After I have calmed down, I go back to the dining car. The only one there is Casper. When he sees me, he motions for me to sit down at the table. I do.
He writes on his board: I will ask you questions. Answer truthfully. Do you understand?
I nod. He erases, then writes more.
Who are your parents?
I take a deep breath. "Yestin and Lillie McGensey."
Do you live with them?
I shake my head.
Why not?
"My mother was a morphling addict. My father was taken away by Peacekeepers, along with my mother."
Did you have siblings?
"Yes, Benton and Marigold."
Where are they?
"I have no idea. At the orphanage, I suppose."
Why weren't you at the orphanage?
"I was sent to live with a foster mother, Miss Metta."
Did she treat you well?
"No. She made me work for no pay and lied to authorities, saying that I was a part-time nurse for her fatally sick sister, who doesn't exist."
Casper looks sadly at me.
That Avox was your father.
"Yes."
How did you know?
"Because I remember that my father looks just like me."
He doesn't remember you.
"I know."
Do you know why?
"No. I do know that Avoxes are criminals, but my father wasn't a criminal. At least, I think he wasn't."
Yestin McGensey is very famous at the Capitol.
I am confused. "Why?"
He attempted to murder his wife.
"What?"
According to reports, he felt that by murdering his wife, he and his children would be free of her wrath.
I am stunned. "Why couldn't the Peacekeepers just imprison her? He didn't have to try and kill her."
He wanted to put her out of her misery.
"How would killing her put her out of her misery?"
So she wouldn't have to constantly need the drug anymore.
"Is that why he was arrested?"
Yes. And your mother was arrested for domestic violence and severe neglect.
"Oh my God."
I'm very sorry.
"It's fine."
Casper looks at me once more, sadder than ever. One more question.
"Okay."
You and Red?
"I don't know."
He likes you.
"I know."
Do you like him?
"Yes."
Well then, you know.
"I guess so."
Are you allies for the Games?
"Yes."
Good. Get some more kids, too.
"We're planning to."
Wonderful.
"Thanks for this."
No problem. Now, do you want to eat breakfast or not? Because today is a "jam-packed day!"