7's Flower

Chapter 4

Authors note

Sorry for not updating in a while! I'm starting exams at school and it's taking up all my time, I've also lost a lot of motivation to write but hopefully it will be back soon (?) My chapters are going to be shorter because I don't have as many things to write about in each chapter now Lily doesn't feel strong emotions or anything like that. This Note might be longer than the actual chapter!

Love from,

Zahra ❥

Things went very quickly after the parade, but there was not a moment that I didn't think of my family.

I thought of them as I talked. I thought of them as I ate. I thought of them as I slept. Jacob especially, was a constant presence in the back of my mind. I often wondered what he was doing at that particular moment. 

Training had started and I knew I wasn't good. I couldn't throw a spear like the boy in 2, I couldn't knock someone out by simply punching them like Luke. The only thing I was good at was foraging and cooking. Mainly because I had been doing just that since I was 3. I was the youngest one in the games that year and I could see the careers were all planning to get rid of me first, as I was an easy kill. I tried to not let it bother me but I was far more scared than I let others know. 

When it came to the day when we were given scores I was not confident. I decided to cook a meal and see where that gets me. 

I walked into the training room alone. I saw the game makers looking pleased and knew Luke had done well. I decided to take this as good news as maybe they'll be happy enough to boost their scores. 

I go over to the 'wood pit' as I had heard it being called, and started my meal. I found all sorts of nutritious things and managed to make a stew that might of even looked good. 

I bought it over to the game makers and they all spooned a bit. They weren't expecting much and some even didn't take any, but the ones who did, eyebrows shot up in delight and one asked for more. I left it on the table and walked out.

Later that day, we all gathered around the tv to watch our scores. I knew Jacob would be watching and wondering how I did. He knew I wasn't very capable when it comes to survival. 12 years in district 7 showed as much.

We watched as tributes from 1,2 and 4 all got 10's. Luke got a 9 which we all found incredible. Ruby only got a 8 when she was in the games and she won! 

I watched breathlessly as my face appeared on the screen. Although i didn't know, every member of my family (even the baby) was breathless too.

'5'

The number flashed up and I felt a surge of disappointment. I was the lowest score so far. However everyone around me was acting differently. "Lily!" Luna shrieked, hugging me tightly. Ruby smiled at me, "well done" she whispered in my ear. Luke shook my hand and nodded. I nod back. We still weren't on speaking terms after the train ride outburst. 

I didn't know why everyone was so happy and then it hit me. I was the youngest person in the games and it was practically unheard of for the younger kids to get higher than 4. I felt pride rush through me, and hoped that at home, the mood was lighter than it had been before.