Okay, hello again! Sorry for the really long wait! I couldn't get into these characters but I obviously did because it's really long. I hope you guys like it! Thank you quiet-little-wallflower and SolrSurfr3 for these two characters!
District 8: Reaping
Female Tribute: Willa Banks, 14
Male Tribute: Thatch Peddlar, age 15
Willa Banks's POV
That morning, I found myself alone with Ezra, waiting for Fletch and Addie to come. Though Ezra was closer to me than he was to Fletch, we'd invited Fletch so that we wouldn't leave anyone alone.
Ezra and I were swimming in the lake to the north of town, past the tracks. It was technically illegal but that's where everyone went. If it was early enough- the sun wasn't even up- there was no one else at the lake.
The lake was perfect. Shrouded in large oak trees, sparkling blue water, and a lush green island. There was a small hut that kids over the past fifteen years had made into a nice bar for any parties. In front of the hut was an old rotten dock that was half falling into the water.
I went to the end of the dock carefully, testing each bit before continuing, step by step. I finally got to the end and stood on the pole, balancing and looked at Ezra. "I bet I can swim to the island faster than you, Ez." I laughed softly, smiling widely.
"Okay, come on. Get onto the beach!" He yelled, shaking his head, droplets flying off of his brown hair. I smiled and jumped off the pole, pulling my knees to my chest and splashing into the water.
I started swimming and went to the beach by the dock, turning to look at the island. "Okay. First there wins." I smiled and he nodded. I got ready to swim, leaning forward.
"Okay! Get ready...get set...g- Willa!" I was already going. Ezra jumped in, his arms easily slicing him through the water. Still, I was ahead of him. He was a foot behind me when I started to lose my speed. I was getting tired. I saw Ezra's strong arms in my peripheral. I didn't speed up but I didn't let myself slow down either.
However, Ezra continued to pull forward at a steady pace, easily getting ahead of me now. I groaned and pushed myself forward, not only using my muscles to push my farther in one rotation but also milling my arms quicker and quicker. I couldn't lose to Ezra, not in swimming. That was the one thing that I had always, always beaten Ezra in.
He'd beaten me in running and basketball. Finally I couldn't swim anymore, hitting the sand with my hand. I jumped up and ran, finally hitting dry land. "I win! I beat you Ezra! I beat you!"
He laughed and sat on the shore, watching me closely. "Calm down, Willa." I laughed at him, getting closer and sitting by him. "Hey, look- Fletch and Addie just got here!" He pointed at the path we'd come from and I saw Fletch and Addie materialize.
Fletch had short blonde hair and sky blue eyes. He worked often in the factories so it was harder for him, like both my mother and father, to get out for a day. He got out today because of the reapings. He was very much like me, with a competitive streak but he wasn't as...big mouthed as I could be.
Addie, however was more of a big mouth. She was always talking about something and she wasn't one to hold a secret and definitely won't hold a secret for long. She had dirty blonde hair and could easily pass as Fletch's younger sister. She was now talking animatedly to Fletch, her hands moving quickly and by Fletch's face, they weren't really illustrating a point.
I waved at them and they quickly took off their overclothes and ran to the water, jumping in. They both swam but when Addie was halway to the island, Fletch was sitting by my side. Fletch said hello's to Ezra and me then Addie finally got to the island.
We sat in a circle: Ezra, Addie, Fletch then me in between the boys. Addie smiled at Ezra, "Hey, Ezra... How's your day been?" Her voice was touched with a hint of flirtatiousness. Everyone knew that Addie had a crush on Ezra. I was really sorry for her because not only did Ezra not like her back, they had to see each other every day.
Ezra smiled warmly at her, "It was fine. Willa and I were just hanging out. We had a race... She beat me though." I don't even think Ezra knows that Addie has a crush on him. It was cruelly entertaining for Fletch and me.
I smiled softly, "It wasn't that much..." I looked at Ezra then leaned towards Addie, across the circle and cupped a hand on the side of my mouth, "Fifteen feet."
"Nuh-uh! It was less than that, Willa!" Ezra complained, his boyish face looking absolutely adorable in frustration. Fletch laughed and Ezra turned to face Fletch. "Are you laughing at me, Fletch?"
"No!" Fletch laughed more at how Ezra's face was becoming more angry and angry at the time.
"Let's settle this like men." Ezra growled and jumped at Fletch, putting his hands on Fletch's sides and tickling him. "Take it back! Take it back now, Fletch!" Ezra yelled as Fletch's laughter filled the forest.
Addie and I watched curiously, laughing. I stopped as soon as I heard the step. "Guys, guys..." I turned to the shore and my eyes widened as I saw the Peacekeepers come from the woods, the way Addie and Fletch had come.
They began walking to us and one raised his gun. Tranquilizer. Crap. "Guys! Come on! Run!" I yelled but neither Ezra or Fletch heard in their wrestling. "Guys!" Addie looked at me then at the Peacekeepers.
"Ezra! Ezra, Fletch! Guys! Peacekeepers!" Addie yelled. At the mention of Peacekeepers, the boys stopped fighting. They looked at the Peacekeepers and got up.
"Run!" The boys yelled as we all turned the other way. We ran around the shore of the island. I heard the pop of the tranquilizer gun but none of us fell. It didn't his us. Good. Maybe we could get away.
We got to the other side and we all jumped into the water. I got out of the water first, followed by Fletch and Ezra. "Come on, Addie!" We all yelled. She wasn't near done and we could see the Peacekeepers rounding the island. Fletch jumped back in and grabbed Addie. As he was getting out of the water, there was another pop. Fletch let go of Addie, grabbing his ankle. "No!"
Addie rolled on the sand then got up. Fletch groaned. "Run, Addie! Go! Willa! Leave!" We all looked at each other, not knowing what to do. "Go!"
Addie and I turned, running, not caring if Ezra was following us. I heard his footsteps crunch- or maybe it was the Peacekeepers. I didn't know. Soon we were back in the forest, hidden among the leaves. We could hear a Peacekeeper following us. I gasped and found that Addie was slowing down. We heard Fitch's last scream in the distance, "Keep Willa safe, Ezra!"
We finally lost sight and hearing of the Peacekeeper following us. We stopped, all of us panting. "I wonder what they'll do to Fletch."
"Whipped. He'll be whipped." Ezra gasped out.
"No," Addie moaned.
Ezra sat on the ground. We were finally getting our breaths back when we heard footsteps again. Ezra looked at us then touched my arm, "Willa. You and Addie go. Run straight then turn and head home. Get home before they bring us in or you'll get caught. Go."
We ran off and before the trees closed view of Ezra, I turned back. Addie kept going, not stopping. I waved softly, smiling. He waved then a tranquilizer dart went into his neck and he went limp, a Peacekeeper coming up and making sure Ezra was unconscious. I kept running.
Addie and I didn't meet another Peacekeeper and we even got into eight again, right before the reapings. We went to my house to get dressed together and we tried to be normal. My mom came up the stairs, "Girls, hurry. The reapings will begin soon. The Head Peacekeeper has called a special meeting before the Reapings."
I got my white sundress on and Addie was in her black one. We went to the town square. There was two whipping posts set up on either side of the stage. "Special Meeting" is right. Nobody's been whipped since right after the dark days. Addie and I went to the fourteens, scared for what would happen. The Head Peacekeeper, Thomas Baum, got on the stage, looking around the square.
"Today we are having a special meeting. A group of Peacekeepers have found two lawbreakers in the woods outside the fence today." They brought out Fetch and Ezra. Fetch was tied to the right and Ezra to the left. "Being as they are only children and it is their first offense, they will only be whipped fifty times each. May we have their names?" The Peacekeeper that had strapped Ezra to the pole looked up.
"Ezra Bane and Fetch Banks." The Peacekeeper answered.
Thomas Baum nodded, "Thank you. Now, begin their punishment."
The two Peacekeepers set to take care of these tasks raised their whips. The dull thud of the whips thudding simultaneously into the boys bare backs could be hear throughout the completely silent square. Each thud made me wince. I could see both Fetch and Ezra's face controting in pain at every hit. I started to cry as the count got to around thirty. Both boys had passed out.
Soon, it was over and Fetch and Ezra were thrown into the crowd like bait. Everyone stepped back and left them laying on the ground. I started to go to them but Addie shook her head, "They'll recognize you... Just wait. We'll get them when this is over."
The mayor did his speech but I found the only thing that could keep my attention was Ezra and Fetch's bodies by the stage. They were bleeding and needed medical attention. The cruel adults just stood there as the boys bled out. They might not live.
Addie's hand touched my arm, "Willa, Willa, Willa!" She was shaking me. "That's your name." I looked at her then at the awaiting escort. I gulped and began my walk to the stage, knowing I would have to go past Ezra and Fletch. I stepped daintily over their bodies, trying not to cry and went onto the stage, smiling slightly at the escort before my eyes returned to Fletch and Ezra again.
I looked at the Peacekeepers and the one that had whipped Ezra whispered in Thomas Baum's ear. Baum smiled cruelly, watching me. He waved slightly, laughing as I abruptly looked away at the crowd. The boy tribute had joined me. I turned my eyes to meet a small boy's. I shook his hand and looked back at Ezra and Fletch. I'm so sorry.
Thatch Peddlar's POV
I woke up early that morning, my mind sparking with the idea of a story. I began to write it, scrawling letters all over the pages of my nice brown leather. I wrote quickly hoping that I would finish before my mother and father came downstairs. I hoped also that Moira wouldn't come down because I don't think she would approve of my story about Shear, my brother that had died in the Hunger Games.
I stayed up for a while before I heard footsteps. I instantly tucked my journal under the cushions and put my head on my pillow, curling up again on the couch, wondering who was up. When her dark brown hair came into view, I knew it was Moira. She obviously didn't know I was up and I was okay with keeping it that way, at least, until I found it was time to head to the factory to begin working with Mesh before the Reapings.
I watched Moira as she got ready, wondering at her feelings now that Shear was gone. Everything was different- Moira and I weren't close and all Moira wanted to do was return to the factories and work. I guess that's also what I like to do but that wasn't the only thing I did. Moira drank her coffee then shook my shoulder. "Get up, Thatch."
She left the house, finding that it was enough to get me up. I decided to get up and I grabbed a piece of bread before dressing into new clothes. I smiled softly at how I looked before leaving the house and running to the factory that was down the street, the one that Mesh worked at. Moira worked on the otherside of town in the Peacekeeper Factory.
I met Mesh and we went in. I helped Mesh with his job, waiting for something that would require my small hands such as mending someone that got hurt or unjamming the machines. I looked up at Mesh, "Do you think anything will ever be like it was when Shear was here?" Mesh took a deep breath and shook his head.
"No, I don't think so." He shrugged and smiled sadly. "Shear was a big part of our lives. And only time can heal the wounds of the heart."
"But I can heal the wounds of the body." I murmured, wondering why I said it. I don't think it was really part of the conversation. We kept silent then Mesh decided to speak.
"How's Moira doing?" He asked curiously.
"Oh, she's fine, she just-" Suddenly there was a scream. Everyone turned to the sound and I saw that across the factory, someone was holding their hand, cussing and muttering.
"Guess that's for you, kid." Mesh murmured as everyone went back to work. I nodded and went over to the man. I always liked helping people but because I wasn't fond of speaking, nobody wanted to really be my friend so I felt comforted in the silence now. However, ever since Shear died, it was hard to trust anyone.
I sighed and helped the man, who had just crammed his fingers into a piece of machinery. I put ice on his fingers then smiled at him. "Be more careful next time, sir."
"Thank you, boy. What's your name?"
"Thatch Peddlar, sir."
"Your brother, he's that boy. Shear?"
"Yes sir." This was becoming an uncomfortable conversation.
"I'm sorry for your loss." The man left. I went back to Mesh and sighed.
"Why does nobody forget? Why do people have to keep bringing up old wounds?"
"Nobody every let's go, dear boy." Mesh patted my back softly and we returned to work. Soon it was ten and all the workers were told to leave so that we could all get to the Reapings.
My mom rushed me, saying something about a special meeting that would adjourn at 10:30. I sighed and dressed quickly in nice clothes before going to the square. There were two whipping posts and I knew something very very bad would be happening. Someone had made a very big mistake.
"Today we are having a special meeting. A group of Peacekeepers have found two lawbreakers in the woods outside the fence today." I groaned as Thomas Baum began speaking. This may be long it may not.
They brought out two boys, one with blonde hair and light sky blue eyes and the other with dark brown hair and blue eyes. Right and left, in that order. "Being as they are only children and it is their first offense, they will only be whipped fifty times each." Fifty times for going outside of the fence. That is absolutely ridiculous. Why would they even go outside of the fence. "May we have thier names?" Thomas Baum looked at the left which had the brown haired boy tied to a pole.
"Ezra Bane and Fetch Banks." The Peacekeeper answered, nodding to each of them as he said their names. Ezra was the brown haired one.
The Head Peacekeeper nodded. "Thank you. Now, begin their punishment." The two boys began to be whipped and I almost screamed at the loud sound of the whip hitting their skin. I looked around and soon the boys were pushed off the stage at the end of their fifty whips and the stage was taken by the mayor.
During the mayor's speech, I watched the people for how they felt, wondering why nobody went to help the two boys. They were obviously unconcious. I pondered the thought for a while until the escort took the stage.
"Hello, lovely Distrcit 8." I almost laughed at how stupid he was. Like we believed he cared about our district. All those Capitol people disgusted me but I knew I could never understand them so I decided it was a waste. The escort looked ridiculous with pointed white hair that looked like a puffball and piercings marking his face over and over again.
She walked to the female reaping ball and smiled, "And the female district 8 tribute is... Willa Banks. My head shot up, she was the boy's sister wasn't she- the boy that was whipped. When I looked to where she was, she was staring at the bodies of the two boys that had been whipped. My conjecture- she had been with them. Another girl tapped her shoulder and whispered something.
Willa looked up at the stage and began to walk towards it, carefully stepping over the boys. Her face looked horrified and, though I could understand it, doubted that it would help her in the Games. Her gaze returned to the boys and my nervousness began to creep up. Who would the male tribute be? "And the male tribute will be..."
I closed my eyes tightly, hoping that it wasn't me just like every boy that was here. Every single one. I heard the rustle of her fingers in the mic and then her breath right before she said the name. It felt like everything was in slow motion. Then the neamed slipped out.
"Thatch Peddlar." I almost cried but sucked it up and walked quickly to the stage, hoping that I may be able to get through this. I turned to see my mother's face, full of horror and sadness. Moira's was quite the same and I turned back to the stage. I went and shook hands with the escort before turning to the crowd and waving slightly. My mom was sobbing into my father's shoulder.
I shook hands with Willa then bowed at the crowd before being escorted into the Justice Building. All I could see was the picture of my older brother Shear being escorted into the black mouth of the building three years ago when I was twelve.
"Today we are having a special meeting. A group of Peacekeepers have found two lawbreakers in the woods outside the fence today." They brought out Fetch and Ezra. Fetch was tied to the right and Ezra to the left. "Being as they are only children and it is their first offense, they will only be whipped fifty times each. May we have their names?" The Peacekeeper that had strapped Ezra to the pole looked up.
"Ezra Bane and Fetch Banks." The Peacekeeper answered.
Thomas Baum nodded, "Thank you. Now, begin their punishment."
The two Peacekeepers set to take care of these tasks raised their whips. The dull thud of the whips thudding simultaneously into the boys bare backs could be hear throughout the completely silent square. Each thud made me wince. I could see both Fetch and Ezra's face controting in pain at every hit. I started to cry as the count got to around thirty. Both boys had passed out.
Soon, it was over and Fetch and Ezra were thrown into the crowd like bait. Everyone stepped back and left them laying on the ground. I started to go to them but Addie shook her head, "They'll recognize you... Just wait. We'll get them when this is over."
Willa Banks's POV
I waited in the room, twiddling my thumbs over and over, my heart breaking. I wished that Ezra and Fletch would walk through that door and smile at me, saying hello. But they wouldn't. For all I knew, they were unconscious in front of the stage.
When Addie finally came in, I jumped up and ran to her, wrapping my arms around her. "Addie, please tell me their okay!" I yelled, crying. She nodded, just as emotional as I was.
"Yes, your mother took them to the doctor, that's why I'm first. She probably won't come, I'm sorry."
"At least Ezra and Fletch are being taken care of, that's all that matters, right?" I smiled softly.
"So I guess this may be it." She murmured softly, my hands in hers.
I nodded, smiling sadly, "I guess it may be." She rubbed her thumb against my hand. "Please, tell Ezra and Fletch goodbye for me."
"Of course I will, Will." She murmured and hugged me tightly again then whispered. "I should let your parents see you. I guess that they need to say goodbye."
"Don't forget me." I whispered softly. She giggled asif the idea was impossible and left.
Soon my father entered. "You were with Fletch, weren't you?" He wasn't angry, he was just sad.
"Yes." I murmured.
"He's a good man. He gave himself so you and Addie could get away?" I nodded and hugged my dad. This shouldn't be the last time I ever see my dad. This isn't fair. But as my dad always said, 'Life's never fair'. I hugged my dad tighter. "I guess mom won't get here?" He shook his head and kissed my cheek.
"She told me to give you this." He pressed a first place blue ribbon I'd one once at an athletics day at school. "It's to remind you that when it gets tough, you can beat anything you set your mind to."
He smiled and hugged me. I absolutely love my father and I loved his hugs. They always made me feel safe and secure, even when he was telling me goodbye. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, Will." He murmured and kissed my hair, hugging tightly.
"Goodbye." I murmured into his work shirt.
He smiled slightly, "See you in two weeks, Willa." He murmured and kissed me again before disappearing out the door.
Thatch Peddlar's POV
I shook as my family came in, wrapping me up tightly in their arms. First my mother then my father. "Thatch, remember, you're a blessing to us." My father said. My mother couldn't speak, she was crying too bad that any words would come out as gurbled sentences. I kissed her cheek softly then looked at my father.
"Of course not, dad." I noticed Moira in the corner but if she wanted to talk to me, she could. I wouldn't make her go through this again.
"Good boy. I wish I could go in your place." My dad whispered. I nodded sadly and wrapped my tiny arms around my dad. "Be the best dad ever, for me, please."
"Of course, son. Of course, Thatch." He smiled and led my mother from the room. Moira stayed, holding in her arms the token that Shear had taken with him into the Games, a red bandana that Shear had worn around his head. She smiled at me slightly.
"I know we're not close, Shear. But I love you, just like I did Shear." She murmured. "Take this with you to the Games, please." She wrapped the bandana around my neck and I took a deep breath- it smelled like him.
"Thank you, Moira."
"Of course, anything for you, Thatch." She hugged me, tightening her arms around me. "Make our family proud, brother." She wiped away a tear and kissed my cheek then left. "Come back brother."
I took a deep breath and watched as Moira left, letting the door shut softly behind her. I waited for a while more before one of my friends, Heather, ran in. I facepalmed when I realized I hadn't seen her all day. Her dark brown hair flew around me then settled and I found myself being hugged tightly around the neck.
"Heather..." I whisppered softly, warningly.
She pulled back, "I wish I could help you in your Games, Thatch." She murmured and hugged me tightly. "But I can't so I have to deal with goodbye." She smiled. "So, as I was saying, goodbye."
"Goodbye Heather." She left, trying to keep it together and Mesh came in. "Hey, little buddy."
"Mesh."
"I didn't think I'd have to do this again." He bit his lip and smiled sadly. "The room hasn't changed at all." He hugged me. "I guess that's not surprising."
"I'm so sorry, Mesh."
"Hey, bud, please fight. As hard as you can. Please." He whispered and hugged me tightly. "Try and win."
"I promise I will, as hard as I can, Mesh."
"Don't trust anyone." He pretty much just said "Don't make Shear's mistakes.
"I won't."
"Good, then maybe you'll live."
Okay, okay. I was busy so that's why there was no update. Also, don't forget to poll, read my other stories and, hey, even visit my fictionpress account under the same name! Thank you all and I beg that you review.
