One-Shot: Schoolboy Crush
I wait in the Justice Building after being Reaped from District 12 for the 74th Hunger Games. I have already said goodbye to my mother and sister, as well as Gale Hawthorne. I can't think of anyone else who might want to come and wish me farewell.
So I am surprised when the door to my room opens and a Peacekeeper ushers in a boy of twelve years old.
Rory Hawthorne is a head shorter than his older brother, but looks strikingly like him. Or he will, once he comes of age. Also like Gale is Rory's attempted ability at appearing stoic in the face of great emotional distress... and failing.
I smile sympathetically at him, reminded of how distraught Primrose was when she first came to say goodbye. "Rory, don't be scared..."
Rory angrily rubs at his eyes in an attempt to hide his crying. "It's not fair! Just not fair! You can't go, Katniss..."
I regard him sadly. "I have to, kid. Just... promise me you'll take care of my sister, OK?"
"But I had it all planned out! To take care of both of you. I was practicing asking you to marry me!"
I blink in utter shock, but after a moment of thought, I recover. I smile down at Rory tenderly. I know what this is about. All kids (with perhaps myself as an exception) have a school days crush when they are young. I suppose for young Rory, I would be a natural choice, since I am so close to Gale. But perhaps it is a cover for whom he holds real feelings and just will not admit it: my sister. I have always suspected he has cared for her as more than a friend. It is not so inconceivable that he would attempt to project his feelings for Prim onto me, her older sister, as a way to try and deny it.
I actually giggle. "I don't know if I could marry you. You're just a little boy."
Rory stares at me seriously, trying to come across as a man long before his time. "I won't always be."
"Maybe to me," I let him down gently.
Rory seems to understand. "We're still friends, aren't we?"
I let out something between a sigh and a laugh. Bending down so that I am at eye-level with him, I kiss his lips in the form of an innocent peck. His first kiss, probably.
"That should give you practice. Now go try it out on my sister!" I eye him knowingly. Rory stares at me for a moment, unsure whether to confirm or deny my probe, but he finally nods.
Moments later, the Peacekeeper comes and takes him away. If I never come home, I can only hope that Rory plucks up the courage to confess his love to Prim. At least she would be well taken care of.
