The Road Not Taken

I can't stop you from putting roots in my dreamland. My house of stone, your ivy grows and now I'm covered in you.Ellery Ivy Snag || District 7

[anivyforest]

glitterrosseau​:

Whatever Glitter was expecting the girl to say, none of it was that.  Her chest felt tight as she looked at the girl, her expression morphing from one of confusion to one of heartbreak quickly.  Glitter could feel her throat getting thick as emotion threatened to overwhelm her.

Silver.

This girl was far too young to know about Silver and from an outer district.  She couldn’t know that story.  She couldn’t know her daughter’s middle name.  “Who told you this?” she asked, a sharp edge to her tone while she struggled to keep her emotions bottled up.  Glitter didn’t think about Silver as much anymore.  She missed him, but she’d long since come to terms with his death.  Deep down she knew it was the Capitol’s fault not her own, but it still hurt.

“This isn’t very funny, not at all.” Surely someone had told her this.  There was no other way she could know.  Someone had decided to play a very sick prank on Glitter and whoever it was would have fury rained down on them like they wouldn’t believe.

Glitter was just glad she was sitting.  She wasn’t sure that her legs would hold her if she tried to stand up, despite how much part of her wanted to walk away, never to think about it again.

-

Ellery watched Glitter a moment but at least she wasn’t angry like the man had been earlier. “Look, you won’t believe anything I say.” She could talk to spirits was an easy explanation but no one ever believed her. It was why her family was still shunned and harassed back home. “But no one told me here. At least no one in the land of the living.” It was crazy but her grandmother had told her truth was always the best plan and Ellery wasn’t much of a liar anyhow.

Ellery gathered up her cards and pulled one out at random. The World. “New chapters often are disguised as old ones closing.” She said with a shrug as she put the card back in the deck because without pulling more cards she couldn’t know what was ahead for this Victor.

“I am sorry I upset you, would you like me to leave?”

[anivyforest]

anniecrestcs​:

annie examined the card, looking at the illustration on one side of a woman and the abstract designs on the back. the empress. 

“they do,” annie admitted. “but not with cards. they use shells, usually. and they say that a red sky at morning is a bad omen, but that’s not really a fortune, i suppose. that’s more of a general warning. i think fortunes have to be more personal.” she sighed, thinking wistfully of four. the capitol was too cramped and suffocating, not at all like four where things could be spread out for miles and miles. 

“would you tell mine?” annie asked, breaking the silence between them suddenly. 

-

Ellery nodded as she listened to Annie speak of how things were in District Four. “I always like to think there is some grain of truth in those little warning though.” Things didn’t magically come to be without some kind of truth, even a little one.

“I’d be happy to,” she told Annie with a smile. “Why don’t you just look through the deck and find a card that speaks to you. Whatever one you want.” It wasn’t the way she normally did things but this wasn’t a normal situation

[anivyforest]

kaixaho​:

-

“Ah, cool!” he answered after he’d swallowed down his bite. The girl was small, and he assumed she was a tribute (sure, he’d watched the Reaping videos, but how was he supposed to remember every single kid who was joining him?). “This is smoked salmon. I’m from Four and I can tell ya, this is the good stuff. All kinds of protein and healthy oils. Here.”

Kai grabbed another plate and added more of the crackers with salmon on them, then stopped and thought for a second before adding a slice of bacon quiche, a couple links of sausages, and some kind of egg bite along with it. He held it out to the girl. 

“Now- how old are you?- you’re gonna be needing to start bulking up for the arena, or at least filling out those muscles. Everyone’s got ‘em, you just got to feed ‘em right. Protein is your best friend right now,” he grinned. “Oh, and I’m Kai. Here, take this and thank me later.”

-

“Right,” Ellery told him skeptically as she caught a whiff of the smell of the fish. It might be from his District but it smelled nothing like the fresh air of the forest and the green vegetables and animals that lived there. “You do realize District Four isn’t the only place that fishes right? We have salmon in District Seven.”

She shook her head. “You realize the arena is in what four days?” It seemed kind of pointless now other than making sure she had a full stomach when she went into the arena. Small goals would hopefully lead to a bigger one.

“Nice to meet you Kai.” She said with a small smile. “Hm,” she took the offered food but had no intentions of eating it. “Do you eat this stuff all the time?”

[anivyforest]

cricketlowry​:

— 🌱

“I got eight brothers and sisters. And I got two nieces and a nephew, and two of my brothers are married, so their wives live with us too. Our parents passed a few years ago,” she admitted, eyes growing a little softer. “So my oldest brothers really stepped up to keep us together. It’s real crowded but it’s wonderful. Never a dull moment, that’s for sure,” Cricket laughed. “Never enough chairs, either. And I’m right in the middle- actually, I’m just below the middle. Five older siblings, three younger.” 

It felt good to talk about her family— to remind her why she was here in the first place. “I really hope I can. They deserve the world.” She joined Ellery in watching the people milling through the room, nodding along. “It’s got a weird tone here, that’s for sure, but you’re right. It’s all about compromisin’.” 

At Ellery’s mention of food, Cricket’s eyes widened. “Oh, I got pocket biscuits!” she exclaimed, pulling a couple cheesy rolls out of her pockets. “There’s an apple in here too, somewhere, hang on— oh, maybe you meant food that didn’t come out of my pockets, right,” she added, a little blush on her cheeks. “It is real loud, but if we want, we can ask one of the Avoxes— like, the helpers. They could bring a few things over, if we wanted to stay out of the crowds? I also don’t mind headin’ over for a few things to bring back.” 

-

“Eight?” Ellery repeated a little incredulous to Cricket’s statement. She could not imagine having a couple brothers and sisters let alone that many. It sounded like fun and chaos all at once. She frowned at the mention of Cricket’s parents but she supposed part of her already knew that by the aura she had around her and the lingering shadows, but she didn’t want to scare someone that she had been friendly with away now. “That sounds wonderful! I used to want a whole army of sister as a child.” Ellery admitted. “The boys had to work in the lumber yards so even if I had a brother I wouldn’t see him.”

“Any food is alright,” she admitted with a sheepish grin. Ellery was content with just having food and a full stomach for once. If the place was quieter without so many people it might even be marginally okay. “Though I like the idea of asking,” even if it meant someone else had to wait on them.

“On other hand, lets just go get our own food. They have enough to do, ya know?” Ellery couldn’t help but feel sorry for the Avoxes enslaved there. “I think I can manage it.”

[anivyforest]

THE TRIBUTE PARADE || IVY

All that glitters may not be gold but little is as beautiful or magical as the forest at night. The fireflies dance and shadows play on your imagination... Anything become possible. This year the trees have morphed into wood nymphs ready to entice and enchant you into a world few see, into their world...

[anivyforest]

kaixaho​:

@thqstarter​

“Cool.”

Kai grew a big smile on his face as he walked into the center dressed in his parade costume. His eyes scanned the area, drawing in the sights: the bright colors of the Capitolites, the decorations on the horses attached to the chariots, the food-

Oh, the food. 

Without another thought he made a beeline to the buffet setup, where mentors and escorts and tributes alike were all gathering and filling up small appetizer plates. The table had sandwiches and tiny pies and quiches and- was that smoked salmon on crackers? Straight from District Four, he bet as he grabbed a small plate and began loading the canapés onto it. He was busy shoving one down his gullet when he noticed a presence close to him.

“Shorry,” he said through the food stuffed in his mouth. “Em I in da way?”

-

Ellery looked at this tribute before her and couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. The Careers had gone around lecturing her for her manners and how she didn’t act like a proper lady and here was one of them binging away like those of them starving in the outer Districts.

“Not at all,” she said offhandedly as she looked at this boy a little more. Considering she had met most of the other tributes she knew he had to be from District Four. “What are you eating?” Ellery asked instead figuring it was probably the least embarrassing she could say.

[anivyforest]

THE REAPING | DISTRICT SEVEN

They said that rain was a good omen because it was essential to life and growth. You could not blossom without first dancing in the rain her great-great-grandmother had told her one night when she came to visit. Not that Ellery believed her because the shadows told her a lot of things you see.

Another thing she had been told from the shadows was what was coming for District Seven and her. It was a big day for Ellery which meant she needed to dress up. Her hair would be styled and perfect in a manner of a proper young lady. Even the Snags knew how to dress up when it was required of them.

“It’s going to be odd to leave,” she told her grandmother as they sauntered quietly around their property under the shade of their umbrella. The only sound to go with their chatter was the soft pitter-patter of the rain on the smooth fabric. Her tiny woods had been her entire world for as long as she could remember. For generations her family members had lived and died there. Ellery was born there but she would not die there and the fates had told her that much.

Sighing Ellery looked out in the misty rain for a familiar face. Her great-great grandmother typically could be found there watching from afar. The Snag women were pillars even in their astral forms. At least she wouldn’t be going alone which was more than almost all the other tributes would be able to say.

And because it was will there would be no more speak of it in the Snag family. Instead they got up early to celebrate the warmth of the dawn. Summer had settled in the forest and the animals frolicked and the sunbeams danced. Even her family members had the morning off leading up to the Reaping.

Instead of worrying and fretting, which would come later, Ellery skipped to the square determined not to let her mood falter. If she was happy it would be easier for everyone else to be happier when her name came out of the bowl. Only her grandmother knew what was coming but it was better that way.

After her finger had been stuck Ellery fell in line with the other fifteen year olds. In another world she would have been friends with them. It must be nice to have friends! Either way, Ellery was content with whatever happened. Tonight she would think otherwise but she would cross that bridge when she got there.

Without missing a beat, Ellery sauntered up to the stage when her name was called, a smile playing on her lips. If she was going to go to the arena she didn’t want people to think she was a crybaby.

All she could think was that second place in the Hunger Games would be nice.

[anivyforest]

jeremevos​:

-

Jereme instinctively crossed his arms. “Actually, I thought of one thing that’ll help. Jumping from that launch plate early might save you plenty of trouble.” He advised, allowing a soft chuckle to escape his lips. “I have manners, and they’re probably better than yours. I’d just prefer to save them for those that deserve them.” He retorted with a roll of his eyes.

His brow knitted when the tribute flipped over another card. Jereme stared at the cards with mild interest, frustrated that he failed to comprehend their meaning. Why anyone insisted on gazing at worn playing cards was beyond him. “I’m not uncomfortable. If anything, I’m trying to help you. This is the Capitol, and a thing like that won’t help you with sponsors.”

While Jereme remained rooted to his position, his face twisted with laughter. “Oh really? ME not belonging in the Capitol? Go on then, why do you think I’m really here?”

-

“Save me trouble or save you trouble?” Ellery countered as she looked up at this boy from District One. It wasn’t going to happen and while she knew Jereme did not think of her as a threat it did not make it valid. He did not have the authority to make her feel like she was worthless. “A true gentleman, your parents must be proud.” Ellery countered because she still refused to believe she wasn’t worthy of his respect if only because they were both human.

Ellery shrugged. “I don’t know, they seem to like underdogs here.” It wasn’t like everyone was simply of the mindset to sponsor Careers. “Besides, don’t you think you need more help than me? I seem to recall District One boys not doing so well lately.” Marvel had been killed by that Katniss girl. “If I were you I’d be more worried about Luxanna.” Both Emerald and Esme had killed their District One partner. It seemed to be a trend these days. “District One ladies the great ender of District One boys’ dreams.”

She flipped over another card. “I think you’re here for having more morals than people think you do,” she told him as she flipped a second card. “Seems you wanted to end the dreams of someone else, I am guessing the one who wanted to volunteer.” Ellery had seen the surprise on people’s faces in District One when Jereme had volunteered. “What did he do that was so bad? Are you going to tell me or should I ask the cards?”

[anivyforest]

juliannaneptune​:

“nice to meet you,” julianna gives her a smile, but she NOTICES ellery’s select choice to leave out her district. no judgment, of course, she would leave out her last name if she could.

“and i remember seeing you,” she remembered the girl from seven staring defiantly down at everyone ( that was unheard of in seven, but expected in four. )

“in trouble?” probably. someone from the upper districts would probably yell at her later. oh well. she didn’t see why she couldn’t be allies with someone from seven. “no one owns me” except for the capitol, they hood as owned julianna, and she knew that, but she was also selectively ignoring little details. “i talk to who i want, and i wanna talk to you.”

-

“I am surprised,” she admitted with a nervous laugh because she couldn’t imagine someone like Julianna paying much attention to her Reaping. District Seven had not had a bright spot in the games since Johanna won a few years ago. Who knew, Ellery liked to think that District Seven could win again at some point in the future if only so no one had to be so hungry for a little while.

She nodded and hoped for this girl, who seemed nice sake, that no one did own her. “It’s a wonderful freedom don’t you think not to be owned?” Not that Ellery would know. She had expectations and responsibilities but nothing like ownership. “Though it kind of feels like we are not our own people here, is that not a form of ownership?” They didn’t even get a shake in what they got to wear.

“What else do you want?” She asked curious. “I admit I don’t even know myself other than I certainly want something to eat and a chance to sleep in a comfortable bed for once.”

[anivyforest]

cricketlowry​:

🌱

“Well, that’s a relief,” Cricket laughed. “Don’t want that in my future.” The way the girl described the card made Cricket nod, and when she added it was one she knew was coming, it made her laugh, too. “Well, damn, you got me there,” Cricket admitted. “I, uh, yeah. I volunteered, I’ve been plannin’ to for some time. Got a big family back home and I wanna try to bring home enough for ‘em. So I’d say I’ve seized the day quite well.” 

Her eyes tracked over the cards and the girl’s face as she drew her own card. She nodded. “A lot’s gonna be asked of all of us, I think. Like, even for people  who win, there’s sacrifices made to get there. It’s about makin’ those sacrifices worth somethin’. Y’know?” 

She returned Ellery’s smile with one of her own. “Ellery. It’s nice to meet you, I’m Cricket. Looks like we’re in this mess together.” 

-

“Oh, how big?” Ellery inquired. A big family was something she had always wanted and wondered how the logistics of it all worked. She imagined it was kind of fun to have so many brothers and sisters running around. Her entire family lived near the cemetery but it was different than one big family living together. Her house was just her parents and her grandmother. “You seem like someone that could accomplish that goal, you know.” She liked Cricket and found she wanted her to win already.

Ellery nodded. “I think so too or it seems so if you look around and watch people here.” The Victors acted happy but something in their moves told a different story. Ellery was sure they weren’t completely unhappy but it was complicated. “My gran tells me all the time that life is complicated. It’s a game of give, take and compromises.”

“You too,” she told Cricket with a smile. “Well, there is worse people I could be stuck with.” She offered quietly hoping it didn’t seem all that odd. She liked Cricket. “Okay, this is odd, but do you want to go get something to eat? It smells so good but it’s soo loud over there,” she said with a frown. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much food.”

[anivyforest]

anniecrestcs​:

“thank you,” annie said, smiling genuinely. it wasn’t often those in the capitol had any care for what annie needed to thrive — she felt like a plant in a pretty glass display case, slowly being starved of the sun she needed to survive when in the capitol. ellery seemed like a nice change of pace from the capitolites and the career tributes four tended to produce. 

“it’s good to meet you too.” she paused, letting the girl speak. “well, i have to confess i don’t know exactly what that means, but it sounds lovely.” she glanced at the cards in the girls hand, noting they weren’t playing cards. 

“may i ask what those are?”

-

Ellery gave her a gentle smile as she gathered her cards up off the bench she had been sitting on so she wouldn’t take up any more space. Taking up space was something she had always been good at. So good most in District Seven probably would have forgotten she existed had she not been followed around by the reputation of the women in her family. Although, unlike those in her district she was not ashamed of it. Ellery was proud of the strong women her family had produced.

“Tarot Cards,” she told her as she handed on to Annie so she could take a closer look. “They are said to be able to tell the future or one possible version of it. I kinda like to think we have some say in our fate.” Perhaps that was just wishful thinking though of one who had been reaped into the Hunger Games.

“Do people tell fortunes in District Four?”

[anivyforest]

glitterrosseau​:

With the hustle and bustle of preparations, Glitter had left her tributes in the capable hands of the stylists and set off to spend some time with her son.  Though her son was very insistent that he only wanted to play with his avox friend right now and mom was not cool, so she found herself wandering the tower in the hopes of making some assessments of the other tributes.

She found one of them sitting alone and Glitter joined her quietly.  Her intention had been to merely see what the girl was doing, but she spoke and Glitter shrugged.  “I don’t think so,” she murmured.  “Just taking a break from all of this,” Glitter told her, waving a hand to imply the hustle and bustle of the day.

“Trying to hide from your stylists?” she asked.  It wasn’t uncommon for the tribute to try and slip off, though Glitter rarely had experience with it.

-

Ellery nodded because she totally understood that feeling. If it was up to Ellery she would go find a quiet spot and hide there until it was time for the Games. Her mentors would tell her to be social but Ellery didn’t do social nor did she do people. People were messy and a lot of them were too much to handle.

“Avoiding people in general Miss,” she said as she looked up to see just who was speaking with her. It was the pretty Victor from District One. Ellery couldn’t think of her name it was something related to sparkly but it didn’t matter, because all the Victors from District One were Queens. “It’s too lo-”

Ellery stopped as she looked at Glitter. Her aura was an interesting one and there was a shadow standing beside her. Cocking her head to the side she studied this man a moment. He was young, younger than her. He was also very persistant in his message. Ellery shook her head not wanting to get someone else mad at her today. She had been yelled at enough.

“I am sorry,” she said softly knowing Glitter’s ghostly companion was not going to let her sleep until she relayed the message. “He is really persistant.” Ellery muttered. “I don’t like to get involved usually...” She sighed. 

“He wants me to tell you that he has always loved you and will always love you.” Ellery said looking over Glitter’s shoulder for a moment before meeting her eyes. This was usually where people started freaking out on her. “It’s not your fault. It was his choice and he would make the same one over and over again.” She paused. “He also says he left you something but never had a chance to tell you. Under the third floorboard from the right. He says you know the hiding spot he speaks of...”

Ellery looked at this ghostly man a moment trying to get his last statement before Glitter freaked out on her like she probably was going to. “Lastly, he says Arianella is a beautiful name for his beautiful girl?” As the last words tumbled from her lips Ellery backed up slowly hoping Glitter wasn’t going to yell or hit her or anything.

[anivyforest]

jeremevos​:

The remake had been a pleasant experience for Jereme. Perhaps some viewed it as a torturous experience, but he seemed quite elated. It all stemmed from the compliments he received from his prep team. He made their jobs uncomplicated with the hygiene he managed at home. Of course, Jereme required touch-ups here and there, but it certainly paled in comparison to the full remodeling he felt a majority of the tributes required to look mildly presentable.

Therefore, time became available in his supposed schedule before the Tribute Parade. Jereme saw this as an opportunity to become familiar with his surroundings. After all, he preferred not to look like a lost puppy once he returned as a minted victor. The young man thought to escape the prep team’s line of vision entirely, but he thought against it. Perhaps he could somehow utilize the extra time to sneak a peek at the ensemble he was meant to wear at the parade.

He sauntered down the hallway intent on his search but became momentarily set off course at the voice directed toward him. Jereme turned toward the inquirer, his nose flaring at her presumptuous question. “No, I doubt you could help me with anything.” He responded before his dark eyes glanced toward at the cards. “Actually, you should put those away. Those look pretty beat up and don’t belong in a nice place like this.” Neither do you, he wanted to add.

-

Ellery looked at the guy a moment. “You might be surprised what I can help you with.” She pointed out really hating no one gave her any credit. Instead she took a deep breath and tried not to repeat all the things that her shadow friend was saying to her.  “Clearly manners is not one of them.”

She signed as she flipped another card if only to be defiant to his wishes of her putting them away. “Or are you just saying that because they make you uncomfortable?” It was why people were usually mean or rude to her.

“Or maybe I should just tell people why you’re really here or would you like to do that? Because maybe you don’t belong here anymore than I do?”

[anivyforest]

juliannaneptune​:

julianna sat down next to ellery. she kept glancing down at her cards, she was interested, of course, she had never seen anything like that in her time in the academy. her life was a constant stream of weapons, games recaps, and waking up early. she looked up to the girl’s face, trying to search for weaknesses — which she would never stop feeling horrible about. “julianna neptune,” she introduced with a smile, “i’m from four.”

”you’re from seven, right?” she tried to remember the news from the reapings she had seen. “ellery snag?” that might not be right, but she couldn’t quite tell.

-

“Ellery,” she told the girl purposely leaving off her District not because she was ashamed but because she was sick of saying it. She was a lot more than just her district and it’s history. She was her own person with her own history and to be honest, being in the Capitol had already made her tired.

She looked at the girl a moment. “I recall seeing you on the television.” Her mentors had wanted her to watch the reapings but she did so because she was interested. Tributes were still people, right?

“Aren’t you going to get in trouble for talking to me?” The Careers usually stuck together and she certainly wasn’t someone they’d even give a thought of a day.

[anivyforest]

hxpeandfear​:

──

𝐈𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐀𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐆𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐘,  he’d been bottling stuff up for so long that when it finally came out it did so like a volcano erupting.   it was not even entirely  ellery’s fault,    though who did she think she was going on about his family as if she knew them ?   that was something even abbas didn’t talk about,   so when other people brought it up,   he didn’t take it well.

“ what,   you really expect me to believe you’re talking to dead nephew ?  ” he scoffed,  fingers trembling from the lack of alcohol in his stomach …  no,   now was not the time to be craving a drink .   trying to swallow that feeling, he leaned forward,  “ he’s dead.  he was killed in the games  &  i watched it happen ─ there ain’t no life after death, you just die.  that’s it. ”

feeling frustrated, abbas pinches the bridge of his nose as tight as he could as he watched the girl collect her  stupid  cards.   instinctively,   he looked around to see if any capitol gossip reporters were around.  a story about him shouting at a tribute was all he needed.  all capitolites looked the same though, so it was impossible to tell the journalists apart from the rest.  turning back to ellery,   he sighed,   “ can’t argue with you there. ”   he said whilst tracing a ring stain from the bottom of a bottle with his finger,   “ but if you’re so  okay  with dying,  why not step off the podium  &  blow yourself into a million pieces ?   at least it’ll be quick. ”  

-

Ellery looked at the guy a moment and bit her tongue to hold back all the thoughts that bubbled to the surface. No, she would not treat this man as miserably as he treated her. Ellery was better than that. “You can believe whatever you want to believe. Snow can make us do a lot of things but he cannot control our thoughts.” Ellery told him as she bent down to pick up the last of the cards Abbas had tossed on the floor. “There is more whether or not you want to believe it.”

She tilted her head as she looked back at him. “Just because we have a set time to die doesn’t mean we don’t have things to do before we die.” She pointed out. “And even if it’s how things will probably play out I am not about to help it along,” Ellery pointed out. “And for the record,” she started. “That kid from Eight didn’t purposely step off the podium. He got scared from the elephant thing because he’d never seen one before.” It didn’t help he had been standing a little too close to the edge when he had been scared.

“But do you give that advice to your own tributes or just the competition?”

[anivyforest]

anniecrestcs​:

“i’m sorry,” annie murmured. “i just…. i was just looking for a quiet place. it’s just… it’s overwhelming,” she admitted, running a hand through her hair in an effort to calm herself. she took a closer look at the person she was talking to, and realized that whoever this was, it had to be a tribute — not gaudy enough to be a capitolite and too young to be a victor. annie sorely hoped it wasn’t one of her tributes. surely this wouldn’t be the greatest first impression to make on one of four’s tributes, who were often already biased against her. 

“annie cresta,” she said, putting on what she hoped was a smile. “and you are?”

-

Ellery turned and looked at another new face that was sitting beside her. Unlike the others Annie was different. Her face was vaguely familiar enough that Ellery knew she was a Victor and a more recent one, but she wasn’t sure from where. The Career girls would know but she didn’t. Maybe this woman wanted a little bit of anonymity in her life. Ellery sure did.

“You can sit here. I promise I don’t make a lot of noise.” Ellery told her with a gentle smile. Right, she was Annie from District Four. “It’s nice to meet you Annie, I am Ellery. District Seven.” She added before she could ask her.

“You have a nice gentle aura to you. I like it.”

[anivyforest]

hxpeandfear​:

──

𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐘, 𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐍'𝐓 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐄.   he had spoken without thinking  ( again ) letting his own cynical nature stop his ability to be sensitive.   different people believed in different things.   some believed in life after death,  spirits  & all that nonsense ── evidently, abbas was not one of those people,   there was enough death as it was in panem without thinking about a possible other world full of dead people.  still,  who was he to stop the girl from having her little fantasy world,  perhaps it was a comfort to her.   abbas knew the importance of finding some kind of comfort when it came to the games,  so he didn’t think her weird … he almost liked the girl for being original.

but of course,  those feelings quickly changed when she began to speak to him,   though it didn’t feel like her speaking to him at all,   instead abbas was greeted by ghosts.  his entire body tensed up as ellery spoke,   the vein in his forehead about to explode.  barny … a name he hadn’t heard out loud in such a long time.  for a split second,   he allowed himself to believe what she was saying,  but then reality hit him.

“ where the fuck did you hear that name ? ”   he asked,   voice seeped in anger as he gave her no chance to respond,  “ you been reading the fake-ass capitol gossip magazines  & now you’re tryin’ to making some kind of funny joke ? ” he tightened his fist against the edge of table,  trying not to lose it but it was too late.  his free hand was already reaching towards the girl,  “well you know what is a joke  …  all this hippie-dippie,  psychic crap ! ”   with a swift movement of his wrist,  he ripped the cards from ellery’s grasp and tossed them over the floor.  then,  he turned back to her,   a face like he would kill someone right there & then  “ when you die, that’s it.   you’re dead … you better get used to that because in a couple weeks,  you’ll probably be dead too ! ”

-

Ellery jumped at the sudden outburst from the man. She had only been doing what he had asked of her, to tell him something the cards hadn’t. Even the little shadow beside him had jumped in surprised. The boy seemed sad to see this man he had once known. It made her wonder their relationship but she knew better than to ask. People responded with anger when they were upset.

“Right, don’t got nothing to eat but I have plenty of extra money to spend on gossip magazines.” She snapped back. Her grandmother had told her to try and not be so much of a doormat when it came to her gifts and people trying to bring her down because of them.

She shrugged. “Probably, but I am not afraid of death.” Ellery pointed out as she reached down to collect her cards off the ground. It wasn’t the first time since her grandmother painted them that someone knocked them on the ground. “It’s the living that should have our pity not the dead.” The dead got what so many in Panem wanted peace and plenty.

“I am okay with whatever happens the next couple days.”