Chapter Three - "Happy Birthday, Emery!"
I awake to a telltale jingle that makes even the saddest of people smile.
Shifting upward on my bed, I glance over at the electronic mirror on my vanity. It displays the date of December first, HG 75 - 2138 if you want to get technical - alongside a show of balloons and confetti. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMERY!" is displayed just below the day and date. I grin, swiveling my feet from the bed onto a ball of dark gray fur. Feeling this, the Capitol Shorthair cat below me trills out in surprise.
"Hello Katni-" I begin, immediately catching my tongue as I sigh and grin. "Good morning...Kat."
As soon as the girl-who-shall-not-be-named shot her arrow into the forcefield, Mother demanded that I change her name. She responds to Kat so Kat it is. I find myself making the mistake of calling her by that name daily. After giving Kat some well-deserved pets for being the cutie she is, I slip on my communicuff and activate the audio recording feature:
"1st December, HG 75
It's my birthday! I'm twelve years old. Twelve! I can't believe it! Another year of learning and growing up! It even sounds nice...twelve years old. So much has changed not just for me, but for Panem too. Given everything that's going on right now, I can't help but wonder how this year will go...and the next. How does one have a good birthday with all this mess going on?
I make my way downstairs to the living room where Mother and Clancy both watch the news, Mother on the sofa and Clancy on the loveseat. They're both already dressed for the day in a dress and cadet uniform. That's all people seem to watch now, not that I'm complaining and not that there's anything else worth watching. Chad Blakely talks about a surge of new goods coming in via District 1. That's great news."
As I end the recording, I frown at the message telling me that my memory is full. I scramble back upstairs to check for memory cards. A routine check of my drawers tells me that I have no more memory cards left. I figure I'll let Mother know that I need another.
...
"Good morning, Emmy." Mother greets as I enter the living room proper. "Happy birthday my beloved."
"Thank you, Mother." I smile in reply, letting Kat down from my grasp. I size up my older brother as he rises from his seat and stalks toward me. Just recently turning seventeen this past October, I can't help but feel like a puny outlier tribute to his bloodthirsty Career closing in for the kill.
"Happy birthday Em," he says in a voice filled with unknown intentions. He continues stalking toward me and I can't help but skirt backward. I think I know where this is going. "You know...being such a Capitol-tier brother, I thought I'd give you an early birthday present..." Before I could even question it, he has be by the bicep with one arm as he pounds it with the other.
Thump. "One-"
"OW!"
Thump. "Two-"
I whine out in pain, trying to tug myself out of his grasp but it's no use. I'm on my toes and Clancy's half a person taller than me.
"Oww, Mother please!-"
Thump. Thump. Thump. "Three, four, five-"
"Clancy, not so rough." Mother chides, her voice sounding distant while scrolling through her holopad. "I could hear those blows from here." Kat, my warrior knight in furry armor, attempts to come to my rescue by meowing and nibbling at Clancy's heels, but he carries out my beats regardless.
Thump. "-And twelve!" Clancy says with a sigh, pinching my tender arm and causing me to yell out. "And a pinch to grow an inch!"
He lets me go, causing me to teeter back and forth for a few seconds but I get my bearings just as fast. I nurse my arm, giving Clancy the side eye.
"Damn you, mutt-for-brains..."
"Emmy, language." Mother chides, sounding distant as her eyes remain focused on the holovision. "Just because you're twelve doesn't mean you can cuss the night away."
"Yeah, and damming your brother after he got you this nice gift isn't a good look either." Clancy adds, moving over to the sofa and back to me with a pink box in hand. My glare quickly changes into a look of elation as I strip the box of its white ribbon and lift the cover to reveal black Mary-Jane shoes and white stockings. I can't help but grin at the wedge heels on the shoes. Mother said no heels until I'm older, but flat heels are a step in the right direction. "Happy birthday, Em."
My rage all but gone, I roll my eyes and I give my big brother a side hug. "Thank you, Clancy."
"Don't mention it." he replies, waving me off, "The stores are having sales like crazy to make up for the war ruining everything."
"Speaking of sales, get dressed Emery." Mother says, nodding toward the holovision where we see Peacekeepers and workers alike hauling goods off of armored trains. "It wouldn't hurt to go shopping one last time...Who knows when we'll be able to go again?"
"What about breakfast?" I ask, that hollow feeling one gets when you just re
"It's your birthday, beloved," Mother replies with a chuckle. "Where do we go for breakfast on your birthday?"
Smiling from cheek to cheek I quickly bound up the stairs, Kat following in tow, as I slip on Clancy's gift as well as a blouse and cardigan. It's snowing outside, I notice from the study I share with between Clancy and I. The mountains and valley look absolutely lovely from our window. Just as I finish changing, I spot Dawn. As soon as she catches my eye I send a wave her way, smiling as she returns the favor - just like old times. Maybe with my birthday as leverage, Mother will allow me to see her today.
...
Bundled up in my warm frock coat, I wave goodbye to Clancy who hops into his car on the way to his job at the distribution center. I learned from school that the Capitol barely made stuff of its own. Now that war has broken out, often I see on the news that new warehouses are constantly being built, especially here in Bountiful! And since Clancy goes to Ravinstill Academy, I guess it's good form to put him to work there - being a future Peacekeeper Officer and all.
With Clancy out of the way, Mother is free to drive us to Daybreak Diner, a Smithson family favorite since forever. It's run by the Gayle family - a wife, husband and their two children. Their daughter Annora is quick to meet us as we enter. She's a very pale, blonde woman, a little bit older than Clancy. You would think she was shy judging by how she looked, but she's the bipolar opposite.
"Good morning, Annora!" I chime.
"Hello, Annora," Mother says warmly.
"Hello Mrs. Smithson, Emery." Annora replies, grinning brightly as she regards the two of us. "You two look eager to sit down, which means that it must be someone's special day."
"Yes it is." says Mother, caressing my neck. "Twelve years old, can you believe that?"
"Oh wow, just the other day you were so small." Annora beams, glancing at me. "Happy birthday, Emery. Twelve is a good age."
"Thank you Annora." I say, glancing down at her hands that she has folded at her front. I notice the diamond ring on her finger. "What's that?"
"Oh, this...?" she asks, extending her hand forward so I take a look. "I am Annora Smith, now. We kept the ceremony small."
Mother grins as Annora opens her communicuff and scrolls the various photos of her and her husband. "Oh congratulations, honey."
"Thank you so much. I'm very happy with him." Annora replies, nodding as she turns her attention to me. "Now enough about me, someone needs a birthday breakfast right this instant. Follow me to your seats!"
It doesn't take long to get served. My eyes twitter with glee at the pancakes drizzled with strawberry syrup, scrambled eggs, home fries and sausages that are laid down before us. I only wish that Father were here to enjoy it with me.
"Mother, have you spoken to Father recently?" I ask.
"No Emmy, he hasn't called. You know busy it is with the war coming so close." she replies, her voice fast and distant as she waves a hand toward me. "How are the eats, beloved?"
"Absolutely wonderful, Mother," I answer. "I'll never ever ever get enough of this place-"
"Excuse me, Ms. Gayle?" Another woman squawks from a couple of booths down. "Could you perhaps turn the holovision on?! There's a war going on and not having the news on is quite a disservice I might add."
"Of course, Miss." Annora's mother answers in a tone that's quite strained. Mrs. Gayle does what is asked, turning the holovision on as PBC's Marceline Devereaux details "The Valiant Defense of District 2"
"I'm here now with the cadets of Barron Overwhill Academy, consisting of aspiring Peacekeepers as young as fourteen who remain steadfast in their belief of the Capitol! Many of these brave young people hoped to use their skills to prove their mettle in a Hunger Games arena, but from what I'm hearing, defending their Capitol is the next best thing!" The camera focuses on a boy that appears to be Clancy's age. The title at the bottom of the screen introduces him as Cadet Pilsner. "Randall right? Please, give us your thoughts as you gear up for another day of fighting."
"Surely ma'am, let me start by saying it's an honor to serve the Capitol." the boy says in a deep, confident voice as his blue eyes stare through the cameras and towards me. At least that's how it feels. "The Capitol has treated me, my family and my friends well. How the Rebels swear fealty to a district that abandoned us all those years ago is beyond me. The Capitol is merciful. And when they win, I know they'll make things right again. So until then, my friends and I here will fight to ensure that happens."
Mother excuses herself to go to the washroom. I barely mumble an "Okay." as I continue to watch the interview.
"And fight you have." Marceline croons, turning to face the camera. "It should be noted that many of Cadet Pilsner's schoolmates have made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and stability. We will remember them and hope that their sacrifices serve as a motivator for us all. This is Marceline Devereaux, PBC News, District 2."
I grin warmly as Annora stops by my booth. "Is everything okay over here, Emery?"
I nod. I saw Annora shake her head as the interview with the Cadet played out, so I ask her, "What do you think of the war, Annora?"
"Oh, um..."she laughs dryly, leaning down towards me as if telling me a secret. "Well, I...I find it rather sad, really."
I blink. Why? "Why is it sad?" I ask in reply. "The Rebels deserve it, no? They started it."
Annora fixes me a serious look, glancing this way and that in a way that reminds me of the commercials warning against "Rebellious thought". "Shame on you Carmella." one of the characters would chide when 'Carmella' spoke negatively about the war. "With that blabbermouth of yours, you'd be a good fit for the Rebels!" Then a voice would inform us to report people like Carmella to Peacekeepers.
Annora says to me, "Think about it, Emery." before she moves on to the next batch of customers coming through.
So I do think about it, grinning at Mother as she returns back to the table. How was the war sad? I guess the 'sad' thing about it is the fact that the Rebels are trashing everything in an attempt to tear the nation apart. They do this despite everything the Capitol does for them - security, government, stability...Also, I'm tired of hearing about fallen Peacekeepers all the time, wondering if Father will be next on the nightly reports. So yeah, I guess the war is quite sad. Victoria was right, Katniss is a bitch and the Rebels that follow her are mutt bastards.
Just as we pull on our coats and head out the door, a tall man that resembles Annora's husband enters the diner with a messenger bag across his body. He's a hesitant looking fellow and despite his broad shoulders, tall stature, swept blond hair and light blue eyes he's made small by the way his eyes constantly shift from left to right and the way he clutches the bag like a woman would her purse.
"Are you Mr. Smith?"
"Huh?" He looks around once more before settling his eyes on Mother. "Y-Y-Yes, I'm Mr. Smith."
My face scrounges with uncertainty. Now he's barely looking us in the eye. I've been through enough school and Mother's drilling to know that you can't trust a person who doesn't look you in the eye. Mother doesn't even seem to notice.
"Well, congratulations to you two," Mother chimes, extending her hand toward him. "You treat Annora right, okay? She's a good, respectable young lady who deserves nothing but the best."
He peers over Mother's shoulder and then focuses his attention back on her. I follow his eyes, only to see Mr. Gayle hanging around what looks like a basement door.
"Of course I will, Miss! There isn't a cruel bone in my body I swear it."
"Good-"
"Now if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to. You two ladies have a nice day, alright?"
Mother is already out the door as I watch him greet Mr. Gayle and Annora as they bound down the stairs. They remind me of how me and my friends would huddle together before sneaking off to wherever we were going to go. Or maybe he was just a naturally shy, private person.
...
Like a beehive, the local supermarket is flooded with people. It was like a cornucopia and everyone inside were tributes scrambling for supplies. The shelves, usually full of stuff, were now empty. People were having animated conversations over the stupidest of things. Workers would break down a pallet of goods and people would swarm it to try and secure the goods for themselves. I watch this with a bad feeling in my stomach. I've read my history textbooks and watched all the documentaries. The war is coming to the Capitol, whether we like it or not. Mother watches it all with the same expression she shows when she's disappointed in either me or Clancy - lidded eyes with straight lips as she lets out a sigh.
"Luckily we just need a top-up...among some other things." she says, placing my hand on the cart like I'm a nine-years-old again. "Keep close, beloved."
My eyes spot a lady with a cart full of various glasses and things that weren't food. "Okay, Mother," I answer.
Mother trusts me to move from the comfort of the cart to collect the items we need. The majority of the items are canned stuff, which I easily obtain my using my small size to worm my way through the colorful coats of my fellow Capitolites. I notice two very concerned women chatting to themselves at the end of the aisle.
"This is probably how our ancestors acted..." One of the women muses with a shake of the head as she watches the chaos unfold.
"Well, I just hope that what I have here will do," Answers the other woman. "My great grandmother had to eat...frozen bodies off the street."
I shudder as I walk past the pair. I've heard about the poverty and the Mountain Rabies...But not eating other people. I really hope that Father and that Cadet Randall Pilsner can keep their promise of staving off the Rebels. With Mother getting what she needs, we move from the empty food sections towards the other goods, like the barely touched electronics. I immediately remember that my memory card was full for my communicuff and that I could use some more.
"Mother, could we get a new memory card for my cuff?" I ask, tugging her arm. "All of mines are full. Remember I told you a few weeks back?"
"Sure beloved, but um, it seems they're putting them away." she replies, pointing to a pair of Peacekeepers ripping them from the shelves and into a box, "Kind of odd, don't you think?"
"Why are they going away?"
"There's a war going on kid," The Peacekeeper answers, "It'd be kinda easy to mouth off a few words or take a few pictures and smuggle it around, don'tcha think?"
I blink. I didn't quite think about that. It would be quite easy, but how would they get the information out of the Capitol and to the Rebels? Mother places a gentle hand on my shoulder.
"How about you pour your heart out the old fashioned way?" she says.
My nose wrinkles at the proposal. "Everyone types their work out now, Mother," I reply. Only for writing out arithmetic or tests do I use paper, otherwise I bring my datapad to school. Mother brings me to the stationary section, where a whole facing of notebooks are displayed for us to choose from.
"You kids and your tech..." Mother scoffs, grinning as she shakes her head and nods to shelf. "Go on, choose one," She says. Little did she know that I already had one in mind as I reach up and collect a purple notebook with the words DIARY printed in gold on the front cover. I think it's perfect.
"I have one more...'surprise' to show you before we head back home," Mother says.
I grin. "What 'surprise' is that?"
She leads us to a storefront-like building marked "MINISTRY OF LABOR", just across the way from the Bountiful Market and the Diner. Its only when we get closer that I see flashy signs saying "CLEARANCE, 70% OFF!", "100% CONDITIONED, 100% EFFICIENT!" and a advertisement showcasing an Avox vacuuming a floor while a man lounges in his living room while a voice says "Now you truly have all the time in the world." My heart beats like there's no tomorrow.
"Are we getting another Avox?!" I cry, regarding Mother with wide eyes and a grin as wide as Panem as she nods. I gasp with glee, tugging her along as we enter the store proper only to be greeted by a smiling man in a burgundy, double-breasted suit.
"Why hello there ladies." the salesman purrs as he meets us halfway and leans against the counter top close by. My eyes trail down to his black and white dress shoes and then up to his long face where a pencil-thin mustache resides. "My name is Quentin and I would be absolutely delighted to help you out today."
Mother extends her hand for Quentin to shake which he takes gingerly. "Hello, Quentin. I'm Gloria. I called prior in regards to getting a replacement?"
"Ah, Mrs. Smithson, we've been expecting you," caressing his mustache, Quentin's eyes flicker my way, "And you must be the daughter. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree it seems."
A subtle squeeze of the shoulder by Mother prompts me to say "Hello Mr. Quentin." in return. He motions for us to follow him and we do, my eyes glancing around the showroom as various other mothers and fathers and couples regard the Avoxes as the tongueless servants stand on pedestals to be looked at. I also can't help but notice the other sales associates walking around with batons in their hands and on their hips.
"As you know, the situation in the Capitol calls for most Avoxes to help build defence for the city in case of attack." Mr. Quentin says, waving his hand to the various male and female Avoxes displayed with her heads bowed. "These ones aren't exactly suited for military labor, thus them being here at slashed cost."
My eyes linger on a portion of the shop that has polarized windows. The department is named "Silent Playmates" with a neon sign that displays an "18+" on it alongside a holoposter that displays a woman clad in leather that barely covers what Mother and I cheekily call "lady bits". Like a claw claiming its prize, Mother uses her hand and forcibly cranes my head to my front. I giggle, trying to crane my head back again when she forces me to look forward once more.
"I've noticed..." Mother says dryly. "Some are older than most. I'm loathe to get one fresh off the rack at an older age. I personally find it better to grow up with one."
"I agree! And you needn't worry Miss," Quentin assures. "Thanks to your husband's military service, we have youngest Avox available for you. Lucius if you could bring it forward..."
The other salesman, Lucius, brings forward a colored girl, like Mother and I. You can tell that she doesn't like the way Lucius handles her, glaring at him while he holds her by the waist.
"Avox #17911 here is about twenty-two and weighs about one thirty." Quentin says. "It's billed as a domestic specialist - superb at cleaning, cooking and entertaining little Miss Smithson as well."
"It's inoculated - all its shots are up to date, so on and so forth?" Mother asks with a weary expression.
"Of course, Miss." Quentin replies, bowing his head. "And rest assured that if there are any faults you can bring it back here for a checkup."
"What happened to its leg?" Mother asks, motioning a foot to the Avox. The young woman seems to be standing on said leg rather awkwardly, extending it outward while the other stands up as expected.
Quentin frowns. "Ah yes...A slight defect from its past life-"
"Define 'defect'?"
"It foolishly decided to riot back in District 11, sometime during HG 74. A pity, really." the Salesman replies with a shake of the head. "But where it makes up for that is the fact that it is an Elevener. As you can see, it's in prime physical condition."
Mother turns to me. "What do you think Emmy?"
Using his baton, Lucius forcefully raises the Avox's chin. "Look up so the ladies can get a proper look," he hisses.
I look at the Avox from head to toe. I like the fact that she looks like us from the black skin to her poofy hair. I manage to lock eyes with her, brown eyes on brown eyes, until she shifts them elsewhere. She looks angry but I imagine we'll be the best of friends once she gets settled. I like her.
I turn to Mother. "I like her. Could we get her?"
Mother grins at me, lifting her head to face the Salesman once more as she says, "You heard the birthday girl, Quentin."
"Well alright!" Mr. Quentin says, flashing us his pearly whites. "Let's get the ball rolling with some paperwork. And did I hear that today is your special day? How about I throw in some feed for the Avox on the house?"
...
The entire car ride home, I couldn't help but stare at the Avox as I wonder about all the things we could do together just like how Mamie and I used to play before she passed away. The Avox keeps her eyes glued to the outside world, though. I figure there will be plenty of time to break the ice. As we turn onto our street, I can't help but notice that there were plenty of cars parked everywhere. There's a Peacekeeper truck down the road as well, with helmetless soldiers staring right at us.
"Avox, usually I would give you a tour in order to acquaint yourself with the home." Says Mother as we pull into the driveway. I notice that Clancy is back. "But that would have to wait until later in the evening, as your job begins as soon as we enter through the doors. Take the bags from the trunk and bring them inside, please."
We all leave the confines of the car. Mother waits at the verandah while I follow the Avox to the car, being concerned about her foot and all. When the Avox and I join Mother on the verandah, I can't help but notice a wide grin on her face. Mother punches in the door code and ushers me forward as I maintain wary eye contact with her. It's dark. With Clancy home, I would think that some lights would be on. Deciding to go to the living room to get an update on the war, I flick off my shoes and make my way over, only to scream out as the lights switch on and a multitude of people spring out from every which corner screaming "SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMERY!"
The first person I notice is a man wearing a military dress uniform. Clancy's older half - my Father. I rush into his arms, soaking his tunic with tears as he picks me up halfway as if I were littler again. In-between sobs I ask him, "What happened...to...the War?"
"Well hello to you too..." he chuckles, running hand through my curls. "The fronts have stabilized. The weather is to blame."
"Hey, Emmy!" I feel a hand tug on my shoulder, turning around to see Dawn beaming from ear to ear. I immediately hug her, avoiding the strained smiles I spot her parents sporting. All my classmates were here, Evan, Persephone, Nevaeh, Adrian and so on. Even Victoria came, even though my having friends depends solely on inviting her when I don't really want to - Mother makes me. Something about "Having friends in higher places", it makes sense I suppose.
Before the grownups split away from us, Father taps my shoulder. He gives me a mahogany box with my initials on it - E.M.S - Emery Marie Smithson. Inside, on velvet cushioning lays a pen with my name in gold cursive. Woah...
"For my young writer," Father says with a smirk. "Clancy and your mother have been telling me that you've been bugging them for more memory space. So, I sent Clancy to go get that made for you."
"I didn't want to get a book you didn't want, so I had you choose one instead!" Mother chimes, wrapping and arm around Father's waist.
"I got you something too." Dawn says, offering me a box. Giving her another hug, I quickly tear into it to find a whole outfit - a black skirt with black suspenders and a white blouse with black buttons and a black bowtie. That earns Dawn another hug, this time with my cheek pressing against hers. If I could, I would wear it forever like a cartoon character. I get money from Victoria and the others, too much money to count. Maybe after the war I could stock up on more memory cards.
Switching into Dawn's gift, I invite my friends downstairs into the basement for an afternoon of video games. We play a couple rounds of Jig-Jig Revolt using special sensors as well as a team game of Trivial Pursuit: Hunger Games Edition - boys against girls of course. The boys, living and breathing video games more than us girls, play as if they were fighting in an arena, causing plenty of friendly arguments. Still, I'm glad everyone is having fun.
"You have a new Avox?" Victoria asks, eyeing the servant as she offers everyone a platter of various foods.
"We just got her today." I reply, gobbling up a dumpling.
"Hmph, no wonder, it has a serious scowling problem." Victoria scoffs, shaking her head as the Avox returns upstairs, "If she were my Avox, it would get a stern correction."
...
Later that evening, after some cake and a round of "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow", the house is emptied of my friends and their parents as I sit on the sofa and watch more updates from the front while occasionally watching the Avox scrub dirty dishes. I notice that I didn't even get her name. I knew Mother's Avox - Mamie - since birth. Most don't have names anymore, I figure, but if she's going to stick around for a long period of time, we might as well treat her like family.
"Emery, perhaps you could show the Avox around?" Mother asks, furthering my reasoning to get to know the servant a little bit more.
"Okay," I chirp back, waiting for the Avox to dry her hands before putting one of them in mine, "Come on, I'll give you the grand tour. Our home isn't a Crane hotel, but you'll come to like it very soon."
I start off with the basement first. It's like Dawn's - a hardwood floor, beige walls and dark brown sofas. One more person could live down here if they pleased. I show her Mamie's room, which doubles as the generator room. It's less designed, lest you want to start a fire. I point to the single bed in the corner.
"That would be your bed," I say to her. "Mother thinks you need to prove yourself first so...I guess I'll show you to your temporary bed..."
Sliding open the backyard door, I gesture over to the shed in the corner. Repairmen a month ago put it together. It's like a miniature house. I frown as the older girl blinks in response.
"Given how snowy it is outside, we might let you sleep inside tonight," I add sheepishly in reply. Sleeping out in the cold is a little much, I agree. "And you should see the shed for the Fong family's Avox. It's a rickety old thing."
Next up, is my room styled in the theme of black and white. Though I have nice comforts like a queen-sized bed and a station for my datapad and docket for my assignments, I prefer Clancy's study because I can see the valley and mountains.
"This is my room of course." I explain, watching the Avox as her serious eyes scan around curiously. "Feel free to stop by if you wanna hang out. Mamie would join me on walks to the park or other things when Mother wasn't using her...Speaking of-" I reach over to my desk and collect a pencil and paper and then ask, "What's your name?"
She scowls at me, glancing at the pencil and paper as if they were toxic. Still I push the utensils forward.
"Don't be silly, you can write here. In fact, Mother should give you a communicuff soon."
Reluctantly, she takes the paper and pencil, sitting down at my chair as she neatly jots her name down. PEONY is the end result.
"Peony is such a wonderful name." I say, extending my hand forward. "I'm Emery. I'm so jazzed to have you here with us. It's going to be great, I promise you."
Her frown softens a bit as she takes my hand in hers and pumps it. My grin grows. In a few weeks time, she and I will be together like a dog and a flea.
...
Later on, we settle down in the living room. I have to tell Peony multiple times to sit down beside me and wait until she's directed to do something by either me, Clancy or Mother. We watch a report on Capitol women flocking to newly established factories when I hear Mother and Father exchanging sharp words with one another. I rise up to check it out, only for Peony to place a firm hand on my chest.
I remove her hand and move from the sofa. "It's okay Peony, I'll take my dings if I get caught."
I transition from the living room into the hallway where Father's private study door is slightly open. I can't understand a word from either of them, seeing as the conversation is very hushed. I slowly continue to approach the door only to freeze as Mother marches out. Instead of scolding me for snooping, she informs me that Father wants to speak with me.
I quickly enter the room, taking it all in like a tall glass of water. The door to his study is always closed, sealed with a scanner that only takes his thumbprint. I take in the mahogany walls, the flag of his regiment and the various awards he's earned during his time in the service. My eyes quickly land on the holomonitor displaying a map of Panem. The Capitol and some areas in Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are green but there's a lot more red than green I notice. Father quickly shuts off the map before I could study it further.
"Take a seat, Em," Father says, gesturing to one of the armchairs before his desk. He's dressed in his greatcoat and has his peaked cap on, which means he's leaving again. Not too long ago, I would cry about it but now I kinda learned to put it in my head and lock it away for me to think about on my own.
"You're leaving, right?" I ask.
"Yes Emery, back to the front I go." Father replies solemnly with a sigh and a nod. "Snow won't stop the Rebels from cooking something up for me to contend with."
He pours out the last of a bottle of wine into a tumbler filled with ice. Grownups always look lively when wine is around.
"May I try some?" I ask, watching as he sips some. Maybe because I asked, he ends up downing the entire glass.
"Are you crazy? You're twelve, not seventeen." he snorts, setting down the glass. I smile too. It was a worth a try.
We share an okay silence. Father is happy to just stare at me, thinking, while I take in all the photos and flags and whatnot that decorate his often locked office. Then Father asks me, "What do you think of the war, Emmy? Are you concerned at all?"
I take off my glasses and rub my eyes. "I'm not sure what's going to happen... We've been through this before. I just hope that the same result happens again. And yes, I am concerned. Mostly about you, though."
Father hums, reclining back in his chair while looking at me intently. "How's that friend of yours, Dawn Fong?"
"She's okay..." I answer wearily. Since my visit to Dr. Silverman's, I've decided to keep my feelings in my head or my journal.
Father's not satisfied, judging by the slight grin on his lips and the slightly raised brow as he says, "It's evening now and you still haven't changed out of that gift she gave you?"
I say nothing, wriggling my mouth in an attempt to make the heat go away from my cheeks.
"You're an unholy combination of your mother and I. There's always more to you than meets the eye, twelve going on nineteen..."
I grin as he continues to chuckle away. I think that makes a lot of sense. I know I'm young, but that doesn't make me a fool like Mrs. Fong thinks I should be.
"Well darling...I just wanted to let you know that everything will be okay."
I frown. "But the Capitol is being surrounded-"
"Everything will be okay." Father assures me, this time more pressingly. "Everything will be fine and you'll be able to grow up, become an amazing writer and travel throughout Panem freely without a worry in the world.
I recline back in the armchair, taking in his words. It doesn't seem like things will be fine, but he's the Peacekeeper Officer, so he would know more than I.
Coming Up Next...
I do what mother instructs, although it takes a moment to properly fasten the thing around my face due to my abundance of curly hair. I already have the urge to rip this thing off, but if I want to wake up later today, I have to wear it. Just as I make my way to my room, Mother calls out to me.
"Are you sure you want to sleep upstairs?" she asks, her voice seeping with concern.
I pause at the landing. "I'll be fine...I think."