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The healer came eventually as did Chuck's mother and after a day or two he was allowed home.
He didn't mention the kiss again as he said goodbye to me but the scars all along his back were a good enough reminder that that kiss happened and that he had been stupid. I'm not really sure what's even going between us because even weeks later when I visit his family store and he's propped up in a seat he doesn't mention the kiss. We just small talk about work and the weather and I do a pretty good job to act uninterested. Our Bestfriend stage seems loose for now.
It was found that exactly 68 people died that night and hundreds were punished but the same letter was sent around every door of District 7 and that was this: 'Many boys died out of stupidity the other night trying to avenge the Capitol. The people who are trying to keep you safe. It was a pointless unsuccessful act and the authorities have been notified. The Capitol have informed us that any other mayhem in District 7 will result in disastrous consequences. A punishment must follow in order to remind the rebels that they are defeated, so no member of District 7 are allowed out of their homes after 10pm unless on night time duty until the foreseeable future. If this rule is to be broken a more severe punishment for the population of District 7 will be put in place.'
I know. 'Threatening' isn't it. It gave Blight and I a good chuckle anyway. I can't help wonder who those 68 people are though. Which poor wives, girlfriends or mothers are now arranging their funerals.
I'm flicking though all the Channels on my tele trying to find something which doesn't consist of District 12's lovebirds wedding outfits, when there's a knock at the door. I tug the door open, ever since Blight fell into it drunk it's not opened very well. The three figures in front of me send me two steps back. Three flipping armed peacekeepers.
"How can I help?" I say indifferently squinting as the sun reflected snow restricts my view. The snow untouched and beautiful this morning has been destroyed by these heavy footed morons with guns.
"May we come inside Miss Mason?" He asks. I place my hand over the door restricting his entry as I get a good look at his face.
"Do I have to? I'm busy." I announce placing my other hand across my forehead as a visor. The old vulgar looking gentleman smirks repulsively.
"We have a very important message for you Miss. So yes we do." He tells me firmly. I raise my hands in the air pretending to look ecstatic.
"Oh goodie. You best come in!" I clap sarcastically moving my way through the house. 'Bloody piece of work' I hear one mutter as I enter the kitchen. I smile pleased I still have that effect on people.
"Care for a drink? I've got some knock of liquor somewhere." I say as they follow me into the kitchen. Their eyebrows raise.
"Kidding." I say defensively. "All Capitol made in this household! Including me!" I laugh hysterically.
"Miss Mason. You cannot expect us to ignore your attendance at the protest." He says firmly. Didn't think they would.
"Do your best! Call Snow. I'm really past caring." I sigh.
"President Snow to you Miss." The one with the bruised eye says firmly.
"President Snow! Snow! Snowy! I'll call him whatever I damn want!" I shout.
"Well the President has been informed of your presence." He informs me.
"What's he gonna do then? Ah? Have me killed off?" I ask so passed caring what Snow does or doesn't know.
"Miss Mason.." He begins to say but I cut him off.
"Quit calling me that and tell me what's going on." I snap beginning to get annoyed with them.
"He's aware and he told us to inform that the role you play is very prestigious. It is to set an example. Do not be seen at one again nor socialise with any rebels is that clear and tell you friend to keep his distance." the peacekeeper barks at me.
"Get out!" I shout my hands beginning to tremble. "Get out!" I scream. They all begin to leave. Snow knew about Chuck! Snow knew about me befriending this boy. Snow knew about that kiss and now...now as my punish Snow could kill him!
I wait until they leave then grab my coat pulling it on and sprinting out the door. How quickly can I get to him?
My hands are hammering down on the locked shop door and I'm screaming his name. "Chuck!" I scream panting and puffing. After what seems a lifetime the door finally falls open. Unharmed, fit and healthy, Chuck stands in front of me in concern. "You're ok." I sigh grabbing hold of his neck and crushing him closely to me.
"You're ok." I sigh again.
I know I've got to talk to him because his face is masked with worry. I'd warned him when I left for the last hunger games the chance but I never imagined it to be possible. He was nothing more than a friend then but then he kissed me in my house. Where Snow can see. He isn't able to understand my fears when he doesn't know about what happened to Jack. But even when I try and explain I just can't.
"Look. He knows about you. You have to stay around people." I cry. He wipes away my tears and places his lips on my forehead holding my back.
"I will. It's ok." He promises me stroking back my hair.
"I can't loose you. You must." I breathe.
Imagine that. Imagine if I lost Chuck. Imagine if Snow took the last person I have left that isn't a victor away from me? I would officially be broken. Broken into too many pieces to possibly fight back.