May the odds be ever in your favour (Book 1)

4

Ryan's PoV

I stand in the middle of the room, once again twiddling my thumbs.  Humming several songs. I wonder who'll come to see me first. Family? Pa and Peeta definitely, Mom however, perhaps not. Probably Prim and Mrs. Everdeen. Maybe Gale? But definitely Lucy Gray, if only she could come back to District 12. 

I don't have to wait long before my first person comes. Surprisingly, it's Gale. 

"Gale? I'm surprised you aren't with Prim and Mrs. Everdeen." I admit truthfully. 

"Wouldn't let me. Said I'd have to wait." 

"Ah," 

"You're crazy you know that?" 

"How come?" I ask, although I know perfectly well, that I am crazy. I had to be crazy to volunteer in a tournament, in which my best friend and the girl I love may have to kill me. I know it would kill Katniss to live without me. But what was I supposed to do? 

"Volunteering. Katniss will have to kill you for the games to end. She'd have to live with the guilt of killing her best friend. And vice versa, you will have to live with the guilt of killing Katniss." 

"Yes I know that Gale but what was I supposed to do? Let my brother who the careers would kill as soon as they had a chance?"

"Well," 

"Don't even finish that sentence Gale, because you know that you would have done the same if it had been your brothers."  I reply tersely. I don't want to deal with him, anymore. Especially when he accuses me of not taking into account Katniss's feelings. I have a plan, but I cannot enact it just yet. 

His three minutes are up. Pa, Mom and Peeta come in. Pa has two bundles of cookies. He gives me one. He tells me how proud he is of me. How brave I am.  Peeta and I just hug. Peeta can't really get his words out. Mom quickly gives me a hug. 

"Maybe District 12 will have a winner this year." She mused. 

"Thanks mom,"

"Oh not you darlin'.  I mean Katniss." 

It was supposed to sting, but it didn't actually hurt me. Was this because of my plan? Perhaps.  Mom and Pa left quickly but there was still time for me and Peeta. 

"Peeta I need you to do a couple of favours for me," 

"Alright," he sniffed.

"You know where the Everdeen's home is in the seam?" 

"Yes," 

"Well I need you to check in on Prim and Mrs. Everdeen, while I'm in that arena and after my probable death. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, although I don't like the probable death," 

"I also need you to do me another favour,"  I tell him, and gesture for him to come closer so I can whisper it to him. "I need you to look after Lucy Gray for me. She loves your bread. You must always introduce yourself as Peeta Mellark.  And when Katniss wins, I need you to take Katniss and Prim to meet her okay?"

"Yes. " 

"You know the route?" 

"Sorta," 

I whisper the directions to him. I can't write it down it's too risky.  

"I need you tell her that Katniss and I have been reaped.  If you go straight after this, my footprints should still be there." I instruct. He nods.  Hastily I give him another hug and tell him how much I love him.  After he leaves, I prepare myself for no more visitors, but then Prim comes in. She's on her own.