Of Victors and Tributes

Chapter 24: The Pearl Bracelet

What I've done in the Games, the wrong I've done in this arena, should never be forgiven. Vestia dying in my hands by a knife to the heart, my sword cutting Briar's throat, helping devise a plan that got Fairlie killed, starving out the Careers who do happen to be kids too, killing District Nine after being forced to the field, leaving Meadow in the night and only returning when she was destined for death. If I get this right, I'll have another evil thing to add to this list: the death of Pearl Swansea. If I get this wrong, I'll see Weaver and Dad again, but my family will suffer for eternity.

I wake up just before dawn and keep an eye trained on the Cornucopia for a while, but nothing happens. As far as I know, Spark is still alive and well, as is Pearl. So to pass time, I drink water, I collect some grain I recognize, I eat little flowers from plants that grow around the fence back at home. I wrap myself tightly in my coat, as it's basically freezing cold in the field. When I breathe out, I can see mist form in front of my face. I comb my hands through my hair, which has grown a bit, and run a hand over my face. In shock, I realize I don't have any stubble. Not that I was the hairiest kid in District 8, but I definitely had to shave a few times a week. Did one of those many lotions or soaps or salves my prep team soaked me in do something to my facial hair? The thought is ridiculous, but probably true.

I think of my prep team and Farah. Angora's pink hair and quiet voice, Satine's lavender skin and happy demeanor, Venus's creepy red eyes and habit of hanging on me. And Farah, who is crystal all over. Then there's Cecelia and Woof, who I've barely spared a thought to since I got here. Cecelia, with her three kids watching me fight for my life back in District 8. Woof, who maybe is half aware of what is happening but hopefully knows that I've made it this far. These people, this new 'family' from the Capitol, must be thrilled.

But not as thrilled as my family. Surely school will be canceled. Mom will be with both my little siblings, gathered around the television and watching me stalk about the field. Mom is probably so proud, so happy that I'm almost on my way back. Twine must be ecstatic, he was so afraid I'd be reaped and now look at me, so close to home! And then Lacey, who was so little when Weaver died and is still so young now, I know she can't wait until I can hug her again. That leaves Jean, who said she'd watch over my family and I'm sure has done a wonderful job. She must have a beautiful look in her eyes, so thrilled and amazed. I know she wanted me to fight, but I'm sure that not even she thought I'd get this far. Oh, to see the look on her face. . .

I realize that my friendship with Meadow might have caused her a bit of stress. Worry that I have lost love for her, that I had fallen for Meadow. Didn't I kiss Meadow when she died? Well, if I did, that wasn't an act of love. It was a parting gift, a thing of friendship, a way to say thanks. I resolve right then that when I get home, I will give Jean a kiss and a hug and ask her to be my girlfriend officially. I don't care if the Capitol mourns the loss of their handsome golden boy from District 8.

After eating as much as I can and readying my weapons, I sit and watch the Cornucopia. Day has almost completely broken when I spot Pearl running out of the forest. She rockets down the iron paths over the fire that has not stopped burning, even when the weather was so horrible. I look at Spark, waiting for her to stand up and get ready to fight, but she continues to lay there. Has she really fallen so deeply asleep?

Pearl reaches her as she sits up, and before Spark can grab a weapon, Pearl has launched a trident right into her skull. My eyebrows raise and I almost gasp, but I keep quiet. The cannon shoots off, leaving two players in this Game. I watch Pearl leave the Cornucopia and the hovercraft grab up Spark's emaciated body. I turn to Pearl after the hovercraft clears out and see that she's pacing around, holding her trident. As soon as she can, she runs back to the safety of the Cornucopia.