Stone Cold: A Hunger Games Story

Chapter Three

          I stumbled a bit as the peacekeepers shoved me onto the train. I shot them a glare as I walked past them into the cart that looked like a lounge. My eyes shifted all around the room it was more luxury in one place than I'd ever seen. I was amazed at all the attention to detail. The couches were all shades of green and brown, the chandelier was emerald and bronze, it was all so stunning. As I was all caught up in how beautiful the room was Riggs came up behind me, as his hand touched my shoulder I quickly grabbed his wrist and flipped him over my shoulder and onto his back. His groans echoed through the train cart and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. 

          "You know you shouldn't sneak up on people Riggs. I could've seriously hurt you before the games even begin!" I snapped, my voice cracking with frustration as I offered a hand to help him onto his feet. As soon as his hand reached mine I was flooded with memories of the school formal he took me to last year. 

          As I sat on the pourch waiting for Riggs to show up the rain poured down, it was beautiful, I watched it fall, straight and silvery like steel rods. Any thoughts of doubt I had were drowned out by the echoing sound of the rain. The sun sat turning the sky into a perfect blend of reds, pinks purples, and blues way off in the distance where the rain wasn't falling. I started fiddling with my hands and picking at the skin around my nails the more time passed, I was already an anxious person but the fear of being stood up amplified those feelings. Almost as if I was in a movie he appeared, his normally light brown hair now darkened by the rain wetting it down, his smile wider then I've ever seen it as his hazel eyes met mine. Perfection in human form. I could memorize...actually I have memorized every detail of his face, from the way his nose crinkles when he laughs to his hidden dimples that only show up when he smiles wide. If I wasn't so afraid of the games I could see myself letting him into my life. As he walked up to the porch I couldn't help but wonder what was going on inside his mind.

                                                                                         RIGGS

          I've never seen a girl look as beautiful as Georgia looked right now. Her soft ginger curls flowed effortlessly over her pale skin. Her piercing green eyes softened as she looked into mine, her nostrils flared as she pressed her lips together into that adorable upside down smile I not so secretly loved. I've never met someone as soft and gentle as her, she  wiggled her way into my walls and made them home even if she didn't mean to. I dont think she'd ever hurt a fly. The emerald dress she chose to wear tonight hugged her curves in just the right way and the straps draped across her biceps flawlessly. The wooden porch steps creeked as I walked up them extending my hand out to her. Her hand slipped into mine and it fit perfectly, I walked her to the event building where our formal was taking place. The lights twinkled and danced on her skin like star light, her hair was damp from the rain but it just added to her natural beauty. 

          The music shifted from an upbeat tune to a slower more romantic melody, taking my chance I quickly grabbed Georgia's hand and spun her into me. Our chests pressed together as her face shifted from confused to a small smile, pink blush crept up onto her face as I placed my hand on her waist and danced with her. Having her in my arms felt like heaven, I could die a happy man now. I spun her around and pulled her back into me, her lips parted softly as I thought this could be my one chance. I leaned down and my lips were only centimeters from hers before she quickly pulled away from me leaving a cold sensation where her warmth once was. In an instant I only saw her back as she ran out of the building into the rain. I was quick to follow her though.

                                                                                        GEORGIA

           The rain was cold as it hit my skin, a welcomed feeling contrasting from the overwelming warmth left all over my body by Riggs's touch. My body was quickly whipped around from a hand grabbing my arm and forcing me to face them. It was Riggs. As much as I wanted him I couldn't let him in, not yet. 

          "Why did you run? I thought you felt the same..." Riggs spoke his voice was hoarse and gravely like always. I felt awful, I couldn't deny the chemistry between us...actually it was stronger then chemistry...almost magical...like alchemy. 

          "I don't. I'm sorry if I lead you on Riggs, but I'm not intrested in your company like that..." I didn't think this would hurt as much as it did, but seeing tears start to well in his eyes pulled at heartstrings I didn't even know I had. "I only see you as a friend..." I saw his knuckles turn white from how hard he had his hands balled into fists. His adams apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

           "We can't be friends Georgia. I can't just be friends with you, it hurts to much." His voice wavered in a broken tone I've never heard from him before.

            "You're making this sound like a goodbye Riggs, this doesn't have to be goodbye, we can make this friendship work." I begged, I wasn't ready to lose him.

            "This is a goodbye, like I said, we can't be friends. Goodbye Georgia." He snapped, his sadness turning to anger in the blink of an eye. He turned and left me standing in the pouring rain, drenched and alone.