Chapter 4

Five years later. (Yes, sorry I had to jump this far but I will fill you in about what happened in the five years, in this chapter.)

In the years that passed, Haymitch and Ruby became close. Rupert disapproved of it, but did find that she was happier since Haymitch was in her life. He constantly told them to keep things cool until she's out of the reaping ball. But it didn't stop them from falling in love. Ruby's name was only in the ball once each year, so she was relatively safe. And they were just so relieved each year that her name was not called. Haymitch went with Rupert to mentor the kids and tried really hard to get their kids back safe, but to no avail. Each time he returned, his nightmares got worse and worse. But being with Ruby helped.

In the beginning, the people of 12 didn't like them being together, because they didn't like Ruby. But eventually they warmed up to her.

When she turned seventeen, her father agreed that she could live with Haymitch, because she was the only thing that could keep him sane and he was the only thing that kept her happy. That year, Haymitch asked Rupert if he could marry Ruby when she turned nineteen. Rupert agreed and Haymitch asked her on her eighteenth birthday.

Way back before his victory tour, he designed, cut and painted his own set of playing cards. It became a favorite pastime in the Capitol and in Ruby's house. Except they bet on house chores or which flavor ice cream to eat after dinner. One day he designed and created a special card that had the words "marry me" painted with the number. When they were playing for who makes dinner, he snuck the special card into her hand and she said yes.

She excitedly started planning their wedding. With the help of most people in 12, she designed the whole wedding to be a public party.

Rupert had concerns that the Capitol might not like Haymitch's happiness but they were ignored as the whole district prepared for the big day.

One thing stood in their way that was bigger than Rupert and his requirements. Reaping day was coming closer and Ruby still had one name in that bowl. One last chance.

Reaping day came. Ruby woke up with a jolt, as her nightmares had begun reflecting those Haymitch have been telling her about. She felt around the bed and found it empty. Haymitch sat on the edge of the bed, grasping at what was real, and what was a nightmare. They had breakfast with her dad and Ruby disappeared to the school hall for some private dancing (which she still had not told him about). At 2 pm, Ruby was dressed and ready, standing in the group with all the other kids.

A new girl stood on the stage, there was no telling how old she was. Her wig, a multi-colored feathery mess, stood perfect on her head. After the video played, the new girl was introduced. Effie Trinket. She stood forward and after receiving no applause, she decided to call the names. But being new or maybe even nervous, she read the boy's name first.

Ruby watched as a classmate was called up. Tano Sienna. She turned her eyes back to the stage and kept them on Haymitch. His curly hair was wet from his stress, but his eyes were kept on Ruby. She smiled. A sense of relief flooding her as she looked up at him. She almost grinned and jumped for joy.

"Oh, now for the girls, I suppose," Effie said, bringing Ruby back down to earth. She had not called the girls yet. Effie strutted over to the girl's names in her fish bowl wedge heels.

"Belinda Ruperts." Effie read. The crowd was confused. The kids stared at everyone, trying to figure out whom she was talking about.

Ruby swallowed hard and stepped forward. Haymitch's heart started racing. What was happening? Then it struck him. Ruby Rain was just a nickname. For Belinda Ruperts. And Rupert, was Cinna Ruperts.