"What's the problem, Ma'am?" A peacekeeper answered on the other side.
"I...I need someone her soon a Victor was visiting one of our game makers and he had some sort of freak out."
"We'll be over right away. Are you okay?"
"Yes for now just shaken up… please hurry."
"We will," he promised, and then hung up.
"They are on their way." Sabina said gently.
"Okay." Kawino nodded.
"Are you going to be alright?" She asked sitting beside him.
"I think so…"
"What's wrong?"
"Just not sure... I still don't like liking it."
"The killing you mean?"
"Doing that."
"He deserved it though."
"Still doesn't feel right."
"Well I don't know what to say."
"I'll probably be okay."
"I hope so." She said and then did something unexpected and hugged him. Kawino hesitated for a second clearly surprised but did return the hug. "It'll be alright." She said.
"Thank you, Sabina."
"No problem," she said, letting go.
Just then the Peacekeepers got there. "Hands in the air sir." They said in a gentle but authorative voice. Kawino immediately cooperated.
They walked up and cuffed him slowly. "What's going to happen?"
"We'll just give you a mental examination."
"It won't take too long will it?"
"No, it shouldn't; these things happen with victors."
"I know. I'm from 2. I just really need to be back before the parade for my tributes."
"Of course we can work with that."
"Then I have no problem with that."
"Good come with us both of you."
"Why me?" Sabina asked, getting up.
"You just need to get out while the house is inspected and cleaned."
"Okay, Sir." Sabina nodded and got up heading out.
"Bye, Sabina," Kawino called.
"Bye, Kawino!"
Sabina headed back to the remake center to pass along the news thinking about Kawino as she walked. She had to admit, he was pretty cute. She blushed at the thought, but it was true. Though he was also clearly damaged. 'Can't hold that against him though. Even so he's sweet. Still it's not like I have a shot with him. Not with all the women here.' She thought.
She sighed and just kept walking. 'A girl can dream though.' She thought as she arrived.
Annia was working with Clove now but she found Yizziki fairly quickly. "Hey Yizziki!" she called.
"Sabina! How'd it go?"
"It's done now."
"He's dead?" Yizziki asked though being quiet about it.
"Yes he's dead now."
"Oh thank anything."
"Yeah he's gone."
"And Kawino?"
"Mental evaluation but okay," she said.
A smile crossed Yizziki's face larger than Sabina had seen on anyone much less her cousin. "Did he suffer?"
"Yes he did."
"Serves him right."
"Yes it does, now they are at your home cleaning up."
"That outta be interesting."
"Yeah I thought so too."
"They must realize that all that blood couldn't possibly be from his death alone."
"Likely yeah."
"So we'll have to explain?"
"Probably after they are done trying figure out what's wrong in Kawino's pretty little head."
"Did you just call it pretty?"
"What?" Sabina asked confused, having really not been thinking about it.
"You said his pretty little head."
"Oh! Uh... did I?" she stammered.
"Do you like him?"
"Well, yeah I think I am starting to."
"I'd never stand a chance though. He's a victor. He can have anyone he wants," Sabina added.
"So? That doesn't mean you are not a possibility."
"Why would he pick me?"
"Well, he is already getting to know you."
"Well, I guess so."
"Plus, you're an amazing looking and kind girl."
"Well… I guess it might be possible."
"It is, you would have to go for it." Yizziki said.
"You think I should?"
"I think so he's nice, better than most here."
"I'm not sure soon is a good idea though."
"Why?"
"He's obviously very busy right now."
"True, but he will need someone to talk to."
"I guess."
"So, be that someone then."
"Okay, I can do that."
"I hope it works out for you both."
"Hopefully."
"He seems nice enough."
Meanwhile Clove survived the prep and was ready for Annia. Kawino had been right her team was nice enough, but she had hated the process. She was a bit thankful to at least have the robe now but she already felt so violated. Soon the door opened and Annia walked in smiling. "So, you're Clove." She said.
"Yeah, that's me."
"Kawino, speaks very highly of you," she said.
"He does do that a lot. What has he said?"
"That your, a smart, pretty and very determined girl. He practically worships you."
"I have noticed that."
"It's touching really thinking of you was all that got a smile out of him when he first got here."
"Still pretty much am. I'm glad I can."
"I am too you can relax; I am not going to strip you again."
"Oh good." Clove did relax at that.
"Yes, I try to avoid that where possible."
"So, what's the plan then?"
"Well, to make you look like a warrior."
"Fitting, can I see?" She nodded and pulled out a set of light golden armor. "I love it." Clove smiled.
"I hoped you would."
"You did out do yourself."
"You think so?"
"Yeah."
"Well thank you."
"Thank you, I think I'll really make an impression."
"I think so too."
"I guess I should get changed."
"Yes and then you can eat."
"Okay." Clove nodded taking the outfit. She slid it on finding it comfortable. "Comfy, too."
"Well, I try."
"Thank you for that."
"My pleasure I swore to Kawino I would do my best."
"That you did or I'm REALLY impressed."
"I will consider this a success then."
"You should."
"So, nervous?"
"Yeah actually."
"Just for the parade?"
"No, not the parade."
"The whole games?"
"Yeah."
"I think you'll get through."
"It's more with Cato though."
"Yes, you two are together right?"
"Yeah, two years strong."
"Really? That is dedication."
"Yeah, now one of us will have to die."
"I don't think Kawino will let that be."
"He's gonna try to find a way."
"I learned last year he usually succeeds."
"This could be hard though."
"Yes it will be."
"I do know that if anyone can find a way it's him."
"Of course he will,"
"I'm still nervous though."
"Anyone would be."
"What should I do?"
"Try to seem confident for one."
"I will."
"Good, now remain clam as possible."
"I'm trying."
"I know I am just saying that is what your brother did."
"It is?"
"Yes, it is."
"Well, if he was able to I guess I can."
"Of course you can."
"Thank you."
"It is my pleasure dear, your brother should be back soon."
"Where is he?"
"He is undergoing a mental evaluation."
"What? Why?"
"He...killed someone."
"Really? I know it's common for victors but it just doesn't seem like him to kill someone for no reason."
"He did have a reason." She said carefully.
"Really? What?"
"My husband was beating me and my daughter."
"What?! Why?!"
"I am not sure."
"So Kawino killed him?"
"Yes."
"That makes much more sense then."
"I didn't ask him to."
"He's not the kind of person who needs to be asked."
"That was a big risk for him."
"He doesn't care."
"He should; I worry for him."
"So do I."
"Is he always so stubborn or just here?"
"Always."
"Of course."
"I think I know why."
"Why?"
Clove's breath caught in her throat. "Suicide, he has no regard for his own life and wellbeing unless he needs to for someone else which is how he got out of that arena but he doesn't care what happens to him as long as he can save someone he feels deserves it."
"You think he is trying to get in over his head?"
"No, he knows he might die. He WANTS to die but he wants it to be for the right reason."
"That's terrible!"
"I know that!"
"Well, we need some way to help him."
"We think it might help he gets a girlfriend. Someone worth living for."
"That could work."
"Hopefully."
"Still he would need to meet someone first."
"Of course."
"I do not think that is so impossible."
"Better not be. He more than anyone deserves to be happy."
"Yes he does, but we'll see."
"Yes we will."
"Until then eat; it'll help."
"Okay."
She smiled as a table came up. She went over looking over the options. "I would go with orange Chicken always seems popular for reasons I don't fully understand."
"Kawino mentioned that."
"Well, he enjoyed it, what he could eat anyway."
"Yeah, he still has that problem."
"Didn't he get the pills?"
"Pills?"
"Yes, the ones that will allow him to eat like a normal person."
"No."
"Oh my, I thought he had. Though, that explains the lack of the healthy build he should have from them and the other pills."
"Odd… I wonder why he didn't."
"Maybe he didn't want them."
"Wouldn't surprise me." Clove sighed.
"Well, you can talk to him about it."
"I will as soon as he gets back."
"Good he listens to you."
"Hopefully he will on this."
"I'm sure he will."
"I'm not so much."
"It's more likely."
"I guess but he can still be stubborn even to me on stuff like that."
"I have never seen him argue with you."
"He can when it comes to accepting help for himself."
"Well he needs to realize sometimes we all need help."
"I know but that doesn't mean it's easy to convince him that."
"I never said it would be."
"I'll really try though."
"So will I."
"Good, he needs it."
"Of course he does."
"Should be enough."
"Should be the key words there."
"I know."
"We'll be okay though."
"You sure?"
"As I can be."
"I doubt he'll ever be okay."
"You never know."
"Really unlikely between the games and before that."
"Not impossible."
"Most victors never do."
"Really?"
"From what I've heard."
"That's sad."
"Very."
"We'll make sure he does though."
"We'll certainly try anything."
"Exactly."
"What about me?"
"We will get you out as well."
"What about after that though?"
"We'll help you too."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Think it'll be enough?"
"I do it will be hard though."
"Thank you."
She nodded as Kawino arrived with Peacekeepers. "Kawino, are you okay?" Clove asked rushing over.
"I'm alright just need counselling."
"He killed a Gamemaker so protocol must be followed. We need to speak with his wife here for a second, get something cleared up."
"Of course." Annia said.
"First off, you just found out your husband's dead but you don't seem even a little sad about it, which brings us to our next issue."
"The blood?"
"Yes the blood there was too much to just be his."
Annia gulped realizing there was nothing that could be told but the truth. "He had been abusing my daughter and I for most of her life. He beat us, cut us with broken bottles, and even raped Yizziki."
'I should have killed him slower.' Kawino thought as the Peacekeepers took all this down with dark looks.
"Seems he did the world a favor."
Kawino nodded. "He needed to die."
"Why did you never report this abuse?"
"I was afraid of what would happen if I tried."
"I see, well then nothing more to ask."
"That is why I killed him though. I had just found out about the abuse."
"You snapped after that."
"Exactly."
"Understandable."
"No one should ever beat a woman."
"No, they shouldn't."
"So I'm okay then?"
"Yes you are."
"Good then."
"Yes, you have business to deal with."
"Definitely, you look amazing by the way, Clover."
"Thank you," she said.
"You'll certainly make an impression."
"That's the idea."
"You certainly did a good job though," he told Annia.
"Thank you, I had a great girl to work with."
"That you do." Clove blushed. "She's perfect," he said, looking over at her.
"No I'm not." She said.
"I think you are."
"Well, thank you but I'm not."
"You are from everything I've seen."
"Then take my word I'm not no one is."
"No one?"
"No one, we all have flaws."
"Like what? What flaws do you have?"
"I'm quick to anger and occasionally overconfident. I miss things that I shouldn't have."
"Well… I guess."
"See not perfect."
"And that's okay?"
"Yes it is."
"Well, okay."
"You understand?"
"Yeah, I think I do."
"Good." She said.
"So, no one's perfect and that doesn't make them failures?"
"Exactly." Clove said.
"Am I a failure?"
"No, of course you're not." She said.
"Even before my games?"
"Even before."
"Well, thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I know they wouldn't have been able to do that stuff to you if you were an only child," Clove added.
"No they wouldn't." He said darkly.
"So you are not and never have been a failure."
"Maybe."
"No maybe. Definitely."
"If you say so."
"You believe me?"
"A little."
"You should. Our parents were nothing but true monsters who told nothing but lies."
"They cared for you." He said.
"Only because you made sure of it."
"No, they really seemed to care."
"Even if they did, that doesn't matter."
"Yeah, I guess it doesn't. It does to me though," he said. "It means you were safe."
"But you were not."
"I wouldn't have been either way."
"That's not right."
"It was hell to put it lightly but that's why I could never let it happen to you."
"You saved me from it."
"Of course I did. You're my sister."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm glad to."
"So will you just trust me?"
"I can."
"Will you?"
"Yeah, I trust you."
"Okay, now I guess we focus on the parade."
"So, what's the plan?" Clove asked.
"Stay focused and show no fear."
"Okay." She nodded. "And confident?"
"A little."
"By Career standards or normal?"
"Career."
"Got it. I can do that."
"Should be easy."
"Yeah, no problem."
"Alright then trust yourself."
"I do."
Sep 6He nodded, "How about I set up some time with Cato?" He offered
"Please."
"Okay I can do that."
"Thank you!" She smiled and hugged him.
"No problem." He said
"We need to talk about something serious first though."
"What's that?" He asked
"Annia said there some pills you're supposed to take to help you eat and get to a healthy build but you haven't. Why?"
"I just...I don't want to."
"Why not? They'll help you."
"I just...I don't know I am afraid that a drastic appearance change will change me."
"It won't change who you are. Just make you healthier and some of what you look like."
"You don't know that."
"I do," Annia chipped.
"What?" He asked.
"I know that what she said is true."
"It is?"
"Yes it is. Kawino, you really need that medicine."
"Okay…"
"So you'll get it?"
"Yes I will."
"Good." Clove smiled.
"Let me go get Cato."
"Yes please." Kawino nodded and headed down the hall to where Cato was.
He headed right into the room. Cato was dressed and pacing. "Cato, Clove wants to see you if you're ready." He nodded eagerly. "Just follow me then."
"Kawino, are you okay?" He asked.
"Yeah, fine. Why?"
"You seem sad."
"Not really any more than usual."
"And the blood on your shirt?"
He looked down realizing his new clothes don't conceal blood stains nearly as well and admitted, "I just killed a wife and child beater."
"You did!?"
"Yeah, he deserved it."
"I don't doubt that, but wasn't that dangerous?"
"How so?"
"You could be arrested."
"Victor."
"That doesn't mean you can't be arrested."
"Not for one murder or they wouldn't have any victors to be mentors."
"Well, you make a good point."
"They just have to follow protocol unless it becomes too many."
"Okay then, don't make a habit of it," he said worried.
"I won't."
He nodded as they arrived at Cloves room. Cato immediately rushed over to Clove who met him halfway in a hug. "You ready?" she asked, holding him close.
"As I can be."
"Good, same."
"You look amazing." Cato said.
"So do you."
Kawino smiled and left the room to give them a moment.
A while later they all headed down to the Stables. "Nervous?" Kawino asked them.
"Yes," Clove admitted, since they weren't near non-Careers yet.
"Well, don't be or try to shake it off now." Kawino said.
"Right, can't seem that way in front of the other tributes."
"Exactly."
"I'll makes sure not to seem it."
"You too Cato."
"So will I."
"Good, that's all the advice I have for now sorry."
"It's okay. It is still your first year."
"Right, I guess so."
"You've been doing great," Clove told him.
"Not really."
"Yes you have," Cato insisted.
"Not as good as I should."
"We think you have and shouldn't that and end result be all that matters?"
"Yeah I suppose it should."
"Then try to stop worrying about whether or not you are one."
"I worry about everything."
"I know and that's not good for you."
"It's a habit."
"I know but try."
"I will."
"I know it's bound to be hard."
"Just stay focused please." Kawino sighed and Clove noted his voice sounded like someone much older.
She realized that between the abuse and the games that's certainly to be expected though. "I will."
"Thank you." He said opening the door to the parade. They all had the Career persona. No one paid them any mind for now. So they headed to a black and gold chariot with gold-ish yellow horses to fit their outfits.
"Here we are." Kawino said.
Enobaria got their soon after. "Are they ready?"
"Yes, unless you have any more advice to give them."
"Not that I assume you have not."
"I know I missed stuff though. I just don't know what."
"Then I do not know anything else to say.
Kawino listed the stuff he told them though quite enough that the others didn't hear.
"I think you have covered everything."
"Really?"
"Yes really."
"As terrible as the reason is, no one knows the Games like you do."
"Right, I suppose that is true."
"It is."
"Okay, okay let's get them on."
They nodded and Clove and Cato got on the chariot.
"Now remember everything Kawino said." Enobaria said.
"Right."
"You'll be brilliant."
"Thank you." The doors began to open. Being 2, they were pretty much moving right away.
"Good luck." Kawino whispered to them as they rolled away. Once they were gone from the Stables view besides the cameras, Kawino noticed something in his peripheral vision. "Wait, what's that in the background?"
"I'm not entirely sure."
"Looks like fire."
"Is there a fire?"
"I don't know why there would be. Oh my gosh...it's 12." Kawino said.
"District 12?"
"Yeah." He said.
She looked back at them shocked. "I didn't think they could get crazier than your year but lighting the tributes on fire... that's a new one."
"They look fine though."
"Guess they beat us."
"Damn it!" Kawino growled.
"Calm down, it's not like they have any chance of winning the actual games."
"They will get sponsors though."
"Some but not enough to make a difference."
"I hope so."
"Most and the richest sponsors always sponsor the tribute they think will win whether because they're betting on them or just want to be able to say that they helped them win."
"Yeah, that's true."
"We'll still get Clove and Cato lots of sponsors."
"We have to."
"Of course but there won't really be a problem there."
"I hope not."
"There won't. I'm sure of it."
"Okay okay."
"You'll see soon."
Kawino nodded though still seemed irritated. "I just don't see how this even…" Then he saw her the girl from 12. "The girl's not useless." He realized the way he was trained to looking at her muscle build; that which can only be the build of an archer. "She's an archer."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, it's the body build."
"How would she learn to shoot in 12?"
"I don't know. I just know she definitely did and had regularly."
"That's odd."
"The little shit," he muttered.
"Kawino calm down."
"Even if she is there's no way she's good enough to beat Clove and Cato."
"I hope not."
"Have faith in them."
"I do, but I don't know her skill level."
"Guess we'll see tomorrow."
"Yeah we will."
"I'm scared though." He whispered so only Enobaria could hear.
"I know you're worried for them."
"The boy does seem to be useless though."
"So far yes."
"I'm not one to rule out 12 though."
"Really?" She asked.
"Really, I've seen the 50th Games."
"That was the only good year they had."
"That and the 1st but I guess that doesn't really count. Still, it proves that not everyone in the district is useless."
"Okay, we'll keep our eyes open."
"Definitely."
After the president's speech Kawino was waiting for the floats. Soon enough they arrived back. He stood and watched as they stopped. "You two did great." Enobaria told them.
"Yes you did." He agreed.
"We know," Clove said, getting down since the lower districts are starting to get in.
"12 was good though." Cato said
"We saw. Let's talk on our floor though."
"Right." He nodded as the two from 12 rolled in.
Kawino sent a look over to the girl. "What's wrong?" Clove asked.
"On our floor."
"Okay, let's go." He nodded and led the way.
They boarded and shot upwards. Being from 2, the ride was very short. "Welcome home sort of." He said "Now, as rare as a statement as it is. 12 is a threat."
"What why?"
"In addition to all the sponsor points they just banked. The girl's an archer and a well-practiced one at that."
"How do you know?"
"The way the muscles in her arm and back are built."
"You're sure then?"
"Yes I am."
"Okay, so what do we do?"
"We'll figure out further but keep an eye on her and when it gets to the arena make sure she doesn't get a bow."
"Got it," they said.
"Let me know if you notice anything while in the training center."
"We will."
"Also, kill her the first chance you get."
"Got it we can do that."
"Then that's all."
"Are you alright?"
"I'm just worried."
"Calm down a little."
"I'm trying to."
"Well go take a walk."
"I can't just leave you guys."
"We'll okay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes we are."
"Well, I guess."
"It's okay."
"Right now?"
"If you want."
"Okay, I will."
"Thank you." Clove said hugging him and smiling
"For what?"
"Thinking about yourself for once."
"Well… you're welcome…?"
She nodded and let go
"You should really do that more often."
"Maybe." He said heading to the elevator
"It's a start," Clove whispered.
"Yeah it is." Annia said
"That's good."
"For now."
"Better at least."
"Yeah and speaking of my daughter and niece are going to be staying here while the house is cleaned."
"That's cool. Shouldn't be a problem."
"Thank you." She said
"It'll be nice anyway."
"You think so?"
"Yeah."
"They actually should be headed up now."
As if on cue, the elevator door opened. Yizziki and Sabina arrived with a few bags "Need any help with those?" Clove asked them.
"No, you two have had a long day."
"So have you two."
"Fine, if you want to help."
"So, where are we staying?" Yizziki asked.
"There are a few extra rooms on each floor, for a rare occasion that someone from the government needs to visit or a stylist or prep team is replaced mid-games."
"Can you show us then?"
"Yes, follow me." Annia said.
"Is...Kawino here?" Sabina asked.
"He just left to take a walk and calm down."
"Oh, okay," she said.
"He should be back soon. Why?"
"I was just...wondering is all," she said carefully.
Yizziki repressed a smile. "Is that all?" Clove asked
"Well…"
"Yes?" She asked stopping outside the door.
"Nevermind."
"I will just ask later." Clove shrugged
"You'll probably figure it out."
"Maybe not tonight."
"Maybe."
"I'm too tired to think on it."
"You really should get some sleep."
"I am on my way there anyway."
"Okay."
"You two sleep well," she said
"We probably will. It's you guys that won't."
"True, still goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Just to clarify, how Kawino knew Katniss is an archer is more than possible, likely even. I'm an archer myself and I know that it builds a rather interesting collection of muscles that only it does and just like any exercise, the more you do it, the more defined the muscles become. Shoot a bow with too high of a draw weight (exactly as in sounds, the strength of resistance in that bow and there for the amount of strength it takes to draw and keep drawn) and muscles you never even thought of before will ache from your mid-thighs to your neck. I also know that movie Katniss is going to destroy her bow storing it strung like that. ALWAYS unstring your bow when your done shooting. Why am I giving you guys an archery lesson?
Please review and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. Flaming is okay.