𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐞 ☦︎ 𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐧

𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 ☦︎ 3

Before I know it, a hand is on my shoulder and ushering me into the Justice Building, the huge place behind the stage where the Mayor makes important decisions. It's also where the tributes are taken to say goodbye to their families.

As I get led into my room, I take a deep breath and try to steel myself for the next hour. The room is small, with a tiny window and only a sofa inside it, but to be honest, it's the fanciest place I've been in my life.

I stand at the window, my hands gripping the windowsill tight enough to turn my knuckles white as I stare off into the distance, my eyes unfocused.

"You have three minutes."

I jump as the door is opened, my mother, Katniss and Prim in the doorway with a peacekeeper in tow.

Prim, who's face is streaked and eyes are teary, comes rushing towards me and instantly I hug her. She sobs into my chest and I tell her. "It's okay."

"N-no-" Prim sobs.

"Shh, Prim, Prim, we don't have much time so I need you to listen to me, okay?" I say as I sit down on the sofa arm, drawing level with her. "Prim, listen, I don't have much time. You're gonna be okay, don't take any extra food from them, it's not worth putting your name in anymore times, okay? Listen, Prim! Gale will bring you game, and you can sell cheese from your goat."

Prim is sobbing, small gasps emanating from her as she cries. "Just try to win. Maybe you can."

I can't win. I know I can't. I'll be up against competition far more skilled and ruthless than myself, and I won't be able to keep up.

But I say. "Of course. And maybe I can win, I'm smart, y'know?"

Prim nods. "And you can hunt."

"Exactly," I say, staring at her and knowing that this will be the last time I ever look into her eyes.

Then she holds out the mockingjay pin.

"To protect you."

I take it slowly, spinning it in my hand before enclosing it in my palm. "Thank you," I whisper, before kissing her forehead and hugging her tightly.

Then I go to Katniss, because I love her, too.

"It should've been me," she murmurs. "She needs you more than me."

I shake my head, pulling back. "No, don't say that," I tell her. "You'll have to hunt with Gale. I told him you were learning and you'd take my place if I, I mean, if we ever..."

I trail off, but Katniss nods. "I'll take care of her," she whispers to me, gaze flitting to Prim. "Don't worry, okay? You're coming home."

"Katniss, I-"

"No, you're coming home," Katniss tells me. "You don't get any other option."

I hug her tightly after that, knowing that she believes in me.

I don't, though.

And then, finally, I come to my mother.

I stare at her harshly, knowing what I need to say.

"You can't tune out again," I tell her roughly.

"Sage, I-"

"No, you can't," I snap. "I'm not gonna be here, and you're all they have, so no matter what you feel, you're gonna be there for them, you understand?"

I know I'm being harsh. I know it. But she needs a proper reminder, because soon I won't be around anymore to give them.

My mother nods.