Scout Trinian

District 4 Male, 13
District 4 Justice Building
Reaping Day

Trinity speeds through the obstacle course I built for her, racing towards me with blinding speed. She lurches directly into my arms, snuggling into the nook of my arm and as I laugh.

"She's really learning fast, isn't she?"

I turn around smiling. It's Alex Odyssea, with their red fiery hair and their equally fiery personality. I don't have that many friends, but from those that I do have, Alex is certainly the one I trust the most.

Alex skips down to me, squatting down to my level and peering curiously at Trinity. Their hair flops down into their eyes as they raise their pale eyebrows. I scrunch my nose and they make a face back, mimicking me.

"She's a cute one, isn't she?" they remark, trying to pat Trinity on the head.

Trinity snaps her tiny jaws up in response, and as they shut, a small pink tongue is seeing lolling on the side. I giggle. Alex knows it's not personal, Trinity's just got a bit of a temper, and I'm sure she was expecting a reward for the makeshift maze she just completed. Unfortunately, I didn't bring any snacks along, so she probably decided Alex's finger was worth the shot.

Trinity's a real troublemaker and she looks like one too. She's grey, with fur missing in patches and scars running across her body, whose patterns I like to trace to her annoyance. She has a part of her left ear missing, as though someone bit it off. I don't even want to think of the fights she was in. She's also a rat, which is only slightly unconventional, as far as pets go. When I found her, she immediately reminded me of some sort of furry vicious rodent pirate.

When I was little, there used to be a series of books I absolutely loved. The main character was a sea-faring ferret called Trinity, who was a swashbuckling conqueror of the seas, a treasure aficionado and an absolute adventure fiend. The novels were written just before the Dark Days by a patriot loyal to the Capitol, and were a best-seller a couple of years before the war erupted in full, so I was actually able to enjoy them as part of the literature that hasn't been banned in Panem. Book-Trinity had an eye-patch, a rapier sword and an unfaltering sense of justice. I loved those books, and that's why I called my Trinity the way I did. It also helped that it sounded a lot like my last name. She reminded me of those stories I used to immerse myself in, and in the first few months that I had her, I used to tell her those stories as she paced anxiously and furtively around my room, searching for a way out. She doesn't anymore, because I'm pretty sure she understands she's my Trinity now.

"She's cute but she's feisty," I say, caressing Trinity's little head as she leans into my touch. She really is. I found her a few months back and I can truly say I love her to bits. I don't think I've ever gotten around to loving something as fast as I did with Trinity. My mom was skeptical at first, but she learned to like her as well.

My mom was pretty skeptical about Alex too, in the very beginning, because of the issues she thought being friends with them would entail. I still remember when I was starting my first day of school and meeting Alex there, and telling my mom about the new friend I'd made. About the way they felt about themselves. She used to be worried that I'd get picked on by the other kids, because of Alex.

I have to admit I didn't really think much about it until they explained it to me.

I get it now though. A lot of people don't, but I do. Alex is just a kid like any other, but they don't necessarily feel like a boy or a girl, and I explained that to my mom. Alex told me it was called being non-binary.

My mom understands it too now, when I explained it that way, and I know now that she sees Alex and I together at school, she's happy for the two of us. Through thick and thin, through the bouts of bullying and the recesses spent in our own little corner, we stuck together at all times. If anything, it was always Alex that stood up for the both of us, since I was always the one who preferred to let things slide.

Anyway, we've always clicked, Alex and I. Ever since we were little kids, we went on adventures, fueled by Alex's crazy ideas and me just tagging along. I've never been as loud or as creative as Alex, but it's always just worked.

And now Trinity, my pet rat, joined our ranks and we've really been having a great time this year.

Alex nudges me suddenly. "Are you ready for our fitness test this Friday?"

I nudge them back. "Nope, are you?"

As though we both got possessed by some hellish demon all of a sudden, we both jump up and sprint down the street, Trinity racing alongside us. As I'm sprinting, I make a mental note to come pick up our obstacle course later. I know no one is going to steal it or destroy it because it's made out of useless pieces of garbage. It's also near my house, which is only a few streets away from our Town Square. That's where the highest number of Peacekeepers patrol, so theft is uncommon in our part of town.

We keep running until we reach the rocks that line the waterfront. The waves are crashing against each other with resounding noise, and I'm out of breath, taking in the sharp smell of the ocean.

It's nice.

I can't stand being on a boat, because contrarily to most people in our District I actually get violently sea-sick the moment I step off land, but here, it's actually nice.

I beam at Alex.

"Beat you to it!"

Alex snorts. "I'm pretty sure Trinity beat us both. Face it, we've got noodle legs."

I laugh weakly, still out of breath.

"I'll carry you on my back for the running test, if you drag me behind you while you swim for the nautical component," I remark, patting my leg for emphasis on how noodle-y my legs actually are.

Alex giggles earnestly.

"If only we could merge our skills together, we'd make one functional human being, Scout."

I chuckle, because it's true. We really do complement each other and that's exactly why I couldn't ask for a better best friend.

Alex picks up on the fact that I'm in an exceptionally good mood and starts skipping and smiling, whistling a tune we learnt in music class. It's been stuck in all of our heads for weeks, and I laugh at the sudden memory that comes flooding my brain.

Our teacher, Mrs. Yuoh, really takes everything way too seriously. She is hyper-fixated on the fact that her students need to appear professional at a school concert, and we have to ace this absolutely moronic tune that literally no one cares about. I'm on the triangle, a little silvery obviously triangular instrument, and Alex is on the xylophone and we both just keep missing our cue.

"It's on the count of three, Scout, oh for god's sake, THREE, Scout, can you get this into your thick skull!" Mrs. Yuoh screamed every class for the past two weeks, as Alex died in the background, turning a shade of dark red, their hair flopping around as they almost suffocated from suppressing their laughter. Mrs. Yuoh was so pissed off!

At first it wasn't even on purpose, and I was horrified by the confrontation, but after a while, it became a running gag in our class. I mean, who the heck even cares that much about some stupid school concert anyways?

"Hey Alex, remember Mrs. Yuoh's absolute meltdown?" I ask grinning, knowing the answer already. Of course, they remember. It was a whole thing, for a while.

"Yeah dude, it was really hilarious. I'm pretty sure she wanted to rip all of our heads off, she said so herself, but it was funny while it lasted."

Even with the Reaping looming over us, our fitness test coming scarily close and Mrs. Yuoh's plan to plunge our entire grade into oblivion if we don't excel at our upcoming concert, my heart feels light and happy.

I've got my best friends at my side, and I know life has got a lot of things in store for me this year.

"Scout!"

I turn around in the spinning chair I'm seated in, and my mother launches herself at me, wrapping me tightly in her arms. Her eyes are dry, but they convey such pain that the air is knocked out of my lungs for the second time today.

I can't believe I've been reaped. I just can't believe it.

It seems so surreal.

"Mom, I'm sorry," I choke, unable to come up with anything else.

"Baby, it's okay, it's not your fault, I'm the one who is so so sorry," she replies while hugging me fiercely. My mom isn't very emotional, not outwardly at least, but I can feel her heart beating in her chest harder than it's ever beaten before.

I look up into her eyes.

"I didn't cry mom, I didn't. I was so scared," I manage, trying to convey what I'm feeling, but failing miserably.

I don't know how, I don't even make an ounce of sense, but she understands and holds me closer.

"I know Scout, I am so proud of you. You looked so brave. You walked up and you were so brave," she repeats herself, her voice breaking on that last word.

A part of me wishes I could just believe her. But I'm not a baby, I know for a fact that I froze when they called my name. I know I panicked, I felt my blood turn to ice in my veins, and I saw my eyes as wide as saucers projected on all of the screens. I felt the Peacekeepers' hands on my arms as they escorted me all the way onto the stage, and I remember the silence that followed the question the escort asked me. I don't even know what it was, because I was too terrified.

I'm still glad my mom says it though. She's always known how to calm me down, even in a situation like this. I lean into her, and I feel like she's almost going to start crying.

"Scout, you need to listen to me right now. I know it's going to be scary, but you have to try. Don't worry about anything except the Games themselves, okay, sweetheart?" my mother says shakily, pulling herself together.

She bites her lip.

"I know a lot of awful things are going to happen, but you need to stay focused and you need to make friends, okay?"

Friends. It's hard to make friends. I'm sure there's not going to be anyone there like Alex.

I nod, even though it doesn't feel convincing.

My mom keeps searching my face, caressing my cheeks and nervously stroking my hair. It's as though she's trying to memorize every detail of me, before I go. The thought makes me sick to my stomach.

I gulp, and she can see the unbearable sadness in my eyes, because she hugs me closer again.

"Scout, please listen to what I'm telling you right now. Make friends. You might meet some cool people who you'll be able to connect with and just…"

I know she's at a loss of words because what else is there to say? I'm thirteen but I'm not stupid. I know I'm going to a place people rarely return from.

"Please baby, please make some friends there, okay? It might even be alright."

The shakiness in her voice, usually so strong and so determined breaks my heart and I acquiesce, just to make it stop.

We just stand there like that, hugging and I feel a few tears fall onto the top of my head. I swallow back the knot in my throat that, if it surfaced, would send me into hysterics and I'm scared I'd never be able to go. I just hold onto my mom, until she's the one to loosen her grip.

"I know Alex wants to see you too, and I don't want to use up all your time," my mom says, her voice only a weak whisper. She looks directly into my eyes and she looks so much older, as though this moment has aged her significantly over the past few minutes.

"I'm sorry I was always working Scout. I just needed…I wish I had spent more time with you, but I love you so much."

I gulp, purse my lips, and then when the sob no longer threatens to rip itself out of me, I say just as quietly, "I love you, mom."

"I love you more than anything in the world, Scout. You're my everything."

She takes one last look at me, lets go of my hand and walks out.

My mom leaves, and I watch the door close, thinking about what she said to me.

I really hope I'll be able to find people who are nice to me. I hope I'll be able to find friends, because if I don't, I don't know what I'll do.

After my mom, Alex runs in.

They're carrying Trinity. I have no clue how they got her here in such a timely fashion, but I couldn't be more grateful, considering the situation I'm in. I really just want to make sure Trinity knows she'll be taken care of. I notice Alex is completely out of breath, their chest heaving intensely, as they struggle to hide it from me.

I realize they must have run all the way to my house to get Trinity here. I am so thankful, and I choke down the feeling that is creeping and balling up in my throat again. I swallow my shock and despair, smiling at Alex.

Alex smiles sadly back at me, and hands me the little cage with Trinity. We don't usually keep her like this, but she doesn't really listen to anyone else but me. And when I'm gone, for the Reaping, or for a school presentation where I can't keep her close, Alex designed a small cage where Trinity has a ton of food and warm blankets to keep her comfortable. That's the only way people except for me can handle her, because she's not the friendliest with those who she doesn't know as well as she knows me.

I take her out of her cage, her little paws extending towards me. While I bring her close, I look at Alex, trying to convey the best mental vibes I can muster at the moment. My friend knew I needed this more than anything, and there's really nothing else to say about that, right?

Trinity wiggles her ears right into my nose. I think she can feel that I am leaving, but I just wish I could actually tell her that I'm not abandoning her. That I'm being forced away. That I love her something fierce.

"Trinity," I say, my voice slightly cracking.

She looks up at me with those two little black eyes, full of intelligence and understanding. I hug her hard. I can hear her tiny heartbeat through her soft little grey belly.

Alex goes on his toes and hugs me too. Their red hair goes into my eyes, and I shut them. It would be so easy to cry right now.

"Hey Scout…I really don't know…I don't know what to say."

I know they're as confused and upset by this as I am.

"I'm really in a lot of treble, aren't I?"

They look at me, confusion permeating their features.

"Oh you know the conversation we had earlier today? About Mrs. Yuoh? Treble is like, a thing in music, never mind," I struggle to clarify, trailing away uncertainly.

My mind is all over the place, and it's almost like I'm hanging onto random moments and attributing an importance to them because I know I'm about to be wrenched away from here. Random conversations, random comments, random jokes are all ricocheting around in my skull and I can't seem to settle on one. They're all just flying around like some broken amusement park ride, threatening to spill over out of my mouth.

This is really not working. Alex plasters a smile on their face, but everything just feels off.

"Yeah, that's actually a good one Scout, I'm sorry, I'm a little out of it," they say, patting me on the shoulder.

"It's okay Alex. Thank you for being my best friend, I guess. Can I ask you one thing?" I venture, caressing Trinity, as though by reflex.

"Take care of Trinity for me, okay?"

Alex nods, and then their eyes widen with a sudden idea.

"I don't really know the rules Scout, but you're allowed to bring something with you, right? Maybe you can take Trinity, she might make you feel better there, wherever you end up? I can go and ask the Peacekeepers, I can be right back in two seconds," Alex hurries, knowing our time together is almost over.

They slip out, and I anxiously hold Trinity closer. Instead of Alex, a Peacekeeper enters the room. I risk a look outside of the slightly opened door, and see Alex struggling against another Peacekeeper, in the process of being escorted out forcefully. Alex catches my eye and mouths something at me. I nod, but I don't understand what they said. Instead, I replay our last hug in my head, because this is undeniably our goodbye.

"Your time is up, kid. On the train you go."

I pet Trinity and take one step forward. "I'm ready. My friend was only going to ask if I can take Trinity with me?"

The Peacekeeper glares at me severely.

"Drop the rat, we can't take vermin on the train."

I persist timidly.

"But mister, sir, sorry, she's my pet and I want to take her as my thing I'm allowed to bring? My token?"

The Peacekeeper takes off their helmet, and I see the man's severe and unforgiving stare that makes me shrink back. He's already so huge, and the baton at his side looks scary. I just want to take Trinity with me, at least on the train.

"Kid, there are protocols in place. Tributes aren't allowed to bring pests into the Games or on the train. He looks at his watch, and adds sharply, "your time's up. Drop the rat and come with me."

I hug Trinity closer to my chest, and she whimpers. I don't think she wants to leave either.

"Please sir, I'll only take her on the train. I know our escort probably won't mind bringing her back home after," I start, but am interrupted by the man, who is clearly getting impatient.

He takes me by the scruff of my neck with one hand, and with the other slaps Trinity out of my hands. It actually hurts, as he snaps his gloved hand on my exposed wrists, but it must be even worse for Trinity that hits the floor with an audible smack.

"Trinity!" I squeak weakly, wrenching myself out of the Peacekeeper's grip and trying to reach her.

Trinity arches her back, and honest-to-god hisses at the Peacekeeper. He actually lifts me, and starts walking with me in his arms. Trinity bares her teeth, one canine missing on the right side of her face, leaving a gap through which her tongue lolls out of her mouth in the silliest way. She looks anything but silly right now, but the Peacekeeper's boot is so much bigger, and he kicks her through the open door. She scurries away onto the train tracks that are already visible. The train tracks that are going to lead me away from home.

Just like that, Trinity's gone.

I immediately go limp in the Peacekeeper's arms, and I don't know how long it takes, but he sets me on the ground, adjusting my shirt so it doesn't look as ruffled from when I struggled against him.

"Don't look so sad, kid," he comments, ushering me out of the door. "A little rat like you attracts your own kind. You'll find a ton of vermin in the Games."

I'm scared and there's no point in arguing with this man who clearly takes pleasure out of intimidating people who are weaker than him. I just keep my mouth shut. I don't understand why he has to be so mean when my day is already going horribly. If it were Alex, they would have protested, kicked and screamed and hit him probably. I don't though. I never had that kind of energy inside me.

I take one last look at the back of the Justice Building as I step onto the train platform.
Goodbye District 4, I think. Then I venture a quick look at the tracks where Trinity disappeared to. She's grey, and she has white fur spots so it would be hard to spot her in the mesh of greys of the railway, the stones and the earth. It's even harder when the tears in my eyes threaten to spill over, blurring my vision for the first time since I was reaped.

I know there are so many things I should be thinking about, but the only thought that sticks is the fact that I hope that Trinity will be taken care of. I hope she makes her way home.

But I know awfully deep down that without me there, she's never coming back.

Notes: Our smallest guy yet, the cute and adorable Scout Trinian from District 4! Scout's very young and has limited perspective of the world but he doesn't have the same reservations the adults around him have so he's this super optimistic accepting and kind child stuck in a really crappy situation. I apologize for the longer wait this time around, I was overwhelmed by work and writing scientific papers, which isn't comparable in terms of fun but alas. My conclusion?

Fanfiction writing 1 scientific writing 0.

Anyways, I hope this guy was worth the wait. I was very looking forward to you discovering him, since he's one of the nicest tributes I got. Let me know what you guys think of this sweet soul. What did you guys think of Alex and Scout's friendship? Any comment, suggestion, praise or criticism counts and means the world to me! And on another note, I hope you guys enjoy the sweetness while it lasts, because we're changing gears completely for the next chapter with the ferocious Orla!

As always, thank you to all those that are reviewing, it inspires me and motivates me to get these chapters out, even when I'm swamped with work.

Peace and love.