The flames are like blooming tangerine colored flowers, licking up everything in its' path and refusing to cease. A building collapses with a loud groaning shudder and she slides closer to you, trembling.
You reassure her that it won't be long now; you're almost there. But she just shakes even harder and tears start falling from the corner of her eyes. You tug on her frock and pull her along, but she drops her doll, where it shatters in pieces on the ground.
Her beloved china doll.
She kneels on the ground and starts picking up the pieces, the remnants of the beautiful figurine with big blue eyes, blond hair, and pure white porcelain that look out of place amidst the destruction. The fire roars loudly as more town buildings fall down, their weak infrastructure not able to support the weight any longer.
Come on, Posy, we've got to go! With one last tug, you yank her to your feet, using the other hand to cover her mouth. You cough as you inhale the smoke, but you keep on running anyways, pushing her ahead in front of you.
Keeping your eyes on that green patch not far ahead, the meadow that signals safety, you try to keep your mind blank of all things possible.
But you can't.
And as she repeatedly sobs, you see that face in your mind, telling you to leave without her, saying that she has to stay behind. The shattered china doll on the cobblestones of the merchant side of District 12.
You take the remaining pieces from Posy's hand and ignoring her protests, you throw them as far as you can, only hoping that you'll never have to see them again. Those teary cobalt eyes and that mass of blond curls. The blinding white smile.
But she returns in your dreams.