an: hey, guys, sorry this took so long! Fanfiction has been bugging out lately. I dont know if its my computer or what.. anyway, heres the second chapter! Enjoy!
The ground I am lying on is hard: compact and dry. I must be in the desert. But how?
I open my eyes very slowly, ready to take in my surroundings. The first thing I see is fire: warm, blazing, bright. As I sit up I see the boy from the Capitol is sitting on the other side of the flames. He pays me no attention as he stokes the fire.
I turn around to see a glossy black motorcycle, coated in dust. How did he manage to get me all the way out here unconscious on a motorcycle?
"Don't," the boy says, finally looking up at me, "try to run. It won't be fun for either of us."
"I wouldn't," I reply. I put him at about 6' 2"- he is stronger and faster than me at 5' 7".
"Smart," the boy says. "The Republic must really be missing you, Rose."
I try not to show any signs of recognition to that name, but I know he can see it in my eyes I'm surprised he knows my identity.
He smiles, not unkindly. "The Republic's new legend. I know who you are Rose. You're famous, believe it or not."
I furrow my brow. "Famous? Hardly. And if you think kidnapping me is going to get a rise out of the Republic, you're wrong."
The smile doesn't fade. "You can't fool me, Rose." He stands and walks over to where I am sitting. Holding out a hand he says, "I'm Paris. I figure you should know my name as well."
I stare at his outstretched hand, but don't take it. "You should probably take your medicine soon," I say.
He drops his hand and sits down in front of me. "What makes you say that?" he asks.
I don't like his tone of voice. Judging by the lines in his face, the freckles on his nose, and the length of his hair, he is about the same age as me. Yet he is talking to me like a child. "The chink in your armor," I say. "You're dependent on the pills attached to your belt in that pouch." I nod to the pouch at his waist. "If you go too long without taking them, you get a slight tremor. I could tell you needed them when..." I trail off. When you had your arms around me. I could tell it was killing you, but you still got me out of that building. "When you kidnapped me," I finish, setting my chin.
"Observant," he says, seemingly at ease. "And here I thought your Divine Leader-"
"Glorious Elector," I correct.
Paris smirks. "Glorious Elector," he allows, "only liked you for your looks."
I say nothing, merely look at him. The light from the fire accentuates his cheekbones, which are more prominent than they should be- probably due to the sickness. The flames turn his eyes a bright golden color, but I know they are blue from before, when he walked into the Elector's office. His hair is long and blond, with one red streak in the front. I know that symbol, but I cant quite remember where it is from, what it means. He smiles crookedly once more, a pretty face overall. Very pretty.
I drop my gaze. "So what's the plan from here?" I ask.
"We wait for our ride to arrive," Paris answers simply.
"The bike is out of gas," I assume.
Paris nods.
"Don't you feel... Exposed out here?" I ask, looking around. I can only see as far as the fire illuminates, the rest is pitch black.
Paris lays back, the picture of ease. "No. I doubt anyone will find us but the Capitol. I took a very specific route in and out of the border."
I don't lay back. I am perfectly still. I begin to imagine the things that might be lurking just outside of the light, watching me.
Paris fixes his eyes on me. "You're not scared of the dark, are you?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.
I expel a breath. "Don't be silly," I say. "I just don't want to sleep."
"You probably should," Paris recommends. "They won't get here till morning. Get your rest."
Slowly, I ease back onto the ground, trying to calm my nervous mind.
Paris is still watching me, seeming unsure. "I'll keep you safe, Rose." He says, looking as though that wasn't what he meant to say.
Allowing that statement, and the knife safely tucked inside of my boot, to calm me, I let my eyes slide closed and sleep find me.
an: Thanks for reading! I really appreciate it! Reviews are appreciated as well!c: