Origins of a White Rose: A Hunger Games FanFic

Chapter 3

Knocking on the door of my own house felt weird but I had no other choice;

Someone had locked the door.

When it opened, I was rushed by three small children.

There was a collective cry of "Cassie!"

I stuttered for words. Further down the hall, I could see my parents looking on.

I tried to wrap my arms around all three of my siblings but it was a daunting task.

"Please just let me in," I laughed. I managed to walk far enough into the house to shut the doors.

"There's tea in the sitting room," my mother said. Two little hands slipped into mine as I made my way down the hall.

My parents were sitting properly on the loveseat. I sat on the sofa, Maia on my right, Bastion in my lap, and Hale on my left.

"How have you been, Cassia?" my mother asked.

My parents had always been withdrawn. It wasn't uncommon in District 1. They wanted to see their children succeed and they pushed you until you did.

"I've been great," I said.

"How long has it been?" my father asked.

"At least six months," I said. "Far too long." I ruffled Hale's hair. "You three have gotten so big."

"How's the Capitol?" my mother asked.

"It is a beautiful city," I said.

"I want to visit," Maia said. She was the oldest of the three, thirteen years old. She looked like a miniature version of me. Fine brown hair, brown eyes.

"And you shall," my mother said. "You'll get the best view of the city when you parade around the City Center on your chariot."

Flashes of memory filled my mind.

"What has everyone been up to?" I asked, trying to move on from the Games.

"I've graduated to the next level of training," Maia said. "My instructors say I'll be just as great as you."

And we were back. . .

"You can try," I said, trying to sound playful. I wanted to scream and sob.

"Dinner shall be in a few minutes," my mother said. It had taken all afternoon to get here. She stood up and exited the room.

I had only been here a few minutes and wanted to leave.

The kids began catching me up on all the things that had happened since I had been here last. Apparently, it had been a lot.

Even as I set the table, they still seemed to be talking.

The rest of the evening was a simple affair.

I visited at the mayor's house and made an appearance for the cameras in the town square.

I retired to my father's study after the rest of the house had gone to bed. It took me awhile to notice my father sitting in the corner.

When I did, I jumped out of my seat, where I had been reading "A Brief History of Panem."

"Father," I said, swallowing my sudden fear.

"Cassia," he said, glancing up from whatever he was reading.

"I should go to bed," I said.

"I have a question," he said. I nodded. "Are you planning on returning back to District 1?"