Do and Die

Watching To See Me Breakdown

“But now we've stepped into a cruel world

Where everybody stands to keep score”

-“Eyes Open” by Taylor Swift

;;&;;

We didn’t leave for the Capitol immediately. The Peacekeepers gave Peeta and me different waiting rooms so we would have a private hour to ourselves to say goodbye to our loved ones. The Peacekeeper stood outside the door to make sure I didn’t run. Well, the Capitol thought of everything, didn’t they?

My family, as I predicted, were the first ones to come rushing through the door. Ma’s arms were flung around me as she sobbed, “My baby…my baby…” She whimpered.

“Ten minutes,” The Peacekeeper warned before leaving me alone with my family.

Daddy pried her off of me quickly, so we didn’t waste time to say goodbye. Xannex and the twins caught me in a hug together and I wrapped my arms around them the best I could. Once they released me, Daddy patted my head. His eyes bore into my own, “Just this once I want you to lie to me. Tell me you’ll be alright. Tell me…” Tears began to form in his eyes, “Tell me you’ll win.”

My father raised all of his children to speak no lies. The Danes children told nothing but the truth, yet we all knew when the right time was to voice it aloud. Hearing that not even my father had any hope for me, Ma began to sob again.

I didn’t respond. Instead, I rounded on Xannex. “Take care of them, okay?” My brother stared at me.

I placed my hands on his face to grab his attention and began speaking fast English, “Learn the trade, got it? The Hob is the best way to go. Expensive places like the restaurant near the Victor’s Village trade pigs for a good price. Don’t trade the one I killed this morning. That’s dinner. Mr. Mellark only trades when his wife isn’t around. Walk the twins to school. Help out Daddy, alright?” I kissed his forehead. I leaned down to kiss the twins’ cheeks. “Be good. Get good grades, and don’t let that girl bully you anymore, Althea. Study more, Skylar.” They nodded with tears down their cheeks.

I stood up straight to look at my family one last time, “I love you all. I’ll try my best. I’ll try hard. I promise.”

My eyes did not shed one tear. I needed to be strong for them. They needed to see that I’ll be fine even though that wasn’t the reality of the situation.

The Peacekeeper opened the door, “Time’s up.”

Ma rushed to me and hugged me, kissing every inch of my face. Daddy took a hold of her forearm and led her away.

Several minutes passed before the door opened again, “Ten minutes.” Zenobia sauntered in and the door closed behind her. She hugged me tightly.

“Out of all the people…” She started.

I sighed, “It had to be someone. Are you still taking up Gale on his offer?” I questioned.

She shook her head, “I’ll stay here. It would be better to plan their downfall without them searching for me.”

“Downfall?”

My best friend shook her head, “Don’t worry about it. You already have enough to think about.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, “Don’t do anything stupid.”

Nobia feigned innocence, “Me? When do I ever do anything stupid?” I could count in triple digits how many stupid things she’s done since I’ve known her. I left it alone, because I was glad I wouldn’t have to talk her out of leaving and talking to her now might make her change her mind.