Phoenix Rise

Chapter 12: Wedding bells . . . won't ring.

Gale's Pov

I was officially on house arrest!

More like bed arrest, as I was stuck lying in bed while Posy comes in trying to keep me company. I should be out there seeing what is going on in the district instead of stuffing me with cheese rolls and playing dolls. I love Posy dearly, but I think I have enough time playing dolls. She saw this and we play other games like goldfish, reading, or imaginary game of doctor. At least she can be very creative sometimes. Haymitch comes by occasionally to bring the update on the town, which had my blood boiling. More people were either being punished or dying of starvation.

"What is Siobhan doing about it?" I asked Haymitch.

"She's been trying to send food down there, to the Seams." Haymitch said. "She, Mark, Katniss, and volunteers have been doing a food drive. Feeding the poor handing out blankets and giving out clothes. But Siobhan had to stop, her leg has malfunction."

"Malfunction?" Posy repeated, for it was a new words her.

"It means it's having a problem." I tell her. "What type of malfunction?"

"Oh, the joints frozen and toes rusted. Strange, you would think that Siobhan would take care of that thing. Now she's on a metal pole until a new leg comes next week. Hope it doesn't ruin the Photo shoot." Haymitch muttered.

"And her arm?" I asked. I felt guilty that Siobhan tried to save me and took a whipping in the arm. Every time she comes to visit me every other day, she wear long sleeve and hides her pain so easily. But lately, I notice that she was limping. When I asked what wrong, she told me she and Katniss accidently ran into each other and fell on ice. Somehow I think it was a lie and yet true.

Haymitch shrugged, "It's a descent yellow, something makeup and fancy gloves can cover. In fact, I believe the photo shoot is today."

Just on cue a loud honk of a horn was heard. I walk up to the window slowly to see, Venia, Octavia, Flavius, Cinna, and a camera crew waltzing in. You could easily see Mark wasn't to please in seeing the Prep team outside, but when he saw Cinna he sighed in relief. I couldn't help but smirk how close Cinna was to everyone. He wasn't like them, he was different. Posy soon tugged my arm that I wink. For a four year old, she was strong.

"Gale, I want to see the pretty dresses." She said.

"I don't know Posy," I replied. "It's bad luck for the groom to see the dress."

"But I'm the flower girl," Posy whined. When the engagement was announced two months ago my family was ecstatic. That Posy begged to be the flower girl. So, she became the flower girl. I look at Haymitch to see if he could take her over.

Haymitch groan but nodded. "C'mon kiddo, let's go."

"Yeah!" Posy cheered.

I laughed at my sister energy and lay back down in bed. I couldn't believe Snow was letting this through, letting Siobhan and I get married after what he said. I sighed, what's the point, the public was different compare to the government and they were promised a wedding. But, it won't be a District 12 wedding like I hope. I for one wanted a small wedding with Siobhan, just friends and family. I would be wearing dad's old suit, Siobhan would rent a dress, and we would go to the Justice Building to sign a marriage certificate and place our vows. Afterwards be assigning a house and live our lives. That would have happen if we weren't reaped for the Hunger Games, if our family didn't get involved and we just lived and try to survive.

.o0o.

Siobhan POV

I think I'm having another nightmare again. For instead of waking to a nothing, I wake up to grinning faces of the prep team down upon me. I blink before scream, realizing it wasn't a dream.

"Surprise!" They squealed. "We're here early!"

Oh god, my nightmares have returned and they show no mercy in their torture of beauty. I was dragged down towards the Bathroom where they did their magic on me. They weren't to please about the bruise on my arm, although Mark and I did a good job on healing it. It was just a bit yellow and sore. Do to whipping not in their culture; I lied to them telling I slipped on ice falling on my arm, this also excuse the pain in my back. Hope they don't put me in a corset . . . better yet, with all the slouching might as well. Good thing, Octavia, Venia, and Flavius were totally dense, to any suspicion whatsoever.

After a long shave and quick bath, they were on my hair instantly. They gossip on news and todays rumors on the society page on Panem news. I wasn't interested, since most of them were about the wedding, or the charity event I pulled at the Seams in feeding the Hungry. Guess a reporter came to Twelve without anybody knowing, as the show a picture of me at the soup stand handing out bowls. I sighed, focusing on the wall when Octavia announce something that caught interest. Remarked about the decrease in shell fish, precisely shrimp for a party she held for New Years.

"Are the shrimp out of season?" I asked.

"Oh Siobhan, we haven't been able to get any seafood for weeks!" Octavia said. "You know, because weather has been so bad in District Four."

I question that as I went into deep thought. For weeks District four hasn't produce seafood? They were a career district, so they commonly support the Capitol to their demands on product. Then again, at the Victory tour they crowd was riled up close district eleven. Unless there was a decrease on sea creature production, then the District was also revolting. I shook my head to such nonsense; it couldn't be like District 8? Not another uprising, could it?

"Sio!" exclaimed an excited little voice. Looking at the door to see Effie escorting Posy into the room. The Prep team gushed over Posy like she was a little angel for her innocent. When we announced she was going to be our flower girl for the wedding. Venia took liberty in making Posy descent for the photo shoot. Turns out, Cinna made a few flower girl dresses for this event. It wasn't an hour later after Flavius put my hair in a divine up do that Posy came out all clean.

I couldn't recognized her, as her black hair was now in tight ringlets, skin scrubbed to a glow, and a fair decent amount of makeup on her. Who the hell puts makeup on a four year old? If Hazelle saw her only daughter like this, she would have a field day. Before I could order them to take it off her, Cinna appears to check on us. He eye's the bruise on my forearm after we hugged. He knows better than his team that slipping on ice was no excuse, but he doesn't question. He simply handed me an ivory satin glove instead.

Downstairs, the living room was cleared off for the photo shoot. Effie seemed to be enjoying herself ordering people around while following the schedule. It's probably a good thing, with the entire accessory that came with the six gowns and each with their own products. For the first dress a White Ruffled Organza & Satin Lace crystal embellish. Second an Ivory and silver ruffle ball gown. Third was an ivory lace sweetheart gown with sleeves. Fourth was almost like the first but without the ruffles and lace bodice. I loved the fifth dress that was a white chiffon gown, with a scoop neck and back along with cap sleeves. It was plain and simple, compare to the others that had detail lace or jewelry in them. I told Cinna I loved this one and seeing the smile on his face said he loved it too. However, Effie said I had to wear all the dresses. While the sixth dress was an Ivory Satin Taffeta & Lace Illusion Long Sleeve. While six small dresses similar to mine were for Posy. I sort of cried when I saw Posy in her flower girl dress as did many of the female crew. She was so adorable that you just want to hug her. If only my mother was alive to share this moment with me. After we finished the first dress, we went to the next when Mark went to answer the door and Hazelle came in.

"Hazelle, what are you doing here?" I asked while Flavius brushed out the curls.

"I can't let my daughter-in-law pick out a wedding dress alone can I?" She said. I felt more tears streaming down to know that even though my mother was gone, I still had Hazelle. She was a good help as she help feed Posy and me while we keep changing into different dresses. Most of the photo shoot were of me, but they were a dozen of Posy and I together, and her separately. Turns out, the Capitol loves Posy for her sweet innocent self.

After we were finished, I was able to say goodbye to Cinna as Effie shoved him out. Damn that woman, guess I had to call him later to discuss thing. For he was the only person I could talk to about this confusion and debate of doubt I've been having since the Victory tour. By evening, I collapsed onto the couch wearing a slip and one foot elevated while the prosthetic leg tossed somewhere. I felt like mush with the dies, hair products and makeup on me. Uncle Mark came in with a cup of tea and gave it to me. Then sat down placing my foot on his lap and gave a massage.

"Who would have thought, my little girl was going to be married?" Mark teased.

Suddenly the phone rang. Uncle Mark got up to answer it; I took a sip before he started yelling. Listening to the conversation as he animated his yelling to the person on the other line, telling whoever it was to calm down and mentions me. He looked at me in shock before handing me the phone.

"Hello," I replied nervously.

"We need to talk," It was Gale.

.o0o.

Gale's POV

I was beyond furious when Katniss came into my house and told me something that I couldn't believe. That when she went into the woods before the fences were turned on twenty-four/seven that she encounter two people from District 8 that announced District 13 might exists. She told Siobhan this but my fiancée order her to forget everything that happens. I called Haymitch if he knew about this, he said no, but he just got report of shortage in other district and how they were revolting. I waited till after the photo shoot to call Siobhan and demand what the hell she is hiding. We fought on the phone saying it may help us, but she damn disagrees saying it wasn't our business and that we have enough on our plate. I could never understand her sometimes that I keep yelling, out of control till she said.

"Can't you see that it won't solve anything? How much are we going to sacrifice before there is nothing else to give than the lives of our friends and family? They won, Gale, you either accept it or face it. I am sick and tire with these ideas that could get people hurt. First you and now everybody else is dying. Forget this ideal master plan of freedom or the childish theory of District 13. For once, I don't bloody damn care on anything other than District 12 health. So stop yelling at me and don't talk to me until you get your head out of your ass!"

Shit, I screwed up big time.

I sat in Haymitch house, surprised how clean it was since Mrs. Everdeen and other woman started cleaning it for money. Haymitch laid dead drunken the couch, assuming Ripper was back in business. We talked about revolting here but, after what Siobhan said on the phone I don't know what to do. Nearly every district was doing it.

"Do you still think it won't work here?" I asked.

"Not yet. Those others districts, they're much larger. Even half the people cower in their homes, the rebels stand a chance. Here in Twelve, it's got to be all of us or nothing." He said.

Another smack of reality for numbers supports a lot of things. Haymitch say this and continued. "We're small, we're weak, and don't developed nuclear weapons."

"And the Districts who are rebelling?"

"Well, you've heard what they did in Eight. You've seen what they did here, and that was without provocation," Haymitch said. "If things really do get out of hand, I think they've had no problem killing off another district, same as they did Thirteen. Make an example of it, you know?"

So that was why Siobhan didn't want to get involved. She feared of history repeating itself and accepted the Capitol power. This got me angry, for Siobhan who was like a conservative was becoming a pacifist. Suddenly Mark walks in with a bag of groceries for Haymitch.

"If you're talking about District 13 being destroyed, then those girls are crazy on their theory of a mockingjay. Technology has improved Gale and there may be a reason the Capitol refuses to visit the ruins do to biohazard reason. Nuclear radiation can lead to cancer and most commonly death." Mark Explained.

"The idea that Thirteen has somehow rebounded and the Capitol is ignoring it? That sounds like the kind of rumor desperate people cling to." Haymitch added.

"Yeah, you're probably right." I sighed in defeat. I can be arrogant and stubborn to realize that what I hope for is nothing but a dream. I should just accept what is given and move on. But I just hate the Capitol so much that I want what's right. What our ancestors did.

When I got home Rory came home as if he had good news. He said his teacher announced there was going to be a mandatory program tonight. "I think it maybe about Siobhan photo shoot!"

Posy squealed in excitement for she might see herself on T.V along with mom. To which Vick teased saying I should missed this showing for it was bad luck for the groom to see the brides dress. I smack him hard in the shoulder before we got into a wrestling match. Which ended when I felt pain in my back, damn it!

Around Seven-thirty, Rory was right about tonight's program. As we watch the T.V showing Caesar Flickerman in front of the Training Center with Cinna. They discussed about the previous Game, how amazing his costumes were of a normal conversation. Until a giant screen came down to show the Wedding dresses that Cinna created. I narrowed at my eyes, to see Siobhan in stupid outgoing designs that on two of them I can actually see Siobhan in on the our wedding day. I don't know what it is, the thought of marring Siobhan excited me, but to have a Capitol wedding was just disgusting. Also, the Capitol voted for their favorite dress for the ceremony. It was practically monopoly in electing a damn white dress and putting profit into the others. It was bizzar and downright weird to see these people act so crazy over a stupid dress.

"Let's get Siobhan Underwood to her wedding in style!" Caesar hollered out. Suddenly we heard a huge crash of glass coming from across the street. Vick took a look out the window to see what was going on and whistle.

"Seems like your fiancée isn't so please happy," Vick snickered.

I rolled my eyes about to turn off the Television when Caesar announced to stay tune, "That's right, this year will be the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Hunger Games, and that means it's time for our third Quarter Quell!"

"What could it be, ma?" Rory asked.

"I don't know; we have to wait for the reading of the card?" Mom replied as she held onto Posy tightly.

President Snow makes his entrance followed by a boy dress in white holding a box. He does the reminder of the Dark Days to which the Hunger Games was born down to the special event called the Quarter Quells. I fisted my grip waiting for the news of this event I have to mentor in.

"On the twenty-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that their children we because of their choice to initiate violence, every district was made to hold an election and vote on the tribute who would represent it. On the fiftieth anniversary, as a reminder that the rebels died for each Capitol citizens, every district was require to send twice as many tribute."

That was Haymitch's game. How he had to defeat forty-seven other tributes in order to win. I kinda feel sorry for that game compare to the other Quarter quell to have your neighbor vote for you. Then again, the Capitol is twisted. Now what is this year's Game?

.o0o.

Siobhan POV

I was angry for having a bad day, first from Gale yelling at me on the phone yesterday, then Thread interfering with my business as he and his men waltz right in like he own the place to have tea, and finally the mandatory program on my dress that I have no right to. I was so angry that I just throw a vase. Uncle Mark didn't interfere with my temper as I babbled how I hate everything in life down to the Capitol. That was until the Announcement was made of the Quells that I shut up.

When I heard about the second Quell, Uncle Mark and I went silent. My cousin Maysilee Donner was part of that game before I was even born. She was my second cousin and her family worked in a sweet shop down the street and also Madge's aunt. Sometime people say I look like her as did Madge for we inherit the green eyes. I sat down on the couch and listen to what President Snow had to say . . .

"And now we honor our third Quarter Quell," the President said. The little bow handed him the small box. Snow opens it to reveal a small yellow enveloped. The Quells was an important thing to the Capitol, that their ancestor written over a hundred Quell games to make it special over the generation of the Hunger Games. President Snow removes the seal and read aloud this year's game. "On the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of Victors."

I gave gasped in horror as did my uncle to hear this. Hot tears slid down my face as I began to cry and buried my face into his chest. Now it all makes senses why I am still alive to this day. There was only one female victor in District 12 and that was me. It explains it all, why I was able to get away with a few things, how the wedding seemed nothing to convincing to President Snow. Why I haven't been flogged or feeding my people and sponsoring Rue and Thresh's Family. It was my last year, so Snow gave me the last year to live.

I was going back to the arena.

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What do you guy's think?

Now, check my profile and picked out the wedding Dress Siobhan shall wear for the interview. Yes, you are voting for the dress Siobhan shall wear. You just need to take a look and review the dress so I can put it in.

Thanks for reading and please leave a review.