She had been watching them. The fiery ones- the boy with blond hair, the girl with the braid. That was what she did- ever watchful, ever studying those around her. Silent, wary, secretive. The girls nickname for her- Foxface- rather pleased her.
They were in love, she could see that. She had been certain it wasn't real in the beginning, but circumstance and the instinct for survival had thrown those two together. It was strange, alien to her- no parents, no siblings, no friends. Love had always been such a far off, doubtful thing, that she had seen no evidence of in her short life.
At least, until she saw Peeta Mellark.
It was impossible, she knew that- her very life was a mark against their survival, his survival. She doubted he even knew her name- he certainly wouldn't return her hidden, half acknowledged feelings. Every breath she took, every beat of her heart, was a threat to him living. And these two must survive, she was certain of it. The boy she loved, and the one he adored.
Her eyes two dark, melancholy pools, Foxface looked down at the berries in the palm of her hand. And, with a smooth, quick movement, knowing if she took any longer she couldn't do it, she swallowed them.
The effect was instantaneous, darkness clouding her vision- she felt her limbs stiffen as life fled her body, and forced her lips to form one word, unheard by any but the watchful, waiting trees.
"Forever."
Hope you enjoyed the first snippet… I always liked Foxface. Not sure why, but I liked her ;) Incidentally, the theme song for this snippet is U.N.I by Ed Sheeran.