10/12/14
Hi again! So, I know I kindof disappeared, but I have a (somewhat) decent reason this time. I signed up for NaNoWriMo so now I have to get a couple things sorted out. But I think I have everything now, so that's good? I think I'll use that time to work on the sequel for TMG, that way it won't take forever and a day to post.
Reviews:
Lya200: Don't worry, it's coming soon
ArtemisCarolineSnow: :)
Annabeth-TheTributeThatLived: I know, right? Johanna will get her revenge though.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games or anything else I may mention.
…..
Chapter 37: Career
The death of my mother was largely unheard of. Maple has come to the conclusion that Ivy's death wasn't an accident, that it was caused deliberately so the media didn't have to focus on my mother. Of course they don't really care that either of them died, but since Ivy's one of their oh-so-precious victors there's an outrage. The Capitol demanded we send them the bodies for an autopsy. When they came back, they were in wooden coffins that were nailed shut, like they do for tributes. So basically, not only did they take both my mother and my aunt away from me, but now I can't see them one last time.
It's hard, mourning two people at once. It's something I never want to go through again, but a part of me knows I'll be doing it the rest of my life. I've also discovered that Blight and I have two very different ways of mourning. While I shut out the world and mostly stay in a daze, Blight is the crying type. In other words, he cries no matter where he is or what he's doing. He could be doing something completely normal, like taking a walk or brushing his teeth, and he'll suddenly think of something that brings him to tears.
I don't blame him. I wish I could cry too, but I just can't. It's like all my tears have been used up. That doesn't mean I miss them any less than Blight does, I just can't bring myself to cry. Maybe it's because crying is a weakness. Yes, that has to be it. I've learned that crying is a sign of weakness, and this place is crawling with Peacekeepers that I need to look strong for. If Snow knows just how much this affected me, who knows what he'll do to Maple and Ava? Luckily, even though I've spent most of my time by myself, I've managed to keep an eye on my "sisters".
"Are you okay?" Maple asks gently. I nod my head, continuing to stare at the graves.
"How's your foot?" I ask.
"It's better. Sometimes I feel like it might break again or something, but it's fine now," Maple shrugs. She sure has change since the Games. Both of us have. A year ago, Maple would've been cussing out President Snow, blaming him for every little part of this. She's calmed down, she really has. No wonder Mom didn't seem to dislike her anymore.
"Maple, about Snow's threat…"
"Blight told me," Maple says simply. "I'm proud of you, you know. You stood up for yourself. That takes strength."
"It was in the heat of the moment, like everything I do. But thanks anyways. You know you're in danger, right?"
"Yeah, and Ava too. But she doesn't have anything to worry about, I don't think. She's Nero's daughter, right? He's the sentimental type. I doubt he'd dare lay a finger on her," Maple points out.
"But what about you?" I ask.
"I think I'll train like a Career and hope for the best. What's the worst he can do to me? Kill me? And then what? Johanna, think about it. Worst case scenario, he won't have anyone to hold against you!"
"You're right. But what about you?" I ask.
"Don't worry about it. I'll be fine, I can handle myself," Maple says arrogantly.
"Okay. We start training tomorrow," I decide.
"Thanks," Maple says.
"No problem. You'll need it."
…..
There will be a small time skip next chapter. Just 4 or 5 months, so nothing too big. I would cram in some fillers, except I don't really have anything to cram in. Actually, the story itself only has 10 or so chapters left. We're near the end guys :/
Quote of the day!
"I seriously doubt he's getting that kind of mileage." –Toy Story 2, Ham
May the odds be ever in your favor,
Spectrobes Princess