Strawberries and Insults
AN: Well here it is! I am really enjoying writing this story. Please review.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Hunger Games.
Chapter Two:
In the morning I am awoken but the sound of Effie knocking at my door. She must still be peeved at me for last night because it is really early. After I am up and showered, I come back into my room to see that the clothes for training are laid out on my bed. Tight black pants, a long-sleeved burgundy tunic, and leather shoes, I feel uncomfortable. I never really wear anything other than dresses and I don't think these will suit me. The pants are hugging my curves and top is showing off more than I usually do. I feel naked. I don't want to leave the room. After what seems like mere seconds of sitting on my bed Effie is knocking at my door telling me I'm not going to be able to eat breakfast if don't come out now. My stomach rumbles and forces me to go to the dining room. I refuse to make eye contact with anyone muttering a small good morning. I feel and look like an idiot since my clothes too tight and my cheeks so pink. I try to ignore it gather biscuits and lather them with strawberry preserves, loading a little eggs onto my plate as well. I find myself letting my mind slip back to home. I wonder how my dad felt when he saw Gale and me linking arms on the chariot. How my mother reacted when my dad told her I was reaped. I wonder if she if losing herself the morphling. I wonder if she even got out of it to hear that I was reaped.
"Don't show anyone with your skills with a bow or with snares." Haymitch interrupts my train of thought. "Best to not give any of your secrets away to the other tributes. Spend time doing things you don't know, building a fire, throw a spear. Are we clear?" I feel his eyes shift to me, "Same goes to you, don't show any people your skills with the knife throwing." I still cannot believe that happened it must have been a fluke. I just nod my head though, not really wanting to talk. "Meet Effie at the elevator at 10 and remember stick together." I finish eating in silence then return to my room. I wonder if Gale is upset with being stuck together, we even have matching outfits on. I still have to work on my plan on helping him survive. I have to figure out why I want him to live more than me. I like him, he's an attractive boy, he's brave going out into the forest when the fear of punishment exists, and the way he cares for his family… But, people don't give up their lives to people they just like. Let's not focus on that for now! That doesn't really matter at this point. I glance over at the bedside table where a clock is located. 9:50 might as well get freshened up. I go into the bathroom and brush my teeth then brush my hair and try to recreate the fishtail braid that Cinna put in my hair last night, I fail miserably, frowning I just pull it back into my usual ponytail. I walk out of the comfort of my bedroom and knock on Gale's door.
"It's almost 10, Hawthorne." I say when he opens. I see his eyes flicker down to my body. I shift awkwardly in my shoes. "Let's go." I spin and walk to the elevator. Effie is waiting for us looking like a nervous mother.
"Hurry along! It is rude to be late!" she scolds us, getting into the elevator she pushes the bottom button. I start feeling sick to my stomach when I stupidly realize for the first time that I'm going to be around the other tributes. I bounce nervously on my feet and feel the need to bite my nails. The elevator ride is under a minute long and I want to drag my feet to delay getting to the center. I don't do that though, I put a calm mask on my face as we are lead into a huge gymnasium filled with weapons and obstacle courses. It seems that we actually are late because we are the last to arrive. The rest of the tributes are gathered in a circle with cloth that has their District numbers pinned to their backs. Someone pins one with a 12 on it onto Gale's back and then pins one to mine. I look around and notice no one else is dressed alike. Great. We join the circle, next to each other of course, and listen while the head trainer, a tall woman named Atala begins to explain the training schedule. Free to move around to any station we like, there are fighting and survival stations. There shall be no fighting between tributes. There are assistants to help if we want to practice a fighting technique. She goes on to list all the stations. I take this moment to look at the other tributes, Districts 1 and 2 are still intimidating, 1 even more so when not in the silver body paint. The rest of the tributes are not really a threat to Gale, other than the boy from District 11. They are a threat to me though. They are mostly all bigger than me, and they probably work in their Districts. While I come from the wealthy mayor's family and we have people that work for us. I have absolutely no muscle. I wipe my sweaty palms on my still uncomfortable pants leg. The Careers still have that look in their eyes too. When we are free to roam on our own they automatically go to the deadliest weapons to show off.
I try to keep my face free of fear when I turn to Gale. "Where should we go first?" He glances around and we decided to go to the edible plant station. The trainer there points out which plants are edible and which are poisonous then gives us a test. Gale gets most right, probably from his time spent beyond the fence while I get a few wrong.
"Those may look like blueberries, but those are very poisonous and it will only take minutes to kill you. They are called Nightlock." The trainer corrects and informs me. After a couple more tries I feel more confident. We move onto knot tying which Gale helps me with. Throughout the next three days we try to stay away from the weapons but when we run out of stations to go us reluctantly go to the spear throwing station, the trainer instructs us how to hold it properly and how to throw. Once she is done she allows us to go and try to hit the dummies. Gale goes first and he misses. "Dammit." He mutters under his breath. He steps back and I move forward and aim at the dummy's heart. It flies straight throw the air… and into its heart? What? I turn around and see the same expression on his face that is on mine. Eyes widened in shock, mouth open. We both resemble gaping fish. He snaps out of it and angry pulls me from the station by my arm. "Haymitch told us not to show off." He whispers.
"I didn't know." I still haven't snapped out of it. He laughs with no humor.
"How could you can you have aim like that without practice?" I don't know. I want to tell him so, but he won't believe me. I wouldn't believe me either. We go back to the camouflage station, which we were both horrible at, and we stay there until it is time to leave.
My leg is uncontrollable and Gale tries to stop the bouncing of it with his hand. He is trying to talk to me, but I just am too nervous to listen. It is time for our private training lesson. They have been calling people out from lunch. They never come back and the rest of us don't know where to go so we just stay in the dining hall. They are currently on the female from District 6. Why couldn't they have started with 12? They just have to let the nerves build up. Don't they. What happens if I get a one? Has anyone ever gotten a one? I'd go down in history as the "Worst Tribute Ever" I won't get a single sponsor. But then maybe everyone would leave me alone since I wouldn't be a threat… am I thinking about pulling a Johanna Mason? Gale digs his fingers more roughly into my leg. I look up at him.
"It is going to be fine. Just show them how good you are with the knives and spear." He whispers to me. The hold on my leg softens, but doesn't disappear completely. I focus on the comforting constant pressure and nod my head once.
"Are you nervous?" I ask him. He just smiles at me. I like being able to talk to him without it being an argument. I tell him as such. "What's your favorite season?" I ask him.
"Spring, it is easier to hunt then. What is yours?"
"I've always liked the fall, the leaves are always pretty and school is starting then." I reply.
"You like school?" He has an amused expression on his face. "I hate school it is a waste of time, but it's better than the mines I guess." He shrugs. "What's your favorite subject then, Miss Teacher's Pet?"
I swat at his arm playfully. "I like writing classes, but never poetry." He laughs at the look on my face.
"Why not poetry?" he actually looks interested.
"It's too difficult to understand and if you write it people just interpret it in their own way, they usually don't get the point you are trying to make." He is about to answer, but his name is called. We look around and for the first time notice that we are the only two people in the room. "Well, shoot straight?" He says a fast thanks then leaves. I'm left alone in the dining room for a minute, then fifteen, then twenty. Shouldn't he be done by now?
After twenty-five minutes of waiting my name is called. The Gamemakers all look enraged except for Seneca Crane, who is the Head Gamemaker. What did Gale do? Doesn't he know better than to anger them? They control the arena and they can kill you with it, they can make sure there is no water near you. Or food! This is bad! I clear my throat. They all stare at me with contempt, yet interest. "Madge Undersee, District 12." I announce, I bow awkwardly and they don't hold back their amusement. I pale and walk over to the throwing knives and grab five of them. I then walk over to where the dummies are located, I aim at the heart. I miss and hit the stomach. I blow out the air in my mouth, maybe they will think I hit there on purpose? I don't look over at them, aim again. Miss again. I miss all five. My hands are shaking when I go to get a spear. I don't even hit the dummy. They dismiss me. I walk back to the elevator. Gale is waiting for me.
"What did you do?" I question on the short ride up.
"Did you see the roof? Portia showed me it." He ignores my question, the door opens and he takes my arm, pulling me towards a door I haven't seen before. It is right next to the elevator, almost tucked away into a corner. Once you open the door you see a set of stairs leading up to another door, the one at the top being made of some type of metal. The roof itself has a beautiful view of the Capitol. The skyscrapers are all lit up, yet there are so many lights you cannot see the stars. It has a garden off to the side with a white wooden bench. He leans against the edge while I just lay my hands on it.
"Aren't they worried about people jumping?"
"I asked the same thing. Portia says there is a barrier that will bounce you back up." I nod my head in lazy response.
"What did you do?" I ask him again, turning to look him in his grey eyes
"They weren't paying any attention to anything I did. I just got so mad about everything. The Games and the deaths and them wanting to kill me. So when a cooked pig came in for them I shot at it." We both just sit there taking air in and exhaling it. Enjoying this peaceful time, time that we don't really get anymore, I break the silence.
"When I got in they were so mad, I knew you did something. It distracted me so much that I missed every shot. I'm probably going to get the lowest score." I can see him looking at me out of the corner of my eye.
"I'm sorry." He mumbles to me. Silence ensues again.
"Hey Gale?"
"Yeah?"
"Will you kiss me?" I ask and immediately wish I hadn't. I focus on a skyscraper across from us. "I mean, I've never had a proper kiss. I kissed Peeta, you know the baker's son, when we were younger. But that doesn't really count. And I'm don't want to die a virgin who's never been-" I'm cut off by him turning me to face him. Firm yet soft lips press against my own and the faint smell of woods and apples surrounds me. My eyes flutter closed as strong arms encircle my back and my arms trail up to muscular shoulders. He's tall and I have to stand on my toes to reach him. He opens my mouth with a touch of his tongue and he tastes of mint toothpaste. After what seems like hours he pulls away. He's giving me a look that I don't understand.
"So never been kissed?" He smiles at me, the look is gone, and it's adorable. I am sad that he seems unaffected. Despite that I feel myself smiling back with red lighting up my cheeks. "For someone who hasn't been kissed before that was pretty good.
"Pretty good. Not my best ever." I tease him. This will probably be the single most romantic moment of my life. A kiss light up by skyscrapers next to a garden. Though I wish it was at home in the meadow, under the stars. That he liked me as well, and that I wasn't going to die in a couple days' time.
We are all gathered around the TV to see the tribute scores. I'm wringing my hands together. Gale just looks mad again and has his arms crossed across his chest.
"You did what?" Effie accent makes her sound shrill as she gasps. "Well aren't you going to say something, Haymitch?" she turns on newly shaven mentor, but he says nothing staring intently at the screen. He doesn't pay much attention to Gale as he does me. I think he is going to put all his resources into me. He wants me to win because my aunt died, because right when they split up she died. He wants to make it up to her by getting me out, but that's not what I have planned. They start with District 1 as always the female, Glitter, getting a 7. The male, Marvel, gets a 9. Both from District 2 get 10s. District 3's female gets a 3 while the male doesn't do much better with a 4. District 4 female's gets a 6, while the male gets an 8. The District 5 female who resembles a fox gets a 5 while male scores lower with a 3. 6 gets low scores along with 7. 9 doesn't do much better and neither does 10. Little Rue does well and gets a 7, while her large District partner gets a 10. I can't look at the screen while my picture appears on the television. They all cheer.
"An 8 Madge! That isn't bad! That's better than the girl from District 2!" Effie congratulates me. I am so relieved that I pull her into hug. She seems shocked, yet happy when I pull away. Next up is Gale, I hold my breath until a 11 pops up onto the screen. Everyone is up to congratulate him. I kiss him on the cheek while in the moment. We eat cake after dinner to celebrate.
"We have to discuss your angle for the interviews." It is just Haymitch and I sitting alone at the table. It is night and we are the last two up.
"I was thinking golden girl?" I respond, "I can't be sexy, but I can be sweet." Haymitch nods his head. "What are you going to do with Gale?"
"I don't know, he's rough, but cannot pull off bloodlust." I am thoughtful for a minute.
"You can have him talk about his family. He has two brothers, Rory and Vick, and a little sister Posy. Along with his mother." I am twirling curls between my fingers. "I know you are going to focus on me, Haymitch, but Gale's family needs him." I look up into his Seam eyes. "Please try to get him out."
"You love the boy?" I don't deny it. "That's only going to end in heartbreak." He states gruffly. "We could work that into your interview. It could get sponsors. The Star-Crossed Lovers from District 12."
"I don't want my feelings to be made into a show." I admonish. "I defiantly don't want to confess to them that way either. Besides, he loves a girl back home anyway. Just please help him come home." I take his hands in both of mine in a pleading manner. He looks thoughtful for a minutes before he sighs and goes to the place for liquor in our apartment. "Haymitch, please." He looks angry with me for a second before he gives in.
"So family angle?" I nod happily back with a white smile.
I am back in the room where I was dressed for the Tribute Parade. It has no windows and is grey. It could be mistaken for a prison except for the fact of the beautiful dress that I am currently looking at. It is dark blue and long. It has a sweetheart neckline with some sliver beading around the breast. It flows out at the bottom into different layers. I am waxed again and my hair is up into the fishtail braid. Cinna has pinned some shiny crystals into the braid. He helps me pull it on. It is soft and silky. While the black lace dress with flames looked beautiful on me. This suits me the best. It is softer and sweeter. It goes perfectly with my angle. He pulls something to cover the dress while he applies my makeup. Soft pink blush, pinker lips, light browns are applied to my eyes. Kohl to darken them, and then mascara to lengthen my lashes. I have never looked more beautiful in my life. If I was a goddess in the black dress, I am the world in this one. Every flower and blade of grass, the oceans colors, I am the beauty of nature in this dress. I take the matching heels he has sat out for me. I lean up and kiss his cheek.
"Thank you." I say in a soft voice, mystified. He smiles at me in the mirror. I slip on the blue heels and practice walking about like Effie had shown me earlier today. She had said I was a natural. It isn't that hard, just a different type of balance. "Should we go now?" Turning back to Cinna who, like always, opens the door for me. And I, like always, say a small thank you back. We get into the elevator and make our way up.
Caesar Flickerman's color this year is blue. Blue hair, blue eyelids, and blue lips. His usual suit is the same, midnight blue with light bulbs. Glimmer from District 1 is wearing a gold see through dress. Well I know what her angle is. She's probably going to get a lot of sponsors because of it. She tells him she is very prepared and the crowd goes wild when she shoots them a sexy smirk. Marvel is wearing a blue jacket with matching blue trousers. He tries to be funny. Cato plays exactly what he is going to be, a ruthless killing machine. Clove wears an orange dress and tries to be sweet. She comes across arrogant and sarcastic though. I stop paying attention for a while and zone out. Gale comes over and stands next to me. He is wearing a black trousers and jacket with a blue shirt underneath. The Capitol is going to go wild for him. He's just too handsome. His jaw is strong and defined. He has muscles from hunting. His hair is black and straight and he has the Seam grey eyes.
"You look beautiful." My eyes widen not expecting him to say anything.
"So do you." I answer stupidly. He laughs and turns to watch the interviews. They are already up to Rue. She is wearing a sweet yellow dress with fairy wings. She says not to count her out because she's fast and if they can't get her, they cannot kill her. Caesar replies with an I wouldn't count you out in a million years. Thresh's interview is awkward. He asks Caesar's questions with one word answers. His answers remain curt and he is surly until the buzzer sounds signaling the interview is over. It is my turn now. I smooth out the nonexistent wrinkles in my dress and wait.
"Please welcome the stunning Margaret Undersee!" The crowd cheers and I walk out all smiles and greet Caesar with a kiss on the cheek.
"Hello Caesar, please call me Madge. All my friends do!" I smile at him and then the audience
"Alright Madge, what is your favorite thing about the Capitol?" I am smiling with what I hope looks sweet expression.
"Well I absolutely love the view of all the skyscrapers!" I gush, "especially at night!". The Capitol citizens agree with me
"Oh beautiful, and very romantic." He winks at the audience.
"I love that the showers have the scent of my favorite fruit, strawberries." I lean over so he can take a smell. The audience is laughing.
"Now tell me, are you related to Maysilee Donner?" I should have known they'd ask this, my smile falters.
"Yes, she is my aunt."
"Did you inherit her abilities with the blow gun?" He questions, I finally put my smile back on.
"Well we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?" I tease everyone. The buzzer sounds I get up and so does Caesar.
"Once again, the lovely Madge Undersee!" the crowd cheers. It wasn't the best, but it could have gone worse. I walk over to where Effie, Haymitch, Cinna, and Portia wait.
"The mysterious Gale Hawthorne!" Caesar announces. "Gale I hear you have quite the family. Tell me about them."
"I have two brothers and one sister. Rory is 12 and he is always trying to be a man. Vick, he's 10, he's always getting into trouble. Posy is 4 and she is basically the princess of the family. We all just listen to every command, and she has always wanted a pink dress." Gale is smiling fondly. "My mom is a very hardworking woman. She does laundry for a living." He isn't really sharing much, but they are eating it up.
"How about a girlfriend? A handsome guy like you could probably have any girl he wants! Don't you agree?" he turns to the audience who shout their agreements. Gale looks uncertain.
"Not really." He tries. Caesar isn't having any of that.
"Come on now, there must be someone?"
"There is a girl that I've been friends with forever, I've never told her anything before though." My heart sinks, I already knew this. It was a fact, but actually hearing it breaks my heart.
"I'll tell you what, you win this, and when you come back she'll have to date you." Everyone laughs with Caesar. Gale agrees half-heartily. I can't look at Haymitch's face. The buzzer sounds and he is walking over to us. His face is red. He's actually embarrassed. My heart breaks just a little bit more. I am silent on the elevator ride up, through dinner. I retire to my room before anyone else. Gale Hawthorne doesn't love you. He never will. I know this. I change and brush my teeth. Mint tooth paste. I get into the shower and scrub myself down. Washing shampoo angrily from my hair, getting out I'm blow dried in seconds. I apply lotion roughly. I sit down on my bed. It's a soft bed, tomorrow I'll be sleeping on the floor. If I make it that far, just remember what Haymitch said. Don't go into to cornucopia, it's a death trap. If there is a bag close to you, go for that. If not run, get as far away from the cornucopia as you can. I breath in through my nose, exhale from my nose. Trying to calm myself. If my aunt can do this so can I, she wasn't scared. She was brave. She may have died, but that's what I plan to do to. Is that suicide? Or acceptance? I think it over and over again flipping between the choices in my head, trying to think of answer. I am pulled from my train of thought by a knock on the door.
"Come in." I answer, not feeling like getting up.
"Hey…" it's Gale. "Can I sit?"
"Sure." I move over and make room for him. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Leaving out the obvious. Before I even know what happened, he's kissing me. Or maybe I'm kissing him. All I know is we are kissing and it's rough. Tongues battling, teeth crashing, it's sloppy with my inexperience, but he doesn't seem to mind. His hand goes up under my shirt and I let him. After all, we could be dead tomorrow. It doesn't go past that, but I pant and hold onto him like my life depends on it. As the minutes go on, it becomes less forceful and more delicate, slipping into simple pecks and sweet pushes of our mouths against each other. Our legs are entangled and I am in wonderland. I finally get my answer, it's not suicide. It's not acceptance either. I thread my fingers into his hair while he rests his head into my neck as we take comfort from each other.
It's sacrifice.
