The Games We Played
Hello my lovely readers! I have something special for you all - a second bonus chapter! This chapter follows Mr. Mellark, the Everdeen's, and the Hawthorne's as they watch the tribute parade through the second day in the arena. Warning – it does start off slow but does get more exciting.
Mhardman: You will never know just how much your words truly mean to me. My niece was the one to convince me to write this story and I never dreamt that anyone would like it this much. Here is the next chapter and I hope you like reading about 3 of the families that were left behind.
Rolyn: I was a little worried about how my Peeta and Cato fluff would be taken. I, too, thought it was cute. As for Katniss and Marvel, you inspired me to see where they may go. You have every right to feel special because of that. Gale and Clove was never planned. I had thought maybe Johanna later. But as I was writing out the scene with Gale and Cato talking, it hit me. Can't wait to see where this pairing may go. As for my run on sentences – I blame my word program ;) lol. The rescue should happen in about 2 more chapters. Have to see where day three in the arena leads me… Oh, the bases may be covered, but anything can happen.
MangoMagic: First of all, I thank you for your honesty. Believe it or not, it helps me a lot. I, too, had problems with the conversations between Cato and Rie as well as Cato and Gale. I just couldn't figure out why. Marvel and Katniss was actually inspired by a reader and Gale and Clove just kind of happened in the last chapter when Cato and Gale were talking. Finny, oh Finny. I've been thinking about doing a Finnick chapter, kind of like chapter 5 - Cato's POV. Or I could ask everyone to be patient for another 2 or 3 more chapters…
lincolnlog89: I'm touched you like my Cato! He truly does want to be with Peeta, and to take care of him. Finnick. You are the second person to ask about what he did to Peeta I had thought about doing a Finnick based chapter like Cato's but if you can be patient, Peeta and Finnick's history will be explained in 2 or 3 more chapters. And the heartbreak is coming, very soon. I just hope I can return the favor and make you cry lol!
2nd Bonus chapter -Chapter 10 District 12's Tribute Families
Tribute Parade Night
The Everdeen's house
Prim was sitting at the dining table. Tonight was the tribute parade. She couldn't wait to see it, to see Katniss' face again. She had only be gone a day but it felt like longer. Prim couldn't help but think about how brave her sister was for volunteering to take her place, Peeta too.
"Prim, does this look straight?"
Prim looks up and sees her mother and Rory hanging up the painting Peeta had done for them.
"Yes, it looks good mom."
Prim stands up to take a better look at the painting. Peeta's work really was amazing. The painting showed her mother in the center with Prim to her left and Katniss to the right. Off center at the top was her father looking down at the three of them. It was extraordinary how that simple touch meant so much to her.
"Mrs. Everdeen, mom asked me to invite you and Prim over for dinner before the tribute parade," Rory says.
"Thank you Rory. Let your mother know that we'll be there. Would she like us to bring anything?"
"No ma'am. Gale and Peeta stocked us really well." Rory responds.
"Very well then. We'll be over later." Mrs. Everdeen turns to Prim, "Prim, I have to go out for a short while. I'm going over to check on Thom and make sure he's healing well."
"Would it be okay with you if I go over to the Hawthorne's now? I could offer to help Mrs. Hawthorne with dinner," Prim suggests.
"Sure, that'd be fine." Her mother responds.
The three of them left the house together. Mrs. Everdeen turns for Thom's house as Rory and Prim head to the Hawthorne's place.
The Hawthorne's house
Rory opens the door to his house and follows Prim into the house.
"Mom, I'm back," he calls. "Prim is here with me."
Hazel comes out from the bedroom. "Hello Prim dear. How's your mother?"
Hi Mrs. Hawthorne, Mom is as well as can be expected with the circumstances being what they are. Do you need any help with dinner?" Prim asks.
"Thank you but no. The stew is simmering and the rolls that Peeta made the other day are warming in the oven," Hazel says with tears forming in her eyes at the thought of her two boys that are so far away. "I'll call you when it's time to set the table though."
"Okay mom," Rory replies seeing his mother's face. "We'll go keep Vick and Posy entertained until you need us."
An hour later, Hazel calls the children to come set the table. There's a knock on the door and Posy answers it.
"Hello Mrs. Everdeen, please come in. Dinner is almost ready."
"Hello Posy, thank you," Mrs. Everdeen says as she walks in the door.
After dinner, the two women set about putting the food away as Prim and Rory wash the dishes. Vick and Posy wait in the living room area. Soon everyone is seated and waiting for the parade to start. Suddenly there was an unexpected knock on the door.
The Mellark's house
Mr. Mellark is downstairs in the bakery with Wheet, closing up and getting things set up for tomorrow.
"Wheet, why don't you go up with your Mother and Eliza," he suggests hoping his son doesn't hear the undertone of nervousness.
"Okay dad, thanks," Wheet says as he heads towards the stairs.
As soon as Wheet is out of sight, Mr. Mellark grabs 3 loaves of bread and puts them in a bag. He checks one last time to make sure everything is off and the front door to the bakery is locked. He walks over to the stairs and calls out, "I'm going to go watch the parade in the town square, to try to drum up some business for tomorrow." He doesn't wait for a response as he grabs the bag of bread and heads out the back door. His destination isn't the town square just yet. He has a promise to keep first. He's going to see the Everdeen's and the Hawthorne's.
The Hawthorne's house
"Good evening Hazel. I've brought you some bread. There's a loaf for the Everdeen's as well." Mr. Mellark says.
"Thank you Fennel. That's very kind of you but Gale didn't leave me anything for me to trade with." Hazel says.
"That's fine. I wasn't expecting anything. I was keeping a promise."
Hazel takes the bag. "The parade is about to start. There won't be enough time for you to make it back home. You are more than welcome to stay here," she says as she opens the door wider.
Fennel gives it a quick thought. "Thank you," he replies as he walks in. He follows as she leaves the bread on the dining table and heads to the living room.
"Hello Mr. Mellark," the children chorus.
"Hello children," he replies. "Hello Lily."
"Hello Fennel. How's your family doing?" asks Lily before remembering that 2 of his sons were about to be on TV.
"They're well. Wheet and Eliza are planning their toasting for after the games," he replies as he sits in a chair.
The anthem plays and soon Claudius Templesmith and Caesar Flickerman are on the screen welcoming everyone to the 75th annual tribute parade. As the parade commences, the two men on screen keep running commentary of the different district's costumes. Everyone is shocked into silence when the district 12 chariot comes out, including those in the Hawthorne living room. They all jump when the Capitol citizens start cheering loudly on the TV. When they show a close-up of the chariot, everyone in the room is stunned, yet amazed at the costumes.
"They look wonderful," Prim says. "Oh no! That's Katniss and Peeta on fire! Why are they on fire and why aren't the others put them out?" she asks frantically.
"We've just been told that District 12 stylists, Cinna and Portia, have created synthetic fire. Tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are in no danger of being burnt," Caesar's voice says from the TV, seemingly in answer to Prim's question."
"That's right folks, you heard it here first. And don't those two tributes look absolutely incredible!" Claudius adds.
Those in the house watch as the chariots stop in the city square and listen to President Snow give his speech. As the chariots leave, Claudius and Caesar give the schedule for the tributes, including the split game maker sessions and split interview nights. The show ends and the anthem plays.
Fennel and the Everdeen's prepare to leave. He offers to walk the two female's home and they agree. As they walk out the door, Hazel invites Fennel to come back and watch the scores and interviews of the kids.
The Mellark house
Fennel makes it home and finds his wife in bed, asleep. He goes back downstairs and locks himself in his office. He pulls out a photo of Peeta as a toddler. As he looks at the photo, he thinks about how handsome Peeta looked tonight in those fake flames. He pulls out a bottle from the desk that he bought from Ripper. It's been in the desk drawer since the reapings, since two of his boys were taken from him. But he doesn't drink from the bottle. It's for if something happens to one of his boys.
Score Night
The Everdeen's house
Lily checks the 2 chickens in the oven. They're done. She takes them out to cool as she gets started on the salad of dandelion greens. Prim had gathered them earlier that day with Rory, Vick, and Posy.
"Prim, are you ready? The Hawthorne's are waiting for us. We're bringing the dinner tonight," she calls out.
"Yeah mom. Sorry, I was out milking Lady," Prim answers. "What would you like me to carry?"
"Can you grab the salad?" she asks. As Prim grabs the bowl she says, "Thanks sweetie." Just then there's a knock on the door. Prim answers and sees Rory there.
"My mom sent me to see if you needed any help with anything," Rory says.
"Thank you Rory. I think we got it. Shall we head over?" Rory walks the Everdeen's over to his house, opening the door for them.
The Hawthorne's house
Hazel sees them enter the house and rushes over to help by taking the salad from Prim.
"This looks delicious," she says as she leads the way to the dining table. "Why don't you kids go wash up for dinner?"
As soon as the kids are gone, Hazel turns to Lily, "Are you as nervous as I am about the kids' scores?"
"Yes. Although I know Katniss, Gale, and Peeta are good hunters; they are up against a much larger group of careers," says Lily. "And they tend to run straight for the cornucopia. Our kids will have to either run faster than the careers or run away and hope they get enough sponsor money for a weapon."
"Especially that one large, brutal looking boy from district 2, he scares me. I can't imagine what our kids think of him," Hazel says shuddering. "I hope they stay away from him."
The kid's comeback and they all sit down for dinner.
"This chicken is delicious Mrs. Everdeen," Rory comments stuffing his mouth.
"Thank you Rory. Thom gave it to me as payment for taking care of him." Lily replies.
There were no leftovers so Hazel sent the kids to the living room while she and Lily did the dishes. As soon as the last dish was dried and put away, there was a knock on the door. Hazel answers the door and sees Fennel. She invites him in and he hands her two bags. One has three loaves of bread; the other is filled with cheesy buns. The three adults walk into the living room and sit down.
"Hello Mr. Mellark," the children chorus.
Fennel chuckles, "Hello children."
"Did you bring any cookies Mr. Mellark?" asks Posy.
"Posy dear, that's not very polite," admonishes Hazel embarrassed.
"It's alright Hazel," he says before turning to Posy. "How about I bring some cookies next time Posy? Would that be okay?" He asks.
"That would be great Mr. Mellark," Posy says excitedly before remembering her manners. "Thank you."
Everyone quiets down when the anthem starts playing. Caesar Flickerman gives his welcoming spiel for score night. As he begins reading the names and scores, a picture of the tribute appears in the upper right corner of the screen. When the group sees Cato's score of 11, they worry.
"He's dangerous. Gale and the others need to avoid him. That's a really good score." Rory comments.
The room falls silent again as they watch the rest of tribute's scores. When District 12's own Delly Cartwright's face appears, everyone sits up straighter. Delly receives a 9, Madge an 8, Katniss a 10 - to which Prim smiles – Rie an 8, and Gale a 9. The group holds their breath as Peeta's face appears and Caesar says, "Folk's this has never happened before," He pauses dramatically. "Peeta Mellark with a score of 11! That's right ladies and gentlemen, two tributes with a score of 11! The highest score of the night."
None of them hears anything else Caesar says as the kids are really excited about the scores.
"Katniss got a 10! Do you think she used a bow mom?" Prim asks excitedly.
"Brother Peeta did better," Posy says standing with her hands on her little hips. "Even better than Gale. I bet he painted a really pretty picture," she says with a dreamy smile on her face.
Hazel looks over to Fennel. He has a smile on his face. "Peeta did very well. You should be proud Fennel," Hazel says gracefully.
"I should be. I mean I am but the credit for his success should go to you. You took him in and treated him as your own," Fennel says a hint of sadness in his voice. "You don't know how grateful I am. I could never repay you for taking him in."
"Nonsense Fennel, there's nothing to repay. Had our roles been reversed –" Hazel begins.
"We both know my wife would never allow anything like that to happen," Fennel says wryly.
"Okay, that' true. But I know you would've been willing to take in my child. That's what matters to me." Hazel says a warm smile gracing her face.
"Thank you Hazel. You are a good woman. I should be on my way now, good night." He turns to Lily, "Good night Lily." He then looks down at the kids, "Good night children."
"Good night Mr. Mellark," they chorus yet again.
"The offer to come watch the interviews and when they go into the arena is still open. We hope you'll join us," Hazel says as she walks Fennel to the door.
"I'll be here. And with cookies for the children. Thank you and good night Hazel." With that he heads home.
The Mellark's house
Fennel arrives home, finding his wife waiting for him.
"Where were you? And don't tell me in the town square, Wheet and Eliza went there to watch with you. They came home 5 minutes ago and said you weren't there," she shrieks.
"They mustn't have looked very hard. I was there," Fennel says.
"Don't you dare lie to me!" his wife screams. "I know you weren't there. Tell me where you were right now!"
"I was in the town square, back with some seam folk. That's probably why Wheet didn't see me." He lies again. He doesn't know why he feels compelled to keep doing it.
"Why would you be by those filthy creatures? Just look at what hanging around that trash has done to my sweet Rie! His score was lower than those seam scum!"
"And what about Peeta? He –" Fennel begins.
"Don't ever mention that name in my presence again!" she screams.
"But he is our child!" Fennel exclaims frustrated.
"I only have two children! My sweet daughter, my third child, died. I have no other children!"
"You're wrong," he says calmly but firmly, courage to stand up against her growing. "We have another son. His name is Peeta. And if by some miracle, I ever get to see him again, I will reconnect with him. And I will NOT let you stop me. I'm going to sleep on the couch in my office." As he walks away, he sneers, "Good night my dear."
Interview Night
The Everdeen house
"Come on mom, we're going to be late," Prim whines.
"Primrose Everdeen, we have 30 minutes to get there. You should kindly remember I was out delivering the Johansson's baby. It was a difficult delivery. The twins are fine though, thank you for asking," Lily snaps.
"Sorry mom," Prim says contritely. "I'm really glad the Johansson twins are doing well. I just miss Katniss so much and can't wait to see her, even if it is on TV."
"It's alright Prim; and I'm sorry too. Being tired is no excuse to get upset." Lily says apologetically. "I miss Katniss too. I hope she makes it home, even if she loses her friends."
They hug before heading to the door and heading to the Hawthorne house.
The Mellark's house
"I'm leaving now," Fennel calls up the stairs. "I'll be home as soon as it's over." He doesn't worry about his wife finding out where he's going, Wheet went over to Eliza's to watch. He grabs the bread and cookies as he walks out the door. He makes it look like he's headed towards the town center before taking the path to the seam just in case his wife was watching.
He feels little guilt as he heads to the Hawthorne house. He wishes he had the guts he had last night to stand up to his wife years ago. If he had, Peeta would've never had to go to live with the Hawthorne's, never would've gone and volunteered for that younger boy. That's not to say he isn't proud of Peeta, he is. It's just there was that chance he'd still be home where he belonged.
He thinks back to the reaping. He had been devastated when Peeta volunteered for the younger Hawthorne boy, like someone punched him in the gut. He had always wanted to bring Peeta home. He went to go see Peeta after the reaping, to tell him how sorry he was for not fighting to keep the boy at home. Unfortunately his wife wouldn't let him go alone. At least he was able to sneak him the pocket watch that had been passed down through the generations. He hoped the picture and note would give Peeta a reason to fight, to win, and to come home. Although if the truth be known, he didn't want to lose either son. His heart was breaking in a million little pieces.
As he neared the Hawthorne's, he realized how truly grateful he was to them for taking Peeta in. They had provided him with a safe, warm, stable, loving home. He knew Hazel to be a wonderful mother that took care of his son, loved him as her own. For that, he would be forever in her debt. Giving them bread was never going to be enough.
He knocked on the door.
The Hawthorne's house
Rory answered the door, knowing who it would be. "Hello Mr. Mellark. Won't you please come in"
"Thank you Rory. Here's some bread. Oh, and the cookies I promised." Fennel said, walking in and handing the two bags over.
Rory set the bread on the table and took the cookies and Fennel to the living room. He handed each of the kids a cookie before handing the bag over to his mother.
"Thank you Mr. Mellark," the children said before eating the treat.
Everyone got settled in as Caesar welcomed everyone to the interviews. They watch the other districts with their interviews but as they aren't really invested in the answers they have quiet conversations amongst themselves. When it's finally District 12's turn, everyone sits still, barely breathing.
"Look, Katniss and Peeta are on fire again," Posy says in awe pointing at the TV. "They look pretty."
Katniss, you were the first of your district to volunteer. You volunteered for your sister. What was going through your mind and what did she say to you before you left?
When Caesar asks Katniss about her volunteering for her sister, Prim listens carefully, her eyes tearing up. She always knew Katniss loved her but not to such a great extent. She feels someone grab her hand and looks to see her hand in Rory's, him smiling at her handing her a tissue to wipe her eyes. In the corner of her eye, she sees Fennel lean forward and turns her attention back to the TV.
Rie, Peeta is your younger brother. How does it feel knowing that you're going up against a family member?
Fennel leans forward as Caesar asks Rie about being in the games with his brother. He feels many emotions surge through him – joy at seeing his two boys together, sadness at the possibility of losing both his sons, anger at his wife for the hell she put the family through, and pride in his sons for being there for each other.
Gale, your brother Rory was reaped and Peeta volunteered to take his place. How did that make you feel?
Hazel, Fennel, and Rory all react when Caesar asks Gale about Rory and Peeta. Hazel could see that Gale was upset by the question. She knew the others couldn't read his body language as well as she could. Her heart was breaking for all four of her boys, Peeta being one of them. One of them was going to be so damaged after these games. Fennel felt a new respect for Gale, with whom he traded with for years. He felt bad for not getting to know the oldest Hawthorne boy better. He turns to Hazel, "You raised a remarkable young man," nodding at the TV with Gale's face on it. Rory looked at his older brother with sadness and pride. He missed him a lot. Peeta too, but Gale more so. Then he hears another question about him. Why so much interest in him? He was just a 13 year old boy who was saved from going to the games.
Peeta, you are the second volunteer from District 12. When asked about the young boy you volunteered for, you called him your 'friend and brother'. Would you elaborate on that?
Fennel stared at Peeta as he answered the question about volunteering for the younger Hawthorne boy. 'Unfortunate accident'? Peeta was still protecting his mother! Why would he after what she put him through? How did he get blessed with such a forgiving son and would that son forgive him for his past misdeeds?
"Very interesting. Gale, Katniss would either of you care to expand on how you met Peeta?"
Fennel listened as Rie answers instead and takes credit for hurting Peeta. Why are his boys protecting their mother? Or was Rie protecting Peeta from something else? Or someone else? This was too much to deal with. His boys shouldn't be so far away
Gale, you're 18. This was your last year in the reaping. Did you think you'd be reaped?
'What a stupid question' thought Hazel. Granted, Gale did take more tesserae when Peeta moved in but once Peeta could do it himself, he took it as well. Fennel looks over at Hazel, guilt in his eyes as well as on his face. He knew Peeta living with them had been a hardship. "We'll talk after Fennel," Hazel says catching his eyes.
Katniss, you got the second highest score from your district. What do you think of your chances in the arena?
Prim and Lily thought the question was lame. Katniss was going to have to kill her friends or watch them die by someone else's hand if she wanted to make it home. How she'd deal with that would have made a more interesting question.
Peeta, you got the highest score for your district, the same as score as Cato. Would you care tell us how you did that?
Fennel noticed that Peeta's eyes had flickered off to the side before he answered. Was it to that Cato kid? What did Peeta do to get such a high score?
One last question for all six of you. I think all of Panem saw the pain in your eyes because of the effects of the reapings – two of you ended up volunteering – of you all as tributes. It's obvious to all of Panem that the six of you are all very close. Discounting the scores from the game makers, who in your group of tributes from District 12 do you, think has the best chance of winning the Hunger Games?
It was obvious to all those in the Hawthorne house that the response from the kids was planned. No one said the same name twice.
As Caesar wrapped up the interviews, reminding everyone to in the next day to see the tributes enter the arena, Hazel sends the kids off to get ready for bed. Prim got up to help Posy, knowing the adults wanted to have a private conversation.
As soon as the kids were out of the room, Hazel began, "Fennel, I want you to know that having Peeta here was never a burden on this family. In fact, he has been a blessing. And he has been like a son to me." She puts a hand over Fennel's, "He even took tesserae to help."
Lily speaks up, "Peeta has helped my family too. Katniss taught him to hunt with a bow. Once when she got too sick to go, Peeta brought us meat. As soon as Katniss was better, she hunted for extra meat to sell at the butchers and to others to earn money to buy ingredients for Peeta to make bread."
Fennel smiles at the two women, "Thank you both for sharing." He looks down at his hands folded in his lap, tears in his eyes. "There hasn't been a day in the last 6 years that I haven't stopped worrying about him. I can't tell you how many times I've left my house to come see him only to chicken out in fear of my wife." The two women share a sad look. Fennel looks at the clock, wipes his eyes, and stands up. "I better get going. Thank you both."
Hazel gets up and walks Fennel to the door, "Good night Fennel. Remember you're welcome to join us to watch the kids go into the arena."
"I'll be here," Fennel smiles and waves as he walks away.
The Mellark's house
Mrs. Mellark is pacing the floor. She watched as her middle son lied through his teeth about being friends with that good for nothing brat Peeta. It was those seam scum. They changed her Rie. And now they were working on her husband. She had Wheet follow his father to see where he went. To hear that he was with that nasty Hawthorne family made her skin crawl.
Her hatred for those living in the seam was deep rooted. At the age of 7, she watched as a starving man from the seam killed her father by beating him over the head with a rock. The man was never caught, never charged. But that wasn't enough to cause her deep hatred. No, it's what happened to her at 17 years old. She had been dating the son of the grocer. They had been together for nearly 2 years, and had recently began talking about raising a family together. She knew in her heart he was going to propose in a couple of weeks – on her 18th birthday. But then a nasty rumor began floating about her and a couple seam boys. It was being said she had been cheating on her boyfriend at the slag heap with 3 seam boys, and that she had been seen at the apothecary's to rid an unwanted pregnancy. None of it was true, but she lost her true love anyway. He wouldn't even hear her out. It made her bitter, cold. When she learned of what had happened to Fennel, she thought she had found someone who would share in her hatred. After all, his love dumped him for a seam man. It wasn't until she was pregnant with the twins that she found out how wrong she was, about him and Mrs. Everdeen. Even pregnant with another man's child, his eyes followed her, wanting her. A woman disowned by her own family to live life as a seam scum.
She's pacing again, waiting for her husband to get home. She is going to lay down the law once and for all. She was going to forbid him from seeing those people again. Especially since they changed her Rie. She knew deep down that her Rie was going to get in the arena and kill those seam scum and come home where he belongs. It was unfortunate that Delly Cartwright and Madge Undersee were with Rie. Either one would've made a lovely wife for him.
Fennel dreaded walking into the house when he saw all the lights on. He knew she was waiting for him to come home. His first thought was to lock himself in his office to avoid her. But he knew she'd either bang on the door until he opened or cause a scene in the morning in the bakery. He sighs knowing it's best to get it over with now. He heads up the stairs.
"Just where were you?" she asks. "And don't bother telling me in town. We both know it's a lie." She sneers.
"I was at the Hawthorne's house," he says rising to his full height, throwing his shoulders back. He was done letting her have control. "And I'm going back tomorrow to watch our sons – that's right sons- enter the arena."
"The hell you are!" she exclaims, hands curling into fists. "You will stay here and watch our only other son go into the arena with your family. You will sit here with Wheet and I cheering as Rie kills those seam scum!" she yelled, face flushed as she steps closer to her husband. "You will do as I say!" she spits.
"Or what?! You'll hit me? Like you did Peeta? You –" he stops when he sees her fist flying towards his face. He catches it in his hand before it connects with his face. "You are a cruel woman, my dear," he spits as he shoves her fist away from him making her stumble back. "Try that again, I dare you!" he says, the deadly look in his eye making her take a step back from him. "I am done with letting you think you can control me! You drove Peeta away and almost drove Rie away. As for Wheet, he's just a puppet on your strings. I will see the bakery burnt to the ground before I ever let him take it over. As for you, just stay the hell away from me. I'm done putting up with your crap!" Without sparing another look at his wife, he went to his office to sleep.
Arena Day 1
The Hawthorne house
Hazel was finished folding the clothes she laundered for the butcher. She even managed to get all the blood stains out. "Rory, I have to return this load laundry. Can you keep an eye on your sister and brother? Or you can take them over to the Everdeen's and wait for me there."
"We'll wait for you here mom," Rory responds.
"Okay. Remember not to answer the door if it's not me or the Everdeen's," she says as she walks out the door.
Rory pulls out an old deck of cards and the three kids begin to build card houses. The cards had been a gift from Gale and thinking about that day makes Rory smile sadly. He thinks about how Gale was going to take him to the forest for special hunting training once the reapings were over. But Gale, and Peeta, got reaped and Rory never got to go into the forest. Rory had walked to the fence the other day to look out at the forest. Whatever was out there had made Gale and Peeta, not happy exactly, but satisfied. Rory really wanted to know that feeling.
The sound of his siblings fighting brought him out of his sad thoughts and he quieted the two down. They decided to build one big card tower when a rock had come crashing through the window. Rory grabbed Posy and Vick's hands and they all hid in the bathroom until Hazel came home. When she saw the broken window, she ran frantically into the house to make sure her kids were okay. She got frightened when she saw the cards scattered all over the floor and no kids.
"Rory! Vick! Posy! Where are you?" she called out.
Her kids came running from the bathroom and she hugged them all tightly, thankful they were okay. She made Posy and Vick sit at the dinner table coloring while she and Rory cleaned up the glass and covered the broken window with some plastic and boards. When they were done, they began making lunch.
The Everdeen house
Lily walked into the house just after sunrise, after delivering yet another baby. Prim had gone with her to begin her own training. They sat down on the sofa and were soon asleep. They woke up a couple hours later, feeling surprisingly refreshed. They get cleaned up and get ready to head over to the Hawthorne's.
"I'm going to milk Lady before we go," Prim says.
"Okay dear. I think I might grab my knitting to take with me," Lily says. As she's going through her bag making sure she has everything, she hears a loud scream. She runs to the back door where she finds Prim cradling a bloody Buttercup, sobbing loudly.
"Why would anyone want to hurt him mom?" she asks through her sobs when Lily puts her arm around her.
"I don't know why honey. Let's find something to wrap him up in to bury him," Lily says trying to keep her voice calm for Prim's sake. She honestly didn't know why anyone would hurt the cat. And everyone loved Prim. It just didn't make any sense.
"Can we use that ratty old throw that Buttercup liked to lay on in front of the fire in the winter? The one that used to be my baby blanket?" Prim asks sniffling.
"I'll go get it while you say your goodbyes," Lily says as she goes to retrieve the blanket. When she comes back, she hands Prim the blanket before heading to the shed to get the shovel. She sees Lady is still hidden inside and is grateful for that small blessing. Prim meets her mother outside the shed, Buttercup wrapped in the blanket.
"Let's bury him next to the garden. It was his favorite place to play," Prim says with a sad smile. They walk over and Lily digs the hole. When she's dug deep enough, Prim gently lays Buttercups body down. "Goodbye Buttercup. I'll never forget you." Prim takes the shovel from her mother and buries her cat. Lily takes the shovel to put it away as Prim goes to change out of the bloody clothes. Neither says anything as they head over to the Hawthorne's, the milking of Lady forgotten in their sorrow.
The Mellark's house
Fennel was alone, cleaning after a very busy morning of filling orders. He hasn't seen his wife since the fight last night and he was thankful for that. Wheet had worked the register and filled the orders but neither father nor son spoke about anything other than work. Once he told Wheet to lock the door and turn the sign to 'closed', Fennel began gathering the bread he was taking to Hazel and Lily. At the last minute, he decided to grab a small cake as well knowing that the children would love it.
As he walked to the Hawthorne's house, he was greeted several seam families on their way to watch the game in town. As he watched these families walk past him, he noticed how underfed the children really were. It was heartbreaking to know that there wasn't anything he could do to help. It made him angry that the Capitol didn't care enough for those living in the poorer, outer districts. These were the children who could someday be reaped, sent to their deaths, if they didn't die of starvation first. As he passed a young couple with their toddler, he stopped them and tried to hand them a loaf of bread. He figured that Lily and Hazel probably still had some left over from the night before and wouldn't mind if he gave the loaf to this family. When the husband tried to refuse, Fennel said, "My two sons are about to go into the arena soon. Please, take it in honor of them." The young father took the bread with a promise to repay him somehow. Fennel just smiled and moved on. He soon reached the Hawthorne's and what he found there shocked him to the core.
The Hawthorne house
Hazel let Fennel in and took the bread and cake into the kitchen. She invited him to join them for lunch of leftovers. As they sat down to eat, Fennel noticed the boarded up window and an unusually sullen Prim.
"I don't mean to be intrusive, but what happened to your window?" he asks.
"Someone threw a rock through our window," Rory replies. "I was home watching Vick and Posy while mom was out returning some laundry to the butcher."
"I see," says Fennel. "And is everyone okay?" he asks worry lacing his voice. He has come to care about this family and it hurt him to know someone could do something like this to such nice people.
"We're all fine," answers Rory, taking hold of Prim's hand. "But someone killed Buttercup."
Fennel looked at Prim, the sadness in her eyes making him sad. "I'm so sorry Prim. How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay. Thank you for asking Mr. Mellark," Prim says quietly.
Fennel turns to the two women, "Do you have any idea who would do this to your families?" he asks.
"No, just some coward, or cowards, that scared the children," Hazel answers. "We would've gone to the peacekeepers but they'd be no help at all. I know Gale and Katniss would trade with Cray and Darius, but what can they do? Especially with the games starting today?"
The rest of the lunch was eaten in silence. Hazel served the cake when everyone was done eating, letting the children eat theirs in the living room. Soon the anthem began playing and the adults went in to watch. Caesar's ever happy voice welcoming to the opening day of the 75th annual Hunger Games before showing the audience exactly what the tributes were up against. The living room was filled with silent dread.
The screen split into 6 different shots as the District 12 tributes came up from their tubes. They hear Seneca Crane talking about hidden backpacks and 2 tributes who won a chance at a head start. Posy crawls into her mother's lap as the countdown begins. Rory reaches over and grabs Prim's hand, giving and receiving support. They all watch shocked as the 6 kids from 12 dive into the water and swim to shore. Fennel watches as Peeta teams up with a career from District 2, holding hands as they run into the jungle. He checks his other son and sees him running into the jungle alone with two career tributes following him. Lily watches her daughter swimming to shore. She sees a male from District 1 start throwing rocks and fears he's going to hit her. But when the rocks are being thrown at another tribute and Katniss makes it safely to shore, she is relieved. Relief turns to shock as she watches the two run into the jungle together, hand in hand. But the shock that Lily and Fennel felt watching their children join up with careers was nothing compared to the shock of watching Gale team up with the brute career from District 2. It was Prim who pointed out the obvious.
"Look, they've all teamed up with careers except Rie who's alone and Madge who's with the giant from 11." She turns to face the adults. "If Katniss, Gale, Peeta, and Madge all joined with careers, why didn't Rie? He has two following him." No one has an answer and Prim turns back to the TV.
They watch in silence as backpacks are found and Marvel and Thresh kill tributes to protect Katniss and Madge respectively. They watch as Delly falls out of a tree. They hear 14 cannons go off. They listen as Caesar and Claudius Templesmith discuss the 12 zones the tributes are about to enter. They see Clove and Peeta enter a maze, Gale and Cato enter a desert, Katniss and Marvel enter a cave, Delly and Glimmer enter a rain forest, Rie enter the ruined city, and Madge and Thresh enter a winter tundra. They watch Clove kill a tribute with her knife throwing skill, Gale and Cato get stuck in a sand storm, Delly and Glimmer nearly drown, Rie rescuing and teaming up with the young girl from 11, Marvel comforting a very shaken Katniss, and Thresh and Madge nearly freezing to death. All this they watch in utter and total silence for fear of missing something.
But nothing could prepare them for the events about to unfold as their tributes reach the beach surrounding the cornucopia. They watch as Thresh, Madge, Delly, Glimmer, Rie, Rue, Katniss, and Marvel all greet each other with hugs before they head over to the cornucopia. The screen suddenly splits into two. They watch on the edge of their seats as Peeta and Clove run towards Gale and Cato. They all scream as Gale and Cato go flying through the air, barely hearing Peeta scream out Cato's name in horror. No one is more shocked to see Peeta crying over the large boy, begging him to be okay than Fennel. He watches mouth agape as a red haired girl saves Cato; and the looks, touches, and kisses the two boys share. The screen changes once again as they all come together. Madge gets hit with a knife, Marvel takes out the tribute. But the hardest part for Fennel to watch was Rie and Peeta discuss the picture and its aftermath.
"Peeta had a twin?!" Lily asks shocked. "Oh Fennel, I'm so sorry. How come no one knew?"
"Two people knew, Haymitch and the woman he hired to deliver Peeta and his sister. We were planning on throwing a party to announce the birth of the twins. Only Michetta got sick and there was apparently nothing we could do. When our daughter died, she changed." Fennel said tears sliding down his cheeks. "Haymitch took care of the body and we made him swear never to tell." They turn back to the TV in time to see Peeta and Cato kiss again. But Lily and Fennel were unprepared for what they hear next – their shared history. Both are embarrassed. Fennel can only imagine what his wife is thinking now. Going home was going to be bad. They continued watching until the kids went to bed and Caesar came on to wish everyone a good night. Rory turns off the TV and with Prim's help, take the two youngest children to get ready for bed. After all that had been revealed, he knew the adults would need some privacy.
Hazel shares a conspiratorial look with Lily before turning to Fennel, "We should talk about Peeta."
He looks at her, confusion on his face. "What about Peeta?"
"That boy, Cato isn't the first boy Peeta's been with," Hazel says holding her hand up silently asking for another moment. "Do you remember Finnick O'dair? The winner of the 65th games?" Fennel can only nod. "He and Peeta had a secret relationship. They'd meet when Finnick would come see Haymitch."
"Finnick's like in his 20's right? What was he doing with a young boy like Peeta? Wait, Haymitch knew Peeta before the games?" Fennel is confused and trying hard to deal with this new information about Peeta.
"Peeta and Finnick were just friends for a long time before it changed into a more 'romantic' situation," Hazel says unsure how to tell Peeta's father that his son was engaged in sexual activities with another male. "They kept that a secret."
"How do you know this?" Fennel asks quietly, not sure if he really wants to know.
"Peeta told me. It was his first relationship and his heart got broken. He needed someone to talk to. I don't know the details of what happened, just that they decided to remain friends." Hazel tells him.
Fennel sits back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck, trying to process everything that has happened, and everything he's learned about Peeta.
"Are you okay?" Lily asks concerned.
"Yeah, I just never imagined my son was…" Fennel can't bring himself to say the word.
"He's gay Fennel. It's okay to use the word. He came to me when he was about 14 years old, crying. He was worried about how you would feel, that you'd be disappointed in him." Lily tells him.
"Why would I be disappointed? Because he's gay? He's my son and I love him!" Fennel says frantic that his son would think that. "If anything he should be disappointed with me, I did nothing to protect him from his mother." Then a new thought crosses his mind, "Oh no! Not only did our sons air our dirty laundry, Peeta kissed that boy! I can only imagine what she's thinking now."
"Fennel, everybody in 12 knows what your wife is like. As for the loss of your daughter and Peeta's sexual preferences, don't deny them. Embrace them. You only hurt yourself if you ignore them. I doubt what people heard and saw today will change their opinions much. And if they do, just keep your chin up. Don't give in to their opinions." Lily says smiling at him. "It hasn't changed my opinion of you."
"Mine either," adds Hazel. "And Lily's right. I mean you've been seen coming here to watch with us. Many in the seam find it brave of you." Hazel tells him.
He's surprised that anyone in the seam thinks anything about him. "Me? Brave? I'm not brave. Brave would've been standing up and keeping Peeta at home all those years." Fennel says sadly. "I should've done more, for all of you when you took him in."
"Mr. Mellark?" Prim says coming into the living room. "Peeta always spoke of you with love. He wouldn't want you to be sad." All the adults turn to look at her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude." She turns her attention to Fennel, "Being brave isn't just standing up for what you believe in, it's also accepting responsibility for your actions."
"Primrose Everdeen, when did you become such a smart, insightful young lady?" Fennel asks as he stands up. "I'm going to go now." He says turning to Hazel and Lily. "Thank you both for everything. You've all given me a lot to think about."
"Good night Fennel," Lily says as she stands. "Don't be so harsh on yourself. Everything will be okay."
"I'll walk you to the door," Hazel says. "Thank you for coming and for the cake. You are more than welcome to join us again tomorrow." She opens the door to let him out.
"You're welcome. And I would love to come back tomorrow." He smiles at her before turning and heading home, thoughts swirling around his head like a swarm of angry bees.
The Mellark house
Wheet left the room as soon as he heard his brothers telling the others about their dead sister. He was very confused about it all. He couldn't leave the house as the games were still on and the peacekeepers were out in force. He hid in his father's office instead, hoping that he'd be willing to answer his questions that his mother refused to.
Fennel was shocked to find Wheet in his office, "Why are you in here son?" he asks.
"I came in here to think and to get away from mother. She was acting strange. I had tried to ask her about the baby that died and she tried to hit me. She's never done that before." Wheet says sadly.
"She tried to hit you?" Fennel asks disbelievingly. She's never raised a hand to Wheet.
"Yeah, but I managed to duck and she missed." Wheet replies looking up at his dad. "Dad, would you please tell me what's going on? Did I really have a sister? And why does mother hate Peeta so much?"
Fennel sighs as he sits at his desk and pulls a picture out of his desk, handing it to his son. "This is Peeta and your sister, Michetta." Fennel tells how she died; how his wife was depressed and refused to leave the bedroom for a year; and how when she did, she refused to have anything to do with Peeta.
"You were there when Peeta took his first step," Fennel says smiling wide at his son.
"I was? I don't remember that." Wheet says.
"Well, you were only 4. I don't expect you to remember." Fennel says shaking his head. "Once Peeta began walking, he would get into everything. Having no patience for him, your mother would get upset. You were a big help until she decided you needed to learn the family business. When Peeta was 5, he wanted to learn like his big brothers. No matter how well he did, your mother always found something wrong. I didn't understand it for a longtime, not until she kicked him out." Fennel looked down defeated.
"What didn't you understand?" Wheet asked confused.
"That she blamed Peeta for living," he answered quietly.
"But he was just a baby! He had no control over what happened." Wheet exclaims.
"I know that son. What I mean is she blamed Peeta for living while the daughter she always wanted died." Fennel explains.
"Are you saying that if Peeta had been the one to die, Mother would be different?"
"I honestly don't know son," Fennel replies shaking his head.
"Dad, can I ask you another question?" Fennel nods. "Why have you been going to the Hawthorne house? Are you cheating on mom?"
Fennel looks at his son, shocked. "What? No, I'm not having an affair. I've been going there to deliver bread and to watch your brothers. I've actually learned a lot about Peeta." He says, pride in his voice.
"Like what?" Wheet asks genuinely curious.
"Things like he still paints and bakes. Apparently, he makes the best cheese buns." They laugh. "They took really good care of him when I should've. Now I may never get the chance to tell Peeta how sorry I am for not being there when he needed me." Fennel says thinking about what he learned tonight.
Before Wheet has a chance to say anything, there was a loud crash from upstairs. The two men run upstairs to find the TV in pieces on the floor.
"What happened?" Fennel asks even though he doesn't really want to put up with his wife's theatrics.
"I'll tell you what happened. That devil child of yours is going to ruin this family!" she screams, chest heaving in anger. "That, that boy of yours told everyone our family secret. And how did he find out? His father told him! Why would you do that? Why would you sully our daughter's memory like that?" she asks yelling.
"He deserved to know," Fennel yells back no longer afraid to stand up to his wife. "He needed to know why the mother he loved so much hated him! He deserved better than us and he found it!"
"Where? In the arms of that large boy from 2? I always knew that boy was wrong in the head, painting like a girl."
"Actually," Fennel says calmly, surprising even himself. "I was referring to the Hawthorne's and Everdeen's. They gave him the love and support that we, as his parents, should've given him."
"Wait, is Peeta gay?" Wheet asks a little confused.
"Were you watching Rie or Peeta tonight?" Fennel asks his son, ignoring the death glare from his wife.
"Rie," Wheet admits sheepishly. "I left the room when they began to tell the group about the picture."
"Oh, so what you missed was your brother's boyfriend nearly being blown to bits. Apparently your brother met Cato during training. Cato seems very protective of your brother and Peeta looks very happy when he's near him." He turns to his wife and adds mockingly, "Cato isn't his first relationship either. He was with Finnick O'dair first."
"No way dad! Peeta knows Finnick? That is so cool!" Wheet suddenly realizes who he's talking about. He starts firing off questions. "Isn't Finnick like 7 years older than Peeta? How could the date? How did they even meet?"
"Yes, there is a 7 year difference. They met through Haymitch, ironically enough. Peeta and Finnick would meet at his house, spending time together." He turns to his wife smirking. "It eventually became sexual."
"How can you be proud of that filth? He is nothing but a disgrace to this family! He will not be mentioned in this house again. That is final!" she spits venomously.
"Peeta is my son and I will talk about him whenever and however I want. I am proud of him, proud that he is my son. I don't care that he is gay." Fennel states before turning to walk away. "Oh, one more thing darling," he says not bothering to turn around. "If Peeta is the one to make it home, I am going to make sure he knows that I love him, Just. The. Way. He. Is." Fennel walks out of the room on his way to his office. He could overhear his son talking.
"Why mom? Why do you hate Peeta so much? And why did you twist everything to make me hate him? I don't understand you. I can't even look at you." Wheet spits at his mother.
"You're an ungrateful brat just like your brothers! You can rot in hell, all of you!" she screams.
Wheet joins his father in his office. "I'm so sorry dad. I let mom twist things and now…" he begins to sob. Fennel holds his son letting him cry.
"It's okay son. I'm just as much to blame as you are. I knew what your mother was doing was wrong and I still let her do it. I was weak." He tilts his sons head to look him in his tear filled eyes. "The best thing that ever happened to me was you boys. I love you all."
"I love you too dad. Can I stay in here with you tonight?"
"Sure thing son. Let me get you some blankets." Fennel pulls some extra blankets from behind the couch and makes Wheet a bed on the floor. As he watches his oldest son sleep, he realizes he was wrong about him this whole time.
Arena Day 2
Mellark Bakery
Eliza is working the register while Fennel and Wheet are busy trying to keep up with the orders. Cheese buns being the big seller of the day. As Fennel takes another tray of the buns out to put in the display case, he overhears two patrons talking about how Peeta and Rie had received cheese buns earlier that morning. Then he hears another add that Delly and Madge received them too. He smiles to himself as he heads back to the kitchen. He walks over to the little TV on the counter and turns it on.
On screen is a recap of what happened earlier that morning, when Peeta and Rie receive their parachutes. Fennel smiles a sad smile as he watches his youngest hug his boyfriend. He's startled by Wheet's voice.
"So, that's Peeta's boy toy? Kinda scary, like he could snap my neck with just one arm. Although, he's actually quite handsome. Good for Peeta." Wheet says walking out with yet another tray of cheese buns. Fennel isn't sure how to respond to Wheet's characterization of Cato or the pride that he heard in his son's voice. He wants to laugh but is too stunned.
An hour later, they close up for the games. Wheet looks at his dad packing up some bread for the Hawthorne's and Everdeen's. "Hey dad, can I come with you to watch the games?"
"That would be nice son. Can you be ready to go in 30 minutes?"
"Yep. Just let me tell Eliza that I'll see her tomorrow."
The Hawthorne house
Prim and Rory were playing tag with Vick and Posy. Prim had talked her mother into letting her stay the night, unable to stand going home knowing that Buttercup wouldn't be there waiting for her. Lily went to check on the house and Lady before returning and staying as well, knowing Prim would need her.
In the house, the TV was on but neither woman was watching it. They had just been visited by Thom. He had told them that he was walking by the slag heap the night before, looking for his younger brother, when he overheard a group of boys talking about how one of them was paid to scare the Hawthorne's and Everdeen's. It was too dark to see if the boys were townies or from the seam. So whoever threw the rock and killed Buttercup could have been from either side of town.
A knock on the door brings the women out of their thoughts. Hazel opens the door to find Fennel and Wheet loaded down with bread and pastries. "Hello Fennel, Wheet. Won't you come in?"
"Thank you Mrs. Hawthorne." Wheet says entering the house. As he looks around, he is surprised to find that he thinks the house is charming. It makes him smile to know that this is where Peeta lives. He turns to Hazel, "You have a lovely home."
"Thank you Wheet. Why don't we head into the living room, the games are on." She wasn't expecting the boy to be so kind.
As they walk in and sit, Fennel apologizes for being late, "We delivered some bread to a couple of families. Cookies too."
"That's very kind of you both." Lily says. "I'm sure those families really appreciate that."
Just then the kids came in and are surprised to see a new face in their living room. Posy walks up to Wheet. "You look like my brother Peeta and my brother Rie. Do you know them?"
Wheet smiles down at the little girl, "Yes, I do know them. I'm their oldest brother Wheet." He tells her.
"I'm Posy. If brother Peeta and brother Rie are your brothers than you're my brother too." Posy tells him matter-of-factly. "Brother Peeta taught me to paint. Do you paint brother Wheet? Do you want to see my paintings?"
Wheet smiles widely, "Sorry Posy, I don't paint. But I would love to see your paintings." He's surprised when she grabs his hand and pulls him with her saying, "Come on brother Wheet."
Before the adults could react to the scene they just witnessed between Wheet and Posy, the anthem plays and Caesar is welcoming to the second day of the games. He gives a brief rundown of the events from the day before including the deaths that had occurred. Wheet and Posy come back just as the day's events were beginning, Posy crawling into Wheet's lap. The opening shot for the day is Cato and Peeta's hot kiss.
"That's brother Peeta and his boyfriend Cato. They like to hug and kiss," she tells Wheet. "Do you have a boyfriend too brother Wheet?"
Wheet blushes slightly at how open Posy is about Peeta, "No, I don't have a boyfriend. But I do have a girlfriend that I am going to marry soon."
"Oh, is she pretty?"
"Yes, but not as pretty as you." Wheet says giving Posy a big smile.
The two turn their attention back to the TV. They watch as Peeta's group leave Cato and Gale's group; as Madge, Clove, and Marvel kill 2 tributes; Rie and Cato talking about Peeta's abuse and the two of them killing more tributes (Wheet covers Posy's eyes so she wouldn't see her 'brother' killing); Peeta getting his art supplies and drawing while the rest of the group explores; Cato and Gale talking about Peeta's relationship problems; Peeta and his group going to the ruined city, watching Clove get hurt and Peeta carrying her back; the two groups coming back together; and Peeta showing his drawings.
Posy had fallen asleep on Wheet's lap sometime before Peeta's group went into the ruined city. Hazel smiles sadly as she remembers Posy falling asleep on Peeta's lap often. She offers to take Posy from him but he just shakes his head saying, "Strangely, it makes me feel closer to Peeta. I don't know why, but I like it. I miss him."
"Your brother used to hold her like that until she fell asleep. You look a lot like him. It's probably why she felt comfortable enough to fall asleep in your lap." Hazel tells him. He gives her a smile before turning back to the TV.
"Hey, when did they get the bed?" Wheet asks before his father could.
"Peeta and Cato got it at midnight last night," Prim answers. "They showed it this morning during the recap. They have really good sponsors it seems."
They watch as Peeta and Cato offer the bed to Clove and Rue. "Peeta always was very generous." Rory says. "He would share his art supplies with us on rainy days when we were bored."
"He was that way with his toys when he was Posy's age too," adds Fennel. "Delly and Madge were his playmates. He always let them play with his favorite toys."
"He wouldn't let Rie or me. Said we were to rough," laughs Wheet. "You know dad, I think that Cato kid is not as bad as I thought. He did ask a lot of questions about the family. Maybe not the ones that show us well, but he does want to know more about Peeta." He pauses a moment, "I wish we could meet him, show him we aren't as bad as we sound."
"Me too Wheet, me too." Fennel says sadly.
Rory sees Vick's eyes drooping and takes him to bed. He comes out a few moments later, "He's out mom. Wasn't able to get him to brush his teeth though," he says sitting back down by Prim.
"Oh Peeta, keep it in your pants! There's children watching!" Wheet exclaims as he watches Peeta climbs on Cato's lap as they're making out. Luckily Caesar cut in to wish everyone a good night so not too much was shown. "Wow, I never want to see that again. I just learned about Peeta being gay. I'm happy for him, but seeing that was a little too much." Everyone laughs, understanding what he was saying. Hazel stood up to take Posy to bed. She then goes into the kitchen and puts a pot on the stove.
When she comes back out, Hazel and Lily fill Fennel in on Thom's visit earlier. Wheet's face pales. He hadn't heard about the window or Buttercup. "I could go by there tonight and see if I can learn anything if you'd like," Wheet offers. He has come to like the two families that took care of Peeta and wants to help.
"Thank you for the offer Wheet, but I don't want to involve any more people in our problems. Besides, I know you have a toasting coming up. You probably still have things to prepare for that." Hazel says smiling warmly at him. "We missed dinner, can I offer you all some rabbit stew?"
They all go into the kitchen and eat, sharing stories of Rie, Peeta, Katniss, and Gale growing up. It makes the pain of knowing they might die lessen somewhat. Wheet helps Prim and Rory with the dishes, getting to know them a little better. It was late when the two Mellark men walked the two Everdeen's home before heading home themselves.
The games had brought the three families closer together, each wishing that their kids could all just come home….
Sorry for taking so long and for any spelling and grammatical errors. Between work and getting sick, I didn't have the time or energy to get on my computer. The good news is that the next two chapters are hand written and the next chapter is already half way typed up. Tonight I'm going to see the Hobbit so no typing tonight. Hopefully should have time this weekend. No major plans that I'm aware of, should be a quiet weekend.