Lynix and Haymitch have been best friends since they were six. The 50th Hunger Games has approached and this time they will have four tributes from every district. Even with the stakes higher, Lynix never would've thought that Haymitch would be chos...
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His eyes are dark like the night sky. I notice them as they stare deep into my soul. My hand caresses his cheek softly, grinning when he blushes slightly at the gesture. Rolling onto my back, I stare at the said sky, anticipating his touch.
"Lyn," Haymitch whispers. "It's time to go." He stands up, holding out his hand towards me. I accept it, not at all ready for The Reaping. I pin a loose strand of hair back as I follow him along. Maysilee and my twin sister Phynix, are already waiting for us, seeming to know what we were up to.
"Whatever happens today, it's going to be alright," Maysilee says, staring ahead as the Peacekeepers get closer. We give blood before being separated by age and gender, pulling Haymitch away from me. I try to watch him as I'm pushed to where I'm supposed to be. The escort proceeds with the ceremony.
"This year is a momentous occasion! To celebrate the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Quarter Quell, we will be having double the tributes." The woman goes to a jar, putting her delicate fingers around a piece of paper. The first name is one I don't recognize. The next makes my heart drop. "Maysilee Donner."
My friend walks slowly up to the stage beside the other female tribute. They move to the other jar. The men. Once again, the first name I don't recognize.
"Haymitch Abernathy!"
Our eyes meet as he's escorted up to the others. My knees feel weak. There's no way he's going to be able to win with double the tributes.
The peacekeepers let me onto the train alongside his mother and brother, Ermon. I let them go first with their goodbyes, hesitant to say mine. When it's my turn, my heart feels like it's breaking into a million pieces. "Haymitch, I—"
"Time's up!" the peacekeeper behind us shouts, starting to grab for me.
Panicking, I press a kiss to my best friend. "Come back to me, Haymitch Abernathy! Promise me!"
He won't look me in the eyes. "I promise."
The walk home is silent between my sister and I. Two of our friends have been reaped and we don't know what to do. We will watch at least one of them die on the screen, possibly both.
"Say something," Phynix says, stopping and turning to me. "Please say something."
"I don't know what to say, Nix. I feel like I've lost a part of myself."
She nods, tears falling down her cheeks. "Haymitch will make it, Lyn. He loves you."
Looking away, I stare hatefully at the peacekeepers. "Love never saved anyone."
We continue the rest of the way in silence, going into our home quietly. Our parents already seem to know what happened. Heading upstairs, I lay down in bed, ready for the day to be over. My eyes close, dreaming about the night sky eyes. Will I ever see them again?
The next morning, I dress in a plain yellow dress. My hair hangs down, blowing behind me in the wind as I head to the Abernathy home. Yesterday, I got to be selfish. Today, I'm going to take care of what Haymitch no longer can.
"Lynix!" his mother greets me, letting me in. Mrs. Abernathy is a young woman, much lower in age than my own. Still, District Twelve has left its mess of worry lines and wrinkles over her face. Her blonde hair is falling out of its bun, making her look even older. "Come in!"
I step foot through the door, feeling awkward that Haymitch isn't here. Little footsteps pound down the hallway and I'm engulfed in an embrace. "Hello, Ermon," I greet, returning the young boy's hug.
Mrs. Abernathy works on making lunch while I play with Ermon. I provide the distractions they seem to need and I'm thankful to help out once again. When it becomes sundown, I start to pack up to head home for dinner.
"Thank you, Lynix, for coming. No matter what happens, you'll always be welcome here," his mother says, becoming teary-eyed. I nod, swallowing down my emotions. I want to be strong, for him. He's going to be strong for us.
