Underneath The Flames ~ Chapter 2 Through Tulips and Feathers.
Quick Author's Note:
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou! I notice that in my first chapter, it was a bit rushed so I apologise about that. But have you ever had that feeling where you come up with an idea and you think, 'Wow, I have to write this down!' And then you do and it doesn't really come out the way you wanted it to? Well that was sort of like me. It will be a longer chapter. A massive thankyou to my two reviewers, (so far.) I really appreciate your great feedback! And also a major thankyou to the people who favourite my story and follow!
Btw, I don't own anything :[
Now let's get to the story!
The wind ran through my hair as I ran towards the fence. Two small, dead rabbits swinging from my belt, accompanied by a squirrel. I had been so accustomed to hunting with Gale that it felt as if part of me wasn't even here. The part which watched my back, kept stray dogs off me, set all the traps and clumsily shot arrows at bird's heads. Gale was busy repairing his house at the seam, probably wishing he could be hunting out in the woods.
I would've helped him too, if my family's food supplies weren't so low. As I kept running towards the border between me and Gale, I couldn't help but be worried about him. The reaping was coming up, and his name had been entered in far too many times for my liking. In my sister's case however, she's as safe as safe can be. This is exactly what I need. It's hard enough worrying for Gale, but in this instance, I needn't worry about my little sister.
After a few more minutes of running I finally reach the electric fence that surrounds District 12. Stopping to hear if the fence is live, I duck under the small hole in the fence that leads to the Meadow. I notice a blossoming tulip and pick it for Prim, who has been constantly thinking about her first reaping approaching. I keep telling her not to worry, and that she'll be fine. But I think I'm actually trying to convince my mother as well, who is growing paler each day. I would be the same too, though. If I hadn't told myself every night that Prim will be fine. Heading for the Hob, I quickly look at the moon, which is just visible. I'd better be quick, Greasy Sae would probably be closing up soon. And after a full days hunting, I could use a bit of food in the stomach.
Once I walk through the large dusty doors, I find myself emerged in an array of stalls, colours and smells. Greasy Sae must still be open. Casually striding over to her stall, I purchase a wild dog stew and sit myself upon a small bar stool located in the far corner of the Hob. Just as I lift the spoon to my mouth, a familiar voice asks "Good day of hunting Katnip?" My face transforms behind the spoon, I relax and smile, replying "Well I do work better on my own" It was a complete lie, obviously. He knew that. In fact, if I had Gale with me, I would've had twice as much game as I do now. He grimaced, and said "You're the worst liar I know" and I just laughed. It was true; I was a horrible liar, even if it was a matter of life or death.
After a few more bowls of stew, and a trip to the butcher, Gale and I set off to the Bakers, stopping to pause at the cake displays on the way. Once there, we weren't greeted by the Baker himself, but by his son, The Boy with the bread, also known as Peeta.
"Hey" Peeta mumbled, looking towards the window. Gale and I both followed his gaze, to find a big, fat pigeon perched on the window sill with a small piece of bread hanging out of the side of its beak. Peeta groaned and said "stupid bird, keeps stealing our food" But before he could finish his sentence, my arrow had already lodged itself into the bird's eye. Gale laughed but Peeta looked a bit shocked. "I never said kill it" He mumbled.
After that I felt a bit guilty, so I told him he could keep it. He gave me a fair trade for the squirrels, and, as always, commented on how I always shoot them straight in the eye.
I walked home with Gale feeling slightly smug, and apparently it showed because Gale said "God, it's not as if he kissed your feet or something." But I could use any compliment as a pick me up, because it's getting to the stage where my nails are much shorter due to the fact I bite them every night, but that's just because the reaping is coming up in a matter of days.
Once home, I say hello to my mother and sister, who I haven't seen all day, give Prim the tulip – which had the desired effect to brighten her day - and then collapse on my bed due to mass exhaustion.
And I slept as well as a dead pigeon.
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