The Icy Blue

Chapter One: Realing Day

There are some things in life that change a person forever. Love. War. Trauma. Injury.

Even in a time of "peace" can our lives take a turn. Sometimes for the best, sometimes for the worst.

Gasping for air, she shot upright in her bed. Sweat clung to her skin and dampened her worn cream night dress.

Frantically, she looked around the small room. Another bed was opposite hers, but it was empty and already made.

Looking towards a dirty window, she saw that light was just barely appearing. Quietly, she slid her bare legs over the side of her bed. Goosebumps immediately covered her soft skin.

Her breathing still labored, she sat there for a moment, trying to clear her head of her nightmare.

Today was the annual Reaping for the Hunger Games. She was eighteen, meaning this was the last year her name would be in the glass bowl. Even so, she still had nightmares.

A soft creak suddenly sounded, causing her to jump and look up in surprise. An elderly woman with grey hair stood in the doorway, her hand on the door.

"Are you alright, Lark?" Vera Fairwing asked her granddaughter, seeing her pale coloring.

Lark Fairwing forced a smile and shook her head.

"Yes, I'm fine, Nana," she answered, though her voice sounded weak to herself. She quickly cleared her throat. "It was just a nightmare. I don't even remember what it was."

Vera watched her granddaughter skeptically.

But Lark was good at hiding her emotions. With her mask in check, she slid off of her bed.

"I'm going to go for a walk before I start getting ready," she said, turning to a small set of drawers and pulling out a pair of pants. She quickly pulled them on, tucking in her nightgown, not bothering to change into a shirt. With that, she pulled on her socks and a brown jacket. Finally, she pulled on and laced up her boots.

"I'll be back soon," Lark said, slipping past her grandmother, but not without giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Alright, I'll have a bath ready for you when you get back!" Vera called after Lark, watching as the young woman gracefully stride towards and out the front door. With a sigh, Vera looked upwards.

"Please don't let it be her," she whispered to herself. Vera knew that Lark was strong and smart. She knew that Lark could do it, but she was a young beautiful woman with so much warmth, kindness, and dignity. Though she was strong, the Games could potentially break the wonderful girl that Lark had become. Vera sighed again, glancing over at a couple pictures on the wall. A man and woman sat, smiling and holding hands, and at their feet sat a young happy boy and a tiny little girl with wide eyes—Lark's parents and older brother.

Vera frowned sadly at the smiling faces that she loved but that were now gone. She knew that the loss of her family also affected Lark, no matter how well she hid it.

Vera knew Lark was strong, but how much more would she be able to take?

Sunlight shone brightly in her eyes. Lark turned her head and slowly opened her eyes, blinking them tiredly. Still squinting, she raised her head from her knees, where she had been resting and had fallen asleep.

Looking around, Lark saw the beautiful greenery of the forest and the meadow just outside of the tree line. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, she stretched her arms. It was still early. Even so, she decided it was time to head back.

As she walked by the battered houses of the Seam, Lark kept her eyes down. Even if there was someone out on their porch, she kept to herself. She knew that today was a day that no one felt like being very friendly. The entire District would be silent today.

Looking up, Lark saw that she was nearly home.

"Lark!" came a soft call from one of the houses. She quickly turned her head to see a young boy with curly brown hair jumping off of his porch and running towards her. As the boy ran into her, she gathered him in a hug.

"Kai!" she greeted him worriedly, sensing something was wrong. Pushing him an arms length away, she looked down at him, studying his face. His eyes were full of fear and there were tears building.

"Hey, hey, it's alright, bud," Lark said, cupping the young boy's cheek and making sure he was meeting her eyes. His striking blue eyes were watery.

"Lark, I don't want to go," he said softly, his voice so full of fear. "And I don't want you to go."

Lark felt her heart breaking. Kai was only twelve years old, just barely as of last month. He was the closest thing she had to a little brother. Ever since the mining accident, when she lost both her dad and older brother, she had taken Kai in. His father had been dear friends with hers. He had also died in the accident, leaving behind a young son and wife.

"Kai, it's only your first year," Lark said, trying to comfort him. "Your name is only in there once."

Kai kept her gaze, his eyes full of worry.

"And I'll be fine. We both will. You don't have to worry, bud," Lark continued, glancing towards his house. She could see his mother waiting behind the old screen door. "As soon as we're both ready, we can walk together. Okay?"

Kai stayed silent, but nodded in answer.

"Alright. I'm going to go home and get ready. You should do the same. I think your mother is waiting for you," Lark said, tousling his messy curls, mustering a smile for the boy. At that familiar and playful action, Kai offered her the slightest half smile.

"Okay. See you soon," Kai said, looking up at her for a moment more before turning to go to his mother. As Kai turned, Lark stood up straight and turned her gaze towards Kai's mother. She waved at the woman, who though very quiet and reserved, Lark saw as an aunt. Kai and his mother were family in her mind.

Kai's mother waved feebly back at her before herding Kai into the house. She appeared just as scared as her little boy.

With a sad sigh, Lark turned and continued on her way to her own house.

As Lark stepped inside the house, she quickly shed all of her clothing but her nightdress. Walking into the bedroom, she saw a trough of steaming water. She couldn't hear her grandmother in the house. She must have been out collecting the dry clean clothes.

With a sigh, Lark began undressing and got in to bathe.

A while later, Lark sat in front of a broken mirror set on a table in their room. Behind her, Vera detangled Lark's dampened long hair.

Her mind too far from the real world, Lark didn't even get to enjoy the pleasure of her grandmother running her fingers through her hair.

Instead, she stared at her reflection, wondering what today held in store for her. As she felt panic and fear rising in her chest, she focused more on her reflection, trying to distract herself from the looming Reaping.

First, she held her own gaze in the mirror. Her eyes were a dark brown, with little gold flecks scattered throughout. Her lashes were long and naturally dark, fluttering softly against her cheeks as she blinked. Widening her view to her entire face, Lark focused on the fairness of her skin. She wasn't as pale as some of the other girls, but she wasn't tan either.

She had heard many describe her as beautiful. Her eyes. Her hair. Her lips. She had even heard some girls expressing their jealousy of her cheek bones.

But none of that really mattered to her. Especially right now. Especially today.

Lark's eyes finally landed on her long golden hair, which was being done up by her grandmother. Living in the Seam, she was considered different for her light hair color, but her mother hadn't been from the Seam like her father had. While her father had dark brown hair and dark eyes, her mother had blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Looking in the mirror now, she noticed just how much of an equal blend of them she was. Her brother had also been a blend, although he had dark hair and blue eyes. He also had their daddy's smile, blinding and almost always present.

"There. All done," Vera spoke up, bringing Lark out of her own mind. She looked at her hair, turning her head to see the beautiful low bun, with twists and curls. Loose curls framed her face.

Lark swallowed and forced a smile, reaching up and taking her grandmother's hand that rested on her shoulder.

She didn't trust her voice, so she hoped that was enough to convey her thanks and love.

"Now," Vera said again, her voice cracking and tears forming in her brown eyes. "We are strong Fairwing women. No matter what happens, we will get through this."

Lark nodded her agreement, clearing her throat and blinking away any moisture in her eyes.

Slowly standing, Lark took in the dress she wore. It was baby blue, though perhaps now that it was faded a bit, it could be described as icy blue. Large white lilies were patterned across the blue.

"You look beautiful, love," Vera whispered softly, putting her hands on Lark's shoulders. Lark turned her neck to look at her, offering a small smile.

"Thank you..." she answered, but her smile quickly dropped to a frown. She cleared her throat and turned to completely face her. "I love you, Nana."

Vera smiled sadly. She knew that Lark was saying this in case it was one of the last times.

"I love you, too," she answered her granddaughter. She then reached out and pulled Lark into her arms. The two clung to each other, not wanting to let go.

As Lark walked down the road, she silently watched the people around her. Some looked sick with fear. Others looked as if they were sleep walking. In fact, it was rather eerie the way everyone moved towards the Justice Building, like they were all being controlled.

Beside her, Kai walked closely on one side, his mother with him, and her grandmother walked on the other, her gaze blank. Lark took her grandmother's hand in hers, squeezing it as the lines for checking in children came into view.

"We go this way, Kai," Lark spoke up softly, brushing his arm with her hand. He looked up at her, terrified. Then he looked to his mother.

"Go with Lark," she spoke to him very softly. But she then leaned down and took him in a big hug, one which he returned.

Lark frowned sadly, watching them with her heart breaking. No one should have to go through this ever, worrying that their child will be chosen to be put in an arena where they must fight for their life.

Check ins went smoothly, just as they did every year. And Lark soon found herself among all the girls of District 12. From where she was, she could also see Kai amongst the crowd of boys. She wished she could be with him to comfort him.

In the crowd of girls, she was moved up to about the fourth row from the front, and had a perfect view of the stage. She saw the mayor and his family seated. Her eyes swept over them, wondering what was going through their minds as they watched everyone's fear filled faces.

And then, her eyes reached the lone Victor of District 12. Haymitch Abernathy.

As always, he had a flask in his hand, filled with alcohol. But despite his drinking habits, Lark had to admit that this man was quite attractive. Or at least he was keeping her attention longer than the mayor's family had.

He had a strong jawline, one that was covered in a shadow of scruff. His blonde hair was long, but somehow it only made him look better. His slightly disheveled appearance was somehow working for him.

As Lark studied him, she didn't expect him to find her face in the crowd. But he did.

Lark quickly averted her eyes when his gaze met hers. She didn't even keep his gaze long enough to know he color of his eyes.

Feeling embarrassed, she kept her eyes down. But she could still feel his eyes on her. She felt her cheeks warming up, and she was sure she was blushing.

This irritated her, and so she finally built up the courage to glance back up at the man, glaring rather than glancing. As she met his eyes again, he casually looked away, a smirk on his lips. With that smug look on his face, he lifted his flask and took a drink.

Lark frowned and rolled her eyes. She was being ridiculous for letting Haymitch Abernathy get under her skin.

And so she decided she would keep her attention elsewhere the rest of ceremony.

The sudden echo of the microphone filled the courtyard, causing many to jump. All eyes snapped upward, gazes falling on a woman dressed in light green from head to toe.

Lark cringed at the terribly outrageous apparel worn by the District 12 escort, Oblythia Tassel.

"Good morning, and Happy Hunger Games!" came the accented voice of the Capitol woman. "Before we begin, I'd like to present a message from the Capitol."

Lark sighed and looked up at the large screen closest to her. The image on the screen switched from surveillance of the courtyard to a video presentation.

"War, terrible war..."

Lark tuned out the rest of the video, already having heard the message in President Snow's voice many times. Carefully glancing around, she saw the many frightened faces of small children. She was one of the oldest in the drawing. Looking at all the small children, Lark couldn't imagine any of them in the Hunger Games. It was cruel. What the Capitol was doing is beyond cruel.

"Now, we get to choose our tributes. First, the girls..." Oblythia announced. Lark's mind quickly returned to reality, and she felt her palms start to sweat as Oblythia walked towards the glass bowl that held the girls' names. The Capitol woman reached her green-gloved hand into the bowl, running her fingertips over the many papers. Finally, she plucked one out of the bowl.

As Oblythia walked back to the microphone, the courtyard fell completely silent. No one dared to breathe.

Lark could hear her own heartbeat thrumming inside her chest. Her throat was dry and anxiety grew in her chest.

Oblythia took her time unfolding the paper. Lark began to feel impatient. She didn't like the feeling of fear and anxiety looming over her.

As she looked at the ground, she noticed the smaller feet standing around hers. She then glanced at the young faces around her.

'Please don't be them...' she thought to herself. She then saw the girl right beside her, a very thin little twelve year old.

'Please don't be her. Please don't be them.'

She closed her eyes, silently praying that the little ones would be kept safe.

"Lark Fairwing."

Lark's brown eyes snapped open, her mouth dropping open. Her breathing hitched, and it seemed like her entire body froze.

Was her name just drawn? Did Oblythia really speak her name into the microphone?

"Lark Fairwing? Come up here, dear."

Without her mind's consent and on their own accord, her feet began moving towards the aisle between the boys and girls. She felt as though she were asleep, only in a nightmare. Her mind was numb.

"Come up here, beautiful girl," Oblythia beckoned her, reaching her green hand out and waving her forward. Lark saw two Peacekeepers come up beside her and felt their hands on her back. With their unwelcome touch, she seemed to wake up. Taking a step away from them, she gracefully strode up to the stairs that led to the stage.

Looking up, Lark frowned at the hand that Oblythia offered her. But she hesitantly took it, allowing the Capitol woman to lead her up the stairs and onto the stage. As she stepped onto the raised slab of cement, Lark glanced sideways.

Haymitch stared directly at her, his eyes had lost all amusement and his smirk was now replaced with a frown. Lark frowned as well, keeping his gaze for a moment. She was forced to look away when Oblythia lead her to the center of the stage.

"Wonderful! We have our first tribute," Oblythia beamed our at the crowd. Lark looked out at the people as well, her face expression neutral. She was numb, she didn't have the energy to be angry or sad or scared.

The sound of anguished sobbing suddenly reached Lark's ears, and she looked towards the direction she heard it. She knew who it was.

Her poor grandmother was being held by two other women beside her, Kai's mother being one of them. Tears streamed down her wrinkled face, and her aged body seemed unable to hold herself up. That's when a spark lit inside Lark.

She felt both a pang of anger and sadness growing in her chest.

"How old are you, dear?" Oblythia's voice boomed in the microphone. Lark turned her frown and fiery gaze towards Oblythia, who seemed a little put off by it. Her smile became even more fake.

"Eighteen," Lark spoke, relieved when her voice sounded strong to her ears. It was smooth, but not wavering. Oblythia smiled wider.

"My, my...A beautiful young woman. Congratulations. What an honor you have been given," Oblythia said, putting a gloved hand gingerly in Lark's shoulder. Lark only turned her gaze back to her grandmother, who was still crying uncontrollably.

"Well, now we shall draw our lucky young man," Oblythia moved on, letting go on Lark and walking towards the second glass bowl of folded paper. Lark felt her mind going numb again. She was trying to wrap her mind around what was happening, but it was easier to just go numb.

Lark felt Oblythia step next to her again, and she slowly turned her eyes to watch the green woman unfold the paper.

Folding her hands in front of her, Lark quickly looked at the ground. She didn't want to know which boy from her District would be going to the Games with her. She couldn't bear the thought of any of the children going.

"Kai Dryground."

Lark's heart stopped and her gaze snapped upward, staring at Oblythia in horror.

"No!" Lark exclaimed breathlessly. She couldn't breathe.

"Kai Dryground," Oblythia repeated.

"No! That can't be—" Lark tried to protest, her eyes sweeping over the boys to find Kai. She looked where she remembered seeing him, but he was already shuffling towards the aisle. Kai's face was pale, whiter than snow. He looked so scared.

Lark's heart was breaking. She couldn't believe that her world had just come crashing down.

The world seemed to move in slow motion, but as soon as Kai reached the microphone, Lark put her arm around him. Oblythia stepped back, giving them an odd look.

"I give you your tributes," she began, putting her fake smile back on her green painted lips.

"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!"