"Mr. Mellark," the guard declared.
(People were coming to meet Katniss and me, the tributes of District 12 for the 75th Hunger games, into the custody room.)
The door clicked open- a man with broad-shoulder, fluffy tummy, and burn bruises arrived.
"Pa," I exhaled. Stunned.
As he walked toward me, tears started climbing up my throat. Choked.
He paused, where my nose ends, looked into my blurry eyes, scanned me toe-to-head; but did not utter.
Instead, he gave me a tight hug, squeezed my lungs, and shoved a crumpled paper ball into my pocket. Slyly.
Abruptly, he loosened the hug and went straight out of the custody room.
Silence.
Yet, my brain had buzzing thoughts. Indeed, I was scared; scared of dying, scared about my parent's life after my death, scared about how Ma-Pa would survive? Because I am their only support. The only child.
However, I was relieved that my last few days would be with my Lady Love, Katniss. Mesmerised by her thoughts, I dangled my hand in my pocket and touched the rough paper ball.
Then.
I came out of my clustered feelings.
I slipped off the paper ball and unrolled it.
L
E
T
T
E
R
"Dear Peeta,
Happy Hunger Games.
May the odds be in our favour"
Just this. He could have said this directly to me. Why this letter? I suspected. Though, the letter did not end here. It continued…
"My boy, I know you would be going through a roller coaster of emotions. But, I had to share this with you, someday or the other. I was waiting for the right time. And I feel that time has come now. 'Cause, no one knows the future after this Game."
What? What is Pa talking about? Share what? What is something so important that he had to write a letter and pass it on this dreadful day. I am terrified within.
"This is the biggest secret of our life."
Secret? Now, my brain was thinking of the WORST.
"Your mother, Clara Mellerk, isn't your biological mother."
WHAT!
How's that possible? No! She has been with me since the time I could recall. How can Pa say this? Ma is not my mother?
"I know it would be a shock to you. That's why I had never told you. But I can't hide it anymore. You have the right to know about it. Please relax. And read further…"
I followed the instructions.
"Your real mother was my first wife. A year after your birth, she was again pregnant with my child. And in that condition, she had eloped with her so-called lover boy, filthy miner!"
I was thundering from inside. My hands were shivering. My fists were crumpling the paper back again. My brain was about to burst open.
Was I living with lies all my life? My REAL mother left me at such a young age for her lover.
"That was the worst day of my life.
I miss her.
I miss my baby girl.
Yes, you have a sister, my boy!
You have responsibilities."
I am an elder brother? All my life, I had thought that I was the only child of my parents. I never had anyone to play with. All of a sudden, I have a sister. I want to meet her. Where is she? Does she know that she has an elder brother? How is she? I want to embrace her with brother-love.
"The time has come to fulfil your responsibilities of being an elder brother. I am helpless. But you are not. Now, your sister needs you. Please protect her."
How am I supposed to fulfil my duties now? I am on a journey to the Hunger Games. I might not come back alive. I might never meet her.
"Protect my daughter from this brutal game, my boy."
Is she a part of Hunger Games? Does she live in the Capitol? Is she related to the makers of this game? Or is she a tribute for this year? But which district? D12?
"I know only one tribute will win. And I want that to be from our district, her.
Love,
Pa
(of brave tributes from D12)"
WORD COUNT: 698
