I got up on my feet lightly while it seems Jake didn't want to move. I nudge him with my foot causing him to meet my gaze. I felt bad for making him get up but we had to feed our families. We didn't have hours like we usually did. He takes his time getting up but once he's does something so quickly I didn't realized what had happened. He had his strong arms wrapped around my waist. I looked at him shocked. "Bella you have to promise me if either one of us gets into the games " sneering the word games" that we will look after the others family got it?" he looked at me seriously but agonizingly causing my eyes to tear up a bit but I held the tears in. And even snickered for his sake.
" No shit Jake, I wouldn't let your family starve if you we're in those games " I smiled at him without humor.
He smiled back but it didn't touch his eyes and pushed me gently away. " Well then my dear Bella may the odds be in your favor." he said mocking Jessica Stanley making me laugh but then look around making sure no one was around. It's fucking annoying how I can't even relax out here. We finally took off to hunt. I gather the herbs, knowing Dr. Cullen would be in need of more making Jake grimace when he found out who it was for and while I'm at it, I gather some greens also. I climbed a tree for some bird eggs making Jake smile. The forest is teeming with animal life, so Jake went to go to the river and set a few snares and traps while I checked on the strawberry patch with Apollo, on my way I shoot three squirrels and Apollo killed a turkey. When we arrive, I find the patch fresh with strawberries. I gathered until I left with one gallon of strawberries. On the way back, I discover an orange tree. Oranges! Who would've thought, that the poorest district would have what even district 9 could barely afford? Oranges are a rarity in many districts, and I knew we could make good money off these. I gather about 30 oranges with Jake's help. Half for my family and his , the other we'll sell. We head back to Jake's snares and found only one rabbit. When we finally reach the fence, I climb under and head straight to the hob. Greasy Joe takes all my bird eggs and about half my greens. As we walk by, Jake catches the head peacekeeper, Phil Dwyer, and hand him the turkey. He gives him some money and leaves. When I get to the Mayor's house, Angela, his daughter, opens the door wearing a fancy white dress; a small gold pin attached. Jacob sneers at her "get up" causing her to glare at him. I elbowed him in the ribs hard making him hiss. I smiled at her. "Pretty dress Angela. I mean it." I said nicely while she took the strawberries and puts the money in my hand.
"Oh. Well thank you Bella." Before she leaves, I say, "Wait." I take the oranges out of my bag. Her lips press together in a tight line, and although she seems tempted to just take them and go, she waits. "How much?" she asks. "Name a price," Jake reply quickly before I can comment. She calls her father down. She tells him that I have oranges, and they both talk. I don't hear what they're saying. Honestly, I don't care enough to. Before I know it, Angela puts more money in my hand and also gives me a new, blue ribbon. I see that her father walking up the steps and going back to his business. Angela and I exchange a quick smile when she says, "Good luck today, Bella... And Jacob" she seeming to say Jake's name reluctantly "You too," I reply while Jake nodded. We head to the baker's. When we get there, his son, Mike, is standing in the doorway with a slick smile on his face.
I gave him two squirrels and one orange in exchange for some money and two loaves of bread. I thank him for his generous offer but before we left he said, "Bella if neither one is in the games would you like to go out? I've been told I'm one hell of a kisser" he asked winking. I just looked at him. What the fuck? Today is the rapture and he's asking me out! I get so fucking angry and I was about to answer with my foot when Jacob starting yelling at him. He scream threats, colored with foul language. He was shaking with anger while Mike looked like he was about to piss his pants. I smirked and just walked away pulling Jacob with me. We had one more stop to do but Jake really didn't want to come with. I told him to stop being such a baby and that he could just stay outside if he liked. He did. I sighed and walked into the Cullen's office. Lucky me was and were talking to each other, they both looked up when I walked in. They smiled at me and gestured to come closer, I did. I realized for the first time the strange color of Mr and Mrs.C's eyes. They're golden like and their skin was beyond pale, which was strange for district 12 people.
"Hello Bella, what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" he asked. "Well I found some herbs that you can use for medicine so I came to drop them off," I said as I handed Dr. Cullen the bag. He smiled hugely at me. "Ah thank you sweet Bella. Edward! Can you come drop this in my office please?" he called. Shit! No no no! I didn't want to see him! But before I could leave he was there. I cursed silently at myself for not leaving faster. His green eyes met mines and he smiled but quickly looked away. I think he was actually blushing. "Edward be polite and say hello to Bella." Mrs. Cullen scold him gently. "Hi Bella, you look nice" he said shyly "Hi Edward, and umm thanks... Good luck for today , tell Alice the same." I said looking down at my feet. Fuck I felt so lame. "Thank you, same to you and I will."
"Thanks well I'm off." I said turning towards the door. "Thank you again Bella!" said. I turned and nodded stealing a quick glance at Edward then left. Jake was happy when I came out and we both raced home with gifts and food for everyone. Oranges for our families. Herbs, a rabbit, a squirrel, a turkey and more money than we can hold, which I divide in half for Jake and I. This would be a great day if it wasn't today..