As soon as the cameras stop rolling, I am pulled up roughly by two gaurds, pushed through various corridors and hallways, and shoved into my cell where the sadly famlir ground provides a strange sense of confort. I crawl to the corner and for the first time take a few moments to explore my new home. The room seems over-sized and empty, until I find one extremly cold metal chair. The chair provides no comfort so I abandon the thought of using it as seating.
My hands find something in the dark, "Cuffs," I speak the word into the empitness.
Metal cuffs connected to the arms and front feet of the chair.
'What could these be for?' I ask myself
To end you.
'What?' I ask earnistly to the invisible man
No response.
'Tell me!'
No response
I face defeat and cral back to the entrance of the cell. I lie there in the fetal position, not awar that time was moving at all... until the sounds of footsteps enter my empty brain. I crawl to the bars and look out into the dimly lit corridor. I see them. The two Avoxes who had assited Katniss and me during our time in the capitol. Then it hits me.
"Darius!" Although I do not know him well I can't fight his name as it escapes my throt.
He looks at me, his once glowing, rambusious face was now one that should be placed on a mother mourning the death of her child, face somber maybe even emotionless but eyes filled with enough unseen tears to fill the oceans, and with one swift movement, takes his chakled hand, places two fingers on his lips, and extends his hand to me.
I can almost hear him say it, "Goodbye."
I struggle away from the bars and plsce my head on my knees.
That's when the beatings began
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Interview (Chapter two)
"Peeta," A husky voice penetrates my dream, "get up."
I know this voice was real, but I do not open my eyes. I have not moved since I awoke and am merely replaying my... experience over and over, trying to make sense of what has happened. I have come to terms that this attack was not a dream, but now I face the daunting task of having to clarify what it was and, more importantly, what Katniss was.
"Peeta," I feel breath on my face and the scent of rotting animals and alcohol fills my nostril, "if you don't get up right now, I'll put a few more marks on that pretty little face of yours."
This man sounds remarkably like Haymitch, but I know it's too good to be true. Haymitch abandoned me for Katniss in this game just like before. I can't say I'm surprised, I mean, it's what we agreed on, but knowing he was trying to save me would be rather comforting fact at this point in time.
I keep my eyes closed and focus on the pain in my neck rather then the stink enveloping my two good senses, smelling and hearing. My sense of touch has only felt cold hard ground since I found myself here. My tongue has stayed in my mouth without protest and with my eyes shut as tightly as my weaken self can manage, I am perfect game for anyone in the mood to hunt.
I feel comfortable to the thought of dying though. I would be easier for everyone, Haymitch, Katniss, Gal-
Katniss is a dirty mutt, Peeta. She doesn't deserve an easier life; she deserves to be shot through the head.
I can feel my eyes widen under my eyelids. Had the man with the rancid breath said that? No, the voice was to clear to have be registered by ear. This voice was in my head. The real question is, do I reply?
I clear my throat and take a deep breath, 'what?'
Oh Peeta, you fool. I'm not going to do all the work for you. Just be a little more observant next time.
'Next time,' I pause trying to gather my thoughts, 'what next time.'
No reply. I'm on my own.
Suddenly the cold ground leaves the company of my back and I feel my feet dangling the air. I know then that the man with the rancid breath is going to kill me and I can't help but feel a bolt of excitement coarse through my body. But instead of a knife to the throat or a stab at the heart I feel of punch connect with my right cheek and my world goes dark.
****
"Oh now look what you have done!" A shrill voice brings my world back into the light, "He has got a big old shiner on his face and he needs to be on television TODAY!"
"Well I'm sorry, but the kid was just lying there with some weird-ass look on his face"
"Well you're lucky you have the best stylist the capitol!"
That's when it all connects. Television, capitol, and the unmistakable capitol accent clicked in my clouded brain. My eyes shot open and I have to stifle a scream. About two inches away from my face is an alien-looking capital drone.
Her rose pink face twist into what I think is a smile and her yellow cat eyes glitter with happiness, "There are those ocean blue orbs I just adore!
The giant pink flower rises and scurries away so I use this time to observe my surroundings. I am in a giant square room full of wall to wall windows. I see a well-built man in a uniform leaning on the frame of a door. His black hair brushes the tops of his jade green eyes and his face reads an expression that seem like boredom mixed with frustration.
"What are you looking at," he sneers when he notices I was staring at him from, what I expect is, my pitiful position on the floor.
I'm able to prop myself onto my elbows before the pain in my sides flare and I plaster a smirk on my face, "You."
"Listen up, kid," the man glides towards me with a devilish look in his eyes, "I don't like you. You are in no position to be holding that look of yours." My face falls, "I would have already killed you if it wasn't for Lilaplak," he notions towards the door where the stylist had disappeared through so I assume that must be Lilaplak, "convincing me to keep you alive to campaign against the rebels." He leans in close and his breath holds its familiar stench, "I would be dead if it wasn't for her so be nice."
He gives me a hard kick to the stomach before retreating back to his original spot. Lilaplak scurries back in followed by a trio of other capitol freaks.
"Alright," Lilaplak's face twist back into the capitols take on a smile and she, with the help of one of her helpers, pulls me into an overstuffed high chair, "let's make you beautiful. Peeta!"
The use of my name on her lips sends a uncomfortable chill through me.
I know this voice was real, but I do not open my eyes. I have not moved since I awoke and am merely replaying my... experience over and over, trying to make sense of what has happened. I have come to terms that this attack was not a dream, but now I face the daunting task of having to clarify what it was and, more importantly, what Katniss was.
"Peeta," I feel breath on my face and the scent of rotting animals and alcohol fills my nostril, "if you don't get up right now, I'll put a few more marks on that pretty little face of yours."
This man sounds remarkably like Haymitch, but I know it's too good to be true. Haymitch abandoned me for Katniss in this game just like before. I can't say I'm surprised, I mean, it's what we agreed on, but knowing he was trying to save me would be rather comforting fact at this point in time.
I keep my eyes closed and focus on the pain in my neck rather then the stink enveloping my two good senses, smelling and hearing. My sense of touch has only felt cold hard ground since I found myself here. My tongue has stayed in my mouth without protest and with my eyes shut as tightly as my weaken self can manage, I am perfect game for anyone in the mood to hunt.
I feel comfortable to the thought of dying though. I would be easier for everyone, Haymitch, Katniss, Gal-
Katniss is a dirty mutt, Peeta. She doesn't deserve an easier life; she deserves to be shot through the head.
I can feel my eyes widen under my eyelids. Had the man with the rancid breath said that? No, the voice was to clear to have be registered by ear. This voice was in my head. The real question is, do I reply?
I clear my throat and take a deep breath, 'what?'
Oh Peeta, you fool. I'm not going to do all the work for you. Just be a little more observant next time.
'Next time,' I pause trying to gather my thoughts, 'what next time.'
No reply. I'm on my own.
Suddenly the cold ground leaves the company of my back and I feel my feet dangling the air. I know then that the man with the rancid breath is going to kill me and I can't help but feel a bolt of excitement coarse through my body. But instead of a knife to the throat or a stab at the heart I feel of punch connect with my right cheek and my world goes dark.
****
"Oh now look what you have done!" A shrill voice brings my world back into the light, "He has got a big old shiner on his face and he needs to be on television TODAY!"
"Well I'm sorry, but the kid was just lying there with some weird-ass look on his face"
"Well you're lucky you have the best stylist the capitol!"
That's when it all connects. Television, capitol, and the unmistakable capitol accent clicked in my clouded brain. My eyes shot open and I have to stifle a scream. About two inches away from my face is an alien-looking capital drone.
Her rose pink face twist into what I think is a smile and her yellow cat eyes glitter with happiness, "There are those ocean blue orbs I just adore!
The giant pink flower rises and scurries away so I use this time to observe my surroundings. I am in a giant square room full of wall to wall windows. I see a well-built man in a uniform leaning on the frame of a door. His black hair brushes the tops of his jade green eyes and his face reads an expression that seem like boredom mixed with frustration.
"What are you looking at," he sneers when he notices I was staring at him from, what I expect is, my pitiful position on the floor.
I'm able to prop myself onto my elbows before the pain in my sides flare and I plaster a smirk on my face, "You."
"Listen up, kid," the man glides towards me with a devilish look in his eyes, "I don't like you. You are in no position to be holding that look of yours." My face falls, "I would have already killed you if it wasn't for Lilaplak," he notions towards the door where the stylist had disappeared through so I assume that must be Lilaplak, "convincing me to keep you alive to campaign against the rebels." He leans in close and his breath holds its familiar stench, "I would be dead if it wasn't for her so be nice."
He gives me a hard kick to the stomach before retreating back to his original spot. Lilaplak scurries back in followed by a trio of other capitol freaks.
"Alright," Lilaplak's face twist back into the capitols take on a smile and she, with the help of one of her helpers, pulls me into an overstuffed high chair, "let's make you beautiful. Peeta!"
The use of my name on her lips sends a uncomfortable chill through me.
****
I look in the mirror at myself. Never underestimate the power of the capitol. I have gone from a dirty, weak mess of a person to a glowing, renewed Peeta.
The man with the rancid breath leans next to my face and examines my in the mirror, "You can sure work magic Lilaplak."
Lilaplak face twists into a grin, "Ah Randal, I could just kiss you."
Randal smiles and takes a couple steps towards Lilaplak. He's actually going to kiss her.
"But I'm too busy right now." She continues, oblivious to Randal's reaction.
Randal... a surprisingly normal name for someone of the capital. Of coarse he doesn't hold the capital look either. Who is this man?
"All right darling," Lilaplak's right hand man, Poliolnoid, pulls me out of my thoughts,"time to the interview."
"Interview?" My mind is blank
"Yes! The only thing we've been talking about all this time! You are being interviewed by Caesar Flickerman about the games and the rebellion! Its being broadcasted to the whole capital and all of the districts! You are so lucky..."
Poliolnoid mumbles to himself about interviews as he pulls me along many hallways and corridors until we reach the interview stadium I know so well.
Caesar is out of sight, but I see President Snow and he is coming towards me. His puffy lips seem to form some kind of smirk and his eyes are sizing me up like some kind of animal.
"Hello Peeta," his breath turns my stomach, "how has your stay been with us so far?"
"Fabulous," I say through gritted teeth, trying not to smeel his bloody breath.
"Good so you are willing to listen to me."
I raise my eyebrows and give a yawn, "About what, exactly?"
"You and Katniss were tricked in the area by Haymitch and your supposed allies and now they have tricked her into becoming the mockingjay."
I'm not to surprised. Most of this I had figured out on my own, but the mockingjay information takes me by surprise. Does she actually expect to win a war? If she does, she is a fool. The rebels have changed her, tricked her, something.
"You are going to be viewed by everyone," he leans in closer, "most certainly the rebels. It is your job to convince them to stop fighting. Understand?"
I give a slow nod, "And if I fail?"
President Snows eyes begin to glow, "Everybody dies. Johanna dies. The avoxes die." He leans in until his face is only millimeters from mine, "Katniss dies."
My body pulses then freezes. He can't do that can he? She's safe. Right?
Don't doubt him, Peeta. He'll kill the mutt just to torture you.
Before I could answer I am pushed onto the stage and into the same plush chair as always. I remain motionless, but I feel President Snow come behind me.
"Don't mess up," he whispers, his breath licking my ear and making my nauseous.
He walks away and I am left to face Caesar Flickerman. He smiles and gives me a nod
"Five, Four, Three, Two," the cameraman calls out and suddenly the cameras are rolling and the crowd is cheering.
Caesar gives me a long look, "So... Peeta... welcome back."
I give a slight smile, ignoring the pain of my covered up wounds, "I bet you thought you'd done your last interview with me, Caesar."
"I confess I did," Caesar says.
He continues to take and I continue to answer, but only one thing is going through my mind. President Snow's last words.
Don't mess up
Don't mess up
Don't mess up
Don't mess up or Katniss dies
I look in the mirror at myself. Never underestimate the power of the capitol. I have gone from a dirty, weak mess of a person to a glowing, renewed Peeta.
The man with the rancid breath leans next to my face and examines my in the mirror, "You can sure work magic Lilaplak."
Lilaplak face twists into a grin, "Ah Randal, I could just kiss you."
Randal smiles and takes a couple steps towards Lilaplak. He's actually going to kiss her.
"But I'm too busy right now." She continues, oblivious to Randal's reaction.
Randal... a surprisingly normal name for someone of the capital. Of coarse he doesn't hold the capital look either. Who is this man?
"All right darling," Lilaplak's right hand man, Poliolnoid, pulls me out of my thoughts,"time to the interview."
"Interview?" My mind is blank
"Yes! The only thing we've been talking about all this time! You are being interviewed by Caesar Flickerman about the games and the rebellion! Its being broadcasted to the whole capital and all of the districts! You are so lucky..."
Poliolnoid mumbles to himself about interviews as he pulls me along many hallways and corridors until we reach the interview stadium I know so well.
Caesar is out of sight, but I see President Snow and he is coming towards me. His puffy lips seem to form some kind of smirk and his eyes are sizing me up like some kind of animal.
"Hello Peeta," his breath turns my stomach, "how has your stay been with us so far?"
"Fabulous," I say through gritted teeth, trying not to smeel his bloody breath.
"Good so you are willing to listen to me."
I raise my eyebrows and give a yawn, "About what, exactly?"
"You and Katniss were tricked in the area by Haymitch and your supposed allies and now they have tricked her into becoming the mockingjay."
I'm not to surprised. Most of this I had figured out on my own, but the mockingjay information takes me by surprise. Does she actually expect to win a war? If she does, she is a fool. The rebels have changed her, tricked her, something.
"You are going to be viewed by everyone," he leans in closer, "most certainly the rebels. It is your job to convince them to stop fighting. Understand?"
I give a slow nod, "And if I fail?"
President Snows eyes begin to glow, "Everybody dies. Johanna dies. The avoxes die." He leans in until his face is only millimeters from mine, "Katniss dies."
My body pulses then freezes. He can't do that can he? She's safe. Right?
Don't doubt him, Peeta. He'll kill the mutt just to torture you.
Before I could answer I am pushed onto the stage and into the same plush chair as always. I remain motionless, but I feel President Snow come behind me.
"Don't mess up," he whispers, his breath licking my ear and making my nauseous.
He walks away and I am left to face Caesar Flickerman. He smiles and gives me a nod
"Five, Four, Three, Two," the cameraman calls out and suddenly the cameras are rolling and the crowd is cheering.
Caesar gives me a long look, "So... Peeta... welcome back."
I give a slight smile, ignoring the pain of my covered up wounds, "I bet you thought you'd done your last interview with me, Caesar."
"I confess I did," Caesar says.
He continues to take and I continue to answer, but only one thing is going through my mind. President Snow's last words.
Don't mess up
Don't mess up
Don't mess up
Don't mess up or Katniss dies
Waking up (Chapter one)
Black. I am surrounded by black.
"Am I alone?" I call out as I circle, my feet echoing on an unknown surface into the dark.
That's when I see her. A single light shines onto her face, illuminating the curves and dimensions I know so well. The memories of the damp cave come to mind, when she was my only and I was hers. I was her warmth, her only ally, the one for whom she risked her life to save. Now I wonder if she has forgotten me. No... it can't be. I remember. I remember her voice calling out to me in the arena. I remember running towards it.
**********************************************************************************
Flashback
**********************************************************************************
"It was a trap," I thought as I ran through the arena, "they are going to kill her! Johanna is going to rip her apart!" I hear the gong ring through the arena and a weight drops into my stomach.
I had almost reached the forest when the explosion knocked me off my feet. Then a large hovercraft blocked my line of sight. The capitol seal seemed to taunt me as a metal claw descended onto my body. I didn't fight. I knew I would not win this battle. I just look at the seal, my eyes glistening with tears and brimming with defiance.
"I will not break, President Snow. " I whispered with as much malice as possible, "Katniss will not break."
I could have sworn I heard the words, "She will break and you are what will extinguished the flames in the heart of the girl who was on fire."
I begin to rise and am about to retort when I here a crush as a hard object slams against my head and the world fades into nothingness.
"Am I alone?" I call out as I circle, my feet echoing on an unknown surface into the dark.
That's when I see her. A single light shines onto her face, illuminating the curves and dimensions I know so well. The memories of the damp cave come to mind, when she was my only and I was hers. I was her warmth, her only ally, the one for whom she risked her life to save. Now I wonder if she has forgotten me. No... it can't be. I remember. I remember her voice calling out to me in the arena. I remember running towards it.
**********************************************************************************
Flashback
**********************************************************************************
"It was a trap," I thought as I ran through the arena, "they are going to kill her! Johanna is going to rip her apart!" I hear the gong ring through the arena and a weight drops into my stomach.
I had almost reached the forest when the explosion knocked me off my feet. Then a large hovercraft blocked my line of sight. The capitol seal seemed to taunt me as a metal claw descended onto my body. I didn't fight. I knew I would not win this battle. I just look at the seal, my eyes glistening with tears and brimming with defiance.
"I will not break, President Snow. " I whispered with as much malice as possible, "Katniss will not break."
I could have sworn I heard the words, "She will break and you are what will extinguished the flames in the heart of the girl who was on fire."
I begin to rise and am about to retort when I here a crush as a hard object slams against my head and the world fades into nothingness.
**********************************************************************************
End of Flashback
**********************************************************************************
I pull myself out of my thoughts and rise. I had crumpled to the ground as the memory of my last night with Katniss comes ripping through my mind. I feel a crippling pain on my left temple where I had been smashed over the head.
"Peeta," a faint voice calls out, "Peeta!"
I hear the voice of Katniss, but the mouth of the girl before me merely twitches like some kind of animal.
I still can't help but race towards Katniss, "Katniss! Katniss, I'm coming!"
I still can't help but race towards Katniss, "Katniss! Katniss, I'm coming!"
Suddenly my legs buckle underneath me and I come crashing onto the frozen ground. I am panting and a burning sensation is traveling up my stomach. How long had I been running? I feel a warm fluid dripping down from my forehead. I reach my hand up and feel a series of cuts and scrapes decorating my face.
I look up and a shudder shakes my body. I am no closer to Katniss, in fact, I seem to be twice as far away as before. She has not changed positions despite that she seems to be over a thousand yards away. Another shudder runs through me as I notice that her mouth is still twitching and a white foam has started forming on her lips.
I stagger back. I'd know that foam anywhere. Rabies... just like the mutts from my first hunger games.
Katniss hunches down and gives a low, spine-tingling growl. Tear escape my eyes as Katniss's olive skin is replaced with brown fur with glittering silver ends and her teeth grow into a pair of pointed fangs. Her body goes from one of a beautiful girl to one that haunts my nightmare. I am frozen in fear as she leaps closer and closer, approaching with speed only the capitol could generate.
I shut my eyes as I feel the mutt's hot breath, Katniss's hot breath, on my cheeks. Her nose makes contact with my neck as she searches for the opportune place to take her first bite and start ripping apart my body. Her fangs dig into my neck.
I wake with a scream. I let out a sigh, realizing this pain in my body was only a dream. I try to push myself up, but the pain in my sides feels all to real. My hands find my face where the cuts and scrapes are still warm with blood. I open my eyes to find a fluorescent light burning into my brain and I squeeze my eyes shut only to see the figure of Katniss lunging towards me and I let out another scream. I settle for squinting and focus my energy on the dull pain in my sides. I feel it for the time once my heart settles to a regular speed. Two pinprick circle on my neck feel as if a psychopath was painting on my neck with a knife. My fingers probe the wounds along with moaning and wincing and I know what made this wound. Katniss. This was not a dream.
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