Mary: The First Girl

8

I found myself watching the fights from a tree, far away from the chaos, next to a young boy. 

"I'm Chuck, by the way." The boy eventually said, grinning up at me.

I couldn't help but smile at his innocent demeanor. "Mary." 

"I know." He replied, "Everyone knows. You should hear what they're saying about you!" 

"I'd rather not, honestly. I just want to get out of here." I trailed off, then looked hesitantly at Chuck, assuming he'd elaborate anyway. 

He did just that, then apologized, looking away from me. 

"Woah!" He yelped, looking down at the circle they had formed around a square platform. 

"What?" I murmured, staring into the crowd, unable to focus. 

The boy cackled, looking back at me. "He totally just kicked his shucking butt! Ha!"

I forced myself to look into the ring. A tall boy with dark hair was standing triumphantly over a body. 

I couldn't bring myself to care about the injured. Instead, I turned to Chuck as I leaned against the thick trunk of the pine tree, digging my heels into the dirt. 

"Who's that?" I asked, glancing down at Chuck. Sweat shined across the boy's forehead, and his eyes were fixated on the ring. 

"Drew, maybe?" He replied, uncertainly. "Can't tell from here. But I doubt he'll win this next one. Look! Newt looks pissed." 

And it was only that I noticed Newt standing behind the boy on he ground, a somber look across his face. He said something to Drew, the boy who had won, but I couldn't make out what it was over the other boys cheers. He stood up, a few inches taller than the boy who had one, and watched the medjacks drag him of the stage, before turning to the other boy. 

"Why..." I trailed off, shocked that Newt would participate. I felt betrayed, sure that he would continue to shun such barbaric acts. I didn't finish my question aloud, knowing Chuck would have no idea either. 

The boys were still shouting. 

And just like that, I watched Newt dodge the first blow, eyes wide and enraged.. 

"Woah. Didn't expect Newt to fight. He hasn't since he messed up his leg. Guess he really likes you, Mary." Chuck said, his voice high and anxious. He lifted his heels slightly, peering over the crowd. I looked towards his ankle, expecting to see him at least try to protect it, but instead, saw him bounce left, punching the other boy in the jaw then swinging his leg around his waist, forcing him to the ground. 

"Guess so." I mumbled, nervously. "This is so fucking wrong." 

"Yeah." Chuck said, simply. "I , personally, don't get it. What could they want with you anyway?" He asked innocently. I couldn't help but smile at his naïveté. I figured I was about sixteen, give or take a year. I wasn't stupid. And I sure as hell wasn't safe. 

"You and me both, bud. You and me both." I reached out to ruffle his hair, and he giggled. 

"I guess these shucks just want you to clean up after them or something, right?" He asked, and I prayed that was true. I knew it wasn't. "Even though they have me for that! Gah!" I almost snorted at his irritation. 

He, young and innocent, was easily taken advantage of like that. I wouldn't be so easy.

I didn't have memories. I didn't have a plan. I didn't know what I was capable of yet. And for a group of boys that seemed so interested in my presence, they seemed much more interested in the fights at the moment. They didn't even so much as glanced back at Chuck and I. 

And as if I'm slow motion, I watched Newt fight anxiously. He tossed off his jacket after a few rounds, revealing a battered long sleeve T-shirt that clung to his body. 

Eventually, Alby declared Newt the winner, sending shivers down my spine. 

I knew I should have been relieved. At least, I knew Newt. Right? I thought to myself. 

And suddenly, they're attention was turned towards me. 

"Get over here, Mary!" A boy called out, and suddenly, they were rushing me. I glanced at Chuck, and then allowed myself to be pulled towards the crowd. 

I bit my lip, as they lifted me up. I didn't bother to fight. I knew I needed to save my energy and choose my battles wisely. 

Newt didn't meet my eyes, as he stood on the platform above us all, next to Alby. He looked disapprovingly at me, but urged me up the steps, nonetheless. 

People whistled behind me, calling out things I chose to ignore, in fear I would loose it and attack them all. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop from yelling out, nearly drawing blood. 

I think I'm safe for now, I thought to my self, eternally grateful for Newt. 

I felt one of the boys hands inch below my waist, and I glared at him, jerking back. 

He glared back, taking his hand and saying, "Damn, Newt. Control your woman." 

I wanted to scream. Run for the maze and never come back. 

Newt just rolled his eyes and reached out to grab my arm, pulling me next to him as the crowd went wild. 

I looked up at him, and caught his eye as they continued to shout at us. 

But he didn't say anything. Instead, he slid his arm around my waist and turned to Alby. 

He looked at us. "I trust you to be a decent man, Newt." 

Newt smirked. 

And then to me, "Look, I'm sorry. We'll revisit the vote. But this is what they decided, and if this is what keeps them happy, this is what we'll do. You are now under Newt's control for the next month. You will stay in his room, and do as he says until the new Greenie arrives and we have another fight. Failure to follow these orders will result in banishment. Understand, Greenie?" 

"I understand," I found myself saying, and just like that, the crowd began to disperse and continue to party, ignoring Newt and I as we walked down the steps for the most part. 

Newt didn't acknowledge me for a while, talking and joking around with his other friends, until he grew tired and ushered me away from the party.