I know it's been ages! I've missed writing so much, you can't imagine how the characters weigh on me. I'm ready to crawl away from college and find a nook to write eternally. Unfortunately, I'll end up dying of starvation if I do that.
"Josu, after the reaping I volunteered us to help out with taking down decorations and stuff." Dewi stepped through the kitchen door, his large frame dwarfing Josu.
Josu nodded, scarfing down a last bit of tasteless oatmeal. It didn't really surprise him that his stepfather had volunteered for another job.
"You really need his help? I'm not sure he'd do much good, I'd worry he's get in the way and get hurt." Latoya glanced over at her husband, momentarily distracted from cleaning up her youngest child. The eight month old waved his arms, crying when his mom turned away.
"He is twelve, Josu needs to start growing up." He ran a hand over Josu's younger sister's hair, "With his help, we'll be able to help a lot more, get more stuff done around the district." Five year old Silas jumped up from the table, upsetting a glass of water.
Latoya sighed, once again focusing on feeding her infant. Josu was kind of relieved they weren't talking about him. He knew he was small for his age, but he still wanted to carry his part of the weight.
"Dewi," Latoya turned to her husband, trying to speak over the noise of the kids goofing off, "Are you going to walk him down for the reaping?"
He frowned, "He needs walked down?"
Latoya grabbed Silas, pulling him away from the stove, "It's his first time, I'd like one of us to go with him."
"He's your son, you go with him." Dewi picked up a piece of toast, tramping out of the room. The baby screamed, demanding to be let out of his high chair.
Josu shivered as he saw a dark look cross his mom's face. It wasn't fair his step-dad could insult his mom whenever he felt like it, and that she just took it. And than Dewi never helped out with any of the kids.
"I can go down by myself," Josu picked up his bowl, speaking up over the noise of the infant, "I know you're busy and all."
"You sure?" She placed a hand on his shoulder, her grey eyes filled with concern, "I hate for you to do this all alone."
Josu reddened, "It's nothing, I mean, all I have to do is stand there till they draw someone's name."
Latoya gave him a relieved look, "If you possibly can, I'm just so busy with all the kids and stuff."
District Center
Larret elbowed her way towards the front of her section. Placing herself between two shorter girls, she smiled about her height. It was good to feel bigger than the others her age, somehow it made her feel just a bit better.
She tilted her head, seeing if Ferina was fine. Her ten year old sister caught her glance and waved to her from the sidelines. Larret unconsciously smiled, but then her eyebrows knit together as she saw Remaciah place a hand on Ferina's shoulder. Why did Rem have to act like such a mother? She was just their older sister, Ferina didn't need her.
The crowd jostled, knocking one of the girls next to Larret into her. The girl stumbled, her foot stomping painfully on Larret's toes. "Watch what you're doing," Larret grabbed the girl's collar, "are you even supposed to be standing with us 15 year olds?"
The girl's lips puckered, "I don't know who you are, but I don't think you're being very nice." She tossed her hair back, "I am 15, for your information."
Larret rolled her eyes, this girl was obviously a wuss. Larret turned her back slightly, blocking the annoying girl. She glanced back towards Ferina, content that her sister was still smiling. Rem could be mean, always bossing them around.
The mayor's voice rang into the mic, thanking them all for being present. Larret wondered why he would say such a thing. Didn't he know it was mandatory for them to even be here? So why was he thanking them?
Larret's mind wondered, and she didn't even notice the escort. She again glanced at her sister, sending her a semi-secret smile. Ferina grinned, and Larret nodded towards Rem's sober face. The two sister's eyes twinkled as Larret mouthed, "Old Granny, right?"
The words had barely been thought, when Ferina's face grew pale. Larret frowned, wondering what had distracted her sister. The girl next to her elbowed her sharply, as the escort repeated, "The tribute for district Five, Larret Shire."
Larret shook her head, her hands immediately moistening. Her feet stumbled on the uneven pavement, and she pulled at her blonde hair. A peacekeeper stood on each side, escorting her to the platform. Her lips were clammy, and she placed a hand over her mouth, her stomach threatening to lose her breakfast.
"My sweet goodness, what a lovely tribute we have this year," The escort shrill voice rang in Larret's ears as she made her way to the center of the platform. "Aren't you lucky to be chosen?" The escort's green face beamed into her own.
Larret took a step back, her knees shaking. Her mouth opened and closed, the sun temporarily blinding her. The escort continued to speak, while walking over to the boys bowl. Larret swallowed, but felt her throat burning, her stomach suddenly heaving.
The escort turned at the sound, her voice shrieking, "Get her off the stage!" A peacekeeper grabbed her shoulder, pivoting the wretched Larret away from the cameras. Larret grabbed for something, her chest tense. She gasped, her face reddening.
The escort hopped about, tizzying about the situation. Larret fell against the wall as she was pushed into the justice building. She grabbed a hold of her skirt, fear filling her. The district doctor suddenly appeared, ordering the room vacated. Words flashed about her head, as her face grew clammy. Realizing she could not feel her arms, she began to wail, but unable to take any air in, she sounded more like a wounded animal.
The doctor held a syringe to her arm, his tone measured and even. "We're going to put you to sleep Miss. It will give you some time to relax,"
Larret's hands pulled at his shirt, "I'm going to die," she squeaked, her eyes wide and terrified.
"No, you're simply hyper-ventilating, when you calm down all will be well."
Her eyes momentarily rolled back, and the doctor breathed a sigh of relief as the medicine took effect. Of course, he was always prepared for such an occasion, but he couldn't ever remember dealing with such an overwrought tribute.
The Capitol
Augustus chuckled as the camera crew readied for District Six, "Well, I'm looking forward to meeting our newest tribute, Larret seems to have a flair for the dramatic."
Hadrian cracked his knuckles, trying not to show his frustration. Willing himself to smile, he bantered, "At least her district partner seems level headed. What a calm reaction after all that hustle!"
The host nodded, glancing at the footage of Josu Baxter walking to the stage. "I think you're right Hadrian. It's a shame he appears so young."
Brushing at a brown curl that crept towards his face, Hadrian tried to ignore the last comment, "Isn't a doctor checking on Larret?"
"Yes! In fact," Augustus scanned through the wires, "It appears he has already diagnosed it as simply a case of hyper-ventilation. What a relief!"
Hadrian sighed, relieved at the buzzer sounding, "And now folks," Augustus continued, "We have an 11 minute break. Hadrian, aren't we doing something during our little interlude."
"That's right," Hadrian looked into the cameras, "This is your chance to send in your bets, your first official chance to try your luck for this year's Hunger Games!" Flashes of past games played on the screens as Hadrian continued, "Maybe this year will be your chance to come home a victor, after all who knows? Go ahead and send in your special bets to our very own Capitol studios. Access our interactive sight from your Citizen link today."
The Capitol seal flashed, music swelled and the studio lights dimmed. Augustus clapped him across the back, warmly thanking him for all his hard work.
Hadrian shrugged, looking down at the footage from District Five. Larret looked really awful, and the boy: So young, it just wasn't fair. Didn't the Capitol provoke the rebellion with their harsh treatment of the districts? Seeing the calm, frozen fear on the boy's face twisted his soul. Why did kids like this take the punishment for the whole country?
Shaking his head, Hadrian weakly attempted to brush the thoughts away. His eyes snapped open as Augustus' voice rang, "Are you alright? You look as though you swallowed a lemon.
"Oh, no," he sputtered, "Just a little weary, that's all."
Augustus eyes seemed to read his mind, "You need to stop overthinking everything, you'll send yourself to an early grave."
An aid brought in coffee, allowing a momentary reprieve. Hadrian sipped the soothing liquid, wondering how many guessed at his dark thoughts. He needed to cover that up more. He felt he could trust Augustus. Rubbing his eyes, he tried to push away a growing headache. His visit with Snow pulling at him. Someone was obviously watching him.
Thoughts on the characters? I took a bit of creative license with Larrett, hope everyone's fine with that! Anyway, trying to figure out my schedule still...but will hopefully update every two weeks or so. What's been up with everyone's fall, anyone else a bit overwhelmed with college?