The Photograph
Katniss is coming back home.
P.S. Suzanne Collins owns The Hunger Games Trilogy.
20 April
Dear Uncle Haymitch,
I finally did it. I finally got to see and take a hundred photos of the magnificent Amur snow leopard hybrid. She was beautiful, Haymitch. Easily three times my size, she glides smoothly across the forest floor as if she weighs nothing at all. Her tail is as long as her body, perfect for balance while crossing steep and rocky terrains. The color of her fur was a smoky grey with a yellowish hue; there were also rosette markings all over her coat. I had to stop looking through my camera to watch her - she stretched her strong-muscled legs, licked her fur, and moved her ears at the slightest sound. We stalked her for a grueling five hours with all our equipment, patiently keeping our distance until she stopped to rest. Watching her hunt was exhilarating. She drew me in as she lowered her head and prepared for the kill. When she pounced on her prey, I could not help but release my breath and enjoy the ensemble playing before me. Pollux, my guide, had to tell me to pick up my camera and take photos. I was captivated. You'll have to see the pictures when I print them - she was majestic. A true huntress in the dense forest. For a moment, she brought me pure joy.
Snow wants me to bring him the pictures myself in New York, so I'm flying back in a week. I don't know if I should be excited because my prospects aren't exactly palatable. Meeting my venomous director Coriolanus Snow again isn't my cup of tea. The scent of his rose perfume still revolts me. The air of Virginia, though, it is spring there, isn't any relief either. It will be hard to breathe the smell of the meadows again. More memories will certainly be triggered once more.
A lot of things still shake me, Uncle. Being away only lessens the hurt some, but the weight is still immense.
How did my father do it? I could not find it in me to forgive now. Forgiveness seems such a dangerous thing. What does it mean to forgive? Is it to release this burden and pain that is upon me? Is it to free my mother and Peeta from their actions? Does it mean I have to trust and be open to them? It seems easier to hate and hold this bitterness than to move on.
Confusion consumes me every time I am alone. I'm so tired from this rabbit hole of emotions.
Only work and the thought of seeing Prim again give me temporary relief from the pain. When will this hurt go away?
See you, Prim, and Aunt Amelia in a week.
Katniss
I have decided to soldier on with this fic after resting and giving things some thought. I know the topic, and the prompt is not easy and I will get uncomfortable messages. I can't control how readers will react to the letters and how I have chosen this story to progress. For now, I will be okay with that and will let things run their course. I am still committed to this story and only hope for the best. If you're still here - thank you for giving this story a chance.🙏
