ＷＩＴＳ | ＭＡＲＶＥＬ ＨＵＮＧＥＲ ＧＡＭＥＳ ✅

ｏｎｅ

A shock forced Rybbon from her grief-filled thoughts, the pain making her entire body tense up as a silent hiss comes from her teeth. Her shoulders tense while she takes a breath in, the taste of dust and metal prominent on her tongue from the musty air. Slowly she opens her eyes, eyeing the electronic hardware in front of her. After a moment she turns to look over her shoulder, coming face-to-face with a guard. His breath smells of alcohol and cooked beef, something that makes her stomach grumble aloud.

"Better get back to work." His hot breath hits her face, the man ignoring protocol and having his visor up. "You don't want me to turn up the setting, do you?" Her eyes glance down at the shock baton in his hand. If she listened hard enough, she would be able to hear the electricity coursing through it. Looking back up, Rybbon nods her head the slightest bit, which seems to be enough for the guard who walks off without another word.

Turning back in her seat, she eyes the hardware in front of her. It was something new that they wanted the children to manufacture. And whoever made the most of them would receive a small bonus. Not that it would do much for anyone. Still, looking up from her equipment, she watches the children around her move hastily, trying their best to finish as many as possible. However, Rybbon could only wonder what these items would be used for.

The sound of bells ringing signals the end of their shift, forcing her question to go unanswered as she and other workers leave the factory in large clumps, trying their best to walk through the small entrance. When her foot sinks into the muddy ground beneath her, she looks up at the sky, seeing it the pitiful gray it always is. She wants to take in a heavy breath but knows it'll only fill her lungs with smoke.

Following the crowd silently, she tries her best to look past everyone, trying to find her young brother amongst the crowd. No matter how hard she tried, she can only spot other crowds and towering factories around her. Her eyes gradually trail up one of large grey factories until she makes it to the top of the highest pipe, watching a dark gray, almost black smog escape from it, mixing with the already dark grey sky.

Looking ahead once more, she sees that the smaller groups of workers have become one large group, creating a strong scent of dust, sweat, and grime. The thought of sweat makes Rybbon instinctively wipe her face, feeling the liquid streak across her face and hand. Admiring the clear streaks on her hand and forearm, she acknowledges how pale she has become, it being some months since her district has received any direct sunlight. Her eyes soon trail to her hands, seeing the rough patterns that have formed on her palms, and how nimble and slim her fingers have become. However, it is nothing to fret over, as everyone who works in the factories require slender fingers to work the machinery and build the electronics. If they didn't, they'd most likely break something or not be able to do certain tasks that are required.

Looking up from her hand, she notices the crowd beginning to disperse. Looking back, she sees the factories have become small and distant. However, she can still see the smoke leaving them. Her small feet come to a stop, her body becoming a rock in the sea of people. She watches the people pass her, waiting for Cook to come into her view. And soon he does, his unruly light brown locks a light among those with jet black hair. His presence instantly creates a smile on his sister's face, as it does on his own. He moves towards her, nearly tripping because of his large shoes. Nevertheless, he makes it, wrapping his arms around her waist while he lays his head against her chest, happy to see her once more.

"I'm still here, Cookie," she chuckles, gently pulling the knots from his hair. She only receives a notable sigh from him, making her chuckle once more. "Come on. Let's go home." She waits for him to let go of her waist before kneeling into the muddy earth, feeling it soak her pants immediately. After a moment he hops onto her back, and then they're off.