Hey guys! Thanks to readers and all! And if you guys have any ideas for the story PLEASE post them in the reviews!
The stark white walls mock me. The room is empty but for the stool I sit on, empty like my mind. I have convinced myself that if I can simply brainwash myself, the horror will disappear. I know that I have to wake up at some point, but that can wait.
Where my mind is empty, my heart is overflowing with words, and gestures and the million little things I wish I could have done and now it's too late. I'm still in my dress from this morning and I look down at the blue material. It's simple cotton, and it makes me wonder once again at the absurd style of the Capitol citizens, with their dyed hair and intense makeup. I wonder what my costume will be for all of the events preceding the games. I pray that I receive a good stylist- all of that can make a huge impact on sponsors.
I am pulled from my thoughts by my father opening the door and quietly slipping into the room, as if he feels that he isn't allowed here.
"Mira…" He whispers.
"Papa!" I run into his arms and he hugs me fiercely. When he pulls back he places his hands firmly on my shoulders and looks me in the eye. I see Sam's eyes reflected in his, and I am tempted to break down into to tears at the absolute horror of the situation- but I don't. I remain calm, and I look my father right back and answer the question in his eyes.
"I'm sorry." I murmur, casting down my eyes and studying my beat-up shoes.
"I didn't think, I just… I knew what I had to do. " I meet his eyes again.
"I know." He says, understanding in his voice. But then he becomes serious and grips my shoulders tighter.
"But the arena is not the time to go with your gut. You need to be smart out there. Work hard. Be strong. I know that you can wi-" He cuts off abruptly. I heard the words, and the hesitation in his voice. How can he ask one child to win when it means killing the other? How can he wish that?
"Be strong." He says once more, with deep conviction. I see the Peacekeeper peek his head in and quietly tell my father that it's time to go. I can tell by the expression of sorrow on his face that he doesn't like this- no one does. He probably recognizes me from my frequent market trips with my mother. He is sad, but he will go home tonight and eat a silent dinner with his family, merely glad that it was not one of his own.
I look at my father one last time and drink in the smell of the wood which he carries always, and his callused hands, and his-
But now he is gone.
I hear a few quiet words from the Peacekeeper and my mother enters, and rushes to my side. Unlike my father, Mama has never been one for words, and instead she just holds me, and whispers in my ear, and quietly hums all of my favorite childhood tunes. I make a mental note to store this memory away for the future, to treasure it forever.
We stay like this for her allotted time, and I know that it is something like 10 minutes but it feels like it has only been a short moment when she has to go. She turns and I see the sorrow etched onto her face, the heartache in her eyes. Suddenly I feel like a weak, spineless girl to have thought that I was experiencing pain- my troubles are minor when compared with hers. Both of her children are entering a brutal fight to the death, and even if she's lucky only one will survive. More likely, neither. I try not to imagine her face, not sad or worried or upset, but dead. Her soul would leave if her two dearest treasures were stolen from her.
And then I'm almost relieved, because who the hell am I kidding?
I won't be alive to see her like that, anyways.
Thanks for reading! Push the little green button! 30 seconds of your time could make my day (that's just how pathetic I am) so pleeeaase!
Oh, and tell me what you think of that chapter- I'm not really sure what I think of it yet.
