pearl {Hunger Games}

Trains and Knives

Haymitch Abernathy's words were with Madge as she was guided to the justice building where she would say her final goodbyes to the people who love her before being shoved onto a train and set course straight to the capitol. His drunken stupor had shaken the young girl to her core.

Who was Maysilee? The name sounded familiar. Yet she couldn't think of a single person with that name.

Madge was led into a room by three peacekeepers. One on each side and one behind her. She could remember the reason why they did this, told her in sixth grade the year before the games in case any of them get picked the next year. Tributes don't usually try to harm the peacekeepers, but themselves. Whatever they can so they don't have to be in the games, even if it means death. The room itself was beautiful. But all Madge could focus on were her shaking hands and the sound of life coming into the room next to hers. Gale's family loved him dearly. His family sat in there crying. Perhaps Gale was crying too.

Peeta was the first in Madge's room. The golden-haired boy is led in by peacekeepers as well. He doesn't have long. His red-rimmed eyes say the majority of whatever he didn't say. When he opened his mouth he instead rushed to Madge. Holding her, making promises, and crying. Madge didn't cry, refusing the tears to exit. She couldn't afford to look weak.

"Peeta, take care of my mother." He nods, his grip on Madge weakens and she squeezes him one last time. This could be the last affection I receive before my death. They stayed there just holding each other.

"Don't become someone else in there." He whispers, his lips placed just above her ear. "Don't let them change you, Madge. You are strong and smart. You can do this. You can do it. The people there, they know you, they love you." Peeta pauses and chokes on his next words. "I lo-"

"Peeta, you are my best friend. I love you more than anything else in this world." She guided his head downward and gave him a single peck on his golden halo of curls.

"Time's up." The peacekeeper states Peeta shakes his head and gives the tribute a squeeze before leaving. She could hear his footsteps leaving. Another step of steps appeared and my father entered through the door. Mayor Undersee had red eyes as well, but he looked unmistakenly proud.

"Looks like this year we will have a victor." The corner of Madge's lips dares to raise before her father can speak again. "That young lad had shown some serious moxie." Madge nods, she watches as her father breaks down, cries and blubbers. Shows what he never could on camera. He doesn't hold her. Doesn't try to protect her. He sits a safe distance away from what he perceives as an emotional bomb. I will not cry. I will not cry because of him. Mayor Undersee gives Madge a brief hug before leaving.

Madge knows it is wrong as she makes her wish. She wishes for her mother to come. Her mother would have cried and wept and begged for them to take her even if she knows that she could not, but she would have tried. Her mom is in bed, on morphine because she can't bear to think of her sister how she lost in the games, she's going to lose a daughter as well. Madge doesn't want to cry. She wants to scream. Throw a fit. Go ballistic at everything and everyone. In two weeks she could be dead.

The door opens suddenly and Madge is greeted with a surprise. Katniss Everdeen enters. Her lip is shaking and she gives Madge a nod.

"He's going to win," Madge tells the girl who shakes her head. Katniss gives a sigh and tries to run her hands through her hair only to get them caught in her braid. Katniss is frustrated

"Madge, I should have done more. I should have taught you how to shoot. I should have done something." She continues on before Madge stops her by hugging the girl.

"It doesn't matter now," Madge whispers. Katniss nods giving the paler girl a small peck on the forehead. Madge gives her advice, "If we die, try to stick with Peeta in school, he'll understand what you're going through." Katniss nods, a confused look appearing on her usually calm face.