Several people have mentioned how the Capitol is just kind of put there for the convenience of the story. So this chapter you get a HISTORY LESSON from the random thoughts of me. Because I truly was dropped on my head as a baby. Jk, Hope you like it. :)
Chapter 8
How different would life be? How different would it be if the Capitol never recuperated up north? I try to remember the train conductor's story on why we were going to this supposedly dead city and how it stayed alive.
"About 85 years ago, Panem was a stable, peaceful place." The train conductor said over the intercom. The train had just received a fresh batch of newcomers. It was tradition that he tells them of Panem history. "There was the Capitol, a beautiful, powerful city that reined over thirteen districts. Each district provided for the Capitol, from the jewels in District 1 to the granite of 13. And all the electronics, fish, and coal in between. In exchange for the goods, the Capitol would take care of these districts.
"But one day, some greedy person decided they wanted more and started a rebellion," All the children on the train grew very confused; this was not the way they learned it in their history classes, "The Capitol had no choice but to fight back. They ended up completely wiping out District 13 and all of its inhabitants. With this sacrifice, the other districts backed off. To prevent another rebellion, the Capitol invented the Hunger Games: a fight to the death between 24 contestants. A boy and a girl from each district. This helped maintain peace for about 75 years! But once again, somebody got greedy." I winked and laughed at Prim, "Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark started a new rebellion."
"They found help from the thought-to-be-extinct District 13. You see, 13 specialized in not only granite, but nuclear weapons. They killed our fearless leader: President Snow. They thought that killing him would end the Capitol. They were wrong. The Capitol moved up to what use to be known as Canada. Here, we are regaining our strength and power for the day we will again rein over the twelve districts. Until then, we have special assignments for each of you," Prim snorted, sure was special, "If you fail your assignment, the Capitol has the power to take anything you've ever known from you, including your home, family, and your safety. This assignment is here to show you how powerful the Capitol is, and how powerful it will grow to be. Thank you and enjoy the beauties of this wonderful city."
The train pulled up to the city lit up in the night. Several of the new kids stared in aw at the seemingly fairy-tale of a land. Little did they know.
"What are you thinking about Nicky?" Prim sipped on her lemon aid. It was lunch.
"How old is Thresh?"
She frowned, knowing what I was thinking, "He turns thirteen next month."
"So he'll be on the train soon or do you think he will be one of the few lucky souls that are excused from the trip."
She looks like she's going to cry, "One can only hope."
I wrap my arm around her, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything."
"No, it's ok. I'd want to know too if you had a little brother or sister."
We eat silently for a couple of minutes. A couple of guys try to sit next to Prim, I scare them away. She finally starts to grow happy again. Thank goodness, I was afraid I ruined her!
She laughs, "So today, in science," she giggles, "Lucy is in that class." She cracks up, "I think she's still confused about last Friday."
I laugh with her, "I bet she went crazy when she saw all the attention guys have been giving you."
She giggles, "Just a little bit."
The lunch bell rings and I take her to the drama room. She kisses me goodbye on the cheek, then just for a second on the lips. I smile and am walking away. I hear her shout over the hundreds of kids in the hall, "Bye Pudding Plop!"
Several people turn and laugh at me. I reposition my jacket to hide my face then I build up the courage to speak up, "See you in a bit my little Gummy bear!"
She turns red and retreats to her classroom.
I go to my singing class right up a flight of stairs up the hall. We sing all about finding love today. I understand the depth of each song a little bit better, especially the one about being loved in return. I smile mischievously; I know how I'm going to win Prim's and my game.
The bell finally rings. I wait at the top of the stairs. I see Prim come out of her class. She spots me and waves. I give her a smile, but she knows something is up. I start shouting loud enough for everyone around to hear, "I'd like to dedicate this one to Prim Rose!"
Everybody stops what they're doing and where they're going to watch. "Say hi to everyone, Prim!"
A little space clears around where she is and a path forms between us. She gives a confused and sheepish wave. She's already blushing. Oh, just wait. I grab the guitar from the choir class. She hides her face in her hands for a second and shakes her head. She laughs and tries to hide her embarrassment. I start playing. Then I start singing,
"Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted," I start making my way down the stairs. I do ridiculous dance steps and end up in her face.
"I fell right through the cracks
Now I'm trying to get back," I'm singing in her ear and walking in circles around her. She's bright red.
"Before the cool done run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
And nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some
I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours."
I put down the guitar and smile at the amazing job I'd done. Prim looks as embarrassed as ever. She wraps her arms around me into a hug and whispers in my ear, "Ok, you win." I beam at her and give her a soft kiss. I hear several 'aws' and 'how cutes' and one girl even turned to her boyfriend to ask "Why don't you ever do stuff like that for me?"
I lean into Prim's ear, "I may have sung the song to win the game but I meant every word I said. Well except that I'm trying to get back. I don't want to get back. Prim, I love you."
She smiles, "I love you too. But you do know that that was really..."
"Corny?"
She laughs, "Completely."
Yes, I have this thing for guys singing. :) I promise though, I got it out of my system. Reviews!