A Different Side- Glimmer (Hunger Games)

Chapter 7

After dinner, I excuse myself to bed. I'm so excited, I almost forget to brush my teeth and wash my face, which would have been pretty disgusting.

The sinks aren't like the one we have at home, where you spin a dial to turn the water on and change it to hot or cold. You can choose the exact temperature, the amount that comes out (we have this at home, too- but it's more fun at the Capitol) and even where the faucet points. I splash 76 degree water onto my clear skin and promptly scrub it with a fruity-smelling face soap that my mom use to use everyday.

I suddenly feel homesick, and after lightly brushing my teeth and putting my hair in its usual two braids, retire to bed.

I feel like my insides have turned to stone and don't bother changing into pajamas as I crawl under the covers of my Capitol bed. They're warm and inviting, unlike the rest of the Capitol. I think of Glitter, who was starngely quiet at the table. Of Marvel, who plans to create an alliance with me.

Of Katniss, who will be my first kill in the arena.

It's pretty hard to sleep when you're thinking about everything. Tossing and turning doesn't help much, so I change into silky pink pj's. This doesn't work either.

I'm relentless. Nothing seems to be comforting me right now, so I get up and start to pace around. My door opens, and I flinch. I thought my door was locked.

"Who's there?" I ask into the darkness. I can't make out the face. There's no answer, but the figure moves toward me.

I quickly search for anything to attack the intruder with, but she steps into the light and I recognize the red uniform; it's an Avox.

Avoxes are criminals the Capitol punishes by cutting off their tongues and forcing them to serve tributes when the Hunger Games come around. You have to do something really bad to become an Avox. A girl in my district refused to be a tribute and attacked Micka one year, and I'm pretty sure she's an Avox too.

"Oh," I mutter. She points to my bed.

"I can't sleep," I say. She probably wants me to go to bed.

She nods, and walks toward the bed. I watch her, and she motions me over. I very timidly follow.

She has pulled the covers down and pats the bed like she wants me to lay down. I feel uncertain, but slowly do as she says. Or... does. She can't speak.

I feel sort of embarrassed having to be tucked in and comforted. My mother hasn't done this to me since I was nine. But the Avox does it anyway, and I'm suddenly thankful.

As she turns to the door, hands holding each other behind her back, I ask, "Wait! Can you stay with me?". She turns. Now she feels uncomfortable. But, since she has to work for me, she nods and sits on my bed.

"Thanks," I say, then turn over. Having someone- anyone- with me automatically makes me feel better. I know I'll have no one when the games start.

I want to ask the Avox what she did, what it's like to have your tongue cut off and never being able to speak again. How life is when you're constantly being watched by the Capitol and serving people who you most likely will never see again.

But of course she won't be able to answer. Even if she did she would get in trouble with the Capitol- more than she already is.

So I keep quiet, close my eyes, and fall asleep.

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Sorry I haven't updated in a while! And sorry this chapter is really short but I will continue and post more!