Child Of The Mockingjay

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

            Ma and Pa didn't visit me in the justice building.

            Instead, they let me spend my time with people I would probably never see again.

I waited at least five minutes in the cold room. The walls were cracked and crumbling, fading into an off yellow.  

            Deep red rugs covered the floor, majestic decor surrounding the room. It was probably the richest building in all of District Twelve, yet also one of the most rundown. No longer were the tapestries on the walls vivid in colour, but faded and stretched.

            Nalin visited me first, tears streaming down his young, chubby face. "I knew you'd be picked! I just knew it!" He threw his little arms around my torso and wept into me, much like Ma had to Pa last night. I comforted him, but couldn't reassure him, as I was opposed to lying. I wished I could tell him it would be all right, but from the tears he surely knew this is the last time he would ever see me.

            I couldn't cry, the cameras couldn't see me weakened. No, I wouldn't let the Capitol claim me.  I gently stroked his hair while I sang tunelessly to him. My little brother, the baby of the family. To be left alone with Haymitch for a couple of weeks.

            I waited a few minutes till I gently removed my little brother from around me. I studied him, memorizing his features. Grey eyes like my mothers, but blonde hair and pale skin like Pa's.  He’d be a heartbreaker one day, and I wouldn’t even be there to help him, give him advice when needed. No, I couldn’t help him at all, anymore.

            "It will be okay, Uncle Gale, Auntie Prim and Haymitch will look after you while Ma and Pa are away for work and I am-" I choked. This was the last time I would see him again.  

I stroked his face, wiping the tears which spilled over his lids. I all so wished I could have stayed, but I didn't posses Ma's hunting skills or Pa’s bravery and likeness. No, I wasn't coming out; but I wouldn’t put my family to shame.

            Nalin knew I wasn't a big conversationalist, even though he was quite the opposite. He silently cuddled me. In this moment, I wasn't sure who was comforting who.

            “Nalin, you need to be strong. You need to be brave. No more crying. It’s going to be okay, you and Ma and Pa and Haymitch will be one, big happy family while I’m… gone. Learn everything you can from our parents. They know what they’re doing, even if it doesn’t seem like it. Remember, Nalin, knowledge is power. Know everything. Don’t hurt other people, don’t sink to the bullies levels. Don’t be put down by the authorities. Do what you’re told till you’re old enough and know enough. Then you can strike back.” I kissed him on his forehead and dried his eyes. “I have a present for you, Nalin. Picked it up today for Reaping Day, though I forgot when it was gift giving time.” I handed him the copy of Harry Potter.

            He smiled at me, “Love you, Sienna. You’re the best sister ever, even if I never told you so.”

            My heart broke in two. “I love you, too.”

            We stayed there, cradling each other until the white figures entered the room and peeled Nalin off of me with such force he cried out. They dragged him by the scruff off his neck as his protests morphed into whimpers.

            "Nalin! Please don't forget me!" I shouted, just before the doors slammed shut.

            Next was my Grandfather, Pa's dad, followed by my other two uncles. Grandmother had died a while before I was born, but Grandfather still stayed connected. "My son, my daughter in law and my granddaughter are now part of the Games. The odds will never be in my families favour, will it."