Chapter 8: Effie.
It was the cold hard blow to my cheek the second time around that sent me to the floor.
I found myself on my hands and knees, crawling to find the safety of a wall as little droplets of crimson splattered before me.
The blood was mine.
I found the wall and sat against it holding my arms above my head for protection as another blow stuck.
My wig was hanging lose and messy so I tore it free but they grabbed my hair.
They pulled it hard and they lifted me up and they proceeded to drag me along a long and winding corridor.
I was thrown into a smaller room. The walls were made of cement and the lights were harsh and low and it was cold. My eyes were blurred and stinging from my tears, I couldn't see past their white masks when they closed the door behind them, when they left and clinked the lock shut.
My breathing was hitched and heavy. It took me a while before I could calm myself down enough to just about swallow. I took a deep breath and it hurt. I ran my fingertips over my lips and they came back wet and bloody. My cheek was bruised and tender. I leant back against one of the cool walls and stretched out my legs. Cut and sore from being dragged down the corridor I fingered the holes in my stockings and closed my eyes tight.
Stupid Effie. You just couldn't keep it together could you. I cursed myself. They see everything. I hadn't hidden my anger at at the Capitol for letting Peeta go off to die, again. I knew the plan and I was angry at all of them really. Plutarch for concocting it, Haymitch for agreeing to and Snow for…for causing it, for making it all happen.
That poor angelic boy.
That beautiful lost girl.
What had we done but create our own monster we called a game?. A reminder of just how strong the Capitol was? No. The Capitol was weak. Weaker than the people who lived beyond it. This war would happen, but I would not be leaving a free woman. I was as guilty as the rest and I accepted that. I was prepared to pay my dues now.
I would stay….and I would pay the price.
"I'm sorry Haymitch" I whispered into the air, knowing he would never hear me. He would be waiting for me but I would never come.
I heard footsteps and I braced myself for my untimely death. There were 6 or more of them now. They brought in two tables and two chairs. Another brought in a hologram screen and it was placed on one of the tables and the two chairs at the other.
"President Snow thought you might want to see this before you die" said one of the masked men, callously. He flicked on the screen and the start of games began to play out before me. I saw Katniss aiming her bow and I felt a sudden wave of relief. She had her weapon. Then I saw the two boys fighting in the water and I recognised that it was Peeta.
No.
Not yet!
It was too soon! He can't die yet!
My attention was suddenly turned elsewhere, to the bloodied and limp figure being thrown into the room with me.
He was dressed in black and soiled in red and his golden eyes were sunken and terrified.
"No!" I cried out, and with ever last inch of strength left in my body I lept to his side and shielded his body.
"CINNA!"
