Thistle Bryony vs The Capitol - A non-cannon Hunger Games Fanfiction Story

Chapter VI - The Plan.

My gaze meets with Alder's and, though I know our relationship is one of the most complicated things I've ever encountered, seeing him fills me with so much relief it consumes me. For a second, I let it. I relish in the feeling of home and security - feeling it for the first time since this nightmare started. He's from home. These three words keep repeating in my mind. He's from home. He has walked the same path I have, seen the same people I've seen all my life and he has seen the same view of the sunset as me and ringlet always did. I watch him walk towards me, looking genuinely worried.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asks, in the most gentle voice I've ever heard him speak.

"What do you-" I'm cut off by Alder wiping - what I now see is - a tear from my cheek. I didn't realise I was crying. I make a note to not think about home when I need to be prepared for events. Damnit, this is really going to mess up my facade for sponsors when I'm in the chariot.

"Sorry, I didn't..." I stutter.

I've cried in front of more people today than I have in my entire life. Thank god Alder is here, even if he is inconsistent.

"I never mean to shout. You know that, right? I don't mean it. I just can't control myself right now. All these things are happening so quickly - I spent all day today around these... things. They don't care about me, and even if they claim to, they'll forget about me five minutes after I die. I decided, after I saw myself looking like a whole new person, that I want to spend the lead up to my fate with someone who notices me."

"I know. I promise that it can be us. Me and you, against the capitol?" I ask hesitantly.

"Sounds good." He responds with a solemn grin.

Our stylists have been lagging behind us, chatting to each other. It gives me and Alder time to stand in comfortable silence, knowing we can finally cling onto the last rubble of district 12 we have. Up until now we've been putting our faith in complete strangers, people that want us dead. Now we can rest, even if for no longer than a minute, after which we will be exposed to the entirety of Panem - whether by face or on a screen.

I analyse his costume - his is completely identical to mine, except he's in a suit and he has no dandelion. I wonder what he wishes he could be wearing right now for his brothers. I think about the photo he has of them clinging onto him, and almost want to run and get it for him. His shaggy hair is slicked back, just like Titus'.

"Ah, there they are! We were just speaking about you." Titus says.

"Yes. Come on now, imagine if we were late to get you into the chariot? I shudder just at the thought. Go on, go on!" orders Alder's stylist - a woman with a stressed, stern atmosphere about her. I immediately find myself feeling lucky to have gotten Titus. At least he can distract me. She would just walk me into the void that memories have become lately.

"Oh! Goodness, my name is Latifa. How rude of me." She says whilst shoving us both onto the chariot. Alder and I stand next to each other, our shoulders touching uncomfortably.

The opening music suddenly blasts through speakers from all directions, making me jump and Alder takes my hand to settle my nerves; his fingers that are rough to the touch entwine around mine. The music echoes all throughout the capitol, rippling through the streets and searing into everyone's eardrums. The horses move like clockwork; one after another, with perfect gaps in between each chariot.

I look at the other districts as we begin to weave around the streets. District four has nothing but ropes wrapped around their genitals. They'll most likely be part of the careers when the game starts. District ten are dressed in cow skin and have horns on their heads, because their speciality is livestock. I feel awful for them.