The Other Mockingjay

Chapter 8

Chapter 8:

It's weird being back in 12. Most of the kids at school are making up all sorts of rumors about why I was gone. I'm not allowed to tell anyone where I went, but at times I really want to.

I stare out the window in our cramped classroom. My history teacher, Mr. Knox, speaks in a monotone voice reminding us of our nation's past.

I've been taught the same thing my entire life. There was a war and then we were split into 13 districts. The 13th district tried to rebel and were destroyed, an effective display of the Capital's power. Every once in a while, either at school or on TV, we are shown footage of all that remains of 13.

The screech of our old school bell makes me jump. I gather my things as quickly as I can, but the other students have already left. I hate being the last one out.

Mr. Knox stops me on my way out. "Prim, could you wait a second? I need to talk to you."

"Um, sure," I reply awkwardly. I slowly back away from the door.

He closes it and comes closer to me. "Prim," he begins, "Would you like to explain to me where you have been these past few days?" He stares at me with a concerning curiosity in his dark piercing eyes.

"Well, I've been sick," I stutter. It should be pretty believable since I'm often ill.

He narrows his eyes and takes another step closer to me. "I find it very hard to believe that, since I specifically went to your home yesterday to give you your makeup work and you weren't there."

I gulp and shuffle backwards causing him to inch closer to me. Why can't he just keep his nosiness to himself?

"I was there..." I begin but am cut off.

"Don't you dare lie to me!"he screams with an insane look in his eyes. I start to back up towards the door but he grabs my arm and jerks me back as I scream.

He cups his hand over my mouth and continues to go mad. "You're conspiring with your sister aren't you?" he yells wildly. "The rebel huh? You filthy traitor! I will alert the Peacekeepers at once you..."

Just then the door swings open and he whips his head back towards the door coming face to face with Principal Grier. I wrench my arm away from him and run out of his reach. He starts to come after me screaming all sorts of crazy threats.

"I'll ruin you! All of Panem will hate you! You'll be the most hated person in the Capitol! I'll personally tell Snow about you!" Then he is tackled to the ground by Principal Grier and 4 peacekeepers burst in.