The sun was shining.
It was mid-morning, and the air outside was crisp and cool, still clinging to winter's frosty chill. In the distance the song of a mockingjay could be heard faintly, calling fondly to its mate. Although it was still early the day was already bright with sunshine.
Eva Newhaven breathed deeply, taking in the beauty of that early spring morning as she walked, slowly making her way towards the only school in District 12. Shifting her books from one arm to the other, Eva stretched one arm out above her head, taking a look around to make sure no one was watching before spinning quickly in a circle. A white and toothy smile spread its way across her face as she grinned, her feet moving quickly as she continued to spin.
She knew she must look like a silly, ridiculous girl and if her father could see her he'd shake his head, silently reminding her to use some discretion. She could almost hear his voice in her head as she slowed to a stop.
"This family has no room for shame Eva, remember that next time before you do something foolish."
Eva shook her head quickly as if trying to dislodge his hold on her mind. It was a beautiful day, and she wasn't going to let anyone spoil it for her, not even her father with his watching eye and shrewd, calculating nature.
A realist, he called himself. As a healer, and an apothecary's daughter Eva knew all too well death was very close, and sometimes only a step away. Many times she'd watched her father as he applied his skills to those in need, quickly and mechanically. He had a rhythm to it, and when on occasion he lost a patient to accident or illness Eva had never once seen him bat an eye. Over the years, and without meaning to, Eva had in turn learned many of his skills in healing and often assisted him at his practice. But even with her knowledge and sprouting skill, Eva promised she'd never be like he was – she'd never close herself off to pain like he had.
Birch Newhaven had not always been that way however. Years before, so long ago the memory of the event had all but faded from Eva's mind, a sad but quiet tragedy had fallen upon this family of healers. Eva, who had not always been an only child, had survived the deadly fever that swept through the people of District 12. She had survived while her brother had died. It was that loss that left a hole in her father's heart.
Many had died in those dark days. The fever that claimed so many had started in the Seam and slowly crept up among those who lived in town. The fever hadn't cared if you were strong or weak, rich or poor – it had killed all equally – and it was the first year in memory that there was something people feared more than the reaping.
It took several years filled with heartache and sadness, but slowly District 12 began to come to life again. It was Eva's mother, Milla Newhaven, who coaxed the flame up from ashes and into a gentle fire. As families began to recover from despair it was she who went from door to door, offering help in the form of comfort and healing.
Eva smiled, thinking of her kind and gentle mother as her eyes caught a glimpse of a primrose. The soft flower's delicate, pink petals were closed and giant drop of morning dew ran down the stem of the perfect little plant.
"So much like her." Eva whispered aloud, the sound of her own voice almost startling her as it replaced the silence that had only seconds ago been undisturbed.
This flower, this tiny, delicate blossom was so much like her mother. Lovely in form, beautiful in color, bringing joy to all around her and pleasure to all who looked upon her – that was her mother. It was her mother that Eva wished to mirror – not her father.
Sighing heavily as she walked on, Eva could just make out the school building ahead of her. She slowed her pace as she continued to let her eyes take in the innocent charm of the morning. Mornings like these were as rare as a smile was on her father's face.
District 12, home of death and gloom.
This was her home, it was here that she would live all the days of her life – whether she liked it or not.
She had dreams, yes. In District 12, she was one of the few girls who still dared to dream of a life beyond the mere existence known in this, the least of Districts.
It was silly she knew, but she dreamed of life in a little house – in a meadow – far away from anyone and anything. She dreamed of a man, tall and strong, who would take her to that place she dreamed of. She dreamed of happy days filled with sunshine – free of the coal dust that loomed over District 12, and of children.
She could almost see them in her mind, happy little girls, smiling and laughing and bright eyed little boys. Squeezing her eyes closed tight she tried to picture them in their mind, what their faces might look like.
Now was no different than any other day, as this pure dream was suddenly invaded by the symbol of the Capitol and the blaring trumpets in the square, signaling yet another Hunger Games was to begin and another batch of children were to be sent to their deaths.
Eva gasped, shuddering as she tried wipe the images from her mind.
She'd always known why so few dared to dream. Dreaming, while a form of escape, only lasted for a moment. When it was over, the reality of life in Panam quickly set in again, and when it did, even those innocent dreams brought pain, knowing they would never be true.
Looking up at the sky, Eva frowned as she noticed the clouds rolling in as they always did.
Another dream ruined.
Rounding the last corner before she reached the school building's steps Eva saw two of her friends, Maysilee and Rosemary. She heard them calling to her, but she didn't run to greet them. Waving them on, Eva tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she began to climb the steps to school.
"Evy!"
Eva's head turned back to the direction from which she came and smiled.
Running towards her, school bag over his shoulder and blond hair tossing as he went was none other than one of her dearest friends.
It was Wade Mellark.
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