Fanfic:
The 75th Hunger games, the third quarter quell. District 12 had for the first time three living victors and the remaining districts had victors to choose from, but as the rules stated, all victors had won the right to live in "peace".
I'm from district 7, lumber, my biological parents died when I turned 6 and that was the year Johanna Mason won her games. She was 17 at the time. I was homeless trying to survive from the little food I could find on trees. A few months after the games one of the peacekeepers in my district found me "taking food that doesn't belong to me" he kicked me to the ground and continued to hit me until Jo stepped in front of me effectively stopping him. She lied, she lied hard, saying I was her cousin or something like that, she tool me into her house and basically raised me from that point on.
The first year Jo went to the games as mentor I stayed home, trying to remember how to make the sandwiches she taught me and not to starve. Reality was that I must have done something wrong because halfway through the games I fell sick and when Jo finally came back, she got a doctor he said I was at death's doors, I could have died, but I didn't.
Right then and there she realized she couldn't leave me alone during the games, so she spoke with our handler from the capitol, sold him the story of us being cousins and my family dying and much more until she got permission to take me with her. I grew up with all the benefits victors have but also the inconvenient, the scrutiny. The capitol milked Johanna's lack of tact, her life, the fact that she flirted with women and so she stood as the LGBTQ icon and what was trendy and what not.
On the 70th games something unexpected, well unexpected to 9-year-old me, happened. As we had done for the past two years at that point, we went to the victors lounge after promptly dropping our bags in our quarters, there, the first thing I did was throw myself towards Finnick, he was the 65th victor, youngest ever, he was one year younger the Jo and usually, the closest person in age to me, the only kid in the room.
-Guess who it is? -I said with my hands on his eyes.
-Maybe… a little monkey? -he quickly turned around and grabbed me throwing me in the air, I laughed – Hi Lu, how have you been?
-You know climbing trees, using my axes…
-Hi Jo -he said looking behind me – I think you lost your pet
-I'm afraid so, hi Finn -Jo looked at the person right next to him, the victor of the 69th hunger games, also from his district – Alice I presume?
-Yes! -she sounded excited but also like coming out of a trance – nice to meet you. Johanna, right?
- Please call me Jo, and that little monkey over there is Lucy if she ever bothers you, she belongs to me but throw her over to Finn, he knows how to deal with her. – Alice laughed.
- I'm sure she is the perfect company -Alice laughed, the looks she and Jo were throwing at each other were like nothing I had seen before. It was not like when Jo had been with other women the president suggested. It was different, I didn't understand it, do I leaned into Finn as Alice and Jo started talking about the newness of the capitol.
- Why are they looking at each other like that? -the blond laughed at me
-You'll understand in a few years, don't worry monkey. Look! -He pointe me towards the two new people that came into the room. Haymitch and Chaff. They were old and grumpy, and I had lots of fun bothering them although they always smelled really bad, now I know it was the alcohol. As I played with the older tributes, I forgot about the two women.
Alice came to be pretty nice and soon enough I created a bond with her, she took me to see her favorite place in the training center, the pool.
-Okay here we are, put this one on -she handed me what she called a swimsuit and pointed towards the changing room, it was weird, it sticked to my body and I felt somewhat vulnerable, I didn't like it at the beginning. Alice propelled herself off the edge and jumped into a huge body of water, she moved so gracefully in that strange environment, it was mesmerizing. She stopped wherever she could stand and turned to me.
- It's your turn monkey, come here – I looked at her like she was crazy.
-I don't know how to do that! -she was crazy and laughed as such.
-that's why we are here! So, you can learn silly -her smile was truly contagious. -now come here I'll hold you; I promise.
And so, I trusted her, I didn't know why but I did, that year I ended up knowing how to swim moderately okay but above all knowing how to dive! I spent more time inside the eater than outside which made Finnick and Alice really amused as most people usually chose the opposite. So one fay late I went into the fourth floor in search of Alice so I could go swimming as Jo, Alice, Finnick, Blight and Steve (the other mentors for district 7) had made very cleat that I was not supposed to go up there by myself.
I stepped into the fourth's Livingroom where Mags was hanging out reading a book, I greeted her, and she immediately jumped out of her place asking what I was doing there.
I just came to get Ali, I want to o swimming -as I said that I heard a noise coming from Alice's room. A few moments later Ali and Jo came out og her room with messy hair and some clothes even backwards, I laughed -Jo, your shirt is backwards.
Fuck
Don't mouth in front of the kid!
She is basically my mom; she speaks way worse than that at home.
You little rat! You are supposed to be on my team!
I didn't know there were teams! – I laughed -besides you both seem to be on the same one -they both blushed.
Mags can you leave us alone? -the eldest nodded and carefully brushed Alice's face with care – thank you. I'm sorry.
Nothing to be sorry for Al, enjoy the explanation -she went towards her own room half giggling . Jo went to sit next to her
Are you not going to change the shirt?
Nah, I think I'm going to put this in style -she laughed, I took a sit next to her and Alice beside me
Weren't you supposed to be with Finn? Alice asked.
President Snow sent some old lady to spend time with the pretty boy.
At least this time it was a lady -grinned Johana – oh I'm going to hear all about this one -Alice was way more worried than Jo, I could feel it.
Lucy, what do you guess its happening? -she asked.
That you two are fucking probably -jo laughed, during the three years I had bared witness of a multitude of women in certain degrees of clothing, entering and leaving Jo's room. They made nasty things there and never stayed for too long. Jo told me, those nasty things for old people were called fucking.
Oh, shit Jo, you are such the educator! -Alice was quite mad
Well, nobody said a traumatized seventeen-year-old should be the caregiver for a six-year-old, but it was the only option.
Lu, what do you know about fucking? -that was a weird question.
It is the things old people do in the bedroom, but only old people.
Dam right – Jo laughed- if someone does something nasty with my little monkey….
They get the axe! – I finished her sentence
Let's see -Alice tried to get my attention -fucking is a bad word for sex, yes which you will discover far ahead.
Way far ahead, or never -Jo was protective I knew that.
But -Alive resumed – Ideally sex is something that you do with the person you love.
But Jo and Finn do it with the president's people -I said confused- they don't love them.
Sometimes that happens, yes but it shouldn't, and it is not the case between us -she tried to explain.
So, you two are in love? You do it because you want to? -this time I looked straight into Jo's eyes.
Yes -she said- now, it will not only be fucking we might spend more time together holding hands or kissing. Would you be okay with that?
I like Alice, I like that she takes me swimming and reads me books but if she is doing that with you does it mean I have to move out?
NO! -both of them shouted Jo continued. never that! It just means we are together maybe Alice will be more involved with you.
So, you guys are going to be like my mom's? Both of you? Would that make us a family?
We both are already a family; we would just be adding Alice into the mix.
Would that make you happy? -I asked
It would make me very happy, but I won't go ahead without my monkey
I like Alice! We can all be happy together -Alice had tears in her eyes.
That's right, that's my monkey! -Jo was grinning wildly and we high-fived
Can we go swimming now? -that was what I went up there to ask and the other stuff didn't really matter.
That year was crazy but when the games ended, I was expecting Alice to come with us. And so, I was talking about everything I had to show her in district 7.
Lu, I can't go back with you guys – we were in our room on the 7th floor lying in bed, in between them.
What? Why not? – I was confused, this last week with both, living almost as a normal family in our little bubble had been amazing
You know it's complicated Lu, she is a victor of district 4, she has to be there during the year, the peacekeepers won't let her come to 7
But you love each other! You can get married! -they both laughed sadly.
We do monkey, and we do love you very much, but two people from different districts cannot get married, in fact two women can't get married because it is not recognized by the lar. That doesn't change what I feel for either of you, no matter where I am, I love you both, I'll see you next year and, in the meantime, we can talk to each other on the phone. I'll call you everyday when you are at dinner, and you can tell me all about you day -Alice was fighting pretty hard to keep the tears at bay but my nine-year-old self couldn't. I felt betrayed. I couldn't deal with the fact that we all couldn't be together for a year, I was hysteric to the point where Alice left, and Jo was left to console me. The next morning, I was calmer, and I could process what was going to happen and so I jumped out of the bed where Jo was asleep and I run out of there headed to the fourth floor where I found Alice in Finnick's arms crying her eyes out. Both of them turned to look at me and were very surprised I run towards her and hugged her repeating "I'm sorry" in a vicious cycle, hearing nothing of what they were saying until Alice physically picked me up in her arms.
Monkey, calm down please -she hugged me tight- you have nothing to be sorry for
I said bad things yesterday – I said still crying and hiding my face.
Those were some big feelings yesterday, right? – I nodded- I know they were for me. I know you were angry and I'm angry too, but we are not mad at each other, we are mad that we can't be together and that's okay,
How old are you? -Finn laughed -cause 18 seems way too young for what you just said.
Shut up Finn -as she said that the door to the stairs was slammed.
SHE IS NOT …. don't do that again -Jo was worried but it immediately passed as she saw us.
What did I do? -Finn said half grinning
Not you, that one. she said pointing at me – but at least she is here.
Sorry mama -all inhibitions had gone out the window, these two women cared for me and loved me and I din0t remember any other parents so here we were.
Yeah mama, she is sorry tears in Alice's eyes and cheeks were clear.
Is everything okay now? -Jo asked when she got out of it
I don't think okay is the word, we had some big feelings, and we are working through them right monkey?
Right mommy – Alice's smile couldn't have gotten any bigger and tears kept flowing.
Alright, how about some breakfast, we love some great pancakes with chocolate right= - Jo threw herself to the breakfast table.
How about you come sit next to me monkey? -asked Finnick.
You might need some anti-glue or some shit -Jo laughed while getting a plate near the two youngest – you get this. she said fiving me a piece of the best pancake ever and the turned towards Alice – and you get -didn't hear her Finnish but then they kissed.
If Snow ever found out about this, you would be on tv everyday to show how progressive the capitol is and how it is the perfect place for a cute little family.
Snow ain't finding out about this. We are only us in our places and we both still comply with his rules.
You are still going to fuck people? – I asked not leaving my place in my moms lap.
Don't use that word
Yes, I will, I will do anything necessary to keep you both safe and out of harms way - or so she hoped.
But only if you get that anti-glue thing -Finn laughed,
The last four hours were the worst we spent them together but then it was time to part, the shit show started and reality sunken in. the next few years passed and here we were the 75th Hunger games. The quarter quell.
Chapter 2
The 75th Hunger games were about to start, and as the quarter quell stated first there would be a reading of the card. I was at seven with mama when Snow went up on tv, on his little podium. He calmly read: "the tributes for this year will be chosen from the existing pool of victors" and my mind went blank, both my mothers were victors and mama was the only female victor here in seven. I looked at her and she was mad.
Stay here, don't go out I'll be back in a few minutes I promise -she kissed me and left grabbing her axe. I went towards the phone and quickly dialed moms' number, she quickly picked up the phone.
Jo? – I didn't answer – Lu? Monkey is that you? Where is mama?
She… she went to the woods, she is mad – I answered.
Yeah, she should be, you know it is one of those things we talked about when you were little, big feelings. It is okay to get them out.
Can I go to the woods too? – I needed to get out.
Yes, honey you can. But leave a note for mama to call me so she doesn't worry and remember to not hurt yourself. Honey, we will talk later, ok? – I immediately hung up and left the house to run in the woods.
Johanna's POV
Well, that's shit. I finally am happy, I have my kid who by some miracle survived, I have my girlfriend and then again to the fames we go. At least Alice has a chance of getting out. Three trees I had taken down, three trees so far. And I had let all my anger out. So, I decided to get back to our house, there, I found no teen but a note to "call mom".
So, I dialed the numbers and one of my favorite voices in the planet answered.
How are you?
Where's the kid? – I had no chill to talk about me now
Our kid, she went to run in the woods, she'll be back before dinner.
Great – I said – it's fucked up, I knocked down three trees. The nightmares from the first games and I can't imagine being in the again. It just sucks.
It does, you won't be there alone though, so you'll have company this time.
I also had company the first time around, the fact that I'll have to kill them doesn't usually help – Alice laughed as if I misunderstood.
I certainly hope you don't kill me – I went blank.
You still have a chance to not go – I refuted because no! that's bullshit.
Jo, you aren't going to convince me, I'm not going to let Mags or Annie go in, they can take care of Lucy and you won't be alone in there, I'll get you out.
No way, no I won't let you.
Jo, legally, if you don't come out of this one, I don't have the right to be with Lucy, I don't care that she's fourteen I won't leave her to her own devices if I can get you home with her.
Bullshit
It is, but it is reality and I love you both and I'll do anything to keep you both safe, if that includes going into the games, so be it.
Did you tell the kid? -she wasn't going to take it well.
No, not yet I wanted to talk to you first, see if we could present a joined front in convincing her.
I think she and I are more likely to agree on you not going.
Yes, you are but I told you it ain't happening -she was headstrong.
Yeah, I'll just be here to hold her when you tell her and repeat what you told me as if I believed it -even if I didn't.
I appreciate that is all I can ask, besides all the scrutiny is going to be on the two little love birds in twelve. I laughed – two games in a row, that's tough.
Yeah, it is, at least we get to spend the training days seeing each other see if you can teach me to swim this time
Finally! You'll enjoy it you 'll see – I smiled; she had begged me to learn since forever.
You have to get a hold of weapons this time – Alice won her games poisoning people with a venomous fish she found in the river.
Yeah, I'll het on that -the door opened -is that our monkey?
Yeah, ey girly come here – Lucy stepped to the phone and answered.
Hi moms – I couldn't see Alice's face but I knew we were both smiling.
Pov Lucy
FUCK THAT! – I said as I heard the news – that's bullshit
Language -mom didn't like me cursing but I was unstoppable.
No! Mama doesn't have a choice and she has to go in, but you can let luck work its way and stay.
Honey, even if I could live with myself after letting Annie or Mags go in, I couldn't stay with you. Those are the rules, if I go in, then I can help mama get back to you.
Or I could lose you both -that was the reality of the fames, most people that went in, didn't go out.
That is a risk Lu, a risk we will have to take, because if I don't go in, I'll lose you both. And I'm not willing to let that happen.
I agree, you have to get cared for, you are our priority -said mama.
You cannot agree with her going in – I was outraged, she could not agree to lose her love, her happiness.
I don't agree with her going in, but right now there's not many other ways,
What about the revolution? There have been talks in the woods, people are talking about an uprising….-mama shut me up with her hand, hung the phone without saying goodbye and pushed me into the wall. I've fucked up, I knew, she had her serious face on.
What the hell do you think you are talking about kid? The capitol is powerful and has means to fuck with all of us! Made us suffer so Jeep the thoughts to yourself. Have we not hidden our relationship to the world so they don't intervene in our lives, if you go spreading that through telephone lines we could get killed! No need for the games to start -she wasn't mad I agreed with the revolution, she was worried I could be a target because of what I said.
Sorry, it just came out,
Call your mother, tell her you didn't mean any of that shit, that you love going to the games every single year and enjoy everything the capitol has given you – and those exact words came out of my moth as I picked the phone back up.
Oh, the teenage years, how about we think before we speak from now on – I always loved that mom put everything as teamwork.
Yeah, maybe that way mama can work on her cursing.
Rat, use that head of yours more often.
And so the day of the reaping cam and as always doe some reason I had a nice sit next to the mayor. Mama's name was called and then Blight who smiled at me as the peacekeepers led us to the train where our handler had us watch the rest of the reaping. Technically I could get away with not watching as only the tributes were made to but I wanted to spend as much time with my moms as possible. Steve also sat with us and promised mom that no matter what happened I would always have a family.
Blight was in his forties and Steve was one of the eldest in the mentor pool, in his seventies, which was no relief to anyone, but we knew he meant well, and so she thanked him.
Tributes in District 1 Cashmere and Gloss, who volunteered after his sister was chose. District 2, Brutus and Enobaria, to of the scariest people I had ever seen in my life I remember being so scared when I was wight that I hid behind a couch until chaff almost tripped with me. District 3 Wiress and Bettee, they were weird but nice weird. District four, I grabbed mama's hand harder, Annies's name was taken from the fish bowl, Mahs stepped in but she was pushed back by mom who volunteered herself as she stepped forward. The shock was clear, and afterwards Finn's name was taken, we both hasped and mama cursed audibly. District 5, with two drunks, one too old to do shit must have been on her 80s kind a resembled Mags, the other a 50 year old who couldn't bother to walk straight to the podium. District 6, the morphing's, to be fair every victor from district 6 was loopy couldn't hold attention for more than five minutes. Then mama and Blight. Then Celcilia, district 8, she was the only other tribute with kids, she had three, I was friends kind a with Alex, the oldest, now ten years old, they weren't coming this year. The peacekeepers separated them from their mother, something must have happened. Districts 9 and 10 full of old people in their 70s. District 11, a woman name Seeder who was also old and Chaff sweet old, drunk Chadd. And finally, the two little buttheads in love from district 12. Shit that was a whole lot of people, but we were close to the capitol and that meant mom which always got me excited.
Lu, remember we are tributes now this year we have to head with the stylist, find Annie, stay with her until mom comes out yeah? – I nodded as we goy down from the train I headed to the platform with the chariots and there I found Annie. She was traumatized from her games looks always lost but she hugged me fiercely as she saw me, from her perspective mom had saved her. Few minutes later mom came from the restroom wearing…. Close to nothing? She was wearing a hula skirt and a bikini top, she looked… weird, vulnerable.
I don't want to hear it – I didn't care after a year I just wanted to hug her so I did tightly – hi honey -she immediately kissed me on the head – god I look ridiculous – I separated to get a better look and let out half a laugh.
You look hot – a voice came from behind me as I turned to look at mama who looked like a tree, literally -THIS is ridiculous -both of us laughed, because there was no denying she was right.
Well, all the more fun when you take it off -mom had no decency for my ears which I quickly tapped with my hands and run off, looking for Finnick. When I found him he was talking to Katniss, I got closer and heard him say "unfortunately I think that's true", and turn around the opposite side, not seeing me coming his way. The girl from district 12 took my attention as she looked at me puzzled trying to figure out who I was and what I was doing there, clearly too young to be a victor – I'm Lucy, I'm a package from district 7.
Grumpy talks about me? I'm delighted, I thought most of the time he was too drunk to be bothered with my pranks – I laughed.
I'm… - I cut her off, I knew ho she was, everybody knew.
Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire. Yeah, I know, you are kind of famous now, with the wedding and everything. I would have liked it if you made it at least one game as a mentor it's been a long while since I've seen someone around my age in here who is not from 1 or 2, of course.
Of course – she smiled, kind a genuine – so are you here to know my secrets too?
That's what Finn wanted? He's always milking that body of his
So you are just as in love with him as everybody is
Agghhh no. He is more like a nice uncle to me. An annoying one at that. Anyway, good luck, I love your dresses, so I hope this one is just as cool.
Yeah, thank you, hopefully we don't disappoint -she was definitely defiant as if everything and everybody around her were against her.
The following parade was fascinating, the dresses from 12 light on fire and it was amazing though the most beautiful looking were Finn and mom bit I could bet it was just because they were half naked.
At the end of the parade mama appeared to be in a hurry she came towards us and quickly said:
You guys go ahead, and I'll be waiting for you in my room. Ali, don't you dare take that off – she said as she started to walk heading towards the elevators where Katniss and Peeta were waiting.
I wouldn't dare to! – mom shouted -don't go crazy! – the last words fell into deaf ears because she was already way too far away.
She is going to intimidate them – I said, a circle of victors was made with some people I already knew but they were talking in code as if they were leaving hints for others to follow, most likely it was about the games themselves and I didn't want to think about them as I could become an orphan again for the first time in eight years.
I'm sorry guys – said mom – I don't know about you, but I would like to get out of these clothes as soon as possible and I think it is getting to be dinner time, I'm going to go ahead and go upstairs. Finn, you coming? – the blond nodded and Annie followed him as he said his goodbyes and we all took the elevator where we found a dress on the floor. Mama's dress.
She got undressed here? In the elevator? – I asked grossed out.
Well, she was never known for her restrain - Finn laughed- unless you are around you. I can't tell you the times I've found her naked going around.
Yeah, me too… but I thought it was in privacy! – I said.
Honey, you have to understand, mama doesn't care about those things, the capitol has sold her body in almost every way -we reached the 7th floor and mom picked up the dress as we entered the room seeing mama in just a t-shirt talking to Blight both shutting up as we entered, plastering a fake smile on her face.
That wasn't weird at all – I said sarcastically.
I think you left this in the elevator -mom held up the dress, which was immediately thrown in the trash by mama, accompanied by a kiss.
God I was dying to do that – she smiled this time genuinely.
Goss, you know, you taught me I shouldn't be going around naked like almost seven years ago. You said not to because I could get sick.
I did, I'm right. I was just sick of that dress in particular.
So, I couldn't take my shitty costume off, but you can go around the compound naked? I don't think that's fair – the grin told me to get out of there.
Well… Finn will you come to the pool with me? – mama interrupted his answer.
Nope, Finn and Annie are going to stay here for a little bit while you go to the mentor's room and take the longest shower you want with those weird soaps – she was right I loved those things; they made me smell great.
Don't worry monkey we'll go too, mama promised she would try it this year- mom laughed.
Ey, maybe drowning is quicker than life in the arena -sadistic mama was not funny at all, not to me at least.
I won't let anything happen to you, not in the pool, not in the arena.
I'm sure it will be very romantic; you guys enjoy I'm going to head to the mentor's lounge – Blight commented an him and Steve left the room.
Yeah, we'll head out too, bye guys -Finn and Annie also left.
Remember pool time tomorrow – he smiled at me ratifying it.
Shower monkey please – I went to the shower, played loud music and spent almost an hour in there. I was no genius but I knew what the two of them were doing out there and I wanted to have no part on it.
That night we had a cozy night and went to bed early.
Ey monkey – I heard a soft voice trying to wake me up – come on, it is pool time, and mama is coming with us- I smiled and opened my eyes.
She is going to freak – I said sleepily as I felt another body slam into my bed.
Yes, I am, but mom says she's got it under control, she really doesn't know what's coming her way, so come on monkey -we all got up and headed to the pool where I quickly changed into my swimsuit as mama looked at hers weirdly.
I'm not wearing this -she looked at me – look at your legs you are all exposed! – I get it I felt that at first when wearing it.
I could also throw you in with clothes but that's much more difficult – After what felt like hours of arguing I felt tired, I wanted to swim!
Come on just wear it! It's more clothes than being naked!
Lu, go get into the pool, I'm sure Finn is there by now – mom was comprehensive and so I sighed and went into the pool where Finn and even Annie where, she must have changed in their floor. After 10 flip jumps my parents finally came into the room wearing the appropriate outfit. Mom quickly jumped into the water as I hung to her back.
That took you some convincing eh Jo? – Finn laughed cynically almost sexually
Agghhh Don't say that! – I went under water again and hopped back put again.
It's not like he is wrong – mama whispered.
It's not like our kid should know that" -yeah, I agree, I know way too much.
Just get in the water Jo! – Finnick splashed her.
I don't think it is such a good idea, I'll just let you enjoy yourselves and maybe any other day we can give it a try -she went to turn around, but I was way quicker, I had snuck around and decided to push her into the pool, laughing. She started screaming and cursing until mom was able to put her arms around her and lift her up.
Breath… you are not under water – mom was trying to calm her down.
An maybe stop insulting the underage person under your care?
Whenever I get out, you are going to have the worst time of your life monkey, tickles everywhere, movies with giant spiders, all of it – her smile was wicked, and I believed she meant every word of it.
But first you'll have to get me out of the pool – I learn smug from her.
Jo, relax, I got you – mama was definitely not reacting much less relaxing.
Come on monkey, show her how you move comfortably around in the pool – Finnick's words were directed at me but it was Annie's eyes looking at me and extending her arms so I would jump towards her, and I did and started to laugh around them. Slowly mom was able to slowly get mama more and more into the water, with soft kisses in the neck and gentle words about watching me swim got her to relax. Not completely but somewhat.
How did you get her so comfortable in the water? When she was seven I could barely take her into the shower -that was true, it was a foreign environment.
For starters it helped that she was nine- mom laughed- it also took a lot of me holding her just like I'm doing with you and a lot of splashing Finn to make it more fun -that was also true, to prove it I kept splashing Finn as hard as I could and to be fair, he was doing the exact same thing towards me.
Yeah, I can see that -they both laughed, and we reacted, stopped, looked at each other and splash them just as hard.
Son of a bitch, both of you! -mama was kind of mad as she got out of mom's arms and tried to splash are us until she went down, where I dove and smiled under water right at her. Mom got her out almost immediately.
Yeah, she tricked you right there, just so you know she likes it when you splash her or dunk her, she spends most of the time up here under water, that's her thing -yeah, and mama gets to see it now.
About time you find that out – I laughed.
Don't be a smart ass with your mother -said Finn grabbing my back and dunking me into the pool – come on, let's grab a ball and do some passes, being in the pool is so much boring than the ocean – Finnick would always complain about the lack of life in the pool.
I wish I could see it, go to district 4 and swim with all of you.
Yeah, I wish that too. Maybe someday in the future – mom smiled.
If we have a future that is – mama was getting really sadistic.
How about you learn to swim first? One less way to die – I contradicted.
Yeah, that is how everyone died in my games – Annie's games had been the shortest ever with a huge wave taking out most people. In some ways she was still lost in that wave. I got near her and lightly brushed her hair lightly grounding her.
No waves in the pool just us, relaxing and playing ball -she smiled, Finn passed me the ball and we started a game with three of us while my mothers did their training. At the end of 4 hours mama could float somewhat nicely though she didn't like to put her head under water.
I think that's enough for today -said mom – Lu get out your skin is probably wrinkled by now, let's take a shower and have something to eat.
And then is weapons time! Axe time! -mama was already out of the water headed towards the showers.
Shame they don't let me down there.
Good -both my mom's answered – you'll get to watch a movie or build some of those brick things -added mom.
The three training days flew by faster than expected, the grades were out and my mom got a 4 while mama got a 9.
Look at that, I'm the weak one! -mom laughed -good thing I'm with your team -she laughed.
No… you are in Finn's team remember? No one can know about us – that strategy wasn't going to last long.
Yes, I know, we will see how far that takes us -mom smiled.
Ready for the interviews? – I asked, arguably more nervous than them, receiving a hug in return.
Annie, Mags and Steve will be with you just relax a little bit if you can, but yes I'm ready pay attention cause I'll be talking to you.
I won't, I love you kid but I plan to speak my mind there's going to be lots of cursing involved.
Good, show them how mad we are – I agreed.
Sometimes it really feels like I speak for the walls. I love you both. Goodnight -mom headed off to her own quarters.
Is she mad? – I asked mama.
I think she is just overwhelmed; we all are. Lu hear me out whenever we are in the games, don't judge us by anything we do or say, er can speak about it later. We will refer to you as monkey and you have to do everything Mags, Annie, Steve or Haymitch tell you to. No questions asked. You understand?
I do. What's this about? -the situation was strange, she laughed.
I won't tell you and I hope it is the right move that we are truly protecting you from the bad of this world. We love you.
Well, usually people who love each other don't hide things! This is so unfair. You may die and I can't be there or ask questions! Completely in the dark! – I felt betrayed so I went to my room closed the door and played some music until I fell asleep. I didn't rest at all that night, I just dreamt about death all the possible outcomes none of them good, all of them sucked, I woke up at noon, tired as if I hadn't slept as I went out Steve told me how everyone was getting ready for the interview's downstairs, we should too.
Four hours later I was in a seat next to capitol people with the mentors in the row right in front of me, Annie specifically. The ceremony started as always Ceasar opened up with amusement and the comments that usually I perceived as ridiculously funny sounded provoking and annoying at best. As soon as the tributes from District 1 appeared the mood changed. Sadness filled the capitol but from the stage the only emotion I could get was anger some victors disguised it, the siblings for example disguised it as sadness appealing to the capitol as family. Enobaria was next, and she was all pride and sarcasm. Brutus didn't collaborate, Wiress was so lost we didn't understand. Beete appealed to laws and how to change them. And then it was moms turn, she appeared on stage with a soft white dress with a neckline of shells, she looked nice, beautiful really. She came in and greeted Ceasar.
Well, who do we have here? The queen of fish! -everybody applauded.
So, Alice, you volunteered, why? Can we know?
Well, it is simple really, the other two female victors alive were Mags and Annie, they are the closest thing to a family I got and I wasn't going to let them go alone.
But you must be leaving someone behind, at home.
At home… yeah, yeah you could say that, but I need them to know one thing very clearly- mom found me in the crowd and looked straight into my eyes – I chose to go into the games to protect the people that matter most to me, and I'm always hopeful that I can come back and share the rest of my life with you, with all the mile stones we have yet to reach. And… and if I don't make it, I need you to know I'll be there watching over you, sharing your mile stones. I love all of you – that speech left me almost sobbing, Annie put her arm through to me and for a second I thought the cameras were pointing at me until I realized they were focusing on the row in front of me, as if the words had been directed to Annie or Mags, the world had no reason to believe I was involved in moms' life, and somehow that hurt even more than the fact my parents were going to the fames. Then it was Finnick's turn to speak and he did, rehearsed poem to the camera clearly to Annie, left her sobbing, well almost everyone in the capitol thought he was talking to them.
The tributes from five and six barely said a word that made sense, it was funny to see Ceasar so confused. And then came mama, shit went down, colorful language as soon as Ceasar asked. When she went down blight came our still laughing his ass off, sarcastic and angry as I'd ever seen him. And sarcasm was what followed from district 8, with Cecilia's little message to her children. District 9, 10 and 11 all referencing the all-powerful capitol, it felt rebellious. And then came the love birds, first Katniss with few words and a very impressive wedding dress that transformed into the mocking jay, everyone around me was elated applauding, it was awesome but somehow, I knew the president was not going to be happy about it.
But here, at the capitol, the mocking jay was just Katniss's symbol and pretty, nothing more. So Peeta came next and when he dropped the baby bomb, theatre exploded like never before people, capitol people were yelling their lungs out for Katniss to not go into the arena, even for the fames to be cancelled. Ceasar had lost every tiny bit of control he once had and the victors… The victors joined hands as if they were not hours away from killing each other. And then the lights went our and hell broke loose, people started running to get out someone pushed me down I got a few kicks until someone brought me back up and shielded me until we were inside of an elevator. I looked up to see Steve, Haymitch, Cinna, Mags and Annie inside. Effie enters quickly.
Is everyone here? -she was really nervous – what a chaos.
You okay kiddo? – Steve put his hand on my shoulder I nodded.
Great, just stay close to one of us at all times -asked Haymitch without even looking at me for a second -they are not going to cancel the games so go say goodbye and hopefully we'll get to see any of them again. – Annie grabbed my hand and got me out of the elevator on the fourth floor. She didn't say a word, but I immediately knew what that meant. I had to choose between which parent I was going to spend the night with. I entered through the door and asked Annie.
Does this mean I can't say goodbye to my mama? Only to mom?
Oh honey – Annie was distraught, she run to her room while Mags sat by my side and spoke.
Your mom made us promised that she would get to say goodbye right now. But you belong in district 7. Some avox will realized you are not up there and will take you ip tonight so you will get to see them both. If we would have done it backwards things would have been much more difficult -she explained it in a way that made sense, but I couldn't avoid thinking Finnick and mom came through the door. She quickly came and hugged me.
This is fucked, this is all fucked up – said Finn – were we just holding hands?
Calm down pretty boy, shit got twisted but it ain't over yet. Are you okay? -she finished looking up and down my body making sure I wasn't hurt.
The plan is still in order right? You talked to Haymitch? -asked Finn this time looking at Mags, she nodded smiling.
He said he would look for you tonight. Did you talk to your friend?
Yes I did, she is all on board, where's Annie? – Mags pointed to the rooms and Finn left, everything was going very fast, I had a million questions.
Okay honey -mom made me look at her- Jo is going to kill me -she whispered right before continuing – this is not going to make any sense but I promise you, at some point it will, when we get in the arena I need you to ask Haymitch to take you to Cressida and you do everything she says, no fighting, no asking questions, no looking back.
But – I wanted to protest, I wanted to know what was going on, what was the plan and who was this Cressida chick. Mom didn't let me.
No buts Lu, I'm completely serious, you need to follow instructions. Sometimes information can be dangerous, and this is one of those times. The less you know the safer you are, and your safety is my highest priority – that I understood, I didn't agree because she was going into the arena and her priority should be to survive but I knew there was no use in fighting.
Okay, I'll go on as you said… on one condition – she nodded- either you or mama have to come back, preferably both if you find a way.
My monkey -she smiled cuddling my face- I will try my best to make that happen and I'm sure mama will too.
You better, otherwise I will be very very angry – I couldn't speak no more, my eyes full of teras, my throat completely chocked. And so we cried, we cried for what felt like hours until an axox suddenly entered the room, looking panicked running toward me.
Lu, go with him, tell mama I love her, and don't ever forget how much I love you. Do as Cressida say -she kissed me in the forehead communicating all her love – goodbye monkey -she smiled. I couldn't speak I wasn't able to say anything, so I waved her goodbye and left behind the avox. Up on the seventh-floor mama was speaking with Steve and Blight.
Are you serious?! Nuts and volts?! – I stopped dead in my tracks.
She doesn't like us, she likes them so we are on their team there's no way around it Jo -Blight had his mind set up and everyone knows not to fight him when he gets like that.
Lu! -mama loked and saw me at the door, the conversation they were having already in the past – honey you okay?
Yeah… yeah… - I said still shocked- you haven't taken the tree dress off.
Yeah… I've had no time; you know planning for tomorrow and all. I guess this time around everyone knows I'm dangerous with an axe now. -She laughed nervously – let's go to bed – she guided me there and we cuddled in the same bed. But I couldn't sleep, I couldn't stop thinking.
I'm scared – I finally said – I've never been this terrified in my life.
That's because you are a conscious more or less adult now – she smiled but it wasn't funny and so she turned towards me- I'm scared too. But this time will be different, maybe worse, maybe better we won't know until it happens but we both and mom will make it out the other side. We will get a house in district four next to the ocean just like you wanted we will be happy, all of us together, as it should be.
But first we have to make it through.
But first we have to make it through -she repeated- and we will. Go to bed monkey. I love you - and just like that I feel asleep. Next morning when I woke up she wasn't there anymore. That could only be one thing.
It was time for the arena.
