"I will see my sister again, no matter what.'
Bead Thornberry, 17, District 12 Male
He could feel the bed dipping, and let out a yawn as his eyes opened. His little sister sat there, on the other side of the bed, wide eyes shining with tears. He didn't say much, just pulling the covers back and letting her settle in next to him.
"You're okay." He whispered softly to her, letting his fingers run through her hair. He looked over at the window and could see the sun starting to rise. He knew that he would most likely be up for the rest of the day.
"Hey, want to help me with some pots and mugs?" He asked her softly, feeling her nod. Bead had discovered pottery at the age of nine, and fell in love with the activity. It was something that kept him busy.
One he knew enough and was good, as soon as his sister was 9 he began to reach her. He quickly pulled on a different shirt,after getting out of bed. He grasped his sister's hand and led her quietly out of the house. The old shed was now his pottery place, an extremely old wheel had been set up. Flare was already getting everything set up as he grabbed a section of wire and cut a couple chunks of clay.
For the next few hours they worked in silence, with Bead on the wheel, and Flare making plates by hand. This was his safe place. Nothing would happen here. Plus it gave him time to bond with his sister.
He had yet to teach her how to use the wheel, but she had been showing great progress lately. Getting the bowl off the base of the wheel and placing it onto an empty shelf, he got her attention.
"Want to start learning how to use the wheel?" Her eyes lit up and she nodded quickly. A smile appeared on his face. He got up, letting her take the seat, and quickly got a smaller ball of clay ready. Grabbing the water cup and pulling it closer, as well as moving the pedals, he started to teach her.
The first couple of bowls came out a bit rough, smaller than he would have liked but he praised her nonetheless. He placed them on another empty shelf to dry, he'll come back tomorrow. A knock on the door twenty minutes later broke them from their bubble.
His father stuck his head at him, a smile on his face. "You two better go wash up."
Bead led Flare back inside, letting her wash up first. And then it dawned on him, what day it was.
Reaping Day.
He could feel his breath pick up, but fought against it, taking deep breaths in. This was his second to last one.
He would be fine. Someone else would get picked.
He headed back to his room, getting his reaping outfit ready. A simple white button up with black pants, an old pair of his dad's shoes.
From down the hall he could hear his mother's voice as she most likely started to braid Flares hair. Her voice is soft and gentle. He was glad that his sister wasn't yet twelve, and that she was still safe from the Games. After quickly washing up, he got dressed, running his fingers through his hair to smooth it out.
A deep breath in.
Exhale.
He could do this.
A quick breakfast of some toast, the family headed out, his mother staying back due to her being ill. They were caught up by a couple of Bead's friends and one of Flare's friends. Rust and Clover were smiling and hugged him quickly, the words in the air not spoken.
One of them could get chosen that year.
A tap on the microphone brought everyone out of their thoughts. Anubis Maximum stood there, a sickening grin on his face.
"Welcome, Welcome. It's time for the Reaping for the One Hundredth Annual Hunger Games!" His voice crooned out, as a stretched smile overtook his face. "As always, let us start with a video from the Capitol!"
Like always, almost everyone turned away from the video, Bead included.
The man grinned again as the video ended, moving over to the female bowl where a few names were at.
"The female tribute for this year's Hunger Games is-" He was caught off by a girl, yelling out.
"I volunteer." She called out, her voice strong and powerful. There was a collective gasp as people realized what she was doing. She held her head up strongly as she made her way to the stage, Bead noted. She seemed powerful, and almost dangerous.
He would have to watch out for her.
"What's your name dear?"
"Lia McMuraro."
"Wonderful. And now for the male tribute." There was only a pause as he selected the name before he read it out.
"Bead Thornberry!"
A sharp scream filled the air, his sister. He choked back a sob, and willed the tears to not fall as he made his way to the stage.
He had to be strong.
They shook hands, his grip strong, a glare on his face as they were led separately to city hall.
Flare came running in, followed closely by their father. Tears were already streaming down her face. He pulled her into a tight hug.
"Why you?" She sobbed out, her breath coming out in gasps.
"I wish I knew. I wish I knew." He whispered into her hair, willing himself not to cry.
His father, tears in his eyes, pulled him into a tight hug.
"Listen Flare," He spoke to her as soon as his father released him. "I need you to help take care of mom okay?" She nodded, and he bent down to wipe the tears away.
"Don't worry about me too much, I'm going to be okay."
"I love you."
"I love you more."
"I love you most."
His next visitors were Clover and Rust.
They sat next to him on the couch, words going unspoken.
"I'll be okay." He spoke softly, as if he was trying to convince himself.
"We know you will be. It's just the other tributes, some have trained for this since before they could walk." Clover voiced, her head in her hands.
"I know. I'll spend training doing what I need to do to secure my shot at surviving."
"Just make sure you give it your all?" Rust spoke, clearing his throat softly.
"I will. I'll miss you guys."
Connor was his last visitor. Storming in and capturing him into his arms. Tears started to fall down Bead's face. He could only hold his composure for so long.
"Hey, hey. You'll be okay."
"I'm actually terrified. If we're going to be completely honest." Bead let out a small laugh.
"You're going to be amazing. You're strong, determined and smartest person I know."
"Keep an eye on Mom and Flare will ya?" He asked, letting his head rest against Connor's shoulder.
"I promise." Connor pulled him into a soft kiss, emotions pouring into it.
"I love you."
"I love you more."
The train was extremely nice. Sleek and smooth, he just wished the reason he was on it was for a different reason.
Blowing out a sigh, he took his last breath in District Twelve, before stepping onto the train.
Let's go.
Huge thanks to facelesseater for Bead!
