Chapter Two
A/N : Here's the next chapter. Thanks to my only reviewer, ShiverInTheLight, who added it to favourites as well. Also thanks to my only story alerter, Rosemarie Benson. Please review, guys, I need to know what you think!
The world had stopped turning. Katniss was frozen in time, just as she had been twenty-five years before. Except this time was different. Abby-Rue wasn't Prim. She didn't have an elder sister to step forward for her. She didn't have anyone to step forward for her. She was alone and helpless, making her way to the stage, trying to hold back the tears.
By the time she reached the microphone, she could not withhold the tears streaming down her face as the anthem was played and she was led into the Justice Building, just managing to catch a glimpse of her parents trying to break past the robes towards her before the heavy wooden doors seperated them.
Abby was sitting curled up in an armchair when her parents entered the room. She immediately lept into their arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Katniss held her close and stroked her hair, while Peeta rubbed soothing circles on her back and telling her that it would be alright. The silence was both tense and golden as the family sat together for a second.
"I haven't got a chance." whispered Abby.
"Don't say that, of course you do. I've taught you how to hunt and which plants you can eat, and your dad taught you camouflage. You'll be alright. We were, weren't we?"
"But I'm not you, Mum. You had Dad and Dad had you. You were always together. You were never alone, but I will be."
"I didn't always have Dad, you know. I had another person as well, one you're named after."
"Abby?"
"Abby-Rue Mellark, you are named after a girl from my district who used to be my friend, but you're also named after my saviour in the Hunger Games. Rue."
"What happened to her?"
"She died." said Katniss simply, feeling that saying any more would bring her to tears. Silence fell again and again, it was Abby who broke it.
"Do you really think I can win?"
"Of course you can." replied Peeta strongly, trying to convince his wife as well as his daughter. "It's in your blood."
Abby smiled and looked at her watch, a present for her sixth birthday. "Three minutes."
"Right. Abby, I just want to give you this." said Katniss, reaching into her pocket and pulling out something small and gold. Opening her palm, she held it out to Abby and she saw what it was.
"The mockingjay?" breathed Abby.
"Yes. This was my good luck charm, in the Games. It reminded me that there were people back home who cared about me. It was really special to me, and now...to you." Katniss reached for the blue ruffled material and pinned the gold to it.
"There. Now, there is nothing else you need. Remember, stick close to Haymitch, do what he says, same with your prep team. When the Games start, grab a pack, and a bow if you can, and run. If someone comes towards you before you get to it, just run away, as far and as fast as you can. You know what plants you can eat and you can hunt. Don't go looking for trouble, just stick it out. Alright? Is there anything else you want to know?"
"Can you sing the song to me? My special lullaby."
Katniss pulled her close and slipped one hand into Peeta's.
"Deep in the meadow, under the willow,
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow,
Lay down your head, and close your eyes,
And when they open, the sun will rise.
Here it's safe and here it's warm,
And here the daisies guard you from every harm,
And here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true,
Here is the place where I love you.
Deep in the meadow, hidden far away,
A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray,
Forget your woes and let your troubles lay,
And when again it's morning, they'll wash away.
Here it's safe, here it's warm,
And here the daisies guard you from every harm,
And here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true,
Here is the place where I love you."
Almost immediately after the lullaby was completed, the Peacekeepers bursted through the door and bundled Katniss and Peeta out of the room. Just before the doors were closed, Katniss managed to yell a few words.
"Abby! We both love you, remember that! You can do this, we believe in you! You can win!"
And Abby was alone, holding the skirts of her dress as close around her as she could and whispered to herself;
"I hope so, Mum. I really do."
A/N : Next chapter; Abby meets Haymitch!