Rated Adult for Language, Character Death, Violence, Physical Abuse, and Sexual Situation.
10A
Brenton
Every part of my body aches, but it's nothing compared to the vastness I'm feeling inside. My legs have become numb after lying on the floor of my quarters for the last hour. After the Keepers had drug me from the arena, I was taken to one of the labs where the bullet wound in my leg was healed along with my two knife wounds.
My fingers were pushed back into place, before the bones were mended. The pain was excruciating especially since it was all done without any pain reliever to lessen the brunt of the pain. I continued to squirm and fight back, almost like a caged animal, until I felt almost hollow, I know the medical techs assumed my adrenaline had ceased, but the reality was, I was just too tired to fight anymore.
I didn't object when I was thrown into a bath of freezing water, or even when Thread came up behind me after I was dressed to drag my back to my quarters by my throat. Soon after the door had opened he threw me against the wall, where my battered body hit the wall with force, I crumpled to the floor easily, where I continue to lie.
My neck is bent, as my head is supported by the wall, while the rest of my body is limp. I feel lost, more so than I've ever felt and it frightens me that I may never find my way back.
The door to my quarters begins to open up and I don't even bother to attempt to stand up or take a defensive pose. The sound is slow and whining, which confirms it isn't a Keeper entering, they're movements are always fast and rigid.
I can smell her scent of lavender before she fully enters the room, I resent her for coming to see me, and because she's the last person I want to see me so broken. I glance up quickly to see her moving towards me, she's wearing another sun dress, this time its white with light purple flowers stitched into the material, her dark hair is braided to the side sloppily, while her feet are bare.
She's looks as if she had gotten dressed in a hurry, preoccupied to worry about her appearance. Although to me she's as beautiful now as she's ever been, and this begins to initiate the fury rising up through me.
Daria hunches down to my eye level, as she reaches for my face, her tender hands framing my structure. She traces her fingers over the bruises and cuts on my face, her green eyes worried but gentle.
She manipulates my movements easily, without any fight from me, as she moves my face from side to side to examine it properly. Her delicate fingers go to my shoulder which is now healed, but still read and bruised.
I fight the urge to lean into her touches to allow her to nurture me, to make me feel whole again, I refuse to let myself become close to her, when the real reality is I will lose her much like Carr, and everyone else here, that I've come to know as an ally. I can feel her hands roam back to my face, as she forces me to meet her eye to eye.
This time I try to fight her, but she wins out and I have to look into her deep green eyes. They're almost golden beneath the tears, still holding place there as others run down her tanned skin. I'm lost for words as she searches my blank expression for any signs of fight or life. I can feel my own tears wanting to rise up from my chest, and I have to grit my teeth to shove my emotions down.
When I finally speak my voice is raw and unfamiliar," Carr's dead."
She nods quickly causing a few strands from her braid to escape, falling around her face," I know."
"He's dead because of me-"
"No-"
"He's dead because he knew me, because he trusted me, and all I could do was watch."
I close my eyes as tears fall down the bridge of my nose and onto her fingers, I can hear her saying my name in a soothing tone, but it means nothing to me. When I open my eyes, she's still watching me closely, her own face red and streaked by tears.
"He'll never be able to find his family after leaving here, and that's all on me."
She seems confused and I can see her furrow her brow," Brenton, what are you talking about?"
"Carr said after he left he was going to be with his family, and he's never going to have it now."
She begins to rub her thumbs against my face," Brenton, Carr's family was killed, just before he arrived at the farm. They haven't been alive for years," she takes a deep breath;" he is with them now."
My body begins to shake as I double over; tears are streaming down my face. I feel as though I'm about to vomit, as the realization of Daria's statement hits me. Her hands are now on my shoulders as she tries to console me again.
I grit down again, almost biting my tongue in the process, as the grief and finality of the situation I'm in comes to a head. I reach up and push her back, away from me. She hits the ground lightly as she catches herself, causing her to sit down.
I pull my legs free, as I use the wall as leverage to stand up. Daria doesn't question me; she just silently stands up also, watching me as I round her. I run my hands through my hair, stopping midway to tug at the ends.
Everything feels out of my control and I need to grasp something, even as insignificant as my hair, to keep a sense of sanity. I'm sure I look insane, as I rock on my feet with my fingers tangled in my hair. I can sense her beside me, and the air in the room is thick and unbearable.
"Daria, leave."
"No."
"Go."
"No."
I throw my hands down and turn to her grabbing her by the arms," Get out!"
She stands her ground," No!"
I'm shaking now which causes her body to do the same," LEAVE!"
"NO!"
I'm losing my resolve, my shoulders fall as my body almost falls against hers," Why won't you leave?"
Daria places her hands on my shoulders, helping to hold me up," Because you need me, even if you can't see it now."
"Why would you even want to be here for me?"
"Do I really need to answer that?"
I reach up covering her hands with mine," Maybe you should."
Her hands are trembling underneath me, as I steady her as much as she is me," You see me. You make me want to feel again, to fight for something. Before you, I was lost and you found me," she leans her forehead to mine gently but the pressure of her skin on mine is noticeable," You saved me, because you see me. You see me for more than what the Capitol has made me into. You see what they tried to break, and I feel the most incredible freedom when I'm with you."
I let out a strangled sigh, before I close my eyes" Daria-"
Her voice is quiet, causing me to almost miss it," I think… I think I love you."
I open my eyes quickly before releasing her hands and stepping away from her. Her arms hang in the air for a few seconds before they drop to her side. The world is spinning and I stumble back a few steps, reaching out for the edge of the bed for support.
I lean to the side momentarily before righted myself, before running my hands through my disarray of hair. I dare a glance to her, predicting to find her upset or angry, but instead she walks over to me silently, her green eyes locking onto mine.
I hold my hands out to stop her, as I shake my head slowly," You don't want to love me."
Daria reaches out taking my hands into hers, her slim delicate fingers wrap around my battered ones. She curls my fingers into hers, as she moves into me, our hands trapped between our two bodies. I want to protest, to push her away but I'm lost in the warmth of her body against mine.
Ever so softly she presses her lips to mine, and I can feel my body begin to hum. My hands begin to shake, Daria squeezes my hands with hers, causing my tremors to cease. She parts her lips slightly allowing my tongue access, as I press mine against hers. Her mouth is warm and wet as I lean into her more intensifying the pressure of the kiss.
I'm lost in the feel of her mouth, that I almost don't notice when she begins to pull her hands free from mine. My hands are still pressed up against her stomach, when I feel the hem of my shirt being raised up a few inches. I break our kiss, my mouth still open as I begin to open my eyes. My head hangs close to hers, as I try to catch my breath. Her nails barely trail the skin at my sides, as the material of my shirt is hooked into her pointer fingers.
I can feel the air hitting my bare skin as the shirt is raised above my stomach resting at the bottom of my ribs. My hands are now stopping the progression, and I try to slow my breathing down enough to speak.
"What are you doing?"
Her voice is quiet but gentle;" I want you to feel how I see you."
I shake my head," I've never-"
She lowers her head to scoop in low enough to catch my lips again, the kiss is soft, before she parts her lips to speak against mine," I've never made love either."
I look at her for the longest moment before I step back a few inches, raising my arms above my head. My stomach is in knots as her fingers graze over the skin above my ribs and ultimately my chest. I keep eye contact with her until; the shirt reaches my chin, prompting for her to have to pull it over my face.
Her hands travel up the inside of my arms before locking hands with me, my shirt dropped over to the side. Daria's hands slide down my arms and shoulders to rest at my chest, a slight shiver goes through me, and I know she's sensed it as she leans up to kiss me gently.
I lower my arms to my sides, before I can't resist intensifying the pressure as I press against her lips with mine even more so. My tongue pushes against her mouth, as she opens her lips, a deep moan escapes her mouth.
I travel my own hands around her sides to place them flat against her back, pulling her into me. She lightly scrapes her nails at my chest, as the passion begins to take each of us over. I ball the silk material of her dress in my hands which causes the hem to rise up above her bottom, I continue to gather the fabric in my hands until I feel her skin against mine.
My rough calloused hands rub against her smooth skin, I can feel the sweat begin to form on my palms, as my heart begins to beat faster. Daria has moved her hands up from chest to my hair, her fingers tangling there.
We part lips as we stare into the other one's face, studying the other's reaction. I waste no time pulling the dainty sun dress up her body, she's still pressed against me, I almost lose my breathe when her bare skin meets mine. There's almost a crackle in the air, and everything almost goes blank.
My head is dizzy with lust and I can see the same reflected in her eyes. I pull back enough to travel the dress up the rest of her body; I keep her gaze as she raises her arms the dress sliding up gently to eventually be pooled at their feet with my shirt, my hands dropping to my sides.
I swallow hard before I dare look at her naked body, my eyes travel slowly to her chest. She's firmly shaped, with golden skin running up to meet blushed nipples, my hands itch to reach up to her, but I'm confused as to what to do. I look up to her, causing her to smile as she moves her fingers from my hair to slide down my body to my hands, bringing them up to her chest.
My fingers curl hesitantly but she lays them flat against her, she moves her own down my stomach and to the waist line of my pants. Her fingers work at the button there, after unhooking the button from the fabric; she moves the zipper down slowly.
My hands are still for a few seconds before my fingers lightly graze the skin above her breasts, my thumbs lightly smoothing over her nipples. I can feel them harden underneath my fingers, as she closes her eyes, her feet shuffling.
I look down below my hands, to see her white lace panties. My right hand leaves her chest to move down to the waist line of the lace, I hook my finger in the material, bringing one side down over her hip to slide it as far as it will go without the other side needing to be moved.
Daria watches me closely as she pulls the waist line of my pants down enough until gravity helps her efforts; I step out of them and kick them to the side. It's not long until I'm standing naked in front of her, my hand still tangled in her underwear.
She gives me a small smile before she places a hand on mine, and to the other side, pulling the lace garment down. She bends down slipping the panties down her calves and over her feet. A blush moves up my body as she stands up, observing every inch of me.
My arousal is evident, and I'm self conscious. Daria moves her hands up to my chest, tracing the scars I've accumulated there. Her touches cause me to close my eyes, but I can feel the fire rushing through my veins. I give a low growl before I move my hands to her bare bottom, picking her up.
She complies by wrapping her legs around my midsection, her arms lying around my neck. I can feel her own arousal against my skin, as the wetness mixes in with the perspiration forming on my body. Her dark hair falls down her back, the tips of my fingers tickled by the strands.
I lean up and kiss her hard against the mouth, as I crawl onto the bed, laying her down onto the silk comforter. Her striking golden skin melts into the orange hues of the bed spread, as I take my hands from underneath her body to her own, raising them above her head, as I settle my body into hers.
Daria's legs are still wrapped around me, as I kiss the tip of her nose, before kissing her forehead. She relaxes her legs bringing them to my sides to rest against my hips, allowing me more access to her core. Our fingers tangle with the others, I swallow deep as I look into her gorgeous green eyes.
"I want to show you how I see you too. How beautiful and extraordinary I think you are."
She leans up placing a kiss to my lips," Show me."
I nod before, settling in between her legs and gently moving myself into her. I can't help the groan which comes from me, when I feel the warmth and tightness of her surrounding me. I'm already feeling lightheaded, as I thrust into her again, at first I try to keep it slow, I can feel her nails digging into my fingers as I begin to quicken the pace.
She produces her own stream of moans, as I bury my face in her shoulder; my breath is warm against her sweat drenched skin. The friction of our body riving against the other is almost unbearable, every part of me is on fire.
I can feel her shudder around me, as I enter her core again and again. Her knees press against my hips, bones grinding against bones, electricity travels through us to hang in the air, as adrenaline rushes through me. I move my face from her shoulder to her chest to lightly nip and suck at her breasts. I can taste the salt of her sweat on my tongue, before placing gently kisses to the nipples, as I travel up her neck to her jaw and then her lips.
Her kisses are quick, but form into long bruising pressure. I push into her once more, her nails dragging the length of my arms to rest at my back just below my shoulders. She's absolutely beautiful, and I'm taken aback that someone of her grace would even notice me, let alone reserve to love me.
I take in a deep breath, before I pull away from her face to look into her eyes.
My voice is raw," Daria, I," it cracks a little which causes me to swallow," I love you."
She smiles, but I can see tears filling her eyes, her hands move up to my face, framing it," I love you too."
I smile back at her, as I lean down to kiss her passionately. It's quick but passionate, before I press my forehead to hers, and ride the wave with her. Everything in my body is humming when it finally hits me with force, I collapse onto her, and our hands buried in the others hair as our bodies tangle within each other. Everything is blissfully calm and peaceful as I run my fingers through her dark hair. It's all blissfully wonderful as I lay with the woman I love.
10B.
Daria
I can feel his touches before I open my eyes, my feet are tangled in the silk sheets of his bed and I kick out to try to free myself. I must have fallen asleep on my stomach because my right arm is now trapped underneath me, and I fear has lost all its feeling.
I lift up enough to slip my arm out, allowing it to hang over the edge of the bed. I open my eye which isn't sunk into the pillow underneath my head, meeting his bright blue ones. He continues to run his fingers over my spine, my bare back open to him as the sheet is pushed down to sit at the small of my back.
He's propped himself up by his elbow, his head cradled in his palm as he watches me. I give a small yawn, before speaking.
"Did you sleep at all?"
He shakes his head, sticking out his bottom lip slightly," No."
"Why?"
He shrugs," I thought if I fell asleep maybe it would all turn out to be a dream."
I reach my hand, which lies beside me, up to his face laying it gently on his cheek," You're sweet."
"Is that why you love me?"
I laugh a little," Not really, I think it's your hot ass."
I can't control the laughter, as he rolls me over on my back, to straddle me as he tickles me.
"My hot ass huh," he continues to tickle my sides as I try to fold my body away from him, my head hitting the pillow as I giggle," Maybe I should make you pay for that."
I try to breathe over the laughter, my sides cramping," Oh yes please punish me!"
We're both laughing hysterically as he rolls off of me to lie beside me, his own breathing labored. I turn to lay on my side, my hand resting on his naked chest.
"What were you thinking when you watched me?"
He rubs his face harshly," You'll think it's silly, and most likely mock me."
I shrug," I may make fun of you anyway."
He nods as a smile graces his handsome face," I was thinking about us being together."
"We are together."
Brenton looks over to me, his expression serious," I know we are, but it's not what I meant. I was thinking about us having a family, a home, being together for always."
I release a breathe I was aware I was holding as I fall onto my back," Brenton-"
"I know it's impractical to think about something like that. The reality of me getting out of her alive is almost non -existent-"
I stop him short, turning my head to him;" You don't know that."
He nods," Yes, I do. I'm willing to bet Serkan will be in the arena next. He's better than I am, he's had longer to train, more experience and he doesn't flinch."
"That doesn't mean-"
"I got lucky the last few times, Daria. I'm skilled but I'm not that good."
"Why would you even bring up us being together, if you believe you won't make it?"
He turns on his side facing me, his right hand untangling my hair," Because thinking about you makes all the other crap bearable."
"You promised you would be here."
He takes me by the side so that I'm facing him, before he presses my body into his; he leans down to talk into my hair.
"I am here."
I nod into his chest as he holds me tightly, our legs tangle in the others. I press my body into his as far as I can, as tears begin to rush down my cheeks. I can hear him soothe me, while his hand rubs my back lovingly.
"I love you Daria, and nothing will ever change that."
I nod into his chest as I breathe in trying to hinder my tears; I pull away from him slowly. My hands go to my face where my hair has flooded it and I push it away, Brenton reaches out trying to help, which makes him laugh, as I try to escape the strands. When they're finally clear, I sniffle for a few seconds before I rub at my face.
"I must look awful."
He reaches out smoothing the hair framing my face," You're beautiful."
Before I can attest, a loud banging begins to come from the quarter doors. Brenton jumps off of the bed, scrambling for the floor as he searches the carpet for our clothing. He stands up quickly, both my dress and panties in his hands. He tosses them up to me where I begin to crawl off the bed.
"Hurry get dressed!"
I jump off the bed, quickly pulling on the flimsy dress and the under clothing. I look over to him and he's doing the same, as I round the bed. Brenton comes to stand in front of me as he finishes pulling is shirt down around his waist. He's blocking my view of the door, his arms are out to his side.
"I want you to stay behind me."
"Brenton, I can take care of myself-"
He glances back at me, an edge to his voice," Will you for once stop being stubborn and listen to me!"
I want to pull him into an argument, but about four Keepers break through the doors, before I can utter a word. Brenton keeps his footing in front of me, his shoulders squared; even through his shirt I can see the muscles in his back tense.
The Keepers take their places circling us, as they point their guns towards us. I reach out for Brenton's hand taking it in mine; he gives it a tight squeeze before pulling our adjoined hands to his chest. My chest presses to his back and I bury my face there, breathing him in, trying to gain another perfect memory of him.
I'm not naïve in thinking that we're both going to escape this situation unscaved. I can hear the click of their rifles, and I breathe in deeply waiting for the assault. Brenton reaches around to me to grab a hold of my other arm when I can hear parts of the broken doors hit the floor, I try not to flinch but my nerves are already wrecked.
I can already hear him chuckles to himself, and the sound of his laughter sends chills up my spine. I close my eyes tight, taking in a deep breath as I pull from Brenton's grasp to step around to stand beside him. My hand is still clutched in his and he quickly exchanges my right hand for my left, our joined hands are wedged in between our bodies.
Thread catches sight of me; a smirk comes over his facing causing the scar on his face to deepen. He shakes his head as he begins to laugh again, I tighten the hold on Brenton's hand, and I feel his hand start to tremor. I know he's just as scared as I am, but he keeps his face unreadable and stern.
Thread walk over to the bed kicking the side lightly before motioning toward the state of the bedding," Well what do we have here? A couple of love birds," he reaches down and pulls the sheets down to the floor, before walking over to stand directly in front of us," You know boy I assumed with you fighting in the arena it was bound to happen for you to bed a courtesan, but I never would have guessed it would be this one," he reaches out and strokes at my cheek, I turn my cheek away, I can feel Brenton's nails dig into my palm," She is pretty though isn't she? And I'm sure a ton of fun in between those legs, I've never experienced it for myself, but I'm told many Capitol citizens are fans-"
Before I can react, Brenton releases my hand, jumping out towards Thread, landing a clean punch against his jaw. Thread bounces back easily and pulls his forearm from his waist; the Keepers have readied their own guns on Brenton.
I turn to watch them as Brenton stands his fists as his sides as he fumes with rage. Thread turns to the side to spit out a few drops of blood before backhands Brenton across the face with the butt of his gun. I try not to react, which would give Thread fuel to his cause, but a small gasp escapes my lips.
Brenton's bent half way down holding his cheek; he begins to stand up when Thread knocks him at the base of his neck with his pistol. Brenton falls to the ground with a thud and I throw myself to the carpet, my knees taking the brunt of the force.
He's lying on his stomach and I help roll him to his back, I reach up and brush his bangs from his forehead. His cheek is already beginning to swell from the hit. We lock eyes, as we both know what may be coming next.
I try to fight back the tears filling my eyes, as he reaches up to push my hair to my back.
His voice is calm and even," All of this is worth it, because I had you with me."
I nod as I memorize his face," Me too."
I can hear Thread blow out a sigh, as he reaches for my arms pulling me off of the ground," That's enough! Come on gorgeous, you're coming with me!"
Something in me snaps and I begin to kick and scratch, I can feel Thread's hands tighten on my petite arms, as he lifts me from the ground to carry me out of Brenton's quarters. I'm thrashing about; my heels make contact with his shins, making him wince.
He shakes me to stop my objection but the adrenaline has begun to surge through my body, and all I want to do it escape him. I'm able to use my right elbow after he releases me; I force it towards his body, to make contact with his ribs.
I fall from his arms, my body hitting the ground hard. I look up from the ground to see Brenton being held into place by a couple of Keepers. They have him standing up; a Keeper is standing behind him with their rifle pressed up against his chest horizontally, the other one has their gun pressed into his ribs.
A streak of blood streaks down his face from his temple, they must have beaten him while I was fighting against Thread. His blue eyes are red rimmed and dark, and I want nothing more than to run over to him and have him hold me. I don't have enough time to watch him, before I'm pulled from the ground by my hair.
My hand goes instinctively to the roots of my hair, as Thread brings me up from the ground to stand. I scratch and pull at his hands but he's stronger than I am, and it's futile for me to fight, as he presses his forearm into my throat almost cutting off my air supply.
My eyes go wide as he drags me from the room, my feet dragging on the carpet. I can see Brenton try to struggle but he's as unable to fight against it as I am. I can hear Brenton scream towards the door, when Thread almost has me out of the room.
"I swear to the spirits Thread if you harm her, I will kill you!"
Thread doesn't react one bit as he drags me into the hall; my nails have scraped his skin raw. My feet bump into something, I have to wait until we pass it to see what it is. Bile rises up my throat and I have to swallow it back down.
His arms are spread out around his body, while his blank eyes stare back at me, a small hole mares the smooth skin of his forehead. I'm able to pull Thread's arm away from my throat long enough to scream his name.
"CINNA!"
The tears have started, and my body goes limp before Thread throws me to the ground, my knees burn from the carpet, and I can feel the bruises forming on my arms and legs. I look behind me, from my position on the ground, to Thread who rubs at the markings on his arms.
"Why?"
Thread rolls up his sleeves higher than they were," He's been a spy for the resistance for years. He got what came to him."
I let out an almost inhuman scream as I push myself from the ground to run at Thread, my fist going towards his jaw. He quickly catches my small hand; I'm shaking all over with rage. He spins me around and pushes me forward telling me to walk. I debate trying to run, but I decide against it.
I need to pick my strategy exit with intelligence and running through a maze of hallways isn't smart. He walk me pass the competitors quarters, I'm assuming he's going to force me into the courtesan quarters, but he has me pass the entry way.
The hallway has turned into stone much like back in the farm; my bare feet are burning from the frigid stones. The sun dress I have on does nothing to block the cold from my skin. I can feel his pistol press against my back, when he stops me in front of a door; he leans over me to bang on it with his other hand.
Shortly after it opens with a high pitched creaking sound, a Keeper holds it open for us to walk through. My bare feet pad on the floor making a slapping sound, a small amount of water pools around my toes.
There's little to no light, but a single bulb hangs from a string above me. It swings side to side taking the light with it, the light source reflects off of a steel chair in the middle of the room. I've heard of this practice before, most of the codes don't survive it.
I can hear Thread clear his throat behind me," Sorry about the water but we had to flush all of the blood and piss out of the room to make it suitable for you."
I turn to run, but he still has his gun trained on me, and a couple of Keepers drag me to the chair. I kick and thrash, my heels beat the cement floor, and every part of me is already bruised and stinging.
"Make sure her hand are good and tied down, I don't want her hurting herself before I have the chance to."
I'm thrown into the chair, my hands and legs are bound with silver wiring, and it cuts into my flesh. I can already feel it burying into my skin. I lean my head forward, and my dark hair serves as a curtain for me, giving me the short time to cry. I can hear boots hit the cement floor, some venturing off while another comes toward me.
"Such a pity for someone so pretty to be hurt so much," from how close he sounds I assume he's hunched down in front of me.
My hair is parted away from my face and forcefully pushed behind me," You got your fight back didn't you? What was it, the Mellark boy? Maybe you should have had a good pounding a long time ago?"
I look up slowly to him, mustering up enough saliva I can spare I spat into his face, causing it to land beside the bridge of his nose. He wipes the spit free, before back handing me across the face. My face snaps to the side, the wires tear into my flesh at the tiniest bit of movement.
"You know I was in love with a courtesan once. I had just gotten out of the academy when I first saw her, I had drawn Capitol duty. I was a Keeper at a council gathering and there she was standing in the corner, wearing a deep blue dress, which hung down her back. Her dark hair pushed to the side, I had never seen someone so beautiful. We carried on an affair for about a year before she was married to a council member, this man stole everything from me, and he made her bare his useless children. He made her less than what she was," he reaches out to caress my cheek, I try to push him off by pressing my cheek to my shoulder," So years later when I had the power to do so, I found her again and ridded her of this man, killing him and two of his sons, the third one gave me this scar. I believe your boyfriend calls him daddy."
This catches my attention and I can do nothing but watch him, as he crouches in front of me. My dress has been pushed up my thigh, showing most of the skin there. He reaches out running a finger up my bare leg, my skin crawls.
"You know you remind me of her."
"Maybe she didn't want you because of you and not because of another man."
He slaps me hard against the same cheek, " You whores are all the same," he stands up rubbing his face, the glint in his eyes back as he looks down at me," You know I remember you, from when you first came here. You were quite the handful, hard to break if I'm correct. Most codes we make into courtesans can't wait to get out of the camp barracks. Knowing they'll have full stomachs, warm showers, a nice place to sleep, but not you. You have all the duties of a courtesan but none of the perks; you make yourself suffer, for what?"
I look up at him with fury," To let you and your son a of a bitch Capitol masters know that even though you violate my body there's always going to be a piece of me you can't have."
"Oh sweetie, we already have all of you."
I smile grimly, as I shake my head," No, you don't. If you did I wouldn't be in this room right now would I?"
"So the boy gives you a good fuck, and you come to life?"
"No, he made me realize how little and insignificant you all are," I'm fuming with anger but I'm finding a strength I had lost a long time ago," That's why she could never really love you, because you have nothing to love!"
I can see I've touched a sore spot, when his face begins to become flustered, as he advances on me. I try to prepare myself for the beating about to come, but it's more than I was prepared for when the first hit almost makes everything go white.
I see spots, as he strikes me again against the other side of my face. The bones of his knuckles collide with the ones in my face and I hear a loud crack and then blinding pain, tears rush down my cheeks, but I bare my nails down to the steel allowing nothing not even a scream to come from my lips.
I'm holding my ground, and I won't give him the satisfaction of breaking me again. I keep playing my time with Brenton through my mind, from the time I first saw him giving the girl the apple, to our first meeting, our kiss, and finally to how he made love to me.
He told me I had saved him in the arena, but now he's saving me, because even if I die in this chair placed in this dark room. I know he's saved me, because I'm leaving this room with strength, and Brenton Mellark gave me mine back.
10C.
Brenton
I keep circling the small room; they placed me in to wait for my time to enter the arena. I'm almost like a caged animal by this time, my emotions are running high and I'm afraid my heart may break from my chest.
After Thread took Daria from my quarters, the crowd of Keepers gave me a significant beating before leaving me to lay on the floor barely moving. I had crawled a few inches to the bed, using the edge as support to lift myself up to a standing position. The prep team came in shortly after that, but the usual airy conversations were non -existent, and the one who can't seem to not over step the lines of harassment was all about propriety.
All of them were obviously avoiding eye contact with me, causing me to feel utterly isolated. When I was finally groomed, Flavius silently went over to one of his cases and brought out my armor, he laid it out on the newly made bed. I bent down running my fingers over the newly stitched seems, the blood had been washed off, and my grandfather's mockingjay pin was still in its place.
I looked around the room, waiting to see Cinna stroll in. When I finally questioned the others of his absence, all I received was silence and pained expressions.
I looked to all three as the women began to box up the cleansing products," What? What is it?"
Flavius meets my eye for the first time," He's dead. And we do fancy you young sir, but it's clear that when one becomes company of a Mellark their days are numbered and I am far to fond of breathing," he looks over to the other two and then back to me," With that said we will be taking our leave, I assume you can dress yourself," he turns to leave but stops short when he makes it to the door frame, turning back towards me," Please do not let my own cowardness detract from the pleasure of knowing you. You are truly an admirable young man."
I nod, signifying I understand," Thank you, Flavius."
He walked out of my quarters without a backwards glance, leaving me to prepare myself for the arena. It wasn't long until I was escorted to the stall, by a crowd of Keepers. I was forcefully shoved into the small room, and I've since then been trying to find a way out.
Everything is running through my mind, but more than anything I'm desperate to find Daria. I begin to pound on the door; my hands are raw before it opens slowly.
I'm prepared to be assaulted with a gun barrel, when I see Haymitch's tired eyes instead. I don't know what compels me to do so, but I draw him in a hug. His arms are limp for a second before wrapping his arms around me tightly. The embrace only last a few seconds before I pull away, and give him a slap to the shoulder.
"I was worried about you since everyone else I've been friendly with has turned up beaten or dead."
His face falls, but I'm too preoccupied," Have you seen Daria? Something happened between us, and Thread took her away, I'm in a panic trying to find her-"
"Kid-"
"I don't give a damn about the arena, I just need to find her now-"
His tone is insistent," Kid!"
"What?"
"I tried to stop it, but I couldn't."
"What are you talking about, Haymitch?"
He motions for me to walk through the door and into the tunnel, he steps back providing me with enough room to exit the stall. When I'm standing in the tunnel he points to the far side, close to the arena doors. I look over, and every part of me ceased to exist for a few seconds.
It's almost all in slow motion as she turns toward me, her dark hair pulled tight braided down her back. She's wearing a similar breast plate to mine, but in entirely black paint over silver plating. It registers on her face that she's seen me also and we run toward each other.
It takes entirely too long for me to get my arms around her, our bodies colliding. I bury my face in her hair as she presses hers against my collar bone; her nails scrape against my skin as she holds onto my back tightly. I rest my hands at the nape of neck and just below the leather scraping of her armor.
I pull away from her begrudgingly, to frame her face with my hands. Her face is clear of any makeup, which makes it easy for me to see the bruising marring her skin. I turn her face to each side so I can examine the damage, my thumbs gently tracing the bruise patterns.
"Daria-"
She reaches up covering my hands with hers," It's not so bad. The prep team healed my broken cheek bone, but I refused to let them put a mess of product on my face. I told them if I was going to die I wanted to look like myself, and not something the Capitol had made."
I pull her face towards mine," You're not going to die."
She leans up to place a chaste kiss against my lips, before she pulls my hands from her face. Her green eyes are kind, but I can recognize the seriousness of the situation.
"Brenton, I'm not as skilled as most of the competitors. I know my chances-"
I cut her off quickly," No!"
I turn from her to walk back towards Haymitch, who waits beside the stall. He tries to avoid my eye contact, as I stop in front of him.
His head is still hung down as he speaks," I tried to stop it, but I just couldn't."
I place my hand on his shoulder, as he looks up at me," Tell my mom, that I'm sorry I disappointed her, I wish I could have been the son she deserved, and tell Peeta," I take a deep breath before lowering my arm and looking to the ground," tell my dad that I was wrong about him, that I'm beginning to understand the reasons why he couldn't be in my life, and that I'm proud to be his son."
"Kid you're starting to sound like you're not expecting to leave the arena alive."
"Haymitch we both know there can only be one Vanquisher at the end. I'm not going to let what happened to Carr happen to her, I won't survive it."
"Have you ever thought of what this will do to her?"
"I just want her alive, so I don't care what you have to do, even if it's burning the whole place down, you make sure she leaves alive, if I'm already gone."
"Kid-"
"One more thing…you're a good man Haymitch Abernathy, even if you can't see it now," I hold out my hand waiting for him to shake it, he takes it," Thank you for everything."
He nods before I release his hand and turn towards Daria who has walked up behind me. I grab her tightly bringing her to me for one last hug before I pull away, holding her by the shoulders.
"I don't want you to worry about me-"
She shakes her head," Brenton-"
"I want you to attack and never stop attacking, if you're worried about me it'll get you hurt or worse."
"I don't care-"
"But I do!"
"What would I attack with?"
Haymitch must have walked to the stall closest to the arena doors, because he now holds onto a silver trident.
"You're from the fishing district right?"
Daria turns around her eyes fascinated on the weapon," Yes but I've never handled a trident of such magnitude."
"Girl I've seen you use a spear at the training area, just recalculate the weight a bit," he hands the trident to her," think of the others as fish."
"Fish?"
I turn her around slowly as her hands grasp the weapon," I want you to bury that thing in the first chest you see, and don't stop-"
"Attacking," she reaches her free hand up to my cheek," I know."
Haymitch walks around us, I assume to get me my bow, as I lean into her touch, my eyes closing. I have to fight back the grief and tears that are rising up through my body.
"You're here because of me. If had just left you be, this would never have happened to you."
I can hear the trident hit the ground as the other side of my face becomes warm from her touch; I open my eyes to see her vibrant green ones.
"I would rather fight at your side and die than go on living while my body is used for others' interests," I can see the tears shine in her eyes, as she smiles faintly," You've given me a gift, you made me want to fight for something again. We love each other, and nothing not even death can erase it."
I nod, as I reach out to brush her face gently, before I reach at my heart where the pin lies. Her hands leave my face as I fiddle with the latch, eventually I grasp it in my palm, holding onto it tight before I begin to pin it to her armor. Daria shakes her head while trying to push my hand away.
"No, I can't-"
I ignore her," This was my grandfathers, it's brought me luck, I want you to have it."
She allows me to pin it to the leather strap, it catches at the camisole she has under her breast plate. Haymitch comes up behind us, clearing his throat, my bow and quiver full of arrows in his hands. I turn to him and take them gratefully.
"Thanks old man."
He smirks," You're welcome, kid," he leans towards me," I know your father would be very proud of you. And if you hold on long enough, he can tell you."
This catches me by surprise, my eyes wide, he merely nods confirming my suspicions. I look over his head to see a Keeper coming up from the rear. I know it's time, and my stomach drops.
"Haymitch remember what I said, I don't care what you have to do-"
"I promise, kid."
I nod and turn back to Daria; she takes my hand as we walk up to the arena doors. Her trident is firmly grasped in her hand, while the other squeezes my fingers. She looks up the full length of the doors, and I can feel her body tremor.
"I had a dream about these doors, you and I were standing in front of them, and blood started to rain down-"
"It was just a dream."
She looks to me," Was it really?"
"Remember what I told you, don't stop attacking."
"I love you Brenton."
I grit my teeth to stop the tears," I love you too."
The doors open wide, we don't wait to be pushed through by a Keeper, our hands are still joined when we walk into the arena. The crowds have been placed by clear sky as per usual, and I can hear the hum of the speakers being turned on, the announcer's voice will soon follow.
I lead us into the middle of the arena. My palms are already perspiring, and I can feel Daria's fingers fidget with in mine. She lets go of my hand to turn, I look to her as she now stands directly in front of me. Her face is serious and stern, which makes her greens eyes shine.
"I'm over this bull shit idea you have about keeping me alive. You are not going to sacrifice yourself for me."
"Daria-"
"No, damn it!"
"We are going to go through this as a team, you and me together."
"Why-"
"We protect each other, it's what we do."
I grab her face quickly to give her a deep kiss, I rest my forehead against hers when it's over," You are the most stubborn woman," she gives me a long sigh," But it's why I love you."
"I know."
"But there's still the question of two remaining competitors, you know what happened to Carr."
"We'll deal with it when it comes."
I shake my head, releasing her face, as the announcer's voice comes over the arena.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special show for you tonight! The Boy on Fire, Brenton Mellark, will have to go up against the mighty Blood Head, Serkan! But that's not all; we are pleased to introduce the lovely Lady of the Water, Daria Odair! These two lovers will have to fight till the bloody end against grizzly odds!"
Daria turns to me," I don't have a last name, and it's not Odair. But when I did it was Cresta."
"Maybe they found it for you."
"Let the Vanquisher games begin!"
I bring my bow over my head ,placing it in front of me, before I reach back for an arrow from my quiver, securing the arrow firmly at the nock. I glance over to Daria who is gripping her trident with such force her knuckles have become white.
"Don't hold it so tight, you won't have as much control over this," I look over to her," obvious reasons put aside, like not wanting the girl I love having to fight for her life, there's no one else I think is capable enough to survive this, no one else I would want by my side. Just give them the shit you gave me in the training area before my first battle, hell give them the shit you've been giving me the entire time."
She nods and I see the color coming back into her fingers. I breathe out slowly through my mouth as the metal landings begin to rise, the side begins to separate and I rise my bow up in front of me. Daria follows suit taking her own stance, and I'm acutely aware that this will be my toughest test of wills.
I circle my body around her, until she turns and our backs are up against the others. Her braid rubs against my bare back, and I have to push the dread of having her next to me in the arena away. The lifts stop and we are now surrounded by six other competitors, I search for Serkan.
I finally find him dressed in entirely black, he has a similar plate of armor as I do, but the dark colors bleach his skin out. A sword is clutched in his fist, while his eyes are set on me. I'm quite aware the entirety of my time during the battle will be against him, but I can't set Daria against five heavily armed men, even if she is quite capable.
The gong sounds and with a speed I wasn't aware of I turn to my left releasing an arrow, allowing it to bury itself in the eye socket of the competitor closest to me. I open my mouth to speak, demanding Daria find a target, when I hear a loud thud and a large blonde competitor is five feet from me on his back, her trident protruding from his chest.
I glance to her, but she's already running to where the bleeding man lies.
"I got this Brenton, just take care of Serkan!"
I watched her run over and pull the trident free, her arm rising up as a career advances on her. She brings the trident across his face, a large gash forming as she rotates her shoulder, shoving the sharp blades up the base of their jaw.
She's fierce and accurate and in that moment I feel foolish for doubting her. I turn to see Serkan rushing towards me with another career following his lead; I reach back into my quiver pulling out an arrow. I take my stance and breathe in deeply waiting for my chance, when I feel the time is right I release.
The career behind Serkan goes flying back as the arrow lands and severs an artery in his neck, blood flies into the air of dust from the sand and heat. Serkan looks back behind him to find the boy clutching his throat as blood slips around his fingers. I can see the confusion on his face when I lower my bow.
"I'd rather it be between us," I throw my bow down and slip off my quiver; it finds itself beside the bow," An arrow is too humane for you."
I sneer at me, his sword pointed towards me," What a colossally stupid mistake you've just made."
I hunch down still watching him, my hand feeling the sand for the sword one of the dead competitors dropped," Maybe, but I want to try my luck."
He's rushing towards, I land on my knees frantically searching for the sword when I finally find it, grabbing hold up the handle before I raise it up to block Serkan from slitting my throat. He rears back and kicks me in the gut sending me back, but I roll back on my feet at a standing position.
We circle each other sizing up the other, I'm attempted to search for Daria but I know have to trust her. Serkan advances on me once again, he invades my space, the steel of his sword collides with mine, and we exchange hits until I'm able to slash him across the face, which sets him off guard giving me enough time to strike him across the other side with the hilt.
I make contact but I leave myself open as he slashes me at the side. I wince dropping my sword as he thrusts the blade towards my gut, I'm able to move out of the way, grabbing his arm at the elbow to snap it back, he screams out in pain, before head butting me.
I'm sent back with force, landing on my back. I roll onto my side; sand mixed with sweat stings my wound, as my hands sift through the blood and dirt. I'm unable to find it, I reach for my waist where my blade would be, but I remember that Cinna was the one to always fit them in. Serkan's shadow is raised over me, I know he's about to attack.
I search the arena for Daria, wanting one last time to watch her, but instead I catch the glint of light coming from my bow. I stand to run for it, but Serkan kicks me back to the ground. I groan, as I roll back over. He's standing over me with his sword raised, his other arm lying limp to his side.
Everything goes into slow motion, I'm prepared to see the faces of everyone I've ever known and loved but the only one in my mind is Daria. Long wavy dark hair wrapping around golden skin and deep green eyes with gold. Serkan pulls his sword back ready to attack, behind me I can hear Daria scream my name and I'm glad she's still alive. I'm ready to feel the assault, when the wall of the arena on the far side explodes, dust and screams are heard as the veil of sky is breaking into a million pieces.
And then Haymitch's last message to me makes sense, because all I had to do was hold on long enough. Because I know now this is when the real testament of my faith and strength begins. This is the real battle.
A/N: One last chapter and then it's the end of the story. Please Review!