The Next Day

I go outside and leave Pine to watch the Games inside. Last I saw of the 74th Hunger Games, the girl from Five (who's name is apparently Finch,) ran off after finding a knife blade and charred pot in the smoldering rubble pile that used to be the Careers supplies.

We're deep in the end of Summer, so it's a common blue sky-day that will most likely turn into a thunderstorm- however this doesn't stop lumberjacks in the Low Woods. In the High Woods, the trees are too tall and attract electricity. So, some workers may be hoping for those tell-tale gray clouds to roll in soon.

Walking down the street, my feet son tap against stone as the busy streets of the Shopping District open up. Ducking inside the candy shop, I purchase some gum (not the sap that we used to chew from the trees,) and a lollipop for Pine that Johanna will probably end up with somehow.

Stepping out of the candy store I glance along the shops, trying to ick out another one to head into. Instead, the tall curly-haired person standing by the Carving Shop catches my attention.

"Hey Axel," I call, gliding over through the people to him.

He turns around, a smile breaking onto his lips. "Oh, hi Fern."

"What are you doing?" I ask curiously, glancing down at the small wooden horse in his hands.

He gives me a somewhat sheepish smile, grey eyes glinting. "I'm trying to look at the carvings."

"Why?"

"It's my talent," he explains. "I carve wood into little figures. I don't know, first thing that came to my head when Ilis told me after I won."

I nod slowly, plucking the horse from his fingers. "So, did you make this one?"

He shakes his head, dark curls bouncing. "No. I like to come down here occasionally and buy a few, just to get some inspiration."

I gingerly hand the horse back, chewing on the lip. "Could I see you carve one?"

"Seriously?" He asks, eyebrows perking up. "Normally people find it boring. Splinter and Balsam usually get annoyed with me."

I shrug, switching my little candy bag to my left hand. "I think it'd be interesting enough."

He seems to consider it for a moment before finally agreeing. We walk up the street together, talking about anything and everything- or that is until a cannon boom echo's from the square.

I jump, expecting to find Tide trapping Lexi in his net. Instead, most of the people seem to be flocking to the Main Square.

"What'dya suppose happened?" I say, trying to look over the edge of the giant screen.

Axel sighs. "I don't want to know."

When we make it back to his porch, he finishes up a small aspen leaf carving he'd started a few days again. He holds by the thin, splintery stem, passing to me.

"You keep it," he says simply, dropping it in my palm.

"Really?" I respond, my eyes flickering from the leaf to him. "You sure?"

He nods, going back to his work, lounging in the green grass. "Positive."

I run my thumb over the smooth wood, admiring the intricate design cut into the surface. It's beautiful, really, the little leaf. Folding my hands over it, I look back up at Axel. "So."

"So," he responds quietly, snapping off another piece of wood.

I don't know why, maybe something his tone, or just going a bit without laughing, it makes me giggle.

He glances up at me, a smile spreading across his cheeks. It gives me a moment to look at him, I mean really look at him. It's not wonder why the Capitol citizens love him- he's very good looking. The messy deep-brown curls drpping off his head, just touching his ears. His gray eyes, the same color as stone but not cold looking, they're mischievous like he's about to pull a prank on you. He's tall too, and look's more like a swimmer- like Finnick's build. Muscular and lean. He'd certainly be one of the popular boys at school, the best looking and cleverest.

I don't why, because there isn't a touch of a cold breeze in the air, and the stump I'm sitting on is actually very warm, but I shiver. Chills cover my arms, making my stomach full of ice. I force myself to look away, staring at the forest.

That's when I realize why I've gotten shivers so suddenly. They've only ever happened with a few boys from school. The ones I like. Although my brain screams it, I choose not to acknowledge what it's saying.

Because it's saying that I like Axel.

2 Days Later

The next day I call Seeder just like I did Mags, apologizing about her tribute Rue. I wasn't there but apparently Rue was sung to sleep by Katniss (or my sister says,) after the boy from One traped with his spear and snare trap.

When Pine mentioned flowers it surprised me. Flowers. That would mean Katniss spreading little Rue out with flowers like a garden would treat the girl from District Eleven like a person in the Hunger Games. The Capitol hates that.

Now all day they've been showing replays of Katniss finding Peeta. The Capitol made some announcement saying two Victors could make it out if their from the same District. Johanna hates it. She says their getting special treatment, screaming that Snow is a complete tyrant.

It terrifies us all, but she doesn't care saying that he can't hurt her. I haven't seen Axel since, though I keep peeking outside to see he's out there. He isn't.

I don't mind too much because that means I don't have to think of what to say. I don't have to think about that, yet, I should say.

Not yet.