Zuko sat on the cool sand of the beach, legs brought to his chest as he just sat and gazed out at the waves crashing against each other with such violence, the strong wind blowing on his face letting his wet cheeks turn cold slightly. Another year.. Another reaping.. another 23 children. Another long and painful time knowing he would go without his best friend for weeks, Knowing how broken he'll be when he returns as he mentored more children and watched as they got cut down. He could hear the soft crunching of sand as a shadow protected him from the sun for just a second, before the figure moved to sit next to him. He left out a soft breath and just looked out at the sea as he heard the male speak "How many times is your name in this year" Zuko chuckled slightly looking over at the blonde who inspected him carefully with soft blue eyes that always managed to make him feel that little bit safer "28.." he paused to laugh before speaking again "I guess the odd's aren't exactly in my favour this year huh?" There was silence as he turned away from finnick for a moment before he heard the males soft voice break through "Even if you were chosen.. you'd be fine." Zuko hummed and looked at the sun with a huff, closing his eyes tightly "It's my sister's 2nd year tomorrow finnick.. I can't lose her.." He opened his eyes and turned to the male he trusted more than anything grabbing his shoulders tightly "If my sister gets chosen. PROMISE me that you will protect her.. I know there's not a lot you can do bu-" He was cut off by a hand on his mouth and his friend nodding "I won't let anything happen to her okay.. she'll come home safe to her big brother" Zuko smiled and nodded feeling more tears well up in his eyes before Finnick pulled him into a hug.
After sitting for what felt like hours the boys parted and smiled at each other before standing and admiring the sea once more, Dread filled Zuko while thinking about the games.. what if he was reaped.. could he really kill someone just to get out alive.. he felt a soft nudge on his shoulder and looked over at the slightly taller male with a chuckle "Alright alright!!! Let's go!" he laughed and walked with finnick back to his own home before waving and letting finnick walk himself back to victors village. Zuko walked inside to his home and felt a squeeze on his chest before laughing "Hey Pumpkin, you okay?" The little girl put a massive grin on and nodded quickly making him chuckle "Come on!! It's the last family meal before the games!" Alice grabbed Zuko's arm and dragged him to the kitchen. He smiled at her and nodded, unable to stop thinking about the words 'It's the last family meal!' And it could very well be.. It wouldn't be the same without his crazy little sister around always having a bright smile on her face.. and even if she came back he knew she wouldn't be the same ever again. But. She might not even get chosen so there was no need to worry right now. They sat at the dinner table and smiled, Alice was going on about some sea shells she'd found by the beach earlier and Zuko's mother Alya was very happy to sit and listen, but you could see the fear in her eyes, hoping this conversation of sea shells will last the night so she doesn't have to hear what father says every year. But much to our dismay the conversation about sea shells had come to an end..
Zuko's father was all about the games, loved the idea of his children going in to show how much of a wonderful father he was.. Which was all bullshit. Zuko's father, Chris, trained both of his children and showed them how dangerous it was if you failed.. Training with him had given Zuko a large number of scars and 'See now you're dead' 'Get up!' 'And again!' He grimaced at the memories of those moments. Finally his father spoke up "I hope you at least go in this year Zuko, make our family proud.. it's your last year." He glared over at Zuko while placing a fork full of fish in his mouth, Zuko only nodded. Chris' gaze fell on Alice next and he smiled at her "And my dear Alice you could be the youngest victor if you go into the games this year" Alice just looked down and kept eating. Before Chris could make a comment about respect from both his children, Alya spoke up and smiled at them both "Well I for one believe if you do get picked no matter what you'll make us proud" Zuko looked up and smiled softly at his mother knowing how hard she was trying not to break down "You two should get some rest it's a big day tomorrow for the both of you.." Alice stood, smiled and kissed both Chris and mother goodnight before walking to her room, Zuko slowly standing and smiling at his mother hugging her and whispering "It's gonna be okay, we'll be okay" before kissing her head and walking to his room to get some rest.
After what felt like hours of Zuko not being able to sleep he heard his door open, slowly looking over to see the small frame of his sister standing there. She was looking at the floor and playing with her hands before Zuko smiled and spoke up "Can't sleep either huh?" She shook her head and frowned, Zuko moved up slightly and moved his quilt so his sister could get in "Come here you.." She slowly walked over and crawled into bed with him slowly snuggling up to his chest "I don't want you to die Zu.." Zuko hummed softly and played with her soft blonde hair "I won't.. I know how to fight and so do you, We'll be fine i promise.." She hid her face in his chest and he could feel the soft tears land on his bare chest with a frown "I don't know if I can kill anyone Zuko.. I don't wanna kill.. I just.. I can't" Zuko frowned and kissed her head softly "Shhh.. it's okay.. You might not even get chosen this year or any year.. I mean look at me.. this is my last year and i've never been chosen have I?" She smiled softly and nodded "Yeah you're right.." Zuko chuckled and tickled her sides softly "I'm always right!" She bursted into a fit of laughter and he smiled at the sight.. he treasured it every time round about this time of year.. he never knew if he was going to be reaped and die in the games so any laugh he could get out of her made his day.. "Right.. Now let's get some sleep, okay? Got to wake up early and look all pretty for the Capitol remember?" Alice hummed and after a moment Zuko found her in deep slumber "I'll be your safety net.. always.."
YOU ARE READING
Victor by day ~ F. Odair
Fanfiction~ MLM story!! Zuko Coleman, simple boy really. He worked catching fish to feed his family and to send to the Capital. He had been friends with Finnick since they were 12, They were both swimming in the cool oceans of the sea in District 4 when Finni...
