Ariabella: The Tribute Who Danced (A Hunger Games Fanfic) Book 1

9.

I wake up with a throbbing headache. I look around and realize I'm back in my room. I try to sit up, but when I do, my head hurts even worse.

"What happened!?" I ask a bit panicked.

"Shh, lay back down, you're alright, you just blacked out for a bit" A voice says then someone is pushing me back down. I look over and see Grayson sitting right next to me. He has a black eye. Suddenly the memories from earlier come back to me.

"How bad am I?" I ask.

"Not too bad. The doctor said you'll be alright," Grayson says with his hand on my head.

"Doctor? What happened after I blacked out?" I ask.

"The lady, Willa, came over and got Avian off of you and Dennis off of me. Dennis punched me one last time in the eye. Willa then got medical people in and they looked you over. They just said to let you rest for a bit," Grayson answers and strokes my hair a bit.

"How long have I been out?" I ask.

"About two hours," Grayson answers.

"How long have you been here?" I ask.

"Two hours," Grayson answers with a smile.

"Thanks. You really didn't have to," I say.

"I know, but I just wanted to," Grayson answers and laughs a bit.

Suddenly I remember my father.

"What did my dad do?" I ask.

"Well, um, he actually came over to see what was going on. He never said anything, he kinda just stared at your unconscious body. It was almost like he wanted to do something but at the same time he didn't," Grayson replies.

"Oh," Is all I can say. My dad really came over?

"Well, I'm a bit tired again. Beatings sure make you tired," I say with a laugh.

"They sure do," Grayson says and laughs.

I lay down and close my eyes. I feel safer with Grayson next to me. I feel him lay down and put an arm over me.

"I'll always be here for you Aria," I hear him whisper as I fall asleep.

____

I wake up and find Grayson's arm still over me. My head is still throbbing. I look up to see Grace standing there.

"Wake up sleepy heads, dinner is almost ready," Grace says with a little laugh.

"Well, I would, but this one is a heavy sleeper and seems to have trapped me," I say.

"Grayson," I say and move a bit so it shakes him. His eyes flutter open.

"Dinner is almost ready," I say.

"Ok," Grayson says and stands up from the bed. I stand up as well.

"I'm going to my room quickly I'll be out in a minute," Grayson says then leaves my room. I walk with Grace towards the door.

"What was that all about?" Grace asks with a smile.

"It wasn't like that. After I got beat up and passed out he wanted to make sure I was ok and I guess we both just fell asleep," I say with a shrug.

"Ok then, whatever you say," Grace says with a smile.

I smile and roll my eyes.

Grace and I walk into the dining room and find Chrysanthemum already sitting.

"Finally you guys are here, I've been waiting. Where's Grayson?" She asks.

"He's coming. And calm down, they both just got beat up, don't be so hard on them, they needed rest after that," Grace says and motions to me.