Chapter 3

My hair was pulled and fingers were painted by my two colorful stylists, who were there only to replace Celeste. District 12 was so close by and Puzzlette was making sure that everything, and I mean everything was perfect for my trip to the coal mining district, almost to show off my fortunes to those much less fortunate. I knew though, that I was just playing tricks on myself.

"Oh my goodness!" Puzzlette sauntered into the room, a happy expression covered her face, "Flora, you look gorgeous!" I had been sitting in a chair when she pulled me out of it and pushed me towards a mirror. She was right, I was gorgeous.

My hair was half up-half down with a little silver lightning bolt clip to keep it in. My nail polish was a purple, sparkly color and I absolutely loved it, while my make-up made me look naturally flawless and my clothes, oh gosh, my outfit was so… me. It was a small plaid skirt with a orange turtleneck and a red sweater over it. Of course I also had my red ribbon and cog pin strapped on and it also came with little orange sneakers that I immediately fell in love with.

"Wow," I said to myself.

"I told you that I would make you beautiful!" Puzzlette nudged me. I turned to her and smiled.

"Thanks," I wrapped my arms around her and she stepped back surprised, but touched.

"You are very welcome!" She giggled before returning my hug, "Now, let's get back to the dining car, the Professor needs to talk to you," She linked arms with me and led me back through the train. When we reached the correct car, we met the Professor sitting at the table reading a newspaper, probably the same one from this morning.

"Oh Flora," he looked up from his read and smiled widely, "You look beautiful dear," He placed the paper on the table and stood up from his seat.

"Thanks," I smiled in return, and walked towards him for a hug. He wrapped me in his embrace.

"I know that these past few months have been hard," he whispered into my ear, "And I know that they've caused you physical and mental pain, but I promise you Flora, they will get better, I swear," he placed his chin on top of my head, "I swear."

"I trust you," I whispered back to him. He gave me one more securing squeeze before taking my hands.

"Let's take a walk outside, the train stopped just a few minutes ago, the fresh air does wonders for anyone," he smiled warmheartedly at me.

"Good idea," I replied. He led me to the door on the other side of the car and pushed it open.

'"Puzzlette alert Mr. Beluga that we are not ready yet," the Professor shouted to her before heading outside. The air was warm and fresh, just like he said it would be. Just beyond the train tracks was a deep hunter green colored forest, I could hear the birds chirp and sing, it reminded me of my mother, telling me stories of birds that her mother used to feed. The parrot, a bird known to be able to communicate with humans using the language. To this day, I have never seen one.

"What are you thinking about Flora?" The Professor asked me once we were at the edge of the forest.

"Parrots," I told him.

"Parrots?" He asked, surprised, "Please explain."

"Well," I began, "My mother told me stories of how my grandmother used to take care of and own parrots, and listening to the birds chirping, well, it reminded me of them." I crossed my arms and closed my eyes, telling myself to hold the tears. My mother died when I was two, even though I was so young, I remembered so many things about her, and I wished that I could remember more. Like her smile and her voice, oh my, her voice! She sang to me every night… Sailing on a large boat with you, I embark on a time travel… God, I miss her so much.

"Flora," the Professor placed one hand on my shoulder, "You can always lean on my shoulder, if you need to, I'll always be there for you." I nodded and sucked the fresh air into my nose.

"Thank you," I turned to him, my eyes now open brimming with tears, "That really means a lot," I dove into another hug.

"You're welcome dear," he gripped me tightly. I buried my head into his chest. We stood there for a while, not saying anything, just letting the wind blow away our worries and fears and sadness. He was right, fresh air really made a difference.

"Alright Flora," he pulled away, "I must get inside, but you can stay out, the tour cannot start without the victor," he smiled warmly at me before retreating to the train.

"Good-bye," I whispered. As soon as the door closed, I sat down onto the wet grass. The forest looked so inviting, as if it were calling my name. I didn't want this unnecessary publicity. I am only famous for killing a teenage girl, like myself. If I hadn't, I'd be with Clive right now, somewhere up in the sky where the-

"Hello!" My head snapped into the direction of the forest, a light green bird with a yellow belly fluttered onto the branch of a pine tree.

"Oh, hello," I said relieved it wasn't a person. Wait a second! I stood up and ran towards the tree and began to climb.

"Follow me! Follow me!" The bird chanted, or should I say the parrot.

"Wait, no!" he hopped off his branch and began to fly towards the woods.

"Follow me!" he shouted again before I screwed up my footing.

"Ah!" My foot slipped from underneath me and I fell about twenty feet to the ground which was unluckily on a slant. I rolled down the hill, running into trees and plants and, I think I might have hit an animal of some sort before stopping when I made contact with a large rock, right on my temple.

"Follow me! Follow me!" The parrot yelled over and over, hovering above me as I got to my feet, dizzy and lightheaded. I squinted at the bird as my vision became hazy.

"No, wait," I reached for him, while tripping over my unsteady feet, "Please don't go!" I grabbed a hold of a low hanging tree branch.

"Hurry up! Hurry up!" the bird flew in vertical motions, making my head ache.

"I am, I am," I repeated as I fell onto the pine needles and brown crunchy leaves, "I will, in just… one… moment…"

First let me say how sorry I am for making you wait this long! Really, I am so sorry! My mother banned me from the computer because I need to finish my summer math book and summer reading AND confirmation packet, so I haven't been able to write in so so so so so so long! And I'm super sorry for that! I will try and sneak on here every now and then to get these stories going! Thanks to anyone who has reviewed previously and I promise I will update soon… hopefully… Peace out girl scout! –Lil

PS. I have terrible writers block for Broken Mine, ideas appreciated!