The Mute

Chapter 2

We were rushed into the Justice Building of District 7 and placed into two separate rooms, so it could be private when family and friends come to say goodbye.

I waited for about 5 minutes before believing that no one will come to visit when Miss Grant walks in with tears streaming down her face.

"Oh, Merida what a terrible fate you have been put in" She exclaimed before bringing me into a hug.

"I lost both of my children to that Games and now I'll lose another"

My small heart burst with happiness at the fact that Miss Grant, a cold old woman would consider me as one of her kids.

"I know you can't speak but you can listen, years of being able to hear has made you strong. Survive in that arena, come home a hero and use your hand to hand combat skills that I know you have been practising when you were locked in the cellar. yes I heard you punching the wall"

I looked into Miss Grant's big brown eyes, full of sorrow and pity. Suddenly something snapped in me.

Everyone thinks I'm pathetic and weak because I can't speak, but Miss Grant is right. My hand to hand combat skills are excellent as well as my knife throwing and I helped out the lumberjacks sometimes so I am pretty handy with an axe. People will underestimate me which will be their demise.

I looked at Miss Grat with a determined expression which she smiled at.

"Good luck Child," She said as the Peacekeepers come in to take her away.

As I arrive at the train platform of District 7, Blight comes up to me

"Good luck Merida your gonna need it now that everyone knows you can't speak."

And with that he walks onto the train, Nathaniel and I following him.

I had never been on a train before, they were severely off-limits as no one was allowed to have contact with other districts. The capital believes that self-isolating us would stop us from planning a rebellion or uprising.

Cordelia showed Nathaniel and I to our rooms which we were allowed to stay in but we would be called for dinner.

"Freshen up a bit," Cordelia told me as she finished touring my room "you need it"

So that's what I did. I had a shower with hot water for the first time and tried all the cool and expensive shampoos and conditioners. After drying myself I put my reaping outfit back on. I didn't want to change into something new as I liked it. When an Avox came in to signal that Dinner was ready I walk out with confidence radiating off me.

I was the last one to join everyone at the Dinner table. Blight was helping himself to some ribs, Nathaniel was doing the same but to some stew. Cordelia looks incredibly uncomfortable with the two so to make her feel a little better I started using my utensils to help me eat. 

"Finally someone has manners," Cordelia said gesturing to me

"Meridas only doing that to make you feel better Lia" Blight replied not even looking up from his plate.

"It's Cordelia, nicknames are so unwanted"

That caused Nathaniel to laugh

"My family would call me Nate as a nickname, I never really liked it but now I miss it," He said before returning to his meal.

"Come on people we need to talk strategy, uh no offence Merida," Cordelia said turning to me

I gave her a small smile before turning my attention to Blight

"Easy, rule one doesn't die," He said making eye contact with me, I scoffed at this. Like why would he look at me when there is a 12-year-old sitting beside him. Nathaniel was bound to die, the youngest to ever win was 14 and that was achieved by Finnick Odair from District 4, He had hundreds of skills up his sleeve by the looks of him I don't think Nathaniel had any except axe work which was common for a District 7 tribute.

"Rule two sponsors and allies, you need support from the Capital to win. They think your gonna win. The money comes pouring in which gives me the ability to send you guys gifts in the arena. You get no one well your again bound to die."

"Isn't he optimistic" Cordelia mumbled "anyways leave the sponsors to me, I've always had a way to wow the crowd, trust me"

"I know you do Lia"

"It's Cordelia"

"Last one, rule three choose brain over brawn. Brawn gets you nowhere if you don't have brains."

"So we should try District 3?" Nathaniel asked

"well aren't you smart, yes, of course, District 3 is the smartest so the tributes are probably going to be smart to, find them and make them your allies it's that simple, now if you'll excuse me I'm trying to eat my dinner before moving on to dessert." and that was the end of the conversation.

"Merida," Nathaniel said, causing my attention to him "is it true that you can speak through hand signs?"

I nodded and sign well of course any smart person would know that

Blight snorted into his cup of wine, I turn to him with a pointed look.

"Yes I can understand sign language, I'm not that stupid"

"What did she say?" Nathaniel asked eager to know

Tell him I said he is going to be fine I sign to Blight.

"She said, you're going to be fine" Blight replied copying what I told him to say

"Thanks, Merida, you're going to be fine too"

I smiled at Nathaniel before getting up, I gestured in the direction of my room to let them know I'm turning in for the night.

"We'll see you in the Morning Merida," Cordelia said also getting up

I smiled at her as I made my way to my room.

Changing into the pyjamas that were supplied, I for the first time in a while had a pleasant sleep.