imperfect fit ; an everlark au based off of 'the selection' series

t w e n t y - f o u r

Tilly and Anna are gone within hours. I'm not sure if it was the speed due to the efficiency of Effie or the nerves of the girls. We're dropped to fifteen, and I suddenly feel like this is all moving too quickly. I can't predict how much faster it will all come.

The Monday after the attacks, we return to our routine. Breakfast is delicious as ever, and I wonder if there will ever come a time when I don't appreciate these amazing meals. I think about how much hunting and trading it would take to make the single meals we get here at the palace. Weeks and weeks worth, at least, and even then it probably would pale in comparison to the food here.

"Delly, isn't this delicious ?" I ask as I bite into a piece of star-shaped fruit. I've never seen it before I came to the palace. Delly's mouth is full, but she nods in agreement. I feel a warm sense of sisterhood this morning. Now that we have survived a major rebel attack together, it feels like these small bonds have sealed into something unbreakable.

Besides Delly, Esim passes the honey. Next to me, Raven asks where my songbird necklace came from in admiration.

I suddenly know, just as Peeta had said his mother had done, that I might contact these girls down the road. I would want to know who everyone married. And in twenty-some-odd years, if Peeta had a son, I'd call and ask them about their favorite girls in the new Selection. And we'd remember everything we'd gone through and laugh about it as if it were an adventure, not a competition.

Oddly enough, the only person in the room who appeared to be distressed is Peeta. He hasn't touched his food and instead gazes up and down the rows of girls with clear concentration on his face. Every once in a while, he pauses mid thought and seems to debate with himself over something, then moves on.

When he comes to my row, he catches me looking at him and gives me a weak smile. Except for the quick interlude last night, we haven't spoken since our argument, and there are things that need to be said. With an expression that says it's a request, not a demand, a lightly tug my ear. His expression remains strained, but he tugs his ear, too.

I sigh with relief and find my eyes moving towards the doors of the massive room. As I'd suspected, another pair of eyes are looking my way. I'd noticed Gale when I entered, but tried not to acknowledge him. I suppose it's impossible to ignore someone you've loved so much.

Peeta stands up. The sudden movement makes his chair screech in a way that draws our collective attention. As we all turn towards him, he looks like he wishes he can sit back down unnoticed. Realizing that isn't an option, he speaks instead.

"Ladies," he says with a bow of his head. He looks genuinely pained. "I'm afraid that after yesterday's attack, I've been forced to seriously reconsider the operation of the Selection. As you know, two ladies asked to leave yesterday, and I obliged. I wouldn't want to keep anyone here against their will. Furthermore, I don't feel comfortable keeping anyone here in the palace, facing this constant threat of danger, when I feel confident what we don't have any sort of future together."

Around the room, confusion changed to a clear and unhappy understanding.

"He's not . . ." Raven whispers.

"Yes, he is," I reply with a sigh. I begin to worry that I might be one of the girls leaving, but he did tug his ear. Or will he still send me home, but see me beforehand?

"Though it grieves me to do this, I have discussed the matter with my family and a few close advisers and have decided to go ahead and narrow the Selection down to the Elite. However, instead of ten, I've decided to send all but six of you home," Peeta states in a business like tone.

"Six?" Delly gasps.

"That's not fair," Raven breathes, already starting to cry. I look around the room as the hum of complaints rise and fall.