Phoenix Rise
Chapter 6: Would you marry me?
Gale's POV
It was all the same for the rest of the tour. Waking up, getting dress, ride through cheering forced crowds. Listening to the same god damn speech of our honor. Siobhan giving 'thank you' speeches while I wrapped my arm around her for show. Changed into formal wear and go to ceremonial dinners again. The only thing cool about this cursed tour was seeing the other districts. As we got a chance to see the beaches, larger forest, factories wheat fields, refineries, and farms. The only time that got me and Siobhan going was District ten and four. For at District ten, we got to ride horses. And to watch Siobhan riding a horse . . . okay this will sound sappy. But she looked beautiful. I didn't know she was that good with horses. When I confronted her about this, she just shrugged. But when walking on the beaches in District four, what Cinna made her wear got me . . . . Hot and bothered. I can't believe her stylist made her wear some garment called a bikini. She was practically in her underwear!
Anyway, minus the beach day of fun and kicking ass in a game of splash. The business was still at hand with keeping the romantic appeal between me and Siobhan. Though romantic we are to the public, being linked together in any connection. Even though we were mature, I suspected some people expected delirious sappy couple. So we give them a show, we kiss; we dance (without trying to step on Siobhan good foot) and for the heck, try to sneak out to be alone. While on the train, we were quiet and comfortable. However, my nightmares keep getting the best of me.
When at District one, two, three, and eleven; trigger horrid memories. To watch over and over the people I killed that I couldn't stand it. While going outside to hear the people shouting weary cries of my name. Being forced or glad to see an underdog like me. Other times I could sense vengeful cries than cheers when at the career district. I was practically tossed about while Siobhan was treated like some war hero. Guess killing Six and Seven with ease caught two's attentions along with the Career female cult. But still, to see these tribute family glares or cry sorrow at me, make the guilt even worst. That I couldn't dare close my eyes, unless whiplashing the game again.
After waking up from one nightmare knocking myself off the bed with a thud, had Siobhan barging in the room worry. Sometimes I wonder if she ever sleeps or if she's that light of a sleeper? Either way, she was the only person at the moment to calm me down instead of falling into some sort of a depression. She would sigh, remove her prophetic leg, and sleep with me, just cuddling and holding each other. It soon became a habit, which we practically sleep in the same bedroom. She was my life line now to help me ease this guilt. No alcohol or drugs that Haymitch or Effie give, only Siobhan and her soothing presence can soothed me.
When we reached the Capitol, desperate wasn't the right word. With our endless appearances towards these barbaric adoring fans. Though there were no signs of danger and uprising in these parts. For every single spoiled brat get to live in prosperity, in their innocent little word their parents make for them. Never to commit a crime; unless defying the Capitol and be turned into an Avox. There was no liberty in putting effort in the relationship between Siobhan and I. Just holding hands or tucking a loose strand of her hair makes the crowd swoons. If I didn't love Siobhan, our fate would have been convincing in minor hope. An act the President Snow would play and how he looked at the chest board the first day of the tour, he had the upper hand.
When in our old quarters, that of the penthouse at the Training Center, Siobhan seemed lost in thought as she gazed at some magazine on the table. I picked up the magazine to read it was some commercial advertisement for weddings. Looking at Siobhan who turned her face ashamed for whatever she was thinking.
"What wrong?" I asked, taking a seat next to her.
"It's nothing," she said. "Just a stupid . . . irrational idea!"
"C'mon, it can be that stupid." I said rubbing her arm. "I planned on destroying the supplies and gotten blown up."
"This is different." Siobhan grumbled standing up and walking towards the window. Everyone stared at her concern for when she withhold ideas and batters herself on saying it or not. It wasn't a hundred percent full proof.
"Sio, how bad is it?" I asked walking up to her.
"You'll hate me if I say it." She muttered hugging herself.
I wrapped my arms around her giving a reassuring hug. "It can be that bad."
She sighs, a heavy 'I'm going to regret this' sigh.' "I was thinking, that to make the audiences and President Snow happy . . . we make public marriage proposal?"
I paused, shock to hear this. Marriage. Siobhan Underwood the one of the most independent, clever, wisest girl of District Twelve: would consider tying the knot so soon. I knew someday we would have to get married and if it weren't for the Capitol. Although, if we were back to our normal lives, if we were never reaped. My heart may have burst with joy and pride to marry Siobhan. Including that getting married after the reaping age was common. Since the mines and Starvation would affect many civilians in district 12... But this was different between life or death. I don't want Siobhan to force herself into doing things she doesn't feel comfortable with. I would wait whenever if she still wants me, to marry her. However, to see her not looking me in the eye shows that she nervous. Afraid of my reaction, I do tend to get a bit temper at times.
So I did one thing I could do. I lifted her chin and kissed her agreeing to the idea. Siobhan sighed, impossible to tell if it was relief or disappointment, as she held her poker face. She just pecks me on the cheek and hides in her room for most of the day. Haymitch advised me to leave her alone.
"I thought she would want it." I said.
"Not like this," Haymitch said. "She would want it to be you to propose to her by your decision."
"And how would you know this?" I asked lifting a brow.
Haymitch just shrugged taking a gulp of his brandy. I groaned, going into my room to rest. Trying to think of some good speech to say in front of the cameras for tomorrow's interview.
That night on the same stage at the Training Center, we answered annoying question. Answer by yours truly Caesar Flickerman in his blue self. When he asked us about a better future, I got on one knee taking Siobhan hand, poured much of my heart out and asked her to marry me. Though this was her idea, the way her eyes tear up with joy and love. That she choked on a yes, jumping on me with a squeal of a yes's. For some reason, I felt like my heart exploded, to know that Siobhan Underwood has accepted me. To be my wife!
Caesar was ecstatic trying to not cry while the Audiences were hysterical, if not shocking discovery around Panem.
President Snow makes surprised visit to congratulated us. He gives Siobhan a hug afterwards kisses her hand, saying she would make a find bride indeed. Just saying that, made my fiancé blushed beet red. Since he planted a disgusting kiss on her cheek, murmuring something in her ear. Then he grasped my hand and gave me a rough slap on the back while we shake hands. I could smell that sick scent of blood and roses. He smiled at me, as his hand gave a firm hand shake. I sustain to ask him verbally.
Is this damn good enough to make it? Does this bloody hell, pleases you to stay alive in your sick game? Siobhan and I to get married?
The bastard answered was the opposite. The dictator who I fold cards with, shook his head and stared at Siobhan who was being interview. I saw my hope ended, right before my eyes. I was going to lose everything in this destruction of not pleasing Snow.
For my excitant maybe the down fall to everyone I hold dear.
All because I was being me!
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Hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I know it's short but I had to stop here. Yeah, I know, I'm evil.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review.
Silent wolf Singer