WHISPERING FIRE
Chapter ten
Preparation
Siobhan POV
Effie was knocking on the door waking me up, in reminding me of 'a big, big, big day!" ahead. Mentioning tomorrows night's interview with Caesar Flickerman's show, live. I groaned and flung the covers over me and wish I could die. Gale kissed me last night and I didn't know what to do. So I ran, like a coward. But what was I supposed to do, go with it. .. Follow his lead. Sure, I may have if we were backed home. Except this isn't District twelve. This was the Capitol and less than seventy hour's will be the Hunger Games and only one out of the twenty four comes out alive.
A creek of the door open and Effie was by my bed. The fragrance of berries tea filled the air. She set down the tea and shook my shoulder gently.
"It's time to wake up, Siobhan." She said cheery.
I didn't respond only close my eyes and pretended to sleep. But Effie refused shaking a little harder. "Come now, it's time to wake up."
"No," I mumbled, securing the blanket closer.
"Do I need to get Haymitch with a bucket of water?" Effie teased though I didn't respond. This worries her as she sat down on the edge of the bed rubbing my back. "What's wrong, dear?"
"Gale kissed me." I bluntly said.
Effie paused and absorbed the words in. "Is he a good kisser?"
"God Effie!" sitting up quickly to glare at her. "Don't you get it, Gale kissed me. As in, he actually likes me and couldn't have done it sooner or before all this. Now we're going to be thrown to the pits and neither of us will have to, too . . ."
"To date, have a relationship, or fall in love." Effie suggested.
I blushed though nodded, looking down at my hand. Effie cooed her apologies and wrapped her arms around me. "Oh Siobhan, I'm sorry things ended like this. But don't hold it against him. He would probably wants' to spend his last day with you before the Games. Now come on, let's eat and prepare for your lessons"
After eating breakfast and ignoring Gale. I spend my appearance in attitude with Haymitch; there wasn't much to do. I was a lady when it comes to formal discussions. I can be mysterious or cunning. I can also be conservative and yet be artistic as well. We agreed I just be myself, and not discuss about my rational behavior or point of view about the Capitol. It is going to be hard but I'll suffice. So we spend a good hour or so of a conversation, when Haymitch tried to be like Caesar. Though it didn't work out, for every time he did, I lose my poker face and laugh.
"Out of curiosity, what did you say to Caesar when you were interviewed?"
Haymitch paused, lost in thought in what happen twenty five years ago. He sighed, taking a small sip of his whiskey before he'd look at me. "Look, I was a cocky know it all kid. When I was asked what I thought about fourty-seven tributes' I said 'I don't see that makes much of a differences. They'll be one hundred percent as stupid as usual, so I figure my odds will be roughly the same.' Now look where I am now."
He took another sip and stared at it. We were silent for a moment till he spoke. "You remind me of her."
"Who?" I said taking a sip of my tea.
"Maysilee Donner." He said.
I looked down ashamed. I knew her or at least heard of her. She was my mother's second cousin. Making Madge Undersee, my cousin as well. But we never have much in common though hang at lunch. Except Maysilee died at the Second Quarter Quells with Haymitch. Realizing what he meant or why he looks at me and been training me harder than Gale. He didn't want history to repeat itself. Or at least not how Maysilee died, for her neck was slit by the girl from district one. More importantly Maysilee weapon was a blowgun.
"Listen Siobhan, I don't know what is up with you and Gale at the moment. But you probably want to consider him as an ally." Haymitch said. He looked at me sternly, "So are you going to tell me what happened last night?"
"Gale . . . he kissed me." I whispered.
"Well . . . didn't know he had it in him, to kiss a shrew." Haymitch said surprisingly. "Did you like it?"
I was shock to hear Haymitch asked this while my face turns a bright shade of red.
"I'll take that as a yes." Then he thought to himself till he smirked, coming up with a deviant scheme. "Do you like him?"
"Of course I like him, he's my friend." I shot back.
"I mean like him, like him." I didn't respond though Haymitch smirked. "Siobhan ..."
"Doesn't matter anymore," I said a bit bitterly. "These feeling will only get in the way. We know the outcome. I am a fighter, but won't make it to be victors. I want to die with honor and pride. Not regret of not having a chance in love or a relationship. So if there isn't anything else to discuss then can I am excused?"
"Sure, sure." Haymitch said, so I got up and prepared to leave till Haymitch spoke. "Better enjoy the last chances you have before ya die love. I lost my chance, so you shouldn't."
I paused and turn around. "What are you talking about?"
He just shook his head, "Nothing, just being a drunk."
"You're sober." I noted.
He just shrugged and took another sip. Growling, I marched out of the living room and headed up towards the roof. It was empty, and we we're high up for no one could hear. So I started close to yelling out all of my confusion punching everything that came to mind, before I kicked the wall hard to leave a dent. I panted and smack it down, then slide on to my knees. Until I heard the door open. Getting up quick and putting on a neutral face and turn around to see Rue.
"Rue," I said shock. "What are doing up here?"
"I can ask you the same?" she mumbled. "Are you alright, I heard you yelling from our loft?"
"I'm sorry . . . just overwhelmed is all." I said
Rue nodded and walked up to me, then took my hand. "I know how you feel."
"Thanks," I said sitting down as she join me. "Guess I'm a little homesick."
"Yeah, I miss my family too."
We remain silent, just staring at the city till noon came. I walked her back to her loft on the eleventh floor. It was Thresh who open the door and let Rue in. He was huge and I felt intimidated by him. However he didn't shut the door but stare deep into my eyes. We were having our own privet discussion and I could tell; if I betrayed Rue then my head would meet his fist. I gulped and nodded. Thresh, gave a confirm nod and slammed the door in my face. Sighing if not taking deep breath as I press the twelve floor button and went back to my loft. There I was greeted with Lunch; the only available chair was next to Gale. Having no choice, I took my seat and started eating lamb stew with dried plums sauce.
"So how was Effie boot camp?" I asked him.
Gale groaned, "Lucky I was born a guy and not a girl. I feel sorry for you."
"Thank you for your condolences." I said before we chuckled. It was as if last night's kiss never happens. But truly it did and I want him to talk about it. Let him explain why he kissed me. But knowing Gale, he won't unless I say it. And truly, I don't know what to say.
After lunch, Effie helped me with my interview in my room. She helped me put on a full length gown and high heel shoes. She mentions how bad I was in heels during the opening ceremony, though no one saw it. Effie did and she said I'll get used the wobbly essentials. Saying if she runs around the Capitol, then so can I. I was getting the hang of it; however the dress was a problem. The fabric keeps tangling around my feet and the next, hello carpet. Every time I try to lift up the dress, the woman swats my hand.
"Not to lift above the ankles!" she scolded.
"Why, it's not like Cinna is going to put me in an actual gown?" I whined, and then I thought what Cinna said last night.
'Oh, wait until you see your interview gown.'
Oh God, help me now. He's not going to put me in a dress, but a gown. And knowing Cinna, a form fitting gown that goes on fire. When we were able to control my walking and back posture, it was time for sitting. Seam's I have the tendency to slouch and broaden my shoulders. Effie then made me say hundreds of ridicules if not original phrases, with smiles and smiles and cheesy grins. God, I want to die now!
.o0o.
Gale's POV
After Lunch Siobhan and Effie went into her room in preparation of the interview; I can already hear Siobhan complain about the heels. So Haymitch lead me to the sitting room, directed me towards the couch, and the frown at me for a while.
"What?" I asked crossing my arms.
"I'm trying to figure out what to do with you," he said. "How we're going to present you. Are you going to be Charming? Aloof? Fierce? So far, you're brighter than a star. You volunteered to save your brother. Portia made you unforgettable. You have the top training score. People are intrigued, but no one knows who you are. The impression you make tomorrow will decide exactly what I can you with terms of sponsors."
I already saw how other tributes from previous interviews of the past hunger games go. The men appeared to be humorous, brutal, mysterious, or down right cocky. I scoffed.
"What's Siobhan approached? Let me guess, all girly girls because she can't flirt or is it intelligent and discuss about tea?"
"Likable, she knows how to give a good conversation from working in a tea shop. Especially, interesting conversation," Haymitch said. "Whereas when you open your mouth, you come across sullen and hostile. Like you want to get shot in the head?"
"I don't!" I growled.
"Please. I don't know where you pulled that crowd loving, handsome fellow on the chariot from, but I haven't seen him before or since. "Haymitch said.
"Are you giving me a reason to be romantic," I counter. "Cause I won't give those barbaric anything."
"Fine, I'm not going to sponsor you if I could. So pretend I'm the audiences," he said taking a swig from his flask. "Delight me."
"Fine," I snarled. Haymitch tried to take role as an interviewer and I try to answer question that aren't rude or badmouthing the Capitol. All that I want to say about the unjust butchering the Hunger Games are. So why am I being train to be a tamed dog to please a bunch of sick people? For the longer we practice and imaging them the angrier I become. I'm practically losing it.
"All right, enough." He said. "We've got to find another angle. Not only are you hostile, I don't know anything about you. I asked fifty questions and still nothing about you, you're family, or anything. They want to know about you, Gale."
"But I don't want them to! They're already taken my future! They have taken Siobhan as well! So why the fuck, do they need to know my past!" I exclaimed.
Haymitch sigh and slouch down only to smirk creepily at me. He sat up and rested his chin on his hand and stare dead on. "Now you just talked about Siobhan."
"Yeah . . . so?"
He scoffed, "From the twenty–three's years I mentor. Not on kid every stood up for their partner. Except for you; you actually care about her."
"She's my friend." I defended. Though it didn't work, Haymitch knew, he knows I like Siobhan, probably been watching us like a hawk, when sober. How I always defended her pride, going onto the roof with her, sitting close to her and comforting her. Oh Shit, he probably think I love her.
"So Gale, out of curiosity," He started, "How much do you like my best friend's niece?"
I gulped ready to fight back but nothing came out. Just an open mouth of a fish. Great, you lose at this round Gale. So I shut my trap.
"Now, that response wasn't about friendship. So on a scale from one through ten, how much do you like her?"
"Nine," I said.
Haymitch nodded. "And how much do you love her?"
"I . . . I don't know . . . it's just a crush."
Haymitch laughed. "Gale, there is no such thing as crushes in these parts. Now I have an idea that can keep both you and Siobhan alive longer in these games. But you need to put your heart on your sleeve. Got it?"
My heart on my sleeve?
.o0o.
By the end of the session with Haymitch I felt awkward. His plan was crazy and downright wrong. If it doesn't work I might lose my friendship? So after that I went into my room and had dinner there. Eating some good food with anger and taking it out on Haymitch, the Hunger Games, everything that of the Capitol, population and all while smashing dishes against the wall. Even the Red Avox girl came in to clean things up.
"Just leave it." I yelled. "Just leave it alone."
Just the sight of her, reminds me of that day. How I could do nothing but protect Katniss and let her be capture while her friend gets speared. But instead of leaving my room, she came up to me with a wash cloth and cleans my face and tended my wounds on my hand. Why is she doing this? She supposes to hate me?
"I should have saved you." I whispered.
She shook her head no, pointing her finger at her then at my chest. I think she meant I'll end up like her friend and Katniss become an Avox as well. Nodding I helped her clean up. Not give a damn about the rules and crap. Once done she left and I grovel, looking out the window and lean against it. It was raining. Ironic, they can make the weather in the arena, but they can't control actual weather. With a sigh, I took a shower and change into some pajama bottoms. When I got out, I notice how worst the storm has gotten as the thunder roar and the lightning strike. Checking my clock to see it was ten o'clock.
A knock was heard, but I just focused on the storm. The guess came in with the scent of chocolate. Another thunder boomed out and the person squeaked out of fear. "Gale?"
I turned around to find Siobhan in a tank top and boy shorts, as she held two cups of hot chocolates her hand shaken. That's right, it hardly storms in district twelve. So I walked up to her and accepted the mug.
"Siobhan, why are you up?"
"Couldn't sleep," She mumbled, before another sound of thunder boomed. She flinched and closed her eyes. "Sorry, wanted to see if you're alright, I'll go now."
"No, don't." I said taking her hand and lead her to the bed. She sat down with caution, understanding why. We were two legally age teens. But I would never thought of doing anythingintimate at the moment with her. So I sat down next to her and drank my hot chocolate while watching the storm. The storm got worse and she was getting agitated.
"Can I turn on the radio?" she asked. I wasn't found of the radio, listening to the capitol musicians sing in ridicules high pitch voices, but I nodded. She set her empty cup down and reaches the radio on the night stand and turn on the radio. It was some station I never heard; she sat back and rested her head on my shoulder.
"Come away little lass
Come away to the water
To the ones that are waiting only for you
Come away little lass
Come away to the water
Away from the life that you always knew
We are calling to you
Come away little light Come away little lamb Come away little lamb
Come away to the darkness
In the shade of the night we'll come looking for you
Come away little light
Come away to the darkness
To the ones appointed to see it through
We are calling for you
We are coming for you
Come away to the water
Give yourself so we might live anew
Come away little lamb
Come away to the slaughter
To the ones appointed to see this through
We are calling for you
We are coming for you
Come away to the water
To the arms that are waiting only for you
Come away little lamb come away to the slaughter
To the one appointed to see this through
We are calling for you
We are coming for you
We are coming for you
We are coming for you"
"Gale," Siobhan whispered.
I paused after listening to the song, looking down to find her almost asleep. I adjusted her to lie down and got us under the convers. She scooted up and snuggled into my form, while I listen to her sniffle her fears. This was how close I could get in understanding that she was afraid. Afraid of death, afraid of loss, and most importantly afraid of what could have been for us. I wrapped an arm around her and brought her close to me, and rubbed her back soothing her some. She was shaking; she lifted her head and lean up.
She examine my eyes thoroughly through the darkness, looking whatever she saw in my eyes, till she lean forward and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Eyes widen, but I restrained myself, from doing anything. She's scared and confused at the moment. When she pulled back she cradled my face.
"If we were backed home . . . would you have asked me out?"
". . . Yes."
"Guess we were both blinded to see it."
Before I could asked what she meant. She lay back down and went fast asleep. Sighing I turned down the radio and listen to the storm. I know I want to live and be there for my family. But I can't think of living in a world without Siobhan. If there was only some way that can let both of us win? But doing so will defy the Capitol and our families will be at stake. Holding Siobhan tighter, in response of a peaceful sigh; I know what I'm going to do.
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Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Song used was Come away to the Water by Maroon 5 (feat. Rozzi Crane)
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