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False expectations
DIORA'S HEART POUNDED AGAINST HER RIB CAGE as she approached Thackery Embers. He was the only remaining male tribute besides her father, and she was hoping that she could in some way convince him to take Ulric's place. She knew it was a long shot but, her mother needed at least one of them alive, after everything she had been through.
"Hello, Thackery." Di cleared her throat as she placed her hands behind her back. "I think you know what i'm here for."
"To make sure dear old dad doesn't get picked in the reaping? Yeah, I figured i'd see you sooner or later." the man replied, sitting down on the fountain in Victors Village. "If he could've, he'd be begging me to save you."
"That's what family is, a team." The Elek girl spoke with a nod. "So, will you help me?"
"I'm not sure you can give me anything in the world to go back into that arena on my own free will." Thackery shook his head. "If they pick your father, I can't volunteer, i'm sorry, Diora."
"I will beg you on my knees to save him. He's getting older now, and he's still strong but not as strong as you. You're still young, you have a chance to win." Diora lowered herself to the ground, putting her hands together. "He has my mother, we can't leave her alone here, it ain't right."
Thackery stared at her, his heart feeling bad for the girl. He had known her since he moved into Victor's village, and she had always been a sweet, and intelligent girl. The Elek's were a wonderful family, and while he was alone with no wife or children, he still valued his life.
What good would there be in risking it?
"I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't desperate, you know that." Diora continued, tears pouring out of her eyes.
"I know, I know, get up." Thackery insisted, helping the girl off her feet. "If you cook us a little feast tonight of whatever you can find, i'll take your fathers place if his name is called."
Di let out a sigh of release, the tears in her eyes now ones of joy as she nodded her head repeatedly.
"Anything you want, Thackery. Thank you." She cried, throwing her arms around him and pulling him into a hug. "Thank you so much."
At least her mother wouldn't have to lose them both.
THE WOMENS SIDE OF THE REAPING WAS QUITE HONESTLY more of a formality than anything else. It was now the day after Diora had discussed things with Thackery and had dinner in her home. She gave him a grateful smile and nod as she seen him from across the stage, standing beside her father, and the girl was at peace knowing he would be safe.
She needed one of them to be safe.
Mayora Fairweather, the representative for her district stood at the microphone, tapping it as she waited for the crowd to settle down. Never, in the history of the games had something like this happened before. The Quarter Quell was always meant to be more difficult than the other games but, not like this.
