The Chamber [Sequel to Silence]

2

 Pandora threw herself into my arms, gripping me tightly as though she never wanted to let go. I breathed deeply, trying to keep myself from crying. She smelt of grass and fresh air, and her soft hair brushed against my face as we embraced. When she pulled away, I pulled her back in for a long, lingering kiss. This time, when we drew apart, she was smiling. She began to speak to me using rapid sign language, gesturing with her hands. I watched carefully, trying to interpret what she was saying. I’d learnt the language that she and Raven, her friend, created to communicate with, but I was still a little slow.

 I’ve missed you, darling. Life is so hard at the moment. I could keep on top of my schedule if it wasn’t for Raven, but life is punishing for both of us there. I wish we could be with you.

 “I wish you could be too,” I murmured against her lips. A tear slid silently down her cheek, as she began to move her hands again.

 She’ll be OK, won’t she? Raven?

 “I hope so. It can’t be easy for her at the moment, nor for you. I’ll try and get on the next cargo train to District 12, and I’ll walk to 13 from there. I can bring some more Capitol medicines for her. Does that sound good?”

 Pandora nodded.

 I think she needs all the help she can get. Eddie does his best, but he is needed. He’s been promoted and he works right alongside Coin and the others. She is so lonely, Arrian. We both are.

 “Don’t fret, Pandora. It will be OK. I’ll come to you soon, I swear. She’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.”

 Hurry, my love. I’m not sure how much longer we can cope.

 The train sounded an alarm to signal that it would be leaving in sixty seconds. It made Pandora jump, her unease clear in her actions. After slipping the wad of envelopes into her frail hands, I kissed her forehead.

 “I’ll be there soon. Give me a week.”

 I jumped off the train, watching her shrink back into the shadows and disappear. Then the train trundled out of the station. I couldn’t bear watching her leave, so I turned my back, returning home. I had to be ready to go. The next cargo train was arriving in the early hours of the morning, this time delivering rather than picking up. I found myself raiding the medicine cupboard and removing a few herbs. Right at the back, I found a stash of morphine shots. I kept them hidden because Grandmother disapproved of anything made in the Capitol. Stuffing them in a bag, I began to raid the kitchen for food.

 “Where are you going?” Grandmother asked, a disapproving tone in her voice as she watched me in frenzy.

 “I need to go to Thirteen,” I said, throwing a loaf of bread into my backpack.

 “Is that so? Be careful, Ari.”

 “When aren’t I careful?”