I am Katniss's Daughter.

The Long Wait

A cold breeze struck my upper arms like lightning bolts. The hay surrounded me like a woolen itchy blanket, trying to keep me warm, but also trying to make me uncomfortable. The murmur of ragged people came over the clicking of the train on the tracks.

"Next" a woman shouted. She beckoned more people into her line. We were all waiting for soup. The sensation of chicken broth became closer and swelled up in my nose. This time saliva was about to come out of my mouth. The giant pot was just 5 people ahead and the wait was unbearable. I had gotten so cold that I made a blanket out of some straw. The hay smelled, but it would do for now.

I wasn't used to these customs. Back home, I was royalty to everyone I knew. Now it was different. I was just another ordinary girl, walking around an old train, rags for clothes, and a straw blanket. I would seem pathetic to the other girls and boys  I knew. Just around 5 days ago, I had people at my feet. They would clean me, dress me, feed me, and tell me stories. It was the best thing ever. But, maybe that was why I'm so weak today. I had been such a brat, even to my parents. All that I wanted right now was a warm embrace from my loving, caring parents.

"Next!" said the woman. I was brought back to life. I hadn't realized, but I was next in line. This was it! I would finally get my soup and head back to that old woman.

"Sorry, lass. There ain't much in the pot left and I still got more than 20 mouths to feed." She pointed to the line curling behind me.

"So I'm not getting anything at all? After all this time!?" I said. I was enraged and I felt a fire burning within me.

"No! Heavens no! You still get to eat your fill. Well, at least half a fill." she replied. She looked scared and she gazed with terror into my eyes. I didn't want to shout, but I thought I was going to explode.

There was only one reasonable thing to do. I replied, "Oh. That's fine. But, I got 4 other kids to feed in my cart. They haven't ate for days, and I'm pretty sure they are icicles by now." I started to tear up at my own lie. I pulled my blanket around me a little more. The old woman pursed her lips and looked down at the muddy floor.

"Fine. But next time, I ain't givin' you more than a half fill. It's the least I can do... Literally." She said and handed me 2 bowls. My eyes lit up with joy! I didn't think that it would work, but I took my bowls and headed to the cart doors just before we got to the next stop. I skipped around with the bowls all the way to the caboose. I climbed aboard with a smile on my face and screamed with joy!

"I got the food, oldies! We can finally eat! I'm sorry I took so-". My smile faded.

The old woman and the old man were gone.