Forever in the Games- UNDER EXTREME EDITING

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I can hardly stand to look at myself, even in the reflection of a glass window. The past two days I've refused to speak to anyone, look at myself, or eat. In the end they've had to feed me through the tubes.

I've been staring at the ceiling above my hospital bed for the remainder of the time. I've taken longer to heal. Maybe Katniss and Peeta are more important, or maybe they've stopped trying because they know I don't want to be here anymore. Why didn't they just let me die in the arena? It's where I belong. It's where my body should be. 

It's where I belong. 

"Lucinda, your stitches are coming off in about ten minutes, then you're free to leave whenever." Without another word, the healer leaves me alone. They know I'm not going to answer. So when they come back I'm not surprised they continue their own conversation. They think I'm not with them anymore.

"I mean don't get me wrong, they deserve to win, but three victors. Seneca won't be able to get away with that" 

"Rumor has it that he hasn't, that the president's taken care of him." I snap out of my daydream, and listen in properly.

"He has, the job's already available in the paper."

"Well, it's the quarter quell next year, they'll have to hire someone quick so they can plan."

"Maybe." And that's it.They all leave.  Feeling a little disappointed, I give a sigh. 

"It's getting worse" A voice from the corner sounds. I turn my head, to find the healer who has been with me since my first Games began. 

"What is?"

"The Districts. They're rioting" I shoot up, sending a shooting pain through my body 

"No, sit back, we can't catch any ones attention. Now listen to me Luce. You can't trust anyone. I know you never anyway, but your circle meaning yourself Haymitch Effie, and now Peeta and Katniss. No one else."

"Why? What's happening?" We're silent as another healer comes in, and places a tray of weird scissors on the counter, and walks back out again. 

"The world is changing, Luce" She tells me, as she begins to cut my stitches out. "And you need to decide, who you trust and who you don't. Play time's over. The Capitol has used you long enough to make you their weapon. They'll do anything to get you on their side" I don't respond "If they find out you're not on their side-" 

"What if they already know?" I cut her off. She smiles.

"Then everything you know, everyone you know, everyone you hate, everyone you love is dead. It's that simple, Luce you need to decide who's side you'e on." 

"I know who's side I'm on-"

"Like I said, they'll do anything, and use anything, to get you back to them." I nod, as the final one is cut out. 

"You and Katniss have started bigger than any of us. And there can only be two outcomes. Gain the future everyone deserves, or loose everything and everyone" I take a breath, 

I'm going to finish this. I'm going to fight this war or die trying.

_*_

"Wow! She's actually with us! Welcome back!" Haymitch greets me as Katniss gets changed for her victors interview.

"Funny" I smile.

"So, another six months at Victors Village" He says, pouring himself a drink.

"I'm surprised District twelve's still there" I mumble, I don't think he hears me.