Something to Avenge

by Mad Scientist Sidekick

The 74th annual Hunger Games are about to begin, and this year promises plenty of drama, with District 12's first volunteer, Katniss Everdeen, victor and tech mogul Howard Stark's son, Anthony, the little brother of the deadliest tribute ever, Clint Barton, the enigmatic Drusa Romanov, and the defiant Thresh all going head to head. What chance does shy village healer Spruce stand?

26. Ch 16: Playing to the Audience (Spruce)

Chapter 16

Playing to the Audience

Spruce

Now that Katniss is no longer in her tracker jacker fever, we're all sleeping in the trees. Katniss and Clint sleep in separate trees from me and the kids. They sleep pretty far apart, but I know he wshes they were sleeping next to each other.

I'm almost asleep when I hear the ding of a parachute. It falls right in my lap and I open it excitedly – if it's food besides groosling, I'll be thrilled, but I'm hoping it's Stephen's epinephrine.

It's a pair of socks. A small pair of socks – even Rue probably can't wear them. I unfold the note, knowing Johanna must have just sent it to me to get a message in. But it's not Johanna's handwriting. I've never seen his writing before, but I quickly surmise it's Marty and I can practically hear his voice yelling at me as I read it. "YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG. Boy you wanna play house you better get some action. You want the medicine, you better make a move. – M." I stare at it for a long time, swallow my anger (the Other Guy has been growling ever since I saw the socks) and I look at the camera. "Gee, thanks ever so much Marty. I think I can use these as bandages, how did you know?" I say, in the same syrupy sweet voice Johanna uses when she's being sarcastic, before I rip up the note and stuff it in my pocket. I put the socks in my backpack though – I really can use them as bandages if I run out of the gauze.

I don't know it but apparently this bit of smartaleckry makes me a hit with Capitol and District audiences alike, because about an hour later I'm woken up by another package landing in the branch above me. I reach up to get it. This time it's Stephen's epinephrine. "Be thankful there's a market for funny guys. But Marty's not wrong. – J."

I look over at Katniss. I have done and will do far worse in these Games than flirt with a girl. Besides, maybe she'll kill me and I won't have to worry about having to kill someone.

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Author's Note

Just a bit of levity before the next chapter. I want to point out that the next chapter has some imagery of domestic violence (it's a flashback) so anyone who's been through that should be warned.