Chapter TWO
The moment the anthem stops, a group of Peacekeepers marches us through the front door of the Justice Building. My knees are still shaking but I should not let my fear show.
Once inside, I'm put in the most luxurious room I've ever been in my life. With thick, deep carpets and a couch and chairs, who would've thought there's something this nice inside District Twelve?
I sit on the couch and stop bothering on admiring this place. Well, sophisticated prisoners, before they are executed are given the chance to experience something good, like being in a lavish room or eating anything they want, right?
After about an hour, my father comes in. Oh yeah, I almost forgot that this is the time allotted for the tributes to say their farewells to the ones they love. A time fixed for me to have my final moments with my family.
Once my father enters, I stand up and reach for a hug. This is the only thing I could ever think of since I don't think I can do this again, ever. For some time, we just stand there, feeling the embrace of a father and a son.
"Good bye, son. I know this would be hard but… please try to... live long for us." he says. I can clearly hear his voice crack little by little due to tears as he let go of our hug. Live long. I guess my father already accepted my death. I can't blame him since I don't even have a chance nor the guts over my co-tribute here in District Twelve, how else compared to those who are more than prepared for this?
"Of course, I will. You should watch my every move and be proud of your son." I say, smiling while terribly trying to lighten up the mood. "Be proud that I'm on national television." I try smirking but it only ended up sounding like a snivel when my tears forcefully made their way out from my eyes. Crying isn't advisable in this situation, when I know that tons of cameras will be focusing on us later and will be broadcasted all around Panem. It will make me look weak, something of an easy target.
Yes, the Games have already started the moment the reapings ended and the tributes' names are revealed. All the impressions that they will get from the beginning could be used against me. But I don't care. I just can't help crying, anyway.
With less than a heartbeat, the Peacemakers entered the room and summoned him, marking the end of his term. "I love you, Father." I said in a moderate voice while watching him slowly leave the room.
"I love you too, son." Without him looking back at me, the doors shut, declaring the last moment that I will be with my father has ended. I slop back down on the couch, with both hands on my face, trying to cool everything out but utterly failed until my second visitors arrived.
Mother, Riley and Cobcame slowly inside my furnished room. It is then that I just notice that Father chose to not visit as the same time as them. I know we share special bonds with each other unlike the rest of the family, maybe because I am always the one who's left in the bakery with him. But I don't know, probably there's still another reason on top of that.
Mother and the others sat down closely beside me. It is quite noticeable that my mother had been crying and my two older brothers doing their best to comfort her and they know crying alongside with her will just worsen the ordeal. My mother is scary when she's angry but no one can barely get close to her hen she's in tremendous tears.
I stretched my hand and felt them close enough with me. "Don't cry now, it will never change anything." I say while rubbing mother's back. Although those words came out from my mouth itself, I can't do anything but accompany my mother in crying.
"Why, you might never know I have skills in fighting too, right?" I titter. I know this one's lame but I'm surprised when my mother's head twisted upwards showing a faint smile.
"Maybe District 12 will finally have another victor." She says, looking at blank space just in front of her.
I didn't know she believes in me that much. I mean, I barely know how to fight. What else do I know on how to kill skilled people who are in every way ahead of me? Well, not in baking and frosting, but I can't frost someone to death, can I?
My two brothers said nothing, but they help me by patting me on my back and shoulders, the way they did when I was young.
"I'll miss you. I'll miss you so. Keep strong, ok?" I don't know what else to say. I know they're strong enough and I know they will be.
They answered me with continues nods and tighter holds. I'm not yet ready to let go and I know I never will when the Peacekeepers , Cob and I shared our last firm handshake and a hug together with my mother. Good bye everyone. Goodbye… for good.
Without a moment too soon, my next visitor arrived with a smile.
"Delly!" Just saying my best friend's name makes the uneasiness go away even for just a little. I open my arms wide enough for a tight hug but she quickly brushed the idea off.
"Come on, I know you're done with hugs lately." She says while patting my head, the way I usually do to comfort her.
She's good at this. How can she, of all time be like this? She always looks at the positive side of things. Although this time, I can't really think of anything positive in this situation.
"I'll miss you Delly. I'll really do" I say, forcing a hug into her and she didn't resist. Instead, she slowly wraps her arms around me and I can feel her crying.
"I know. I'll miss you, too. But you'll come back, right? You're not thinking of doing anything stupid, aren't you?" She answers.
Yeah. She knows what I have in mind. I didn't respond for I do not have any word to say. I don't want to lie to her, saying everything will be alright for I know it will never will. Not now, not ever. And I don't want to make her cry harder, either. I just want to savor this last moment that I'll be with her, the one who took care of me and made me laugh all these years.
End of Chapter Two.
Waa~ I had a hard time thinking of the names of Peeta's two older brothers. XD But anyway, here's chapter two, hope you enjoy reading!:) Again, I do not own Hunger Games! nor Peeta Mellark! ;)
Please review!:)
