The huge metal doors are slowly being opened once again, as I so desperately wanted them to a few days ago. However this time, I am terrified of what lies behind them. I squeeze my way to the front of the crowd, I want to be the first to see. The guards step aside, and the outside is revealed. Gray smoke tries to hide what I am so afraid to see, but is unsuccessful, as I still notice the bodies. I walk around the big block of debris, my curiosity getting the best of me. I search frantically for what I can only hope I won't find. Unfortunately, I do. The empty look in their eyes makes me step back. You would think I would be used to death. I have seen many people die in front of me, but no matter how big that number is, it will not ease the pain. I want to leave, I want to run away, but I don't know where to go. My only options are back in the bunker, where I would be faced with many people I don't want to talk to, or up. I dash up the staircase, and make my way to the pipe room. I repeat the words again and again.
-"My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am seventeen years old. My home is District 12. I was in the Hunger Games. I escaped. The Capitol hates me. The Capitol bombed us. They killed my sister and my mother. They killed Prim. They killed Prim..."
I have no family left.
I memorize every detail of the complex stipple ceiling above my bed. A loud noise in my bathroom makes me startle out of bed. I cautiously approach the door, and open it to find Buttercup. I didn't think that Buttercup survived, but apparently he did. He must have crawled in a vent or a small corner somewhere. We had been hiding him for a while, since District 13 would probably throw him out if they knew about him. Buttercup and I have never been on good terms, but I don't hesitate to grab him in my arms. I cradle him and sob quietly. He doesn't fight back, to my surprise, only looks at me with his piercing eyes. Our past issues don't matter anymore, I scratch the back of his head and sniffle quietly. I know I will hold onto him, because he's the closest thing to family I have now.
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The Other Slip
FanfictionWhat would have happened if Effie picked the other slip instead, the day of the Quarter Quell Reaping? This story explores this theory throughout the end of Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Hope you enjoy! :)