Ablaze (after the Mockingjay) ON HOLD

CHAPTER 13:

Three days pass since the dreadful announcement. The news is buzzing with excitement. Every newscaster is talking about the Hawthorne wedding and, more importantly, the games. Apparently, these hunger games will have a twist. There will be two teams. The first team that dies loses. Everyone in the Capitol , even some District citizens, are in favor with this idea because there is less deaths. That is right but, 12 or more innocent lives are still taken away. Another bad thing about that system is more than 1 poor person will have to bear the horrible memories and endure the painful nightmares.

This morning I decided today will be the day I confront Gale about this monstrosity. I know fully well that Peeta would not approve of me going to Gale. But, I will anyways. I couldn't live knowing I didn't at least try to stop the games.

I tell Peeta in advance that I'm leaving. But, I lie and tell him I am going to my mom's house and am going to be back late or the next day. He believes my story and allows me to go. We arrange a babysitter for the kids after school. Peeta leaves for work and I prepare myself for the day.

I get dressed in a simple, yet elegant, sweater and black pants. I braid my hair to the side. I secure my mockingjay pin over my heart and place Peeta's pearl in my back pocket. I look at myself in the mirror. Scars and burns mark my body from the war. I'm definitely a worn-out mockingjay. My fire and spunk has noticeably drained. Maybe I'm too old. Maybe I can't do this.

Suddenly, a wave of nausea comes over me. I'm able to make it to the toilet just in time. "Damn nerves." I mutter to myself as I wipe the puke from my mouth with a bathroom towel. I look at myself in the mirror again, tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and leave.

As I walk to the train station I pass the Representative Hall. Workers are setting up for the Reaping. I flashback to Prim being reaped. I remember I wanted to visit her grave.

I walk to her grave by the meadow. I wipe the snow off of the marble grave. With my fingers, I trace the letters that read, "Primrose Everdeen; Sister, Doctor, Friend"

I sit there for awhile until I realize I have a train to catch. "Bye Prim. I'm doing this for you." I whisper. I kiss my fingers and press them on to the gravestone. Wiping a few tears from my cheeks I walk to the train station.

I walk to the small building that says, "Train Depot". A lady inside asks, "Where to hun?"

I reply, "The Capitol."

"One-way or return?"

"Return." I hand her my money and she hands me my ticket.

"Have a nice trip!" She says with a wave. I laugh to myself. This should be anything but fun. I hop on the train.