The Future Mockingjay🕊️

Chapter Twelve

▫️Thyme▫️

"Thyme Mellark!"

I walk as slowly as I dared to the Training Room.

When I enter it, I observe the scene. The Game Makers were up high in a balcony, and the weapons were all arranged neatly, like it was when we first arrived here.

"Thyme Mellark?" One of them ask.

"Yes, Sir." I say, scouting the balcony for the speaker, but failing to find him.

I was told what to do right before I enter the room, and I reach for the knife right away. I threw it, and it hits the middle, as it always does. I do it again, and again, and more. I got bored, and looked up to the balcony to see the Game Masters watching my every movement.

I move to the weight lifting section, which I have never tried and lifted one of the balls with ease. Not much difference to lifting the sacks of grain back home, but it cause a ripple of applause from above, so I guess it's pretty amazing.

I keep doing it, knocking supplies to the ground with the ball until one of the Game Makers let me out. It was my sister's turn.

▫️Willow ▫️

I clutch Mark's hand tightly as Perla rushed to my side, calming my nerves with soothing words, just as my daddy used to. I only have a few days until I go into the arena, and that thought makes me sick with worry.

I feel Mark's hand resting protectively on my back, and that calms me. But only a little.

I hear my name being announced.

"Willow Mellark!"

I rise up as Thyme comes back, a little sweaty. I wonder what he did, but now is not the time for that.

I release my grip on Mark's hand and walk to the Training Room.

I enter with everyone's eyes on me. The Game Makers all rest in a balcony at the top, giving them a bird's view of me. I inhaled a trembly breath, start towards the Archery Station, took up the bow and arrow, and strung the string. I aim, with my usual accuracy and the arrow hit a white cloth dummy square in the heart. I do this a few times, then move on to the targets.

An applause boosts my confidence, and I drop my weapons. I reach for one of the knives and hit the target again. I roll, proceeding towards the Spear Station, held up one and skewer another dummy in the heart. I finish, and slowly, from the balcony, and huge round of applause goes on. For me. I smile, curtsied a little and pause. What do I say?

"Watch out, Willow Mellark is here!"

I winked at them before I go.