Chapter 2- Consultation

Laney's View

I left Alex's house fearful of the coming events. The idea of leaving my family behind to suffer the capitol's rage defenseless was eating me alive. How could I leave my little brother, my mom, and my dad? They had given me life, and this could mean taking theirs. Yet, what else could I do? My friends were leaving; it was too big of a risk not to go. The idea of not knowing their fate would make me suffer worse; we had only just begun our lives. I thought of all this as I drifted asleep.

"No!! You can't leave, sissy. You would never make it!! You're my best friend!" I heard my six year old brother, Thorn, cry. My heart was torn, by the truth of his words. He was right, he was my family and I would die with my friends or with him. Would I actually be changing anything out in the wild…running? "No bubba, I have to go. Just remember I love you, and be strong for momma and daddy. They need you. Look baby you're too young to understand the dangers we are all facing. You have to be the ray of hope for them."

When I wake I find a thin sheen of cold sweat across my face and realize it was all a dream. There was so much truth involved though. I had a week to this over at the most. Could I leave my family? Would I? Was I being selfish? If it's my time should I not accept that? But if it isn't my time should I be running?

I shake my head trying to clear the debris that is filling in it, breaking my heart. I must go gather food for my family. It may be the last time I can retrieve any nourishment for them. Not to mention the meeting with Riley today. He had always been like family to my friends and I. He showed some interest I never understood, he always had a knowing smile as if he knew what was to come. But, what was to come? What did the future hold? There was something I could taste it, but what? Ugh, here I go rambling again, I need to go! Pulling on a clean shirt, and sliding my feet into the leather sandals, I concentrated on the necessary goal today. I headed to the pier once again risking my life.

Damien's View

I was ready to go. It was time to get out of here, and I would be dragging Alex out with me if that's what it took. Nothing would happen to her here in District 4, or anywhere for that matter. I'm vowing, right now, this second to protect her. I know she doesn't feel how I do. She never has and possibly never will. But, I will never let anything hurt her. That would kill me.

I would be leaving behind my family, but they had lived their whole lives and knowing my parents, if they wanted out they would be long gone anyway. So what was I leaving, I have my friends and true love at my side. Okay maybe I sound wrong, leaving my family for a girl, for my life. I don't find it all that wrong though, I want nothing but to protect her. My family gave me life and as much as I love them I will live it by my choice not theirs, nor the capitols.

I will die for her, I would die for most of my friends; we had all been friends since we were 6. The first day of school had brought us together. We were now inseparable. We would live, we would survive. Why was I thinking of death? No one was as strong as us; no one had the alliance we shared. Yes, we had a chance. "Damien, get outta here and go to work," screamed my father. I pulled on some cargo shorts and my buck skin sandals. They were probably one of the best things I had. They were imported from district seven. I have no clue how my parents acquired them. I ran out the door and down to the dock. At least here in District four the job is simple. Catch fish and you'll be safe from a beating. If caught stealing well that was a public beating in front of everyone in District Square. Of course I loved fishing; I would've been considered a real "country boy" back in the old century. And so the day went on.

Finally it was time to see Riley. I hid extra fish I stole today in the cargo of my shorts; I was sure we would need it. Turning in the caught fish that I hadn't stolen, the peacekeeper glared at me. He knew I was stealing, but he didn't seem to care. It was my Uncle I realized. Of course he couldn't beat his brother's child. My friends had to watch out though, he was sharp. I hit the ground running and headed for Riley's mansion. Yes, Riley had won the games forty five years ago and had lived a luxurious life ever since.

I was relieved of the fear for my friends as I heard 7 sets of pounding feet behind me. "Ooh I feel like we are super spies," whispered Torrence. We all got a chuckle at that. And from no where a peacekeeper stepped out. "Super spies? Now why in the world would a group of fourteen year olds think that they resembled super spies? Surely you are not doing anything in a manor that would displease the capitol," the peace keeper said in a menacing voice. I looked at Torrence with a facial that meant well explain?.

Torrence stepped forward. "Spies? I thought those were in the old days before Panem! I never even mentioned them! Actually I was pointing out that beautiful butterfly!" She was always such a good liar. "I love butterflies, they're just so pretty! Don't you think so?"

"Oh really, well why were you running so fast?"

"Because! The butterfly was flying away," she simply stated. Wow, you would never fail to believe something that came from Torrence's mouth; she really could get us out of anything. The peacekeeper obviously could no longer think of any questions and left us be. "Come on maybe we can catch it!" Keegan yelled. Grinning at each other, we took off running to Riley's.

None of us bothered to knock; Riley welcomed us at any time of day. He walked slowly into the entry, greeting all of us. I looked at the kind old man. He didn't look a day over 40. His blue eyes shone and his brown hair was just beginning to grey at the roots. He still was very well built, but time was starting to take its toll on his body.

"Riley, we need to talk, it's important," whispered Laney. Shock crossed Riley's face. He quickly turned, beckoning us into the kitchen. "Would you kids care for any refreshment? I assume you just got off of work. We can talk it over during?" he said very alert. Naturally we all accepted some water. I was dumb-founded when he brought it forth though. The water was clean! It was crystal clear. Sure the water I had was always drinkable, but never this clean. The glasses that the water was in were exquisite. They were beautiful, colorful, and reflective. I think their called carnival glass? Riley got straight to business. "So what is it you kids are so concerned about?"

"We want to run, Riley," Jarred answered bluntly. "We're ready to get out of here. We will not die due to the capitol's ways." Riley didn't look shocked at all; he simply nodded.

After looking around at all of us for a few moments he began. "You all know of the last rebellion, you know that the capitol won and for that we are in this very situation. If the rebels had not failed we would not be here. We would be free; we could visit other districts as we please. I have a secret for you children though. That rebellion never ended. The plan that was in place has just begun. We have been in a cold war, making the capitol think they had us. The time has come though and all of you are part of the plan. Run; run as far as you can. Fight for life, others will attempt to take yours. I cannot tell you more, but you will learn. Just remember these things, Mocking Jay, Ray of Hope, and friendship."