The Mystery of Hope

by Tare-Bear

A following book to my series Weaponless. Years after the end of the rebellion the new generation strains to begin and build in new ways. Damien a boy from from District 4, has fallen for a girl named Hope. No one knows much about the mysterious girl from District 8, and when he suddenly wants to know more, she's not prepared on how to react. *Hiatus!

2. Falter

Chapter 2- "Falter"

---

The bus ride in the morning, seems extra long. Bumpy, noisy, and with my over packed bag sitting at my side- a sudden nervous tremor runs up the length of my body.

Hope will be there today. Noah... will Noah really talk to me? Yesterday seems a bit surreal. Maybe I dreamed it last night.. possibly. But how had I even come up with that name Noah? And why would my subconscious torture with me not seeing Hope at all and then figuring out she had this other guy..?

With that logical thinking- I'm forced to accept it.

I've didn't do any of my homework last night, instead I spent the evening convincing my mother to let me spend the next three days in District 11. She wasn't relenting though- until my dad butted in and told her to lay off, let me go and experience the life they never had.

After that I distracted myself with packing. Then pacing my room- until I forced myself into bed, warding off thoughts of Hope or attempting to. But she crept into my head, her smiling face though wasn't directed towards me, but this mysterious man. Who I don't know.

The jealousy twisted my gut and it was nearly enough to make me just to want to approach her and demand to know who this guy is. She would just tell me she didn't know what I'm saying and that she didn't know me- then call me crazy, running away from me. Taking all my hope with her.

I was going to have to rely on Noah today, to keep me in check. I just pray she's up to the task..

All I can say is I'm relieved in the fact that after today, that promises to be stressful, I'll get to spend a weekend with my friends. Mike's always a laugh, Levi's witty, and Mitch... well he's my friend- so I'm glad to be with them.

When the bus, roiling engine and all- slams to a stop. Jostling the passengers, and nearly knocking my bag to the floor- I'm faced with the front of our school. The doors are propped open to the mornings rising sun, it's early rays flashing across the pavement between the milling students on the sidewalks- up the steps and inside.

I wait for the others to go first, before I stand, hanging my head as to avoid the top of the bus and hauling my backpack behind myself. When I stubbled down the steps though- I scan the sea of people. Looking for some ground, a friend, an acquittance. Because if it was one thing I learned about high school- it is never go in alone. Just like the ocean, don't dive in head first, unless you know someone has your back.

No one jumps out at me, so I tag along with my old gang of friends from my District. They don't mind much, they give me waning smiles, I stride in next to them. I'm usually more tired in the morning, like all the yawning students around me- but I find myself too nervous to even bother myself with the sleep deprivation.

Above the echoing noise of the hallways, beyond the school walls- I hear the shrill whistles from the train station. Signaling much more the the trains arrival. But the begging of my day, that girl. The mysterious Hope Clarke.

I find my locker easily, my fingers feel numb turning the dial. I force a deep breath. Maybe I was getting my hopes too high. What if Noah decides to forget she told me? What if she thought I was a jerk for running off yesterday?

I traded the backpack for my lighter English book. I stand in front of the open locker for a minute- staring around, looking at the faces that were familiar but the names that had never stuck. I try to find Mike or Mitchel maybe Levi, but they must be in class already.

I slam the metal door, not even bothering to turn the dial. I head towards class, people swerving around me, while I cut through the press of traffic easily. My height causes people to shy away, and I have no difficulty.

When I enter the class- there is no stopping my eyes as they scan it. Everyone was in place, except that ever telling gathering of girls. They weren't here yet. There was still seven minutes before the bell would ring and I slip into my seat. Mike grins at me- I smile wryly back.

"Whats up with you?" He asks.

"Noth'in. I'm just fine." I mutter quickly looking for a diversion. "My parents are letting me come, did one of your parents agree to let me stay for the weekend?"

Mike nods. "Levi's will. His mother may not like her son leaving, but she can't stand the idea of another sleeping out on the streets. You're in. Don't even worry about it- plus I think we'll find something to do. It won't completely suck."

"Just not the same as fishing." I mutter, sadly.

He shrugs and I don't know if I've upset him or he's just agreeing. I'm not good at guessing what people are thinking or feeling. A gift some lucky few have, but I defiantly don't possess.

Then theirs this laugh. That makes the hair on the back of my neck prickle and I shot up, sitting straighter- my eyes zoning in on the girl entering the doorway.

God. I've forgotten how pretty she is.

Her arms clutch a book to her chest, her gentle shoulders are straight though- not curving around them. She holds herself proud, her chin tilted up and her full lips, soften her face- with a grin. Flashes of white teeth gleam as she laughs, the sound like a chiming bell. Her hair is like falling spirals of golden thread.

Then I fumble, look away- my eyes focus on Mike's knowing smile. He raises an eyebrow, I kick him swiftly in the shin, enough to make him wince and drop his eyes from mine. I slouch back in my chair pretending to read the book, I flip it open to a random page.

That's when I see the shadow fall across my desk.

I try to keep the stress from tensing up my shoulders, but fail. I try to keep the panic from my eyes and the shaking in my hands from my voice- but I barely manage it.

"Damien." I glance up to find Noah leaning over me, Hope and that red head are standing on her two sides. Both of them peering down at me curiously- I stare into Hope's eyes too long though before they flicker back to Noah's.

"Hey." I murmur, thank god my voice sounded sure and smooth.

She giggles. The sound startles me, I nearly jump out of my skin- that's when Hope's laughter joins in and my face tinges slightly. Then Noah asks. "Do you normally read upside down?"

My eyes fly down to the book in between my hands and I failed to realize in my fumbling that it wasn't turned properly. Noah fixes that though, turning it around delicately. But too late, my face is on fire now. Because I only said one word- and Hope is already laughing at me.

"It's a new hobby." I mumble, trying to shrug it off- but not meeting any of the girls gazes.

Mike is staring at us, I see it out of the corner of my eyes.

"You'll have to teach it to me sometime." Noah replies, through a grin. "Anyway, I was wondering, about yesterday.." Her voice trailed off and my eyes flash up to Hope- who isn't looking at me, but at the book. The hazel is brighter then I've ever seen it... or maybe I've just never been this close before- because it is suddenly very apparent to me, the gold in them. "Are you free later.." My eyes widen now, looking to Noah in confusion- she stares back in a hard way. "To tutor me, in math?"

I blink. "Huh?"

Her jaw clenches slightly, and I wondered what I did to make her mad suddenly. "Don't you remember? After school, I was talking to you about tutoring me, in math... oh come on.. you know!"

That's when I caught on, when it was glaringly obvious- I was nearly sent to blushing again. "Oh yeah. Math. I don't mind.."

"Cool." She brightens instantly, and as she stands straighter- the bell rings. Hope and the red head began to slip away but she adds. "Sit by me in math, will you? I'll want your help."

She walks away then, following after the other girls. Mr. Lark takes up their spots, in the front of the class- taking attendance. This time when he calls out her name, she replies will a cheerful, "Here!"

Mike seems to drop the curiosity of what they were saying to me, for actually listening to the teachers lecture. Class started slow, I found myself replaying that little scene over and over again- and I felt like I hadn't gotten one good look at Hope, when I know I had plenty.

But still as the lesson drags on and I fail to even understand a word of it. I chance a glance across the room. Where the girls had place themselves.

Hope was propping her face up by her hand, her eyes track the teacher- she doesn't seem bored but not too terribly interested. Just light and considering, peaceful, and the way she held her body- curving to the left, elbow propped up on the desktop, legs tucked neatly under the chair, sitting tall... she was just a refreshing sight.

She didn't look like she hadn't slept much or had been sick the previous day. It was hard to imagine her being sick. With eyes that bright.. to ever see them sad seemed like a impossibility.. and so did the thought of her possessing secrets.

What could she possibly be hiding? Besides what Noah saw.. who was this guy? Why hide him?

I try to make sense of the thought when someone shifts into my view, blocking Hope from my sight- and it is Noah who is staring me down now. I almost avert my eyes, but she mouth something to me.

I can't read lips, but she repeats the action three times before I think I grasp the first word of what she is telling me.

"Hold.."

What? Hold on? Hold.. my thoughts? Hold her hand? Her bag?

I shake my head at her, not understanding. She sighs looking deflated and I turn away.

For the lesson I just sit flipping through my book, not really reading, but avoiding looking at anything else really. Until he's given us an assignment. It isn't too difficult a simple worksheet- but still my friends, Mike, Mitch, and Levi herd around my desk. Mooching some answers.

They have me relaxed in minutes, laughing and joking around. Mitch starts really getting into a retelling of some story, about a cat and.. something to do with farming. But for some reason every word of it make my face split into a grin.

None of the worksheet was completed in this time. Even though I re-read the first question about ten times. I just came up blank.

When the bell rang- we all jumped. Then laughed together. We gathered our stuff, but as I was picking up my binder I spotted something I hadn't noticed before. My eyes look to the doorway and see a flash of Noah's slim form slipping out- her hair whipping after her. I pick up the folded piece of paper then, my face sobering.

Mike calls out to me, halfway to the door- I stand, not looking up and I stumble into the hall after them. The note is unfolded and wrinkled against the books in my arms and I read it quickly- though no ones gonna peer over my shoulder to read it.

Hold on! Do you... like Hope? I knew you seemed concerned yesterday, but I didn't think.. I could help you. If you wanted. Most guys I would turn away- there is no hope when trying to win over Hope. But I'll try- if you help me figure out who this other guy is. Deal?

I hadn't realized I'd stopped dead in the middle of the hall- until I felt some younger kids elbow slam into my gut. I winced- then rushed towards my locker. I messed up the combination, my fingers were shaking slightly.

Was she serious? Was it possible? Could I get Hope with help? Would I be able to find out this mystery guy? Then overcome the fact that he exists, and win her over?

Thoughts that probably never occurred to me before. The nerves were back in full. And as I walked to math, I wrote a sloppy reply... one that in which I didn't know know how far the deal will turn out to go.

I do. Is it that obvious? And I'll take your deal. Though how much can you really influence her? When she hides so much from you also? .. has she an opinion on me?

That last part I hesitantly put, but I couldn't resist it.

When I entered the math room, they were already in their spots. But as I walked towards my seat cautious- Noah's head shot up, and she waved me over to her.. patting the seat just to her right.

I smiled back at her and slid over to them- trying to keep from stumbling. I ran a quick hand through my hair, that tends to be so messy.. and when I slumped into the seat next to her, Hope, on her left looks up- giving me a blinding grin.

But that was it, because the bell rang and her eyes went obediently to the teacher.

As the lesson began, I easily slipped the note to Noah. She read it behind the wall of her hand. Her face was serious though. Not grinning or franticly thoughtful- which was all I had yet to see. When she wrote back a response she had to think about it first.

When you stare at her- a bit. And good, I can influence her! Thank you very much. I've already told her what a helpful and kind fella you are. For tutoring me and all.. you are good at math aren't you? Hiding a guy is different. I don't think it effects the friendship. Oh and I was talking to her- well more like interrogating her about you. She likes your eyes.

My eyes. I had to fight a smile on that one. I felt some warmness drip through my nerves, into my fluttering stomach. My eyes, she likes my eyes. So she liked the blue. It wasn't notoriously bright or extremely dark. I thought they were quiet ordinary when it came to the blue eyed blonde hair combo. Oh well, if she liked them- then I love them.

I can do math. Are you really struggling? I'll take your word on that, by the way. How do you suppose we go about.. figuring out this... secret?

This reply was interrupted by the teacher calling on Noah. Who sat there blinking, until I saw Hope whisper to her the answer- which she stated easily. As if she had been doing it mentally.

Hope's gaze met my clueless one. Her eyes were... kind of sharp. Then she looked away.

The note fell back onto my book and Noah suddenly flipped her hair, leaned forward, far enough I wouldn't be able to see her face or Hope.

Take her by surprise. That's the main lead in figureing this out. She thinks everything through- it's odd. She plans everything. Take her off guard- because I can't, she expects me to do it. Don't think, don't give her time to think- go with the moment. And don't ever, not once mention me. Oh, and she's questioning your motives now. I knew she would- you were suppose to give me the answer, she thinks your just trying to get with me, not help me. Sit by me at lunch and in gym- run with us. Try to.. get her to like you also- that's part of the plan.

Yes all that is nice and dandy.. just one more question- if you think I knew how to get her to like me, don't you think I would have done it already?

I stuff the note into my pocket now. Since she obviously didn't expect a reply. I was slightly put out by the fact that Hope has already begin to think something that isn't me. How do I prove I'm not trying to get with Noah, but with her? Would she appreciate that? Or will she be disgusted?

As the homework was passed around- I threw myself into a tutoring mode. Noah actually sucks at this, and I went over it all, slowly and step by step. She was really listening, actually got a few- but some she was still sent into confusion. Hope worked alone, silently, and finished in minutes. Then proceed to watch my tutoring lesson.

I hardly got a problem done in my homework- but Noah's was finished by the time the bell rang. She thanked me and then we walked out together, Hope led us a little in front. One arm swinging down at her side- her fingers were uncurled.. my own fingers twitched to grab them.

But she would she rip them from my grasp wouldn't she?

I headed for my locker then- grabbing my gym things and making it to the locker room without being late this time. The room is louder then usually- the guys are jumping around, laughing, and I try to get in and out quickly.

When I'm in the gym the coach has everyone do ten push ups and then ten sit ups in three reps. Noah wanders over to me, asks me to be her partner in the reps. I agree but not before I scan the room for Hope- who isn't out of the locker yet.

I was in the middle of holding down Noah's feet when she did emerge.

I tried to keep my eyes off of her- while she arched her back, arms overhead, pulling her layers of hair into a pony. The hem of her shirt lifting up to reveal a slim strip of her stomach.

Noah laughed at the tinge of red on my face. I tried to glare at her, but her laugh was infectious- and I laughed it off with her.

Hope had seen I'd taken her usually partner and teamed up with my abandon one- Mike.

That shut off the merriment immediately. Noah shrugged, obviously not having thought this one out.

"Run with her. She's pretty fast, and I'll distract the other girls. Try to get her to laugh, make her smile. Something, okay?"

I shake my head. "I don't know. If I knew what to say to her, I would have. I'm.."

"Hopeless." She teased, and then stood over me- running a hand through my messy hair. "I'm here to help you though! Hope has weaknesses... we just have to find them."

Swatting away her hand and standing also- so the thought of her touching my hair seemed impossible- I glace over at Hope. "Don't let her think, right?"

"Right."

Grimacing slightly to myself- we are ordered outside. The day isn't as hot as the other one. A slightly cold dew still hangs in the air from the morning while little white clouds run across the sun. I have to pace myself slow while I watch the faster guys run passed, Noah had stopped and waited for the herd of girls. I jogged- looked back and saw she had all influenced them to go extremely slow, slow enough to make Hope give up on that speed and go at a normal one.

I wait until she's about to pass me before speeding up to match her run. She looks up at me- through a curl that has fallen free and into her eyes, flashing me a playful smile.

"Afraid I'll lap you?" She asks.

"Nope." I answer, my voice sort of shaking because I'm running. But she's talking to me... this is just all too surreal.

She rose an eyebrow, her eyes flickering from the path to my face. Despite her running, her voice is only slightly breathless, but surprisingly even. "Wanna race?"

I laugh wheezily, looking forward now, instead of staring at her. "If I say no, will you call me a loser?"

"Never!" She admonishes, but her grin and that spark in her eyes- say other wise.

I narrow my own eyes and then looking around I nod. "Fine. We'll race- you get a ten second head start."

"Just one lap?"

"One." I confirm, and she suddenly breaks into a sprint.

Despite what I said, I count to fifteen before picking up my speed and taking longer strides. I keep well enough behind her for the most of the lap, breathing heavily, the coldness of the air- stinging my throat. Up to the last hundred meters, I caught up with her.

She was panting, her teeth dung into her lip- it was adorable. Her body moved in better stance then mine, then most peoples. If my legs weren't so long- she might have had me in the dust. I stay about two feet behind her. Until we pass the invisible line of victory.

She slows to nearly a crawl. But doesn't stop completely- I slip right to her side.

"You let me win." She whispers, fast and gasping. Her eyes aren't upset, but she doesn't like that I did it.

"Never!" I copy her word from earlier, through my own panting.

She laughs then, it is startlingly loud- and is mostly just her chest shaking with not air entering her lungs- until she is grinning up at me.

I smile back, locked into her gaze. She shoots off again, running.

I didn't follow- should I? I didn't. I had already made her laugh like Noah wanted. Plus I think that's what Hope expected me to do.. and I'm suppose to do the opposite of that. So I even slowed pace.

She laps me sometime later- and I force myself not even to look at her.

After everyone is done. Me being one of the last to finish. We start a game of field soccer again. This time I'm not goaly.

Since Hope is here- she's voted as team caption and that boy from yesterday, from District 1. He's the second teams caption.

The class spreads out across a line. Waiting to be chosen. I don't want to be on that guys team, he won't pick me anyway. I'm clumsy when it comes to soccer, people tangle in with my legs and I usually let the girls score the net. I'm more of a basketball player, where I don't even need to jump to touch the hoop.

Hope picks all those weaklings that the guy avoids. She chooses Noah once everyone that she knows will be neglected is gone (proving once again how considerate she is). I see Noah whispers something to her- and Hope motions me to their side.

I was one of the last chosen, we get three minutes to set up. Hope talks really fast, and tells us our parts- me and Noah are sent to the outer field near the left side of the net, where there is the least amount of action.

I stand out to the side, watching people fight over the ball in the middle of it. Noah spins around me, walking in circles- obviously bored. I raise an eyebrow at her and she points over to Hope.

Hope is in the net, she's goaly. Instead of taking the most important role up front with the ball, she's chosen to help defend. She's not doing much, just shifting her weight from foot to foot.

"You should have beat her.." Noah says, in a lulling voice.

"You want me to beat a girl in competition? She'll think I'm a jerk."

"No.." Noah stops walking, leaning into my left arm- her mouth curving into a smile. "She would have been surprised, that you didn't let her win like the other boys. I told you not to let her think and you went with what she said. Do something that she doesn't."

"Like what? What should I be doing now?"

She considers this for a minute, and then stands straight. "Walk her to her next class, take her gym bag- and force her to let you."

The thought made me think of trouble. Of her assuming I would steal, or being too dominating or rude... she could get angry, though I've never seen her angry before...

"I don't know.." I start but Noah's eyes are glaring at me now, arms crossing over her chest.

"Do you trust me or what?" She demands, and her eyes are so blue.. I'm reminded of the ocean, right before a storm.

"Fine, I'll try it." I say, laying down the fight and looking over to the goal- the boy had managed to score while we were talking. Some team mates were shouting at us for just standing there, but it hadn't even come through our region.

When the game ends I managed to stop two goals from my post, saving Hope the trouble- though she was covered in grass stains already. I see she has chosen goaly for more then the reason I had thought earlier. But since she knew her team wasn't one to match his, she thought to protect the thing they couldn't. Though it's proven harder then she thought.

At the end of the game it's zip to ten. We lost but Hope is still grinning when she shakes the other team caption's hand.

I jogged up to the locker room- finish showering just before the others are arriving. I pull on a shirt trying to shake out the water in my hair as I'm going out into the gymnasium.

I wasn't surprised to see Noah standing outside the girls locker room holding Hope's bag. I crossed to her quickly and she shoved the things into my arms, I tossed it halfheartedly over my shoulder with my own. It's heavier then mine, what does she carry in here? Rocks?

Noah grins at me, but when the door opens and Hope is slipping out, I feel very small as her eyes zone in on the bag over my shoulder.

"He insisted." Noah says instantly.

Hope's face had looked perplexed then she rose an eyebrow, a smile playing at her lips. "I hadn't realized that this was the reward of winning." She declares, continuing forward, reaching a hand towards the strap.

But I pull it out of her grasp- with Noah glaring at me from over Hope's shoulder. I glance back at the hazel, that looks calm and sure. "You took off before I could tell you." I manage to say. I didn't know how to convince her to let me walk her. I couldn't.. how could you take Hope off guard?

She purses her lips seeming to think and Noah shakes her head. So I sputter the first thing on my mind.

"You have science next don't you? I have it the period after. I didn't do my homework last night, do you think you could help me with it while we walk? Since I let you win and all- it'll even out the.. odds."

Hope cocks her head to the side, something I'd never seen before. "I wasn't here yesterday, I didn't do the homework either."

Damn it. Noah smacks her palm against her forehead- maybe I am hopeless. Hope takes the bag from my shoulder, and some how manages not to touch my arm once. Then she's walking away, not to be late.

Noah shakes her head at me, and I follow after her towards the halls. "Stop being so.. hesitant and soft!" She hisses, as we walk. "Don't go with her thoughts! And make sure she can't outsmart your words."

"That's impossible! She's smarter then me!"

"Hope is clueless in some areas, Damien." There was a goading tone in her voice and her eyes meet mine darkly.

I know what she is hinting at. "But if she has a secret guy.. do you really believe that anymore?" I ask.

"We'll see won't we?" She counters. "Make her uncomfortable, take her out of her zone. Shatter a plan of hers- maybe it'll knock down a wall. You need to be unpredictable!"

I'm one of the most predictable guys I know. I run a hand through my hair, trying to lay it flat in the same movement. This was going to be harder then I thought. I'm putty in Hope's hands, like everyone. And Noah is telling me to change it- to become the boss.

It's like the first time I met Hope again. When she was the one taking care of me, when I should have been the man in the situation.

But she was a leader, a natural born leader- she wasn't easily put under. I wondered if she was faced with something fearful, if she would even take a moment to actually feel fear, or would she stare it calmly in the face? Did she have a weakness? Or are we kidding ourselves?

"I'll try." I sigh to Noah, as we reach my locker and she gives me a nod before walking away.

The next class passes slow, boring and I try to think of a plan, to talk to Hope at lunch. To take her off guard. I just can't think of anything- I feel like she can't be broken. What can I do- that no one else has already tried and failed with?

When lunch rolls around I tell my friends that I won't be sitting with them. Levi is confused but then Mike is all smiles and whispering. Probably telling them about my predicament from English and gym. Levi doesn't look jealous though, even though I know he has a crush on Hope. He's giving me that knowing look like all of them.

We enter the lunch room together- I buy a sandwich and water, then I spot them across the room, so far from my own table.

There's flocks of girls surrounding Hope, but like a loyal pup- Noah is on her right, a space open for me just off to Noah's own right. There is only one other guy at that table overflowing with estrogen- he's a shorter fella, with shaggy black hair, dark eyes, and long eyelashes. I didn't know his name, I knew he was from District 8. Him and Hope are friends, and him and her are currently bantering playfully.

Was he the guy?

But Noah had said the one she saw was tall and not from their old school. With that information I tried not to be jealous as I slid into the spot next to Noah.

The herd of them welcomed me with smiles, even the guy. Maybe he was glad for the company. He even stood slightly, reaching a hand across the table to me. I take it shaking it hesitantly and as he sits he says.

"You're from District 4, right?" I nod and he grins. "It's such a pretty place there."

"You've been there?" I ask.

"Yep, lots of times. My mother takes me traveling around a lot. She used to travel when she was younger and shows me all of the Districts now."

His mother doesn't sound the normal type. "Oh? That's awesome, I'm actually going to District 11 this weekend- heard it was a lot hotter up in that climate."

"Muggy too. I've been there a few times, I hear they are reconstructing some of the upper parts of town now. It'll be something to check out if you can." I've decided I like this kid. Even if he's handsome and talking to Hope- and then he adds. "Oh! My names Caleb, by the way.. and you?"

I don't know what makes me notice this, for it didn't seem like anything was off to me, but Hope- who I'm hyper aware of, her fingers had been twisting around her water bottle – when her hands suddenly faltered, only just a bit. But I saw it.

"Damien." I mutter, my eyes focusing on her then flickering back up to this boy's chocolate brown orbs. "My names Damien."

From then on, the talking was easy- Hope participated a lot, I wasn't so shy. But never were we directly talking together. It was just a group thing, Noah tried to influence it otherwise, drawing my attention towards her first- who waved it away. Then her attention towards me, but I kept blotching it up.

Caleb seemed to try and help, I think. He obviously noticed my stares and he was constantly trying to pull me in the conversations whenever I seemed to get withdrawn and uncertain.

When lunch was up and people started to fade away, dumping uneaten food or off to finish homework from last night- I watched Caleb and Hope walk off together, after she asked him to help her with what she missed the other day.

When it was just me and Noah we rose, crossing the lunch room, dropping off our trays.

"What's with that kid?" I ask after the silence of us started to get to me.

She hesitated a minute. "Funny you should ask." She says, then glances at me, looking thoughtful. "Him and her are friends, not even that close- I know it wasn't him she was with. But her and his mom have a close friendship. I think, at least that's what I gathered- after the years Caleb would always tell her his mom said hi, or asked her to come over. And she would always to try to play it off."

"What's with the mom then?" I ask, remembering how it was odd she traveled around- unlike so many of those who have grown up in the old ways.

Noah shrugs. "No idea, only met her once- really pretty, name was Tera. She was nice though, maybe she just approves of Hope like ever adult does."

It's true. I haven't one teacher, parent, or elder who didn't adore Hope. I knew mine would be fawning over her in seconds. The thought of taking Hope home though, to my parents- was exhilarating and terrifying in one. But also completely imaginary and impossible.

"Do you think I'll ever get her to even consider.. liking me?" The idea seemed just as unbelievable. I wished it could happen, for her to look at me and to know it was me she held into a higher light. Or at least picture me in a fraction of the way I do her. To hold her hand...

"It's the first day!" Noah exclaims, rolling her eyes and shoving towards my next classroom. "We haven't even begun- and a deal is a deal. I'm not giving up. But as soon as I get you under that wall- you had better get me some answers. Do you know what it is like to have your best friend hide things from you? You just keep being unpredictable and I'll find some way for you to get through."

"Okay, but I'm trusting you, Noah!" I call after her- as she begins to walk away. People in the hall glance at me oddly, but she gives me a thumbs up continuing around the next corner.

This class I was stuck to myself. There was no one in here I knew, so I began to work on the homework I've been neglecting. It wasn't hard, it bore me to tears and I found myself staring outside the nearest window. I kind of wished I could be out on my boat, with the waves rocking me back and forth. Calming me and putting me at ease. The ability to dip my fingers into the warm, salty water- lapping against my palm.

The sun could warm my tan skin and shine brightly against closed eyes lids- like an infinitely light blanket covering my body.

I nearly nodded off to sleep then in class- my face leaning into my hands. Body hunched over, shoulders drooping. But the bell shocked me to life.

Numbly I made the transition, from this class to my last one. I had Mike in this one so we just sat around talking, mostly bored- he told me about what he wanted to do once we got to District 11. Told me about how long the bus ride would be, but that we got to see other Districts on the trip. Apparently they pass both District 7 and District 10.

I was actually excited to go though. To actually stay somewhere new. That kid, Caleb, he told us a bunch of tales about his travels. And I couldn't wait to see these old, strangely designed warehouses and towering trees that he had spoken of for District 11. I don't see many trees in my District, it's mostly sandy dunes, rocky soil, docks, and ocean.

I had that detention to serve though, we'll be taking the late bus and be arriving after dark to the District. I won't be able to see much until Saturday. All the same- I was excited. And slowly this faded the nervousness that Hope had me tangled in all day. I almost hated the way she made me jumbled.

Finally once the school day ended- I was standing around my locker. Putting my things aside, my friends were talking around me. Mitch was howling like a hyena at something Levi said and I was grinning because of it.

Noah passed by us- not even looking in my direction. Hope was at her side, they were talking together. Their voices fast and Noah was looking irritated. Hope was calm. I watched them all the way towards the front doors, where Noah turned to face Hope whose back was to me. Noah's face was crumpled. She was using a lot of hand motions.

I realized they were arguing.

"Hey, earth to Damien!" Mike smacks a hand on my shoulder- and I flash my gaze down to his grin. "Distracted by the pretty girls again?"

I rolled my eyes, scoffing as they laughed at my expense. I turned to my locker, picking up my bag- and then out of the corner of my eye, glanced back at them.

But there was no one standing at the doors anymore. The space was clear, some other students filing passed it.

Sighing I told my friends I'll see them later and I made my way towards the library where they will hold me and a handful of others two hours after. They'll be going to the small town around the school, probably mostly just staring at things they can't afford. Or messing around with the locals who've decided to live here- shop owners, teachers, etc..

When I entered the library I handed the slip to a strict looking woman- she nodded me over to an empty table set near the back of the large room. There were other tables littering the open space- only about four other students were here. None of them I knew, looking bored or agitated. I slipped into my seat- setting my bag into the chair next to mine. Staring off into space for.. about the first five minutes.

Until doing nothing got to me and the instinct to just do something hits me. For kids like myself and my generation, sitting around isn't something we can do- we have to be learning, playing, talking, thinking, or something. We have to be expanding like our parent's force us to do. We have to be enjoying our freedom..

So I stood- and sauntered over to the nearest book shelf. I plucked off a book, the woman was watching me sharply to make sure I wasn't up to no good. I took the book back to my table and dropped it open to a random page.

It was a history book. One of the newer ones, after most of the Capitol made ones were burned. These showed how cruel our last government had been. Pictures of a man named Snow, of Gamemakers, screen shots of the Games themselves. In the front there is a honor thing to the Mockingjay- Katniss Everdeen. It says she chooses to reside in District 12, with another passed victor Peeta Mellark.

There was a worn picture of the two in here. It showed them at the age of twenty something, but I found myself curious and flipping franticly to the back of the book where there is an index of every victor there ever was. I don't know many, I know the obvious ones, like Katniss or Haymitch who were made famous. And of course Finnik- the handsome one from my own District. They made a shrine of him in town square.

I looked at the page that in big letters had 'District 12 Victors' across the top. I ran my fingers over the pictures of faces until it stopped on the last one of the page, there were only a few victors over the whole of seventy five years- but the last picture held two kids in it.

They looked much less worn in this one, they were holding hands- standing at their back was a train. 'The two victors of District 12', it said in the caption.

I felt sad then, about the past. Thinking of just how much they fought for what we have now. But they are just too old to really feel the full of it. I feel like I hadn't even worked for my life. That I could never tell Katniss just how grateful I am to her.

To think that I lived in the past- that their were those things called reapings, to watch my friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens fight to the death. And to think that I may have never known Hope- or even worse, she could have been in the Game.

I toss the book away from myself then, in disgust. It falls against the table, the pages rustling and turning with the pull of gravity. It made a loud thud and the woman shushed me sharply. The other kids around turn to glare.

Grumbling I stand again- then reach down to pick up the stupid book. But just as I look down at it a picture catches my eyes, a face, a familiar face..

She had bright green eyes, long ashy blonde hair. Her smile was bright and false- but it didn't distract me from the fact that with her high cheek bones, soft face, and stubborn chin.. she was like Hope's twin or practically, despite little details.

I fell back into the chair staring at this picture. My eyes look to the top of the page and it reads 'District 8 Victors', there are only a total of five faces on it, even less then how many victors District 12 had.

I read the name under the picture, 'Keera Grooves', the name meant nothing to me. Not really- vaguely from old history lessons in fifth grade. But how did she look just so much like Hope?

Could they be related? The girl only looked about... I checked the caption to be sure, but it read with more information. 'Winner of both 70th and 71st Hunger Games, at the ages of twelve and thirteen. Continued on to be tribute in the 75th.'

It didn't say weather she died or escaped with the rebels. I didn't know much on it- I chose not to continue to study the rebellion where some kids get to decide if they want to be historians of a sort. They gave us a choice to submerge ourselves into the destructive past.

The picture only deepened the mystery of Hope. Was this her mother? Or an aunt? Maybe they just looked alike- in a strange coincidence. But either way I found myself suddenly driven mad with curiosity. I wanted to ask her. Maybe she would wave it off, tell me I'm just funny.

But maybe she'd falter, maybe no ones asked before- she would be unprepared.

I smiled to myself as I walked over to the shelf and replaced the suddenly not so stupid book. I picked up a different one- not history but one about mathematics.

It wasn't so dual after I started to work out some of the problems on paper. It isn't so odd I do it though- it makes my mind turn, it distracts me from the question that I'll be dying to ask Hope and I'll have to wait all weekend to, it keeps me busy and doing something with my freedom.

The hour passes faster now, while I'm working, my foot bouncing up and down. And when that woman calls out that we are free to go- all the others spring up and race for the door. I follow calmly though, placing back the book back and neatly folding the paper up and putting it in my bag.

When I emerge into the hall I toss the bag over my shoulder. The doors are down the hall- I see the others crash out of them and I saunter after.

Just before I reach about a hundred foot distance to the door though- I hear footsteps, running ones, then a form shoots around the corner at the end of the hall, just in front of me. They don't see me and I'm too slow to respond- they ram straight into my chest, sending us both to the ground. As we fell I caught them around the back. I yelped due to the pain from my spine hitting the floor and their finger nails nipping through my shirt where they cling to it. They give a great hmph of their own.

Then they are reeling back, tearing out of my arms grasp, the palms of their hands kneading against my chest. I struggle to catch my breath, they are panting, and I get a good look of their face as it stares down at me.

"Hope?" I exclaim, as I take in her. Her cheek were flushed slightly, her eyes are bright with worry and apology, her mouth struggles to form words.

And her body is pressed against mine, her knees straddling my hips. A shiver runs over me, I suddenly can't breath for a new reason and my heart is pounding. I make to sit up and she scrambles off of me, finally finding some words.

"I'm so sorry." She gasps, taking deep breaths. Where had she run from? Why was she still at the school? "I-I needed to get my bag from my locker-" Her eyes flicker down the hall to it, where she obviously still needed to go. "- I'm going to miss the late train, I have to go. I'm so sorry, I was rushing-"

"It's fine." I tell her, rubbing my sore ribcage, I wave a hand towards her lockers and she gives me a huge smile, sprinting down the hall to it.

I watch her fumble quickly with the dial. I still don't understand why she was still here- but I had to be going too, before I missed my bus. I walked over to the door, pushing it open with a hand- the sun was lowering in the horizon, it was around five in the afternoon. The evening was settling, the air was cool.. and I suddenly remembered that question.

I turned around to see her stuffing things into her bag, throwing it around her shoulders. She slams the locker and looks up at me standing in the doorway, staring. She started heading towards me.

I hold the door open for her, watching her with a closed off face.

Would she react? Would she pause to listen to me?

But that was a stupid question, she paused to listen to anyone- she was just too nice to pass someone words up. She believes that people have a voice for a reason, they're meant to be heard.. and I was going to be heard.

I could feel something settle in me, like when I'm with other girls I feel sure of myself. Hope had always been different because she never faltered- but now, seeing her slightly frantic, worried, and rushing- I felt suddenly confident and I matched her pace down the steps, slipping an easy hand under the strap on her shoulders. I slid the bag off of her and then hike it up onto my own.

She looks up at me in a flash, eyes wide and still a bit frantic. Then she sighs. "Damien-" The sound of my name in her sweet voice made me almost melt, she was so cute when flustered. "I know you're nice and gentleman like, but I really am running late. I had to stay after to make up for missing yesterday and my-" Her voice stopped dead, before she started up again in a soft voice. "I need to get home before I cause too much worry."

We stopped at the end of the steps, the side walk at our feet. One way was the train station, the other was the bus station. I knew which way I was going and it wasn't involving Mike and Mitch and Levi.

She held out a patient hand for her bag back, but I only wrapped my fingers possessively around the strap that dug into my shoulder. I stared down into the hazel eyes and I smiled. "I'm not letting you walk all the way there alone, it's getting late. You're stuck with me."

She looked sad for a minute, then thoughtful. She dropped her hand and then looked off down the street- but her eyes focused back on mine again. "Please." She says, her voice more of a sigh, and I felt my confidence ebb. I saw the plead in her eyes, but then I looked back down at my hand- and I remembered that I had seen so many crumble under her gaze before. Those who had just went with what Hope said, like Noah told me.

Hope was more then I thought, because I suddenly saw how clearly. She can read and just know people, making her manipulative. She hardly useed the gift for bad, but right now I'm determined and I've seen through the ploy.

"Nope." I say, simply, and I began walking down the street- towards the train station. She has no choice but to follow.

She still maintains her composure. I don't even know if the fail of her ploy has faltered something of her. She's calm and silent, walking at my side in a graceful gait.

I wonder what she's like when she's around that guy she has? Has she kissed him? Do they hold hands? I felt myself build on jealousy until I couldn't take it nor the silence- it wasn't even a long walk. I'm surprised she hadn't made that argument. It would take only five minutes to get to the station.

So I pulled up the question. I knew maybe now wasn't the best time. With the few people hanging around the town square, the closing shops around us, and when I've forced her into my company... but we were alone and I don't know if that would ever happen at school.

The words are out, uncut, unedited, and quickly.

"Are you related to Keera Grooves?"

Her shoulder flinches back, her fingers curl into a fist, and she stops dead- eyes flying to mine in shock, there is a mixture of pain in them and I suddenly realized just what dangerous territory I've jumped into, head first- and no one has my back.

"What did you say?" She demands, and it as if her voice has transformed. It is a whisper, unbelieving and bordering on anger.

I stare at her. I think my confidence has slipped out from under me. Just as much as her calmness has vanished. We stare at each other for a long time. Until I get the courage to repeat myself.

"Keera Grooves. You look like her, in the history books. Victor of District 8." I bark out, bluntly, not willing to back out now- I've already put myself into this, I wasn't going to leap away. "Are you related?"

She stares at me for a long time, as if she is waiting for me to say more. Then she steps forward and shoves me- in the chest, I stumble back only a step. She has the amount of strength of a new born kitten.

"What do you want from me!" She cries, angrily. I don't understand what she means. Her face has distorted into something I never thought possible. She was going to cry- I could see it in her eyes, and I felt my throat tighten. I was going to make.. Hope.. fucking Hope Clarke cry. I felt like the biggest jerk in the world. If the football team found out- I'd be murdered. I try not to wince when she comes at me again, grabbing the strap of her bag and ripping it off of my shoulder. I let her take it.

"First you have Noah attack me!" She says, and the tears spill out, down her cheeks. "All day, constantly bugging me about that stupid time she saw me hugging-" She gasped in a choking, sob like breath and I felt myself fall away. Everything I held vanished, the confidence and daring, I don't even want to know who she was hugging anymore. "It doesn't even matter! They- they're just.." She crumbles to the tears then, her hand raise to bury her face in the palms. Her shoulders shake as she cries, her bag has dropped to her feet.

I stood their across her. Had I really just made her cry? Just with one question? I felt terrible, I didn't know what to say. I felt like snapping at Noah, but I knew it was my fault too.

"I'm sorry." I murmur, because that's all I could think of saying. I move towards her, to touch her arm lightly, and she lets me. She doesn't flinch away. I run it up the length of her soft skin, trying to comfort her- then she drops her hands, revealing her tear stained face. Something I've never seen before.

"No, it's not your fault." She says, sniffling. "I'm just.. it's just.. stressful. I'm sorry, Damien- please I'm still not feeling well still from yesterday. I have lots of homework, Noah and me had a fight about the stupidest thing.. "

She's making excuses now. I can see it. She bends down to pick up the bag and continues to mumbles. "Ignore what I said, I was just being a girl you know." She musters up a strained smile. "I don't know who this Keera is.. I just- you, I ran into you and you were being nice after and then I just snapped, I'm sorry." Her eyes raised down the street, towards the train station. "I have to go, I'll.. make up it up to you Monday, I'll buy you lunch or something-" She starts walking away.

She's just trying to cover up her lasp in emotion, her sudden falter- she's trying to hide it and wave it away with excuses. I wondered if this has ever worked on someone before, but it's not going to work with me. There is something, the secrets are driving me mad. Who is this guy? Who is Keera to Hope? Why was she so angry before and why was she crying after? What made it so stressful to her?

Maybe it wasn't a smart move, but I followed her- I caught up with her in full when we reached the train station and she stopped just before entering the doors, to look at me. Her expression perplexed- did she really think her excuses would work?

I smile at her, slip on the train passed her and take one of the many empty seats. It was the late train, not many people were on here, about ten. Hope stares at me like I'm crazy. Her face still looks worn from the tears she's neglected to wipe away.

"What?" I ask her, placing my bag- full of everything I need for over the weekend on the seat to my right.

"This is to District 8." She rasps, stumbling on passed the doors.

"I know, so?"

Her eyes narrow, as she falls into a seat across me. "So you live in District 4." She had been listening at lunch hadn't she..

I grin, despite how rotten I feel- but I don't even know what I'm saying, the words are controlled by curiosity and my sudden need to know her more. "Didn't Noah tell you?" I ask, she quirks an eyebrow. "I'm staying with her over the weekend. My friends in District 11 canceled." I sent a silent sorry to them as they waited for me on the bus- but they could wait and Hope was weak now, I may not have to courage to do this, in the next five minutes.

Hope is silenced then, her lips press together- she is thinking. I know I shouldn't let her, like Noah said but I decide for this moment I will. The train suddenly shrieks though, the whistle makes me jump- her lips twitch. The train jerks into motion, and I suddenly actually don't have the courage- because as of this moment I can't change my mind and slip back out those doors.

As the train begin to pick up speed, Hope finally wipes away the tears- pull out a jacket, wrapping herself in it and it seems she's decided to pull out her old self- the real Hope that isn't wrought with sudden emotions. Her face softens, and she smiles are me kindly. "Well then... I hope you enjoy your visit to District 8. It's quite... gray." And those were the last words she uttered to me through the whole ride.

---

A/N: HELL! I know it's SOO long, but I'm sorry, I couldn't find a good place to cut it! I hope you liked it, thanks for reading- review! -Taryn(: