The Truth Behind the Eyes (Prequel to CIBT?)

Chapter 8: Nothing's ever really as it seems

Suzanne Collins owns all characters in the Hunger Games trilogy.

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Well in this life you must find something to live for,

Cause when the darkness comes a callin'

You'll go back to where you were before

Cause this life is as fragile as a dream, and

Nothing's ever really as it seems

~Lily Kershaw: As It Seems

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Liam’s POV

When I woke up this morning, my mother came into my room with a letter for me.

“Any idea who is writing to you Li?” She asks.

I shake my head.

She nods and goes out.

I look at the envelope curiously for a few seconds then open it.

Liam,

I know you owe me nothing at all, but I’m asking for a favour. I’ve run away. I can’t take it anymore. I’m writing this from District 6 and I’ll be taking a trip to 4 in the morning. If it’s alright with Annie, I was wondering if I could stay with you. Only for a few days. Until I decide where I’m going next. And please make sure she DOES NOT notify my parents. Don’t write back, as I won’t get it btu fi you could just meet me in the train station in 4 at 11 a.m. on Tuesday the 22nd, it would mean a lot to me. I’ll wait until 11.30 and if you don’t show, I’ll take the answer as a no and look for lodgings.

Thank you a million times,

Jennifer Mason

My eyes widen as I set the letter down. Jennifer’s really done it. She’s run away for good.

I tore down the stairs to the kitchen where my mother was making breakfast.

“Mum!” 

“What’s wrong?!” She asks.

“Jennifer! She’s run away from home, she’s on her way here, she’s asking if she can stay.” I say in one breath.

“Why on earth has she run away?!” My mother asks.

I shrug. “I think she might’ve argued with her mum.”

“I have to call Johanna right away!” My mum says, rushing to the phone.

No! You can’t!”

“Why not?!” My mother asks.

“Please don’t Mum. Jennifer begged me to make sure you didn’t tell her parents in the letter.”

My mum sighs but nods and goes back to cooking.

* * *

The next morning I wake up and get dressed.

When I go downstairs my mum is cooking breakfast.

“Breakfast’s almost ready honey!” She calls.

“I’m actually going to the train station to meet Jennifer then I’m going to show her around the District so we won’t be home until late. We’ll eat lunch out.”

My mother nods. “See you later. Don’t be too late!”

I nod. “I won’t!”

* * *

When I get to the train station, there’s been a delay on a train heading out of Panem so the station is bustling with people.

I manage to make it to platform 12, where Jennifer’s train is coming in and I spot her climbing off the train, dragging a heavy looking bag behind her.