kill for your love - the hunger games

(053) the seventy-third reaping

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KILL FOR YOUR LOVE.

act three.

(chapter fifty-three, the seventy-third reaping)

victor's village / the justice building / capitol train, 73 ADD.

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THE SCREAMS ECHOED THROUGHOUT her head. They tormented her. They abused her. They showed her what she had become. They showed her what she had lost. Juniper could still feel the mud slick over her skin, blood splattered all over her. Her fingertips still itched for the hilt of a sword.

What had she done? 

Eighteen-year-old Juniper Hale was laying in her bed, sheets soaked with water, damp clothes stuck to her flesh. President Snow's words still ran through her head. His stench could still be smelt around the house. Juniper couldn't even walk into the study without gagging. His visit was months ago, his threat was months ago, his demand was months ago, but now, Juniper would have to fulfil them in a few weeks. What had she done?

Sighing, the girl ran a hand through her partly-dried, knotty hair before slowly getting up, heading towards her wardrobe. She ripped the soggy materials she was wearing and redressed in long pants, a sweater, and a coat. In a few hours, two kids will be sent to their deaths. And Juniper would have to mentor them. Could she handle more death? 

Her throat was sore and scratchy, body shaking as Juniper, gingerly, left her bedroom and went down the hall. She could feel her joints and limbs aching with every step she took, ears ringing with every noise that echoed throughout the house. A pounding sensation was in her head, heart thudding as she went down the stairs, turning into the dining room. She wasn't surprised to see her father having his breakfast at the table, knuckles nearly turning white from how hard he gripped his cutlery. 

Orion Hale was perhaps the only person in the entirety of District Ten who did not question her antics. If she threw a fit and destroyed all the plates in the house, the man would quietly clean the shards up and go buy new dishes. If she collapsed in a heap of tears, he would hold her tight. If she ever slept with a knife close to her chest when her paranoia was high, Orion would silently slip into her bedroom and take the blade away, fearing she would accidentally slit her own throat. He would throw away all her liquor and morphling in fear that she would end up like one of those freaks from Six. Orion Hale was the only one who truly cared in Ten. 

"What's that?" Juniper winced at how aggressive her tone sounded. Her father snapped his head up. 

"Eggs..."  Orion said quietly. Wrinkles caressed his skin as grey strands illuminated his hair. Deep, violet patches were etched just under his eyes. The man looked exhausted. "I managed to get some from the Breeders." 

"Hm." Juniper managed to nod as she sat down in the chair opposite of him, but she couldn't dare look him in the eyes. The man was sadder was usual. He knew Juniper Hale was safe from the Reaping, but the sorrow never went away. 

"Would you like some?" Orion asked.

The Hale girl could feel her airways tighten as she managed to croak out, "No, thank you... I have to leave soon, anyway."