Dee. Keep her away from... everything."
He nods. Then he's gone. And a few minutes after, so is she. District 7, she promises on the train. I'll be back.


Authours note: I decided to rewrite this story, because I was simply not happy when rereading the chapters I wrote. I also want to thank everyone who reads and/or reviews this story, you're all wonderful!

I have not changed much in the plot, mostly just changed in the text and formulations. With that said, hope you'll enjoy it, more is to come!

-T