This was a difficult chapter to write, you'll see why, but if someone is offended, sorry. No personal experience here.

Kyle Marsh (D3)

Flashback 1 year ago

"I'm sorry about your father and Ian, Kyle sweetie," Mom said with sadness. "I'm sure they will get used to it in a while.

"Mom, they are never going to understand," I shouted. "Dad is so Bible-belt and doesn't even get it right, and Ian is just a jock jerk."

"Sweetie, they'll understand in time," Mom said softly. "Maybe if you came home…"

"No way, it'll never work," I said.

Mom stared at me with large, dark green eyes that we share. We also have the same bright red, curly hair. She had it tied back, and it featured how fragile and hollow her face was. I looked past the makeup on her face and saw a fading bruise.

"Mom, has he been hitting you again?" I knew the answer.

"N-no."

"Mom, forget them," I pleaded. "You can run away like me. I can move out of Julia's, and we can build a life away from them."

"Don't worry about me, sweetie," she said. She glanced at her small watch. "I have to go."

"Wait, one second," I said, "I want you to meet Stan Everdeen."

Stan poked his head from out of Julia's kitchen. He could eat a horse if he tried. Yet he stayed in fabulous shape. Although, it's probably because there isn't a horse for him to eat.

Mom looked at me with questioning eyes. I gave a slight nod and small smile. Stan came up to her with confidence and put out his hand for her to shake. She spread her arms and gave him a hug. Mom is famous for hugs.

"It's nice to meet you Stan," she said. "Now I hate to run, but I have to make dinner, so I'll try and visit again soon."

She came over and hugged me tightly. She looked at me with sad but hopeful eyes.

"I love you, Kyle."

"I love you too, Mom."

Present Day

I think of that day often. The last time I saw my Mom.

When I told my "Christian" father that I was a homosexual, he and my brother Ian tried to beat me up like they did Mom, but I left before they could. Ian still laughs at me when he sees me, but even that isn't often.

Mom understood. She tried to make them understand so we could be a family again, but, that sure didn't happen.

That night, after she visited me in secret, Dad found out and beat her again. This time though, he lost his temper completely, and killed her. I tried to get the Peacekeepers to arrest him, but father got them to believe his story: My dumb Elaine was ver clumsy, she fell out of a tree. Who would believe that? There aren't any trees around to climb and fall out of.

Now, a year later, I get to worry about something else. The Hunger Games. A punishment courtesy of the Capital to us rebels. They get to kill the children. I have a feeling whoever came up with the idea of the Hunger Games would get along with my dad and Ian.

What if Julia gets picked? What if I get picked? Or worse, what if Stan gets picked? How would I live then?

Stan and Julia say I worry too much, but I can't help it. And even if none of us get picked, we are going to have to watch people die brutal deaths for entertainment. It's just so awful.

During the Reaping, I clutch at Stan's hand. We are on the outskirts of the 15 section, but almost everyone accepts it. We do get weird looks, and some of the preps and rich people of the district make fun, but we don't care. They don't understand us, just like I don't understand how the Peacekeepers could let my father get away with killing my mother.

After the mayor speech, he introduces the escort, a girl named Miley. She has an earring in her left ear, and is dressed like a beautiful light rainbow. You know, the kind of outfit that could be tacky, but it's not because it doesn't scream loud colors at you. I like her.

"Is everyone ready to meet the first tributes of District Three," she says.

I dog barks in the distance.

Miley reaches into a glass bowl and draw a slip of paper.

"Your female tribute is," not Julia, not Julia, not Julia, "Ellie Chimes!"

Well, that's good. The girl is one of the mean girls that make fun of me and Stan. She resents us for some strange reason. Wait, I think she goes out with Ian.

"The male tribute is," man, look at Ian's face, he looks genially sad for once, oh well, at least she's going in and I won't have to deal with her anymore.

Why is Stan holding my arm? I look at his face, and it's distraught with fear and sadness. Julia is at my side and whispering that I was picked. My eyes widen to their limits as I walk slowly to the stage. Ellie is smirking at me. Miley looks at me with a smile as she shakes my hand, but there is sympathy in her eyes. I hear crying from Stan behind me as I shake Ellie's hand, who digs her nails into my palm. They don't hurt, and the emotional hate behind it doesn't sting, because I am numb. I hope I never feel again. I'm going to die in a couple of weeks anyway. I'm never going to see Stan or Julia again. Until my death, there will be nothing but pain, pain from people who don't understand my sexual orientation, pain from the game makers, pain from the Capital people, pain from my mentor, from the other tributes, pain from the girl standing next to me. Yes, I never want to feel again.

I walk like a zombie to the holding room. Ellie stands in the far corner. I see her family come in to see her. Ian comes in next, gives me a sneer, says I have no chance against his Ellie, and kisses her passionately.

Stan and Julia run in after that. I allow myself to feel while they are there. I order them to only smile, since it's the last time we will ever see each other. Well, they'll see me, and they will see me die, but I need to remember them smiling.

"Julia thanks for letting me crash at your place," I tell her, "You are the best friend and honorary sister a guy could have."

Her lip starts to tremble; she gives me a final hug, and runs out the room.

"Stan, I love you, but you need to move on."

"I…, No!"

"No, you have to live your life without me."

"I'll never forget you," he shouts as he is dragged away.

"Freak," Ellie says in multiple syllables.

I ignore her as usual and feel nothing again.

Question of the Chapter: So, how did I do with that? Very hard chapter to write, but I think I managed fine.

Now, this will guarantee reviews: Submit ideas for the arena. I have a few ideas, and Rue her death sent me a good idea, but I want your ideas too. I'll take my favorite five and get you guys to vote later.

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