--» 𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰 «--

Chapter Six

The anthem fades, and Peacekeepers guide us through the doors of the Justice Building, a gray, drab building that's always swarming with Peacekeepers. Katniss and I are directed into our separate rooms, where we say our final goodbyes to anyone who cares to stop by.

My mother comes by first, which surprises me.

"I guess we'll have to hire another person for the bakery," she says bluntly, staring out the window.

"Mom," I begin.

"No. I don't need to hear it," my mother interjects. An awkward moment of silence develops between us. I know I won't be the first to break it, especially after the weight she has just thrown on my shoulders.

"Maybe District 12 will finally have a winner." she says, with just a sliver of ambitiousness, "She's a survivor, that one." The frail amount of hope I'd had before this visit vanishes at what she's just said.

"You should go," I say harshly, tears forming in my eyes as my throat chokes up. She can't see me cry. It will diminish the slightest hint of faith she still has in me.

Without hesitation, she rises from her chair and walks out of the room. A tear rolls down my cheek as the cement door slams behind her. I swiftly wipe it away, but more come. My eyes blur, and two words escape my mouth in short sobs.

"She's right."