The Hanging Tree. *ON HOLD*

Chapter Three ~ Althea

Chapter Three ~ Althea 

We sat there eating lunch in silence. No one made a sound. Not even chatty Althea. There was lamb stew with dried plums and I was ravenous. I hadn't eaten anything for breakfast so I grabbed as much stuff as I could and piled my plate high. Finnick sat next to me while Mum and Dad sat opposite facing us. Althea sat at the head of the table glaring at me.

‘Lovely food,’ she said but it was obvious she was gritting her teeth.

‘You haven't got anything on your plate.’ I pointed out with a mouthful of bread. Some fell from my mouth and sprayed in her face. Instantly a look of disgust clouded her face.

‘Watch your manners.’ She hissed at me. In retaliation I stuffed a large chunk of lamb in my mouth and chewed loudly. Once it was well mashed up I opened my mouth wide so she could see.

‘You’re disgusting!’ She cried moving her chair backwards.

‘Prim! Close your mouth this instant!’ Mum snapped at me but I saw a hint of a smile. I winked at her but swallowed. Just to irritate Althea further I started to shovel my food in with my hands.

‘You're eating like a pig.’ She muttered.

‘What was that?’ I said my mouth, yet again, full. She got a full spray of stew, bread and salvia in her face. This time I honestly didn't mean to splatter her. I swallowed as quickly I could but before I could apologize she stood up and I saw the tears in her eyes. Now I felt really bad. On her way out of the dining room she tripped and one of her heels fell off. None of my family thought to help her so she stood up tugging her shoes of then running from the room in tears.

‘Whoops.’ I said. Mum glared at me, Finnick hid his laughter by taking a sip of water and Dad winked at me from behind Mum's back. At least I had the boys on my side.

‘Go and apologize.’ Mum said.

‘I didn't start it!’ I cried. Then I realized how childish my comment sounded and I stood up sighing loudly. Mum continued to glare as I made my way out the door.

‘It wasn't my fault. She was the one being rude.’ I grumbled to myself. Apparently my Mother's hearing was exceptional or I was speaking loudly because she shouted,

‘Be nice! Meet us in the living room once you're done.’ I sighed and walked out. Mum seemed to be in a better mood. Not perfect as I noticed her eyes welling up all through dinner but at least she wasn't smothering us with hugs and crying. Dad seemed to be faring at little better but I'm sure it will only be a matter of time till he has one of his little spells. I walked down all the corridors my hand trailing along the walls. I passed a couple of peacekeepers deep in conversation, who quickly stopped when they saw me, and a small blonde haired avox. I eventually found Althea's room in the not very nice part of the train. I knocked gently and when nothing happened I pressed my ear against the door. I couldn't hear anything so I pressed against the door harder, still nothing. Now my whole body was leaning against the door my ear straining to hear something, anything. Just as I was about to knock again the door flew open and since that was the only thing holding me up I fell, flat on my face, right in front of Althea.

‘Hello’" I mumbled into the carpet. She just grunted. I didn't expect her to be nice but she should at least be courteous. ‘Don't help me up then.’ I whispered under my breath and then got up wiping myself down. Little hairs from the carpet had stuck to my shirt and trousers and I was trying to get them off.

‘What do you want?’ She said in disgust.

‘I want to... to... Say sorry.’ I said all in a rush.