Broken Arrow {Peeta Love Story}

Chapter Four - The Parade

It has been quite a long while and I apologise. My grandmother has died a couple of weeks ago and the support from friends and relatives is overwhelming.

Thank you to those people who have read, commented and voted and I hope to update frequently in the future :)

So, Enjoy reading!! :)

(not edited...)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

I woke up to the sound of an impatient Effie banging on my door. Stretching my sore muscles before slowly standing up, I realised I must have fallen asleep on the ground.

I made my way to the bathroom, pressing the various buttons before letting the shower head hit my skin. I grabbed the silky white robe and walked towards the mirror. I gasped at my reflection as I wiped away the steam on the mirror. Bruises wrapped around my neck and wrist, with red marks highlighting the area. I lightly touched my neck, but pulled away instantly as I hissed in pain.

Damn. How am I going to hide these?

"Ruby! hurry up dear, you've got an improvement appointment today as well as the parade at eight o'clock tonight" Effie said hurriedly before shuffling away. I raced into my closet, grabbing a pair of trousers, long shirt and a scarf to cover my neck. I shoved my boots on and quickly placed my hair in a high pony tail, opening the door and slowly walking towards the dining table. I kept my head down and took my place next to Effie and Haymitch. 

"Well now that everyone is here I can explain what we have today." I drowned out Effie's talk and started to reach over the table for food. There was so much food that looked and smelt amazing, but I couldn't eat too much and risk puking at the parade.

"So, we are going to clean everyone up for the show tonight, once we have finished breakfast" Effie chirped, clapping her hands and happily bouncing in her chair. 

I rolled my eyes. One person can not have this much happiness everyday. But then again, she hasn't experienced any hardship or obstacles in her life. None that I know of at least.

I continued eating away, no longer bothering to eat like a lady before I accidentally bumped my wrist against haymitch's arm. I winced at the contact, throwing my left arm beneath the table and gripping it to try and remove the pain. I bit the inside of my mouth, hoping the others won't notice my silent pain. Unfortunately, David's curiosity seemed to draw everyone's attention. 

"What's wrong Ruby?" David asked. 

I glared at him, but it didn't faze him. I looked down at my plate and continued eating, pulling my sleeves down. I gripped my bread roll and began ripping it to shreds. In the corner of my eye I could see David watching my covered wrists before looking towards Haymitch.

Before I knew it, Haymitch had wrapped his arm around mine before struggling to pull down my sleeve. 

Suddenly I snapped. I attacked. With my free arm I grabbed the back of Haymitch's head and slammed it down on the table. He released his grip on me to hold his bloody nose and stood up to glare at me, before stumbling towards the bathroom. 

I wiped my mouth with the napkin, keeping an emotionless expression on my face while the others around me stared in shock. Soon after, I slowly got out of my seat and headed towards my room. 

I leaned against the wall, sighing heavily. I closed my eyes, hoping to get my head around all of this drama. But nothing seems possible. It's a suspicious thought about how I was chosen for the games and not anyone else in District 12. Sally Earhurst was the best athletic female in the District, some would say that she trained for the games. Also, the disfigured man scared me last night. The Capitol keeps getting worse and I fear it has only began.