DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters or The Hunger Games series All rights to Suzanne Collins.
Willow and Rye's story
Prologue: Katniss Everdeen.
Willow turns eighteen tomorrow. I should be excited for her, really. But I'm not. Every time I see her, I am reminded of what was, and what could have been. She's beautiful. She has Peeta's blonde hair and his blue eyes. I've taught her how to hunt, Rye didn't care for that much though, but in some ways Rye is more like me. A seventeen year old, who's dark haired and grey eyed. He has his Father's strength though, but he is quiet, shy.
When I was eighteen I was leading a rebellion, and I had no choice about that... I was their mockingjay. I didn't want to be. But they are free. They deserve that.
Of course, the rebellion is over now. Paylor is President of the new Republic of Panem. Each district is equal and there is no poverty among them anymore. In the new Panem, you can live where you please. You could live in the Capitol if you wanted, it wouldn't matter though because each district is just as wealthy as the Capitol now. Nobody is poor, so I guess I can feel good about one thing. We're rebuilding 12. We eventually cleared the ashes, and now it's just a nightmare from my memories.
43 years old and I still remember everything. I can never forget. I won't. Mom can't forget either. She turned down my offer to go back to 12 and start afresh when Peeta and I had Rye, so she went to 4 and started training to be a doctor. It was too much for her. As soon as she met Willow, she saw exactly what I saw. Prim. As for Gale... Well, he's still in 2, I assume. Training for the army. We haven't spoken in 5 years. He still hasn't forgiven himself.
Peeta and I are good. I still have nightmares. His are worse. Now we calm each other down.
But Willow and Rye... I can't tell them. Not about the games. I don't want that to be a part of their lives. They aren't even taught about the past at school. No kid knows about the games. Or the rebellion. They never will. They can't...