The Previous Murder
Thresh exchanges glances at the empty chair, eyes darting between the seat and the door. Edward notices his discomfort and decides to mess with him.
'You see that seat Thresh? What do you think is missing?'
Thresh barely looks up from the table, he doesn't look like he wants to answer either, and really, I don't blame him.
'Huh?'
Edward wants an answer other than Thresh's silence.
'A person.'
Thresh mumbles under his breath. He doesn't dare roll his eyes, he knows how serious Edward is.
'A person! Oh now where do you think that person could be!'
Edward exclaims like Thresh is a five year old kid. However to Edward, he probably is. Thresh does not answer, or consider answering. He doesn't need to, Edward already starts talking.
'You remember the previous victor? 50 years of age, District 11 hasn't won in 35 years, heck, you would think someone won eventually win. Until… he was shot.'
That line catches Thresh's breath, not mine however, I witness shootings in the orchard weekly, as if it is a ceremony. Thresh did not work in the orchard, he probably went to school, so I can understand how he is shocked. He looks at me, wide eyed, waiting for my reaction, but it doesn't come and he senses it. His cheeks pound red, and he leans back into his chair.
'How was he shot?'
I can't believe I just said that. I was sure I was going to keep my mouth sealed but apparently not. Edward bends down, hands on his knees, and stares at me with pity from across the table. I'm used to that, but I still hate it.
'Do you really want to know?'
I don't know what to say… I think silence may be the best answer. Really, I would rather know something than not, but I don't really want to continue this conversation.
'Okay then...'
Edward backs away slowly and cautiously, like I'm a volcano about to explode.
'Right, you two, I'm sure, are extremely qualified and experienced in fighting? What about a knife? Gun? Bow?'
Great, sarcasm. This will be a long trip...