Chapter 10: The cake
Disclaimer: I do not own the hunger games
Effie took a little persuading so I could have today of, but in the end she relented, on the condition that I go back to school the minute it's done. It was Layla that was the hardest to convince that I was ill and needed to stay of for a bit. In the end, I had to pretend to rush out the room to be sick. Let's just say, it's a good thing she can't stand illnesses.
I'm making a 3- tiered, hidden design cake. On the outside, it should be all bright, wacky and colourful to suite Layla's quirky nature. The smallest tier will should be a mouth-watering chocolate sponge with a vanilla heart in each slice, the middle tier red velvet with a vanilla heart and the largest tier lemon with a raspberry heart, to show Layla's flirty ways. If it all works out well, that is.
The sponges are currently in the oven, and I'm making the buttercream and icing flowers and other decorations to top it of.
I work as if mechanical, having done this sort-of thing everyday after school in the bakery with dad. The only problem is, dad is not here. And I know it sounds childish for someone 16 years of age to miss their dad, but I do. I miss his reassurances that everything will be ok, that it will be beautiful when we've finished, because I feel lost without them. I feel lost when I go to put it in the oven, knowing the temperature should be 180 degrees but not quite sure, because dad is not here to correct me if it's wrong. If I mess up today, I mess up. My dad isn't here to save it at the last minute. There's no going back.
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"That looks really nice Lily, she'll love it"
"Thank you" The cake stands tall and proud on the silver board, the numbers 1 and 7 glinting in the light. The background colour is white, with green decorative icing and swirls around each layer top and bottom. Daisy's, primroses and other flowers are scattered somewhat randomly across it, along with small golden 17's. A large, golden 1 and 7 also stick out of the top layer on a wire, the edible glitter shimmering. Different coloured bows join the flowers, along with some leaves and cute, mini teddy-bears sit in the occasional circle of flowers and leaves. Even if I do say so myself, it is sweet. I just hope Layla and everyone else like it, or else I'm doomed in the baking career.
"I guess you better be off to school then... gutted!" he laughs.
"Thanks Rye, I don't know what I would do without this," I gesture to the bakery, completely ignoring his teasing.
"Any time, any time."
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"And why are you late, Miss Mellark?" Mr Adams, our history teacher, enquires, not even looking at me. His hearing abilities are unnatural, like my mums, and he doesn't even have to look around to know your there. It's freaky.
"Lily! Your back!" Thom, Dave and Marvel call from the back of the room. Boys, I think, but grin back at them anyway.
"Umm, Effie said to give you this," I wave the pink slip under his crooked nose awkwardly.
"Right. Go sit." He orders, his eyes now back on the papers on his desk.
I take my place next to Layla, and I swear, in less than a second a note was in front of me.
U better?
Layla is doodling in the back of her book when I look at her before scribbling an answer.
Guess so. Got some medicine from the first aid shop in the square.
I pass the note back, watch Layla scan it and then mouth "skiver" at me before focusing my attention on Mr Adams. Surprisingly, he has now got up from his desk at lecturing us on the rules for next lesson when we are watching an edited version of the 74th hunger games.
"No eating, laughing, moving, disrespecting, disruption, chewing gum..." the list drones on and on, and I expect him to say breathing soon. I mean, seriously, laughing? Even the thought of laughing at an evil death-match the Capitol called a "game", makes me want to throw up. What you laugh at? The weird fashion sense is understandable, but thats not the point.
I zone out until the bell rings, signalling the start of lunch - I choose some fish and chips.
"I'm so glad that's over. Only 1 more lesson until the weekend!" Daisy squeals.
"And your party Layla," Petal smiles. "Yay!"
"It's going to be great Lays, just you wait" I wink.
"I know, but I don't know a thing about it and it's really bugging me!" She moans in reply, I just laugh.
The party will be set in a clearing deep in the forest. I'm not sure what Rye is planning for the layout; my job is to keep Layla out of the way. Which shouldn't be hard, considering everyone will be helping down in the woods, quite a way from our house. I'm sure I can think of something.
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