Sorry it is taking so long to update this. I have several other stories I am writing and am keeping up with those.
Chapter 3:
The 72nd Annual Hunger Games
Part 1
I don't remember much about the first day.
Mother and Prim were stuck in front of the screen as each tribute was launched into the arena. They surrounded the Cornucopia in a semi-circle, poised and ready to dash for supplies. I noticed two sets of bows and arrows in the opening, gold in color with solid types. I bit my lip, hoping Katniss noticed them as well. I tried to spot her among the tributes, dressed in almost a hunter's type of outfit in dark gray.
The arena this year was a series of mountains and cliffs, with a forest in the middle. The only water source seemed to be a stream that cut through the arena with a waterfall found nearest to the steepest cliffs. The height of some of those cliffs scared me, knowing if Katniss fell from any of them, she would die. My sister was at home in the woods and good with a bow. I only hope that would be enough for her to survive.
The countdown had started, my heart constricting with worry for my older sister. I close my eyes, knowing that it is against the rules not to watch the opening of the games. I didn't want to see the upcoming bloodbath, kids my age and older slaughtering each other like animals. And for what? Glory? Wealth? Victory? Don't make me laugh. Our last victor from District 12 is a regular visitor to the Hob and I haven't seen him sober since I was four.
I hear Prim cheer and force my eyes open, knowing I have to make sure Katniss makes it away. The images become a blur of red and gray, screams of dying children reaching my ears. I cover my mouth as I watch our district male tribute die at the hands of what we call the Careers, blade to the throat. "Oh no…" The words escape my lips before I can stop them, making me glance worriedly at Primrose. She didn't seem to notice.
Mother is staring blankly at the screen, a horrified expression overtaking her slowly. I immediately squash down the glee that floods through me. Is it horrible that I wish pain and suffering on the woman that abandoned Prim and I again at the reaping? I will never forget the look in her eyes, pleading for me to comfort her while I held Prim to me. Only after Katniss left did I realize that she was no longer our mother, only the woman who gave birth to us. Katniss has been my mother since I was ten and Prim seven.
A cannon shot brings my attention back to the screen, seeing the children's bodies littering the grassy clearing. I swallow slowly, studying each face they show that appears on the screen. Nine of the twenty-four tributes were killed in the beginning bloodbath. One of these tributes was the male tribute from District 12. Relief floods me upon realizing Katniss is still alive. She made it out in time. I watch as her face is shown, running through the forest away from the battle. A bow and arrows in her arms along with an orange backpack. I fall back into my chair, relief flooding through me. "She did it. Kit-Kat really did it."
Prim launches herself into my arms, catching me by surprise. I laugh, hugging the little blonde missile to me. I study her face, happiness radiating off of her. People always told Mother how we could be twins if not for the age gap. The only real difference between us was our eyes. Our eyes told everyone who we were. Primrose was the blonde haired darling of the Seam. I didn't know anyone who didn't like Prim. How could you not like a child so pure of heart like Prim?
On the other hand, I was the forgotten Everdeen sister. Katniss was the hunter, the provider for the family. Primrose, the darling of the family, the innocent child you can't help but want to protect. I didn't fit into this family. I wasn't as good at hunting as Katniss or well-liked like Primrose. I was good at cooking, skinning, preparing meat. I had decent aim with a bow and almost deadly accuracy with a throwing knife. I had decent knowledge in healing but nothing special. I was for all purposes, ordinary.
"Is she going to win, Lock?"
Prim's question brings me back to reality, making me realize she has been waiting for my response. I smile reassuringly, knowing I can't let Prim know about my doubts. "She has a good shot, Prim. Katniss knows how to survive, so she has an advantage over the others. And she got a score of 9. That tells you she impressed the sponsors." I try not to let my fear show, knowing that she might have a good shot at the sponsors if her mentor has actually tried to help her.
"I guess so…"
Prim looks disheartened at my lack of enthusiasm, which worries me. I brush a few hair strands out of her face, trying my best to sound positive in my words. "Prim, I promise you. Katniss is going to try everything she can to come back to us." I hug her tightly, whispering the last bit in her ear. "Remember Prim. She promised you. She will win." I lean back, smiling at my little sister.
Prim's happy smile lightens my heart. I watch as she nods her head, skipping off my lap to go talk to mother. I watch Buttercup jump on the table, meowing cutely at her. I shake my head, knowing how much Katniss hates that cat. Luckily for me, Buttercup and I had reached an understanding. Buttercup doesn't bother me when I'm cooking while I allow Prim to have his undivided attention whenever he wants. It's a deal we can both live with.
I excuse myself quietly, walking out of the door of our dwelling. I catch sight of others taking a break from the games, knowing they must be discussing Rome's death. I quickly turn away from them all, not wanting to talk about my family's luck with Katniss still being alive. It was unfair that only one tribute could win, letting the rest of the families mourn for the loss of their loved ones.
I quickly walk down the street, taking shortcuts down alley ways and in between businesses. My feet hasten whenever I hear voices near me, not wishing to encounter anyone at the moment. I catch sight of Gale as I pass by the Hob, knowing he must have just brought game in from beyond the fence. I nod in his direction before running past him, hoping to reach the square before too many people leave back to their houses.
I catch sight of the square where the reaping took place, knowing this is where I will most likely find him at this hour. If he wasn't here, then the bakery was the next best bet. I scan the depleting crowds for his blonde hair, hoping to catch him before I left. I know how he feels about my sister. It is hard not to notice when I constantly catch him staring at her in school, on the street, in the square. I want to make sure he knows Katniss is still alive.
My eyes catch his bright blues, his kind smile melting my heart. I run over to where he stands, my hair a chaotic mess from being outside. He is the only one besides Gale that recognized my existence, separate to my sisters. I am not just an Everdeen sister to him. I am Nightlock, the younger sister of the girl he loves.
I reach him within moments, taking in his tall form close up. At 5'11, he was tall for a boy his age. Peeta Mellark is fourteen years old, the same age as Katniss. Only a year older than me, Peeta towers over my short stature of 5'2. I barely reach the middle of his chest, looking like a small child standing next to him. "Hey Peeta." My voice sounds squeaky to even my ears, making me blush in embarrassment.
"Hi, Nightlock."
His smile is dazzling to me. My heart skips a beat at hearing my name on his lips. If only he would notice me instead of Katniss. I know he only has eyes for my sister and I would never do anything to hurt her. Katniss is very secretive about her feelings, not even letting her family know about them. I am unsure on how she feels about Peeta. "Did you see in the games? Katniss is alive! She survived the bloodbath." I try to sound overly enthusiastic, failing miserably.
"I saw. She did very well in getting the bow and arrows. Your family must be so relieved." His smile softens, his gaze focusing on something in the distance. He looks at peace, almost as if a heavy burden has been lifted from him.
My heart constricts at the sight of his calm mask. I force out a happy "Yeah," even though my heart is breaking. I bow my head, hiding the tears that threaten to fall. How can I compete with that? There is only room for one person in Peeta Mellark's heart. That is my sister, Katniss Everdeen.
Updated 6/13/15