Splintered

Chapter Fifty-Two: Back on Track

Hazel was certain her face was redder than when it was caked in blood.

"I wasn't dreaming," she stumbled over her words as she burst from her seat.

Snow answered, "That sleep talking really is a headache, isn't it?"

Hazel's face went even more strawberry at the comment.

What had they heard?

"Can I get some water?" Hazel coughed.

Snow smiled, commanding over his shoulder, "You heard her."

A brand new set of avoxes brought her a clear bottle as the hovercraft's movements stilled so rapidly it was evident the vehicle was landing.

Snow grinned as he shifted his scrutiny to the windows. Leo hovered shoulder to shoulder with Sable, eyes averted

"District Five has generously lent accommodations. At least until a new train can be sent."

"We're in Five?" Hazel asked between sips. "We're continuing the tour?"

He spun back to her, a rebellion all his own clear in his tone, "The show must go on. Though, because of our delay, your official celebration will be tomorrow."

Hazel nodded, gripping the bottle harder. The landscape outside was less green, yet the winter sun made it seem also less depressing in general. Columns of steel and cement towered in the distance. Instead of hills or mountains, the bizarre structures fenced the heart of town.

It wasn't a long walk before they'd reached her apparent home for the night. Sable and Leo trailed a healthy distance. Behind them, a near entire legion guarded the rear.

The District Five justice building was identical to the others.

Inside, Snow paused before a solid steel door, one of many on the second floor.

"Do you want me to have food brought to you?"

Hazel shuddered, unsure if a normal appetite was ever going to be in the cards for her again. "No, thank you."
She kept her eyes down, reaching for the handle.

Snow's gloved hand paused her movements. His voice was low but quiet, "Wait."

"Avoid me all you want, but you have to stop looking at me like that."

She swallowed, "Like what?"

"Like I'm some kind of monster."

She couldn't meet his eyes.

"I'm starting to think I have better luck in your dreams."

She flinched, and he let his arm drop. "What did....I say?"

"You weren't dreaming, remember?" Snow looked like he wanted to stay, but didn't. "Get some rest, Hazel. And when you do go to sleep tonight, send my regards to Private Drayton and myself."

Sheer, unadulterated embarrassment gave her a head rush.

She answered by closing the door hard.

Not caring to register the details of her newest cage, she groped for the medication bottle. Taking out two pills, she only considered them for a moment before ripping open the water bottle with her teeth. Chucking the meds to the back of her throat, she chased them with several large gulps.

Dropping her items in a heap on the floor, she shuffled to the slate gray bed and fell atop the sheets and blankets.

With a ragged sigh, she waited for a sweet, medicated sleep to claim her, and it did.