Disclaimer: I'm sorry, are you talking to me? Haymitch had that chip implanted into my head, and he's drunk, saying something about ducks and somebody named Will Herondale, whoever that is. (whoever that is, I don't own him- it's a popular picture on instagram. Seriously, look up ducks and i swear half of them have something to do with Will Herondale.) Anyway, Haymitch is talking loudly and I can't hear you.
A year later, also part of Beetee's prediction, Gloss Martinez follows his sister with another victory for District 1. Two of District 4's best tributes in years, Shard Blackfin and Brooke Foster, both killed off by Gloss's knives in the top five. I'm pregnant again, this time a girl.
This year is Coral and Pearl's first reaping, and I'm scared out of my mind for them. Last night I fell asleep on the couch and I woke up screaming because I had a nightmare that both of them went into the same games, because no one volunteered.
Rivi had asked me what was wrong. She's only four years old and she doesn't know the evils of this world, so why tell her?
"I dreamed that daddy was drowning." She had looked confused.
"But daddy swims. Don't worry, momma, I save daddy from drowning." I had hugged her so tight she had complained. Then all five of us had gone for a picnic.
Azula promised me she would volunteer for them if they got reaped. I got some of the victors to train her. I got Finnick to give her trident lesson, but she just kept staring at him, so I got Marlin to do it instead. That might not be a good idea, considering her past crushes on him, but it's the only consolation I have that she'll be ready. Ray teaches her how to turn regular household objects into deadly weapons. Azula learns how to throw a spear, thanks to Sandy. Amphitrite gives her archery, knife-throwing, and snare making lessons. Hyacinth teaches her how to sword-fight, and I help by sparring with her, with dull-edged swords, of course.
I don't do any weapons, though, because what if I was teaching her how to swing an axe and on of my children walked out? So I do etiquette and survival skills. Meaning I teach her which plants are edible and how to sit and act like a lady.
Reaping day comes, and since I'm mentoring this year, I am required to be on stage. Marlin isn't mentoring, but he's there anyway, holding my hand, praying with me that Azula or the twins get picked. They can't get picked. Combined, they only have seven slips in the reaping bowl.
Leona, who I have grown to strongly dislike instead of completely abhore, squeals her introduction, then goes over to the boys bowl.
"Julian Oceanus." An eighteen year old makes his way through the crowd. I remember him. He's the mayor's son, the one Azula invited to my wedding as a friend. So why did I think his name was Guy?
"His childhood nickname is Guy, in case you're wondering," Finnick whispers beside me, leaning down slightly. I'm tall compared to most women, at almost 5,10'', but both Marlin and Finnick ar at least 6'4''.
"Thanks for the tip."
"Anytime, princess."
"Next, the girls!" Leona trills. "Pearl Marino!"
A strangled yelp erupts on my lips. Marlin grimaces and squeezes my hand reassuringly. All eyes go to me, where everyone can see the tears rolling down my cheeks. Through my tears, I find Pearl in the twelve-year old section, still holding Coral's hand, her face frozen in a mixture of shock and horror.
"I volunteer!" I force myslef to calm down by taking a deep breath, even though it's Azula. Why didn't the girl that was picked by the training center volunteer? Oh well, it's too late now. Azula walks up the stairs confidentally and catches my eye as she walks across the stage. I see a glint of fear, then it's gone.
"What's your name, dear?" Leona asks.
"Azula."
"And how old are you? I didn't see you come out of your section."
"I'm one year older than I was last year." I smile. The Capitol citizens are usually prone to liking the tributes with humorous yet deadly personas. Leona rolls her eyes and makes them shake hands. I see Azula shaking Julian's hand as hard as she can. But there's no time to wonder why. I walk into the conference room in the Justice Building, where Marlin wraps his arms around me without a word as I burst into tears.
"Take care of Coral and Pearl and my dad, please," I cry into Marlin's chest. "If... if Azula comes close to dying, make sure the twins and Kai don't see it. They don't need to see their aunt get murdered on live television."
"This is why I'll fight," he whispers into my ear. "No mother should ever have to say that about her children and her sister." He kisses me and digs in his pocket until he pulls out a ncklace, which he puts in my hands. A charm in the shape of a shark tooth, covered in a layer of opal.
"It was my sister's," he whispers as he hugs me again. "Give it to Azula for her token." I thank him and kiss him. He pats my stomach and presses his lips to my forehead.
Then Leona call my name. As I walk down the hallway, I'm joined by Finnick, who's been sitting with Annie in another conference room. I look back one last time. River is waving at me. I turn away as tears well in my eyes. For me, it's a another month without my sunshines. For Riv and Rivi, it's just another month without their mother in their lives. Why do I have to leave again?