burning

minutes before my mother was in the icy clutches of the capitol she told me, "protect her for me, alright?" i nodded. a shadow hovered above us as we walked in the forest between district 11 and 12. we had almost reached 13 before death creeped upon. the sky had abruptly started to darken as we wandered throughout the trees. i remember the sky darkening and a shadow crawling over us.

it all happened so fast, my father yelling at me to run, and to take hope. i took her hand and we started running through the trees. we didn't run far enough. not far enough to spare her eyes from the light leaving my father's light brown eyes, and most certainly not far enough to escape the shrilling screams of my mother.

we became orphans in under 5 minutes. we had no supplies, weapons or food. we were helpless. as tears ran down hope's face, i was certain of one thing. i never wanted to be that helpless ever again.