My name is Alaska and I am 17 years old. Fisherman's daughter from the beautiful District Four. The sea can tell you many secrets, if you wish to hear them, but you have to know how to listen.
RP Blog
FC: Brittany Snow
He wakes up like any other morning, the cold floor of the house hitting his feet. He kisses the forehead of the younger girl sitting across from him, her first time in the Reaping and his last. His dress clothes and hers adorn their bodies as he cooks at the stove, the light in the house flickering at best.
They’re the only ones left, the only breathing souls in the home. The father thrown overboard on a solo journey just three years after that fateful 34th game left only two remaining in a house that once held five. More gravestones than footsteps, and that said more than anything.
The day goes like all the past ones, nothing is different. Life went on even after her, something that neither of the remaining children like to remember. A sense of loneliness permanently nested in their hearts, and that’s just how it had to be, they knew. Fate was fickle.
It was a normal Reaping day until nearly the end. Alaska herself was watching, as she always did, keeping them safe. She was always around in the breezes and the sand and the water at whatever warmth it may possibly take. But only one sentence made her collapse, leaning against Nalin for support as tears filled both of their eyes and those of her parents. Who couldn’t do anything to stop the words.
"My name is Anchor Ackart, and I volunteer as tribute."
Everything went still and empty as I tried to focus on the good parts of my life in those fateful seconds before my brain activity completely stopped. My father, Breeze and Anchor's smiles, Nalin's warm hugs, being tattooed with Cosmo, sharing quiet moments with Oren. I had achieved so much more than anyone had thought of me but it pained me to know that from now on the only thing I'd know of that would be just memories, faded ghosts of things I'd never fully know again.
I didn't know where I was upon waking next, my tired eyes trying to adjust to the brightness of where I stood. There was water, like I knew there'd be, a span of beach with endless ocean. It was faded, as if it weren't really there but when I wiggled my toes in the ocean I felt the cool water and it soothed me instantly.
I sat down, letting the water soak the bottom of the soft white dress I wore, the sand melting between my toes. I stared out at it a while, rubbing my finger over my tattoo subconsciously. I didn't know what was happening, why, if this was heaven, it was so lonely.
It wasn't until I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder that I looked away from the water and up into a pair of blue eyes which mirrored mine.
"Mama?" I choked out, the tears immediately springing to my eyes.
I hadn't seen her since the day we buried her and she looked as beautiful as she did in pictures and in my memories. Golden-haired and blue-eyed like me, my Papa always said I was the spitting image of her. I wrapped my arms around her as she knelt down to hold me and cried, my face pressed against her chest.
"I'm sorry, I-" She shushed me, stroking her fingers through my waves. There was nothing to be said. Papa and the kids would get by, they'd figure it out. Anchor was inevitably off to the Academy, likely Breeze as well, to train up and prepare to be taking tesserae while Papa went out for extended excursions for work. It was just the way it was, but they would survive.
It wasn't my fault, was what she was trying to say, and I understood.
I comfortably laid in my mother's arms for quite some time, letting her sing gentle lullabies to me and craving the time I had missed with her. Footsteps crept up behind us after a while and I craned my neck around anxiously to see who was approaching. My eyes widened as I pried myself from my mother and threw myself into Nalin's arms, crying even harder.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I sobbed, burying my face into his chest. He lifted me as I wrapped my legs around his waist, supporting me as I clung to him and sobbed.
"What the hell are you sorry about, Alaska?" he asked seriously, pulling back to let our eyes meet.
I choked back a sob before speaking. "I- I didn't save you and I didn't go home and now-"
"None of that matters now, alright?" He said, and I nodded, sniffling. "It's not your fault, Alaska. It's okay. It's not your fault." I nodded again as I buried my face back into his shoulder, resting it in the crook of his neck as he kept me supported in his arms. Another hand rested on my back and I peeked an eye open to see Cosmo, only sending me into a fresh wave of sobs and muffled apologies.
"Hey, kid," Cosmo said, his eyes wide from my onslaught of sobs. He leaned in to brush a tear from my cheek, shaking his head and laughing slightly. "Jeez, Nalin, what are we going to do with her before she cries enough to drown us all?" he asked with a bit of a teasing tone to his voice, and I giggled in response. Nalin tightened his arms around me a bit more and I clung to him, not wanting to hit the ground. I felt his body shake a little with laughter in agreement with Cosmo.
"We're gonna stay with her. Even if she cries an ocean." Nalin answered finally, and I hummed happily into his shoulder as I reached one hand out for Cosmo's.
I don't have anything that I used to have. I miss Breeze and Anchor and Papa every day of my life but even without me they're doing okay. Anchor and Breeze are both naturals in training and even if they never go in, they can take all the tesserae they need each year and they have a fighting chance of coming out. Of course, I pray they don't. After all, nothing is certain, not in this world.
They live with the Pollocks now while Papa spends more time out at sea. He loves it there, and I visit him sometimes, perched on the end of the boat as I watch him work. He knows I'm there and I know it, he talks to me sometimes, and I wish I could speak back. And the Pollocks love having a couple extra pairs of hands around the market and a few little feet pattering on the floor. Makes up for the silence that they were left with after Nalin never came home.
But I have my new things. I have my mother again, I have Nalin and I have Cosmo, and we'll wait with bated breath to pray for Oren to make it home. We take care of each other, we watch over each other. We unconditionally love each other. I miss the familiar, I can't deny it, but this really isn't so bad.
Weapons in your possession: machete, 2 butcher knives, wooden stake, sledgehammer, flying guillotine, axe
Packs/items in your possession: Pack E (2 Capri Suns, 2 Lunchables, 2 packs of Twinkies, handcuffs with key, tweezers), some apples, some cans of soup, sleeping bag, pillow, needle and thread
Injuries acquired: severe cut in ankle, stitched and bandaged w/ splint, bruised/nearly broken nose
I collapsed to the ground as the old man disintegrated into dust before my eyes. My ankle was throbbing and I knew the bandages weren't going to last forever to hold the cut. They weren't even real bandages. This was disastrous, all I had was peroxide and I knew without proper bandages it wouldn't go well.
A slight beeping filled the air and I sighed, knowing some tribute with a sponsor must've been nearby. I waited for them to find me, to kill me, when suddenly the package dropped into my own lap. I opened it with careful fingers, my hands shaking slightly in the cold.
The tears streamed down my face in a combination of guilt and fear as my fingers clutched the note. I looked into the bundle and pulled out a bandage roll and a small sewing kit with a couple small needles and some thread. I'd not done much sewing back home but I knew it alright from my rope work.
The time to grieve was after I was fixed up.
I shakily undid the strips of cloth and removed the wooden stake as I removed the rest. The cut was angry and inflamed and I didn't want the wound to stay open how it was. The stitches would keep it safe from the elements and I knew I needed it.
I carefully poured a bit more peroxide over the wound, keeping my supply levels with a little bit left in case I needed it later. I removed my hat and put it in my mouth to stifle my screams before sterilizing the needle in the peroxide. I made the first stitch and the tears ran down my cheeks faster.
I stitched myself up to the best of my ability, tying the string neatly and bending down to bite the remaining thread. I took some of the new bandages and wrapped my ankle, already feeling a bit better. It certainly hurt but I knew I'd be healing a little bit more than before, and as I reattached the wooden stake with leftover cloth strips I suddenly felt like I needed to do this.
Before I had just wanted to get home for my Papa and my siblings. But there was so much more. I had to do it so I could support them, sure, but to support Oren's family and Cosmo's father and of course Nalin's parents, who sent me something though money is so tight. I already knew I'd be sending something to Challah's because though I had to do it to save myself, the guilt of killing that sweet girl was looming over me. And for all of District Four, because money is so tight for all of us.
And I needed to do this for Nalin. Because I loved him, truly and deeply, not the kind of love Oren and Cosmo shared but the kind that could only be expressed for a best friend. Nalin meant the world to me, he was the reason I could stand here, gathering my armloads of weapons, and methodically putting my supplies away before burrowing myself in my sleeping bag amongst the rubble without completely breaking down.
It wasn't just about me anymore, I had the weight of the world on my shoulders.
And I was going to do this for them or die trying.
I woke up to a manic rumbling with an empty hand, a heavy heart, and a sore ankle as I hit the ground with a start. It hadn't occurred to me till I no longer saw Nalin's body that I'd really lost him, that he was on his way home in a body bag instead of with a crown on his head. It broke my heart. I should've been able to do something.
I was about to pack up my weapons when I saw a shadow looming before me. I looked up and stared down the barrel of a gun. My heart pounded as I saw the old man holding it, his eyes shifted to look away from me, slightly off coloured and manic.
I ducked down, grabbing the machete and standing on my good leg, the sledgehammer in my other hand. I swung at him with the machete as I approached, wincing as I stepped onto my weak ankle, even for a moment. I had to rest it more than I was. He shot blankly to the side and I shrieked as I ducked before springing back up. His vision was off but he snarled, following the sound of my shriek to try and smack me across the head with the gun, searching for me.
My machete connected with the side of the gun and I pushed hard, trying to disarm him. All I managed to do was divert the gunshot to the side, the recoil making the man stagger back a bit. I ducked around him, moving in a circle to try and get behind him. I swung the sledgehammer into his back and he roared in anger, turning toward me and holding the gun up, searching for my head. As I brought my machete toward his middle he swung the weapon, trying to connect with my temple.
I ducked, letting the gun swing over my head. I felt the shaft brush against my hair and I shivered as I pushed the machete into the man's knee. He let out a terrible howl and fell to the ground, but first sweeping my legs out from under me with a gnarled hand. I toppled to the ground, reaching around for the butcher knives frantically. I heard a couple more shots and shrieked, rolling to the side as I grabbed the knives. The man was clearly blind enough that he kept missing me with the gun- hopefully it'd stay that way.
I felt the gun connect with my shoulder and let out a cry as it knocked me down onto my back. The man felt around for my face with his gun and I shook violently, flailing for the knives. I gripped them in my hands and reached up to drive them into the backs of the man's legs. He fell on top of me and the gun smashed sideways into my nose. I groaned, feeling it bruise at best, but it was likely broken.
Frantically so he couldn't shoot me, I grabbed the gun and threw it far away from us before reaching around behind me and stabbing the man multiple times in the back and neck before pushing him off me. I took the hat from Nalin and mopped the blood off my face, holding the hat to my nose until the bleeding finally slowed. I gently prodded at my nose and smiled to feel it holding together. It wasn't completely broken, but it was severely bruised and probably cracked in a couple places.
I was a cold-blooded killer now, I'd thought, as I crawled back to my weapons and began to sort through them quickly, staying low as possible. I tucked things back into my pack, my weapons at easy access as I laid low, gathering my strength before setting off to try and get out of this hell.
The old Alaska didn't have a chance in hell. This new Alaska, this killer queen, just might.
Weapons in your possession: machete, 2 butcher knives, wooden stake, sledgehammer, flying guillotine, axe
Packs/items in your possession: Pack E (2 Capri Suns, 2 Lunchables, 2 packs of Twinkies, handcuffs with key, tweezers), some apples, some cans of soup, sleeping bag, pillow
Injuries acquired: severe cut in ankle, bandaged with peroxide and splint
I could barely walk under the weight of the supplies and the pain of my ankle. White bone flashed at me and I tried not to put weight on it as I paused, trying to decide where to go. My leg couldn't take movement so with a heavy heart I climb the stairs back into house 13.
The bone was showing in my ankle cut and I knew it was getting worse. I dragged myself across the floor to Challah's body- I couldn't bear to face Nalin's- and unzipped her jacket to access her t-shirt underneath. Cutting strips off with my butcher knife, I put one in my mouth to bite down on as I poured peroxide into my wound, the pain sizzling my skin like knives.
Wrapping a few strips dipped in peroxide around my ankle, I held the wound closed. Taking the wooden stake I laid it along my leg and used it as a splint to hold my wound in place to try and heal somewhat overnight. I wrapped plenty more strips around it to hold the splint in place and hold the wound together.
I crawled back to the couch, stopping in front of Nalin to lightly brush the hair back from his forehead. I took the hat from his head and his gloves so I had a separate set before gently closing his eyes and leaving him there, curling up on the sofa to rest my leg.
I drank a couple caprisuns and ate some food, trying to replenish my strength as the Fallen played. I raised an eyebrow at Opal's appearance, it was curious to me that she was dead so soon. The other faces flashed by, none that I had much attachment to, until Nalin. The tears rolled down my cheeks as I saw his face. "I'm sorry," I whispered, thinking of his family. "It should've been me."
But now, as I curled up in the sleeping bag with only a pillow to wrap my arms around, I was lonely as ever. Reaching down timidly, I took Nalin's cold hand in mine and held it loosely as I slept. Tomorrow I'd set out alone, but tonight it was time to pretend that I still had the most important person to me.
After lugging Alaska all around the house, I laid her carefully on the sofa in front of the fire. I nod, silently thanking the universe for the medical supplies and the knowledge necessary to do this.
I take off her shoes and socks while sliding her pant leg up her calf so that area around the bite was clear. I fish out an apple from her pack and hand it to her. “Maybe a little distraction?” I say before adding, “Here, hold your knife and look out for anybody coming. Watch my back.” I hand her the knife as well and set about work.
While I was fixing her up, I was reminded of how little time we have left. If that dog had aimed any higher, she might not have made it or would have had to have some more serious medicine. When I finished I pulled a chair across the room to sit beside her. “Any better?” I ask, running my fingers through my hair.
I was thankful for the apple as Nalin began to fix up my wounds. I bit into it hard as he poured the peroxide over my leg. The pain stung like knives and a tear escaped my eye, rolling down my cheek. I swiped it away hastily.
I held the knife tight as he put the bandage over my leg and then tied the shirt fabric back around it. "A little better," I admitted, smiling.
My smile broke when a figure burst through the door.
Immediately you can tell someone has been here. There’s ashes in the fireplace, crumbs on the coffee table, and a couch sitting right in front of it. Do you wish to stay?
"Hello!?" I call, nervous. Still in Nalin's arms, we carefully walked all over the room, checking every nook and cranny for people. Eventually we deemed it empty- but someone had been here already. "They seem to be gone," I said, looking around nervously. "But they made a fire, whoever it was."
Nalin gently sat me down on the couch and I laid on my back, looking up at him. "Ready to fix me up?" I said with a little smile.
The peanut butter looked tempting; it was one of my favourite foods as a kid. But, no we had too much food already. “I’m pretty full right now Caesar, so I’m going to say no.” I wave goodbye to the girl and scan the line for any other girls - I mean cases - that look interesting.
"How about you?" I point to case Number 9, smiling at the model that held it. I nod at Alaska, "I think this is a good one."
Caesar nods. “Full already, how lucky are you?” He points to case number 9 and the gorgeous red head smiles and holds up the case, opening it so that you can see it’s contents.
"One bandage and a bottle of peroxide," Caesar announced. He looks at you expectantly as the model shows off the case. "Does this one tempt you at all?"
My eyes widened at the contents of pack 9. "Nalin, medical supplies," I breathed. I looked down at my ankle, throbbing. I didn't know what infections that dog could've had. The bandage was small but we could reinforce it with clothing. But what if there was rope for nets or a full first-aid kit in another case?
Then again... what if it never got more useful than this?
"We'll take it," I said, my voice more confident than I expected.
I blushed when Alaska caught me looking at those girls. “Shut up,” I say sheepishly. The cases could hold all kinds of treasure, but the one that Alaska picked didn’t have exactly what we wanted.
"I think we’ll choose a different one, Caesar. How bout number 4?" I say, pointing to the case that a beautiful auburn-haired girl was holding.
The girl winks at you as Caesar directs her to open up her case. Inside it is a set of 5 crossbow bolts. They are brand new and awful shiny. She holds them up for you to see.
"Oh! Shiny!" Caesar exclaims. "What’ll it be? Want to keep the bolts or pick another case?"
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