Here's another chapter! Again, sorry if this is short compared to what you normally read. Also, big thanks to my first reviewer, andreaanimals! I woke up, checked my email, and was like, "Oh my gosh!" But here's the chapter.
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I am not Suzanne Collins and do not own the Hunger Games.
I wipe my few tears off vigorously on the cloth of my dress, and I'm rewarded with stinging red eyes. But I can't cry in front of Prim. She looks up to me as a strong big sister who protects her. Protected her, I think and swallow a sob that is threatening to escape me.
When I'm finally ready, I weakly push open the door to the Justice Building, trying to keep only Prim on my mind, but failing once again. My thoughts stray to my mother, and my hatred for her doubles as I think of how she couldn't even come and say good-bye to her child for the last time. She was weak. I don't doubt that at the moment she's sitting on her bed, with that same blank stare she had when my father died. This time, there will be not even the slightest tolerance. I will hate her forever. I will never let her do my hair again.
While I'm standing in the doorway, another tear slides down my cheek, and I curse myself for getting distracted. If I wish to see Prim one last time, I must go now. I practically run down the hallway until I get to a door with two Peacekeepers outside of it. They are the Peacekeepers that restrained me at the Reaping, and I can tell by the glare they give me that they have not forgotten our last encounter.
"I would like to see my sister." I say, trying to sound confident. But my voice wobbles a bit, and I silently curse myself again. One Peacekeeper gives a grunt and opens the door for me. The other reminds me I have only three minutes, more harshly than he needed to. As soon as I step inside, Prim runs to me and squeezes my middle, not letting go.
"Katniss," she chokes through her sobs. It's taking everything I have to not break down, let the emotion take control of me. "Where's Mom?" she adds with a whimper. I have to swallow hard before replying.
"Prim," I start off shaky, and have to set my voice straight before continuing. "Prim, Mom isn't coming." Another sob from Prim. "Shh, Prim. Prim, it'll be okay." Lying. I think to myself. You're lying. I stroke Prim's back and then slowly detach her from me. In that moment, I get a wild idea.
"Prim, I need you to listen." I say, holding her face in my hands. "When they say it's time for me to go, you go." Prim's breathing quickens and more tears come running down her face. "Prim, you need to go back to Mom. Go home. I'll go for you."
"Katniss, they're not going to let you." Prim sniffles and wipes her face on her hand, smearing the tears around.
"They will." I say, raising my voice and finally pushing the emotion away. "They will, Prim. I'll make them." There is a sound of a door creaking open, and I know I must act now. "Prim, I love you." I whisper, and give her a gentle shove towards the door. Prim moves slowly, as if she's still not sure of this plan. I give her another gentle shove, ignoring the Peacekeepers. When she's finally almost out of the door, the Peacekeepers jump into action.
The first Peacekeeper, the one who grunted at me, grabs Prim's arm and forces her back into the room. She gives a small yelp, and I lunge forward, only to have my arms taken behind my back by the second Peacekeeper. I kick at him, trying to free myself, but his grip only tightens.
"Miss," he growls. "You need to go."
"No. I volunteer." I hiss back at him. The first Peacekeeper grabs my left shoulder and shoves me forward, towards the door, but I resist. Prim can't go into the Games. She can't. And she won't. I scream for Prim, but the Peacekeepers are too strong. One hits my head with his fist, and my vision blurs. I feel my body going limp. He repeats this action, and the last thing I hear before I slip out of consciousness is Prim crying.
By the way, I am my own editor, so if you notice any mistakes, I apologize.
