Whispering Fire
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games. Just Siobhan and Mark.
Chapter four
The train
Gale's POV
Mark Underwood stood in front of me, his face neutral that's impossible to tell if he's angry or not. Something about Underwood's have can be intimidating. A deception in holding and expressing emotion or so. Like underestimating a hallow log. You never know what is inside of it or underneath it; until it strike or leaves you alone. He stood there a moment before taking a seat across from me on a chair. Before for I could speak, he lifts up a hand to stop me. Face now serious, like he's making a contract a deal or threat. Since now his niece⦠his only living breathing family member has been reaped.
"Listen Gale and listen well," Mark started, "I'll take care of your family, give some herbs and stuff to keep things going. Also give out jobs to your mother and aunt and Cousins. Your father and uncle were my friends when growing up."
"Thanks," I said a bit surprise. "Um, is there anything else?"
"Yes." Mark said that I flinched a little. Like I said, Underwood's can be scary. Hell, this man is friends with Haymitch Abernathy. The drunk and only victor of District 12, "My niece has taken consideration on her fate, which she may not survive. But she also given up her friendship with you or . . . at least when the Games begin. Now listen hear boy, I'll be watching the Games closely and I want you to protect her until the time comes when you can no longer be allies. However, if you kill her, betray her in any shape or form, and return with her blood on your hands. .. I shall kill you after the victory tour. Siobhan is precious to me and I don't want her death be in vain or played. Got it?"
I gulped, like I said. Underwood's can be scary at times. I nodded "Yes, I would never betray a friend."
Mark nodded, guess it was an approval. "By the way, the answer is yes."
"What are you talking about?" I asked raising a brow.
"You like Siobhan, don't you?" He tilted his head.
I blushed looking away. You can say I have a crush on her since I was thirteen. But she was Katniss friend and I didn't want to make thing awkward between the three of us. Though still having these feelings, I linger on my visits at the shop. Shaking our hands longer, making her laugh or anything just to see her smile. But what is he saying 'yes' about?
Mark sighs and shook his head as he stood up. "Listen boy, Haymitch needs convincing. So if you want tips and help with sponsors, you better show your worth to him. He said he got Siobhan covered but you my boy better take the next step. Don't hold back on anything, listen to him, and for God sake whatever you do, don't, I repeat don't take his alcohol." He walked out then stopped by the door turning the knob. "She saw this coming in the tea."
I stared at him confused, Siobhan mention something about tea can tell fortunes. Mark turned around to face me. "Question, did you drink any tea at my house today?"
"Yeah," I said, what can I say, I like Siobhan tea, there good. "Why, did she see something?"
Mark breathed muttering the word 'thought so.' Then looked at me, "We saw the Grim on the leaves. The Grim in shape of a wolf or mutt, that's it form. I warn you to be careful in the arena. Watch out for mutts. Because one of you two fates consists with dogs."
After he said that he left, slamming the door hard; I flinched some and sighed in relief till his message came through. What the hell is a Grim and why should I watch out for some dogs? But also what is he saying 'yes'too?
.o0o.
Siobhan POV
It was a short ride from the Justice Building to the train station. I had been a car before, well more like ambulance and trucks. When helping mom with the blood drives. I look terrible by now, from crying none stop for my face was red and eyes puffy. And now to see the station swarming with reporters waiting to take a picture of their news entertainment. Taking a deep breath and wiping my face on a handkerchief one of the ladies from the justice building gave me. I put on my poker face and walked out. I was blinded for a moment but continued onward towards the train.
Gale Hawthorne had it easy on his hand, since his face show no expression or evident of crying. Only his grey eyes were glazed. A killer with a strong heart to express nothing physically, but his eyes was gates to his soul and I could tell he was upset, angry, and confused. At least his story has something special on this journey. He's willing his life to save or at least postpone Rory's life.
"Miss. Underwood is it true that you work at a tea shop?" a reporter asked standing in front of me. Standing in my way, "Everybody wants to know?"
"Yes, 'Tranquility Tea's'." I said realizing how raw my voice was.
"And also the shop is run by your family for over three generation?"
"Possibly," I said, putting on an act. This might help with Uncle Mark's business. "If you like to know, come down to the shop. We serve excellent tea and remedies that can make your body feel at peace."
Many of the reported curious to try, asking more question. But the peacekeepers pushed them aside. Gale and I had to stand on the train for a moment and smile and look pretty. For the camera loves us. Soon we were allowed inside, the door closed and then moved. I lost my balance when a hand caught me around the waist. I look up to see Gale as he helps me adjust myself. The speed increased fast, almost losing my footing again. Except Gale never let me go, until we got used to the movement and speed. It wasn't a coal train they put us in. No, it was a fancy capital train. One that dad used to brag about for it speed can go 0-250 miles per hour. Making our trip a days' worth, including the interior, finer than the justice building.
Once settle with the train's movement, Effie Trinket led us towards our room. My chamber's was nothing compare to my old room in district 12. For there it was white walls, a bed and chest full of clothes. But this . . . suit was anything a girl could ask for with the foreign accent. But pretty the room seems, I walked into the bathroom. I never had seen a shower before. Rarely do I take warm herbal baths. It wasn't gorgeous not like the Seams. But a bath was never peace full. Curious in trying a shower. I shed my clothes and pendent and got in. It felt like I was being in a rain storm only it was hot. A moan escaped until a vision of my friends came up. While I'm showering in hot water, their mourning their lost in poverty.
My legs gave away as I broke down in shame. This was the some Jokefrom the Capitol. To alienate the tribute from poverty or poor class and introduce them to a world a riches before they fight to the death. If Haymitch cleaned his house, I would be jealous. But now I understand why he kept it dirty. To set an example that the Capitol are scrums. I cried for a while, already missing my family as hells water pour down in attempt to drown me.
I promise to not fall to the Capitol. My family defies them since the Dark Days when abandoning luxury for simple things. They do not own me. I own myself. And if I die in these Games, I do it with honor and fight with a cause till I die. I maybe a girl, a healer, and a plant know it all. But I'm also an independent woman with a heart of a lion. Turning off the water, I dried off and got dress in a black dress with a green sweater and put on my pendent. I touched the red vial, knowing what, was inside. It wasn't poison that for sure. But the substance inside will be a pain on certain terms.
Just finishing brushing my hair when Effie Trinket came to collect me for supper. I followed her through the nightmare of the train, till reaching the dinning cart. Well more like dining room. There was a table that held fragile that it could break. Gale sat waiting for us, though one seat was empty.
"Where's Haymitch?" Effie Trinket asked.
"Probably taking a nap, or at least that's what he said?" Gale answered,
"Well, it's been an exhausting day," she said. Probably relieved that Haymitch was absence. And who would blame her, the guy's a pig?'
Supper came in courses, as the menu served, soups, salads, meat and potatoes, cheese and fruit, and chocolate cake. It was difficult to ingest something rich. I had rich teas but this; this was too much that I had to stop eating. Though Effie Trinket reminds us there's more to come; her just saying that made my stomach turned. That I grabbed the waiter and asked for any stomach soothing tea, quick!
"At least you two have decent manners," the pink woman said. "The pair from last year ate everything with their hands like a couple of savages. It completely upset my digestion."
Her snide of a comment got Gale angry, about to snarled something out but I kicked his leg from under the table. He looked at me angry but I shook my head no. There was no use in blaming the starvation of children on her. He sighs and mouthed thanks. Though he ate with his manners he still showed his rebel remarks and wiped his hands on the tablecloth. That made the rich woman pouted disappointedly.
Once dinner was done, we went to another compartment to watch the recaps across Panem. They practically showed everything of today's reaping, since the Capital couldn't come and see it for them-selves. Effie Trinket sat on a love seat while Gale and I sat on a couch. Waiters returned from the dining cart and deliver me, my tea. It was herbal by the scent of it. I said thanks and we watch the reaping and volunteer. Gale and I made commentaries on the tributes, making notes and examine their faces thoroughly of our completion. We agree to watch out for District 2 boy as number one threat, calling district 5 Foxface, by her hair. We noted boy from district 10 had a limp as well. As I took a sip of my tea only to burn my tongue when we saw the reaping in district 11, that Gale quickly grabbed the cup before it fell. A twelve year old girl was on the screen, as she had dark skin, hair, and eyes. She was only a child as she mounted the stage, while her siblings cry. However what broke my heart more; was no one would volunteer for her.
Gale wrapped an arm around me in a mid-hug. He knew I had a weakness for children. While everyone hated the games for children fighting to the deaths; what I hated the most was that twelve and thirteen year olds are tossed into the inferno.
It wasn't long when they showed district 12. My name being called as I cooperated followed. Standing there with an empty face as tears slowly fell. However the commentators talked how every kid placed their hand over their heart. Like it was pledging of allegiance, but it wasn't to us children, that were the sign of remembering us in their hearts. Haymitch after hugging me that he collapsed. Must have missed that. Then Rory's name was being called, and Gale's brotherly action as he stood between the Peacekeeper and Rory. We see Katniss pull Rory away as she handed him to one of Gale's friend. As they were baffle about the silence of no applause till the district gave Gale the funeral goodbye, saying it was a district local custom. They show us shaking hands, and then cut the show off after that.
Effie trinket sighed adjusting her hear. "Your mentor has a lot to learn about presentation. A lot about televised behavior."
Gale snickered. "He's a drunk, a drunkard every year."
"Unless you make potions and a hangover remedies'." I added serious while shaking my head disappointedly.
"Yes," she hissed, "how you two find this amusing. You know your mentor is your lifeline to the world of the game. The one who advises you, line up sponsors, and dictates the presentation of any gifts. Haymitch can well be differences between you and your death!"
Speaking of the devil and the devil shall appear Haymitch stagger to the compartment. "I miss supper?" he slurred with a hiccup before vomiting over the carpet interior.
"So laughed away boy, and you missy don't think a debt could help!" Effie trinket practically exclaimed as she jumped over the pool of vomit and flees the room.
Debt? I thought confused. What debt or favors does she talk about?
A moment of watching Haymitch trying to have got up from his own puke. I breathed through my mouth and sighed. The scent of spirit was common along with vomit, after living seven years of my life around Haymitch. But Trinket was right, that the drunkard was our lifeline in the games.
"C'mon," I said, walking up towards Uncle Mark's friend and wrap an arm over my shoulder and mine around his waist. He was heavy but I dealt with it before. Before I started walking off to lead the man to his room, Gale helped out and took some of the weight as well in caring Haymitch off his feet. The guy was still drunk not to notice his own puke.
I sigh and we got the poor fellow back into his room and laid him on his bed. Shedding my sweater I started unbuttoning the man shirt, in preparation for bed. It was normal at certain times.
"What are you doing?" Gale asked.
"Getting him ready for bed." I said getting the shirt open. "It's normal when taking care of Haymitch with my uncle and me. I get him undress to his briefs and Uncle Mark cleans him."
"I still don't understand how Mark became friends with him?"
I sigh, and wiped the vomit of the man's cheek with his shirt, the smell making my stomach turned. "They are friends since kids, before for the 50th Hunger Games. When he came back all depress, my uncle was there for him. Helping out through the nightmares, and bad habit or attempted suicide. Without Mark, Haymitch probably wouldn't be here. He was able to get him stop doing drugs, but when he turn twenty-one. He drowns himself with alcohol. Mark tries everything to keep his friend alive, through therapy and the hangover remedies'. He couldn't let go."
.o0o.
Gale's POV
I didn't know how close Siobhan was with Haymitch; and to hear what a bond of friendship Mark and Haymitch had affected her. She sometimes despises the guy, but only for his drinking, if not the aftermath. But now I'm taking consideration in what the Hunger Games can do to people. Famous maybe, but what hides behind closed doors with drugs and other harmful substance. And to know Siobhan and Mark tried to set an example that District 12 has a victor, not a losing district.
I sigh and scratch my head; this man is our mentor and needs to help us . . . sober. He may be friends with Mark giving Siobhan the upper hand on surviving the Games. But seeing her like this, makes me worry if she suicidal or depress. There are many side effect of depression that makes people do stupid thing. Sighing I went to a dresser and grabbed some clean clothes. Before grabbing the guy and hauling him to the bathroom as she was about to protest.
"It's okay," I said reassuring, "I'll take it from here. You go and rest."
She looks at me cautionary guessing I was trying to gain favorite points. Till her eyes rested on the mocking jay pin that Madge gave me.
"Mocking jay." She whispered looking shock through her green eyes. Then she gave an over exaggerated groan smacking herself in the forehead. "Try not to do anything juvenile"
After that she left. I gave a chuckled before taking Haymitch into the bathroom and rested him in the shower. The old man still unconscious in an uncomfortable position.
God help me now.
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Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter coming up and please leave a review.
Silent Wolf Singer
