clever. {thg:foxface}

Chapter 9 ~ Dean's Ali

I feel like just laying in bed all day, but I know I should get up. I look at the clock. It's 6 am. I am used to getting up early. I put something on and walk out to the room. Nobody is up yet, only me. I look out the window and see the sun start to rise. It's beautiful, like it always was, always has. That's one good thing about me. I will be alert in the morning in case a tribute will try to kill me when I'm asleep. "Finch?" says a voice. I run around. "Hi Dean. I didn't expect you to be up this early." I say. "I couldn't sleep." He says. He sits in the window sill, and so do I. "Is something bothering you?" I ask. "Yeah...I miss my family." he says. I do too. "Yeah, I miss my brother and sister and father. I wish I could still be there with them. I always help them out." I say. "I really miss Ali..." he pauses. "Her singing is beautiful. And we would always hang out. She was my best friend and so is my brother..." he says. I think for a moment. What would cheer him up? "Hey, you could always write a letter to them. That's what I did at least." I say. He smiles, finally. "Yeah...thanks!" he gets up and searches around for some paper and a pen.

Dean is writing a letter and I am walking around the room. Soon, Joseph gets up. "Gather around children." he says. We sit down with him. "Since I'm your mentor, I will give your tips on how to survive the games." Dean looks at me and I look at him. Joseph takes a drink of his liquor. "First thing is you will rise up on your pedestals. DON'T STEP OFF OF THEM EARLY OR YOU WILL GET BLOWN UP!" he says. Ew. "At the beginning, everyone runs to the Cornucopia. They call this the Cornucopia, Bloodbath because lots of tributes die. I don't recommend going into the Cornucopia." Joseph continues. "Yes, those weapons and crates look tempting, but I'm sure the Careers won't take all of it. Wait until later." I shake my head. "You need water! It's your main source in the games. Got it?" he says."Yeah." says Dean.

Today is mostly fiddling around, talking about the games and what not. Dean seems much happier. He gave his letter to Quinn and she took it somewhere to get it mailed off. I might of new Ali before, because we are the same age. Dean explains how he always has to do chores. I do too, but his is a lot of work. My father mostly does outside work and I do inside work, such as cleaning the house, and making food. I always enjoyed taking my little siblings to the town in the summer. It's fun.

It's around 8 pm now and I decided to just spend the rest of my time in my room. I think about a lot of things while I am back there. Dean comes back. "Hey, Quinn says when it's the morning of the games look on the bottom door of your wardrobe." he says. "Alright. Are you nervous about the interview tomorrow?" I ask. He shrugs. "Kinda." he says. "I'm not very open, so I am nervous." I say. "Just keep your eyes on Caesar. I'm sure that you will be okay." he says. "Thanks, Dean. See you in the morning I guess." I say. "Yeah, night." says Dean. He walks out of the room.

Everything sinks into my brain. I close my eyes, and fall asleep.