Thank you so much all of the people that favorited and story alerted my story. I am so glad you like it! And so, (drum roll) introducing chapter 5!
Lysmachia's POV
When we get home, Dad sends Lich and I outside to clean up the flowerbed. We do, removing all traces of the roses and leave only the primroses. Dad makes a quick dinner but other than that, he stays in his bedroom with mom. We don't complain, we just run to the woods to escape the tension.
"What's do you think is wrong, Lich? Why are they acting so strange?"
"I don't know, I just want Mom back. How could she sleep all day? She always helps us with our homework after school."
"We don't have homework, Lich." I remind him.
"But just in case we did, she should be ready to help us." He retorts.
"I know Lich. We have to be normal. We'll get up early tomorrow, walk to school, and do our homework without Mom. I can help you instead."
I try to calm him; after all, I am the older one. I am the one who should be there for him even when mom isn't.
Next morning, we wake up early. Dad is still sleeping, so we sneak down stairs, grab our pre-packed lunches from the night before, and slip outside into the dawn. We walk to the torn-down fence, through the re-built housing complex once called the Seam, and then across the meadow to the school. I stick with Lich today, instead of running off with my friends. I walk him to his classes, helping keep him steady. After lunch, his face looks like a stone mask, and I know he is about to cry.
"C'mon, you're smart enough to be in my class and I'm sure my teacher won't mind."
"OK, Lys" He looks relieved, and I give him a reassuring smile.
That boy is in my class again, but Acerus is not. I am a bit disappointed, but relieved that I can focus on Lich's needs.
My history teacher is a short man with white hair. His voice is quiet and feeble, but since he has lived through quite a lot of the history he teaches, the board let's him stay. He begins to speak, not even noticing that he has one extra student: "Welcome to history class, students! Please pay attention to the following lesson."
To me this means start sneaking glances at Acerus, since the lessons are always boring. But Acerus isn't here today, so I write a smiley on my paper and slant it towards Lich. He smiles back. The teacher drones on: "We are privileged to know this knowledge, as if will affect many of you for the rest of your lives."
Then his voice takes on a strange sort of intensity, and his eyes focus on me "I mean it! It is your job to make sure these events NEVER happen again. They were horrific, barbarous, and miserable for all district participants. Your parents will remember them and it is important for you to realize the impact of our lesson today."
He pauses, clearing his throat, before his voice drops: "Today, you will learn about the Hunger Games"
My face snaps up suddenly, he is commanding my full attention. The Hunger Games are some secret topic that no one is allowed to talk about until upper school. No one even know what they are until then. I was really looking forward to this year because of that, and I am surprised that he would jump in with such a weighty topic on the second day of school.
I pay close attention as he outlines the basic things that we've all been itching to learn about since kindergarten:
"As a result of the dark ages and to prevent further nuclear war and rebellion, the Capitol of Panem instituted the Hunger Games. Each year, one young man and women randomly selected (or reaped) from each of the twelve districts were to be offered as tributes to fight to the death in an artificial arena created by the Gamemakers. There were a total of 74 complete games, the 75 was cut off unexpectedly. The last tribute alive was crowned victor, and lavish gifts of food and money were bestowed on him and his district. As you all know, this area was once known as District 12. It had a total of four victors. Three of them are still alive. Lysmachia, name two of the victors."
I was surprised by his question; how was I supposed to know the victors?
"Um..., I don't know."
"Oh really?" Now it was his turn to be surprised.
"Well, ask your parents, I'm sure they remember."
"Yes sir." I respectfully respond, although I know I won't. Mom is still gone, and Dad is too wrapped up in her to help with homework. I'll look around though, maybe they have some books around or something else about the victors.
He continues in his lecture on the capitol and the motives behind the games. As he talks, I wonder how Mom and Dad felt, living thorough these times. It sounds so horrible. I now think I understand, why Mom wants to protect us; she's grown up in a brutal environment.
I'm so glad I'm born now, in this safe place, where the Hunger Games will never happen again.
Or, at least I hope so.
YAY! The secret has been revealed. So, besides Gale, are there any characters you would like to see? Please review and PM me with any things I forgot to explain about their current situation.
