I wasn't in control anymore, I was led through the double door of the justice building where the tributes every year are brought after the reaping and before they are taken to their deaths. I was sat on a plush burgundy sofa in the empty room so silent I would be able to hear an ant breathe, drowning in my overwhelming pessimistic thoughts when the noise of opening doors dragged me back to reality. Shay walked in, seemingly calm and collected for someone whose siblings would most likely be dead in a month. He sat down next to me with a sigh and used his arm to guide me into his side and held me there as I raked my brain for an appropriate thing to say.
"Dad's with Aled, if you were wondering." Shay announced, neither us attempted to make eye contact, our gazes locked on the trinket filled shelves above the roaring fire. I nodded and sighed trying to keep tears from spilling, this would be the last time I would see him and the pessimistic thoughts running through my mind didn't help.
"You won't forget me will you?" I asked tentatively now shifting my eyes to my protective older brother who would be helpless as I fought, killed and died in front of 12 districts and the capitol.
"Don't you dare think that, ever. You're going to come back to me and Dad." He answered automatically, bordering aggressive with ferocity to his voice and eyes.
"Then Aled dies, look I know you want to but you can' protect us from this, no one can. We're not in control of our lives. There will be people who have trained for this, the Capitol's favourites and I know that I'm not making it out of that arena alive." I ranted, standing up to face him. Before he could process my words and a reply the peacekeepers knocked loudly on the door to let us know our time was up.
"I love you and promise me you won't go down without a fight." Shay whispered into my ear as he bent down to hug me.
I nodded into his shoulder "I love you too." I whispered back.
He walked out not looking back and I collapsed into the couch emotionally drained.
Yup it's very late I'm sorry :(
I'll update again on Thursday and hopefully it will actually be a decent size but I make no promises.
Earth to Charlie