#apogdayb4

[kyanfromthesea]

Sea Foam Green || Day Before

"Kyan, go hit the training center with me just before Reaping gets closer and closer."

Kukane was always on my back on this, especially as it got closer and closer to Reaping Day.  As his little brother, I humored him most of the time, except for the actual day before Reaping.  And Kukane knows better than to ask me to go with him on those days.

I had spent most of the day sailing, surfing, tying knots, basically living normally.  Kukane, on the other hand, was more driven than usual to get me to the training center to pack in a few more sessions.  His worrisome nature had always made him stress about everything, even the worst case scenarios.

"Kane, I've gone to training with you for the past, what, ten years?  Maybe not as much as you have, but I've gone.  Going the day before my last Reaping won't do me any good, and all this stress you have isn't helping anyone," I sigh as I walk toward Puakai, my boat, to set sail to watch the sunset.  "But today, I'm extending you an invitation to relax with me," I smirk as I untie the knots and board my ship.  "It'll be fun," I promise.

Kukane tries to retort but he gives in and follows behind me.  Soon, we're out into the calm waters, waiting for the magic moment.

"What if you get Reaped?" he asks as if this question has been lingering on his lips for years but finally decided to come out today..

I shrug.  The chances aren't stacked high against me; we've never needed tessarae and as a Career District, a few people normally have volunteered, but not a significant amount.  I always suspected that the Rebellion was still fresh in many parents' minds and they didn't want their children to die, but some parents wanted to prove to the Capitol that they were dedicated and gambled their children's lives.  Uncle Amanaki, thankfully, is not like that.

"I'll be fine," I say with a breath.  "I'll be fine."

The orange sun slowly sets, melting into the sea foam green water as the sky and the ocean meet once more.

[littleredcareer]

Things We Need || Task #1 - Final Day

For the past week leading up to reaping day I could count the number of words spoken between my parents and I on my hand. Though I'd never said it directly they knew. They saw it in the way I walked, the way I carried myself, and with every look I felt another shovel-full of dirt land on top of my threatening to bury me underneath the guilt. They didn't understand, how could they? To them it seemed I was just throwing away a chance at life when really, I was working to earn that chance.

The door creaked open without much protest almost as if someone had been expecting me to make my way here. There posted on the wall was the top list for both males and females. Though I loved seeing my name on top it was the males I was more interested in as for the life of me I couldn't figure out who'd be accompanying me to the Capitol. I know there was quite an uproar as last year there was a handful of very strong competitors, all eighteen who by default had missed their shot thanks to the special rules of the seventeenth games. Now perched at the top of the list was a name that was unfamiliar. Listed next to it was his age, a whopping fifteen years old. Looks like I'd be having a partner who was actually reaped, joy.

Every second I spent staring at that list I could feel the gaze of my parents burning into my mind. I needed to do something to get my mind off of it, of them, of it all. Shutting my mind off I launched myself into some of the most intense training I'd ever done, barely stopping after finishing at a station before launching into the next. The hours ticked by as my screams of agony reverberated in the empty building. Every repetition, every throw, pain and ecstasy intermingled.

Just as I was finishing up I heard a small voice and my heart nearly stopped. "Della?" I dropped the weight that was in my hand, almost crushing my toe in the process. "Della what are you doing here?" Rory had never stepped foot inside the training centre and I was surprised he'd managed to find it on his own.

"Ror what are you doing here? Is momma with you?"

He shook his red curls, a little smile lighting up his features. "I came to see you Della!" He was beaming at me and I couldn't help but smile. Beckoning him over I sat cross legged on the floor with him.

I opened my mouth to say something but before could get a word out he was speaking again. "You're leaving aren't you Della? I don't want you to leave Della why do you have to leave?" His lip quivered a little breaking my heart into little pieces.

"Well you see Rory, I-" Suddenly it was taking all my strength not to burst into tears. "I'm going away to make sure you have everything you need." Why did my mouth feel so dry?

It seemed to puzzle him for a moment before he gave a little laugh. "Silly Della, I have everything I need. I have you!" He wrapped his thin arms around my waist in a hug and there was nothing I could do to stop the torrent my eyes were unleashing.

"And you'll always have me Ror. You remember that okay? It's important." If my voice was quivering he didn't seem to notice.

"I know. I love you Della." 

"I love you too Rory." 

[thetaleoftessahale]

Like Living On A Cliffside || Day Before The Reaping || OS

One of the things I often forgot about, was the Hunger Games.  I had so much more on my mind, that I never really paid much attention to it.  Sure, Reapings came and went.  They bussed anyone under eighteen down to the square and we all unloaded, getting strange looks from all the other kids as we checked in with wild hair and hospital-issued clothing.  I stood there, hoped my name wasn’t called, and then loaded back onto the bus and went back home.  Sometimes, if the friendly cooks were working that night, they'd give us a small sliver of cake as a congratulations.  To my knowledge, no one in the asylum has ever gotten reaped, but I suppose that could change.  Maybe we weren't even in there.  I doubt a clinically depressed teenager would be any fun to watch in the arena.

Of course, watching the Games is mandatory by law, but if the doctors rule that we shouldn’t, or that our therapy sessions come first, we can’t.  I usually try and sneak into the viewing room if I’m not in therapy, but sometimes, Doc will pull me out.  He’s afraid scenes of death and violence will only worsen my condition.  I say fuck off.  This is the only entertainment I get.

Well, as they reminded us during wake up call, tomorrow is the reaping.  Which would make tonight the night where everyone hides in their homes and pretends to ignore the fact that they might have to send their children to their violent deaths tomorrow.  The asylum was quiet.  At least, quieter than usual.  I walked down the hall in my filthy hospital gown, my slippers dragging across the dingy tile floor.  The lights were dim, and you could hear the buzz they produced.  I was walking back to my cell after a particularly draining therapy session.  My body was numb, and still tingling.  A nurse walked alongside of me in case I collapsed on the floor during our short walk.  She looked rather annoyed that I was moving so slow, but that only made me walk slower.

I finally got back, and sluggishly made my way into my tiny living quarters.  The nurse shot me a look and groaned as she swung the heavy metal door shut.  I heard the key twist, locking me in.

“Lunch is in an hour!” She snapped before walking away.  I slumped down onto my cot, curling up into a ball, still shaking slightly.  My teeth chattered, and I wished desperately for a thicker blanket.  I may have drifted off to sleep, or just gone brain dead for a few seconds, but the sound of something sliding across the dusty stone floor of my cell woke me up.  I slowly stood and walked over to my door.  A folded piece of paper was waiting for me.  I bent down to pick it up, my fingers trembled as I unfolded it’s creases, reading the note out loud to Tatum.  She always wanted to hear them too, though sometimes, I kept them for myself.  I shouldn’t have to share everything with her.

It read:

Hey Tessy,

It’s me again. What a surprise, right? I know these are getting lamer each time and I bet you’re in there rolling your eyes at how cheesy I must sound, but what can I say? After three years you start to run out of things to say. In reality though I don’t think I could ever truly run out of things to say to you. Anyway, I brought you breakfast today, thought you’d like something actually edible (instead of the crap they call food here). Obviously I can’t fit it under the door so it will be waiting for you somewhere else. Someone will be helping me get it to you but I can’t tell you who as that might give my identity away. So instead I ask you to just be patient; you’ll find it soon enough.

I told myself I wouldn’t talk about what tomorrow might bring but I have to. I’ve decided on something and I hope this won’t have to happen but if it does I wanted to tell you. If you get chosen tomorrow then I’ll come see you before you leave and I’ll tell you who I am. It’s a risk for myself but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Stay beautiful, Tessa Hale.

-S.G.

I sighed, my stomach churning, though whether it was from the note, or therapy was anyone’s guess.  I didn’t know why the thought of meeting S.G. made me so nervous.  Maybe a part of me liked the mystery.  Or maybe I just didn’t want to be disappointed.  I folded the note back up and stuffed it into my pillow, where a bunch of the other notes from S.G. were hidden.  I laid my head back down and tried to get as much sleep as I could before they called us for lunch.

I had a different escort that walked me to the cafeteria.  I waited in line, and watched as many other patients filled up their trays.  As soon as they saw me, they shook their heads, retrieving a “special plate” that had very little on it.  Today, a tablespoon of beans, a cup of water, and three baby carrots.  Yum.

I walked over to the table Callan and I sit at and plopped down across from him.  There was a bag on the table.

“What’s that?”  I asked.  We don't usually talk that much.  Tatum is enough of a chatterbox, and he's anything but.  But neither of us mind.

“Dunno, it was here when I sat down.”  He said, scooping some of his beans onto my tray. Callan had no dietary restrictions, in fact, they usually gave him more.  He was more than willing to share, and who was I to turn it down?

“Well, aren't you gonna open it?”  I asked.  He shrugged and I rolled my eyes.  I grabbed the package and ripped it open.  Inside, was a steaming bowl of oatmeal, with fresh berries and brown sugar sprinkled on the top. One the bowl, "Tessy" was written in black marker. “Holy shit.” I gasped.

“I bet it’s from S.G..” Tatum smiled.

“How intuitive of you.”  I said, sarcasm leaking from my lips.  I dove in, swallowing a large helping right away.  I practically moaned as I felt the warm, sweet mixture run down my throat.  I put a scoop onto Callan’s plate before scarfing the entire bowl down.  I’m not a total bitch.

After lunch, I decided to nap for the rest of the day.  I had the next  day off  because of the Reaping.  No one usually bothered the minors on Reaping Day.

I rested on my cot, rereading the lines of S.G.’s note in my head over and over.  I could finally meet him tomorrow.  But that would also mean that he would be a tribute, and most likely die, because really, who ever wins from Seven?

“You know, if you keep reciting the note you’ll never fall asleep.” Tatum warned.

I closed my eyes.

“Shut up.”

[kineos-yag]

One Last Talk // Final Day // Pre-reaping.

That night was an uneasy night as most houses were for the night before Reaping. I didn't have much to worry about because my family never had to set out a Terrace or anything like that but anything could and would happen. My father and I had this tradition that we always went for a walk the night before throughout the District.

"Son, you know there isn't anything really to worry about. The chances of you getting Reaped is a million to one."

I turned to him and smirked. "Actually the odds are 22,000 to one." I said looking at him and then going back to looking around. "Yes I know the odds and everything and I'm not nervous at all. Never have been really."

My dad just smiled at me and looked me in the eye. "If you are chosen, I want you to know what you are going into. You have seen the Games on t.v. you know exactly what to expect. You're a brilliant boy and you need to use those just in case."

I looked at him and then at the ground "Dad, I know smarts can only go so far in the games. If someone is chasing me, I won't be able to stop them just because I'm smart or anything like that."

He shrugged "That's what training is for. You need to make friends, I know it's hard for you to make friends with work and honestly I hate myself for making you work...."

Before he could finish I looked at him and shook my head. "Dad, I'm very glad you took me to work, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be where I am now. I made that generator in that building. It's amazing." 

He just looked at me and put his arm over my shoulder. "I know son. I couldn't be more proud of you than I was on that day. Even when you became a higher power than me, I was really proud, me and your mother both. We knew you would be great when you were born. You exceeded every kid that was out there. You were smart for your age. I'm so proud of you." He smiled and then looked at the moon. "Kineos, a very, very long time ago, men built a rocket and went and landed on the moon. People said this to be impossible, that nobody could ever do it, but they did." He looked back at me and smiled. "You can do anything you set your mind to. Use your brain if you get chosen okay. It's the most powerful weapon you have." 

I just looked at him and nodded. He was right, if I was going to be chosen I have my mind as a weapon. I have great memory. I know I can do this if I am to be chosen tomorrow. It didn't mean I wasn't scared or anything like that, I was terrified. I looked at my dad "Thank you so much for everything dad. It means a lot to me. If I am chosen tomorrow for the Reaping and I die in the Games. Take care of mom, I know you will and don't let my projects fail. The ones we have been working on for months." 

He smiled as I talked. "Thinking about the Games and all you can think of are your projects." He let out a small laugh. "I won't son." 

With this we got up and went back home. Before we entered, my dad hugged me and smiled "I love you son. Now get some rest."

With this I went up stairs and laid down in my bed. I looked at the ceiling. Tomorrow was a big day for me, for everyone in the District. Just gotta survive this one day and I'm free to do whatever I want to. 

[lily-revuse]

The Key To Survival || Task #1 - The Day Before || OS

Arms crossed against my chest, I wait impatiently for the large metal door in front on me to open. It's been five minutes - Raziel loves to play mind games like this, especially with someone like me. But right not is the time for games. In roughly 22 hours the reaping will begin, I'll have a tough decision to make, and Raziel will be sitting pretty on top of a pile worth's a money. I consider leaving and just as I turn on my heel, the door creaks open. 

"Lily.. shame you on." He says, towering above me in a stance similar to mine. "Patience is the key to -" 

"Survival." I snap and push past him, entering his office. The most lavish place of the Coalition HQ was not Raziel's office. In fact, his office was the second most lavish, right after his bedroom. Wood floors, a mahogany and oak desk, unlimited electricity and water supplies. A good portion of revenue went towards his pocket but who could complain - we had food, warm beds, protection.  Asking for more would be pure greed. I sit myself down on Raziel's side of the desk, right into his comfy leather arm chair, my feet resting happily on the glossy top of the table.

"Raziel, We need to make this quick," I say with a sweet smile, knowing asserting dominance is the number one way to tick him off. "Because, as you know, I've made a deal with the devil and tomorrow is Judgement Day. I have better things to do besides holding a conversation with you." 

He purses his lips and closes door but does not take a seat. Fine with me. He can stand. Though he's in charge, I have far much more anger than he does. I think he knows better than to set off the grenade inside me. "You think I'm going to run off with the cash. Which I totally can do. And maybe I will. You'll never know until it's too late. But that's beside the point." 

"So, you want my word then." He says, pacing around the room with his arms still crossed. "Lily, I am a man of my word - Both of you get out the Games alive and you take the money for yourselves." 

Bullshit, I think. If he was a man of his word he would have never put Caradoc and I in this situation in the first place. He wants us to die. He wants us to be separated. But why? We're one of his strongest members. His most trusted members. What the hell happened to loyalty? "Raziel, you know that's not how it works!" I scream. "One comes out - only one! Last year was a one time occurrence, it's not going to fucking happen again!" I slam my fists on the desk, rising to my feet, my fists clenched tight with anger. 

I know there's no way around this. If I pull something Raziel will no doubt have Caradoc and I killed. It's a lose lose situation. At least in the Games... one of us has a chance. 

"Lily..." Raziel says, eye brows raised and a smirk playing at his lips. "Don't tell me you're.. afraid?" He walks around more confidently now, the bounce in his step stirring feelings in me more drastically than ever. "Not so courageous than are you? Strong Lily Revuse is afraid of death?.. Pity."

 I turn slowly, my heart racing a little bit faster than it should be. "Raziel. If you don't want to find your repulsive beating heart shoved up your ass I suggest you shut it right now."

"Pretty girl.. ugly mouth. Even uglier personality." He says quietly. I grab the glass that sits on the edge and chuck it towards his face - he ducks and it slams into the wall. The sound of glass shattering echos from the office and into the hallway - at least, that what it sounds like to me. "Oh nice one!" He says, enthusiastically. "That's the kind of action they want to see in the Capitol, love." 

I stare at him blanked face, partly shocked of his heartlessness, amused, and dare I say... afraid. "Right then, Raziel." I say quietly, pulling my hair into a ponytail. "See you in a few weeks then." 

I leave the office knowing there's no way out of this situation. I can't protect both myself and Caradoc from two gamemakers, twenty two other potential killers, an armies worth of peacekeepers and who knows whatever shit in the Arena. I'm not a afraid - I'm just aware of my limitations. I can do a lot - I can do remarkable things. But not on this scale. 

And I wonder who's life is going to suffer because of that.

The rest of my day is calm. I spent time with Caradoc, goofing off with the guards that we actually seem to like. Though in the back of our minds, I'm sure we're both thinking about tomorrow. Before bed I take out the small pouch of white powder I got from a man a week ago. The dose I take is minuscule, only enough for minor hallucinations. It smells like my home, like my parents, like my life before all of this. I'm lightheaded, and I can vividly remember things I haven't thought of before. But I don't see my parents. I probably won't see them for a very long time. 

[joule-alvarez]

A Glimmer Of Hope || The Day Before || OS

"They're doing it the regular way again, this year."

Flux's expression and tone suggested that the comment was an observation, an offhanded thought, but his posture and body language said it was anything but. Her normally rascally, playful brother was sitting stiff as a rail, his fists clenching and releasing at his sides.

Joule reached over, putting a calming hand on his arm. "I'm sure it will be fine. I've made it this far without being Reaped. And I've never had to take out any Terrasse. It will be just like every other year." She tried to smile, but knew it didn't look very convincing. 

Ever since the victory tour a few weeks prior, everyone had been on edge. While the entirety of District 5 had been spared last Games, she knew that they would once again be at risk for the 18th Games. Flux had lucked out with last year being the last time he would ever be considered to be Reaped. 

"Yeah." She wasn't really sure what to say to him. She could tell his mind was going a million miles a minute, but how could she comfort him? After all, it was her neck on the chopping block if, by some crazy unlikely possibility that her name was pulled out of the clear glass bowl tomorrow.

They sat in silence, staring down at the generators below them. From a young age, the two of them loved climbing on things, and that hadn't ever changed. All four of the Alvarez children could climb up the warehouse walls and hang from the rafters. People rarely noticed them up there, and Joule especially loved the view of all of the generators from so high up.

Their silence was broken when he suddenly spoke, turning to look at her for the first time. "I'd volunteer for you, you know? I would in a heart beat. Me, Torque and Pascal. If we could, we'd make sure you'd never have to go."

She smiled slightly, "I know. My name is in that bowl six times. That's all. I doubt I'll be Reaped, though." She looked out at the warehouse. "And even if I did, would it really matter?" She had meant to say that quietly, but with nothing more than the low whirring below them, her words seemed to echo across the room.

Flux's eyes widened almost comically as his mouth dropped open. "J- Joule!" 

She huffed, "Am I wrong, though? If I get Reaped, at least I'd be put out of my misery!" She knew she should just stop talking, that she would only upset him, but she couldn't help it. While she never wanted to be the type of girl who was hung up on falling in love, she really was that type. "I'm never going to have the chance to fall in love and get married and have a family, Flux. When you and Pascal and Torque get married, I'll be left alone. I won't have anyone!"

Her brother looked away, an expression of conflict on his face, as if he couldn't decide whether to say something. In fact, it reminded her of when he had failed Circuits a few years back. When he said nothing, she just gave a derisive laugh and looked away from him. 

She could feel a burning sensation behind her eyes and frowned. It was the first time she had ever admitted that maybe she wasn't okay with hiding away her feelings. That for the first time in years, she didn't value her mother's approval and happiness above her own. Was it really so bad? As the silence stretch on she could feel her frustration build. "You know what, never mind. Just forget I said an-"

Her words were cut off by her brother suddenly speaking. "You don't have to hide anymore." This time it was her eyes that widened comically. 

"W-what?" 

He took a deep breath, before speaking. "I- I've been talking to Torque and Pascal. We've seen what hiding has done to you, how it's changed you. We- we're all of age now and free of the fears of being Reaped. Torque's been saving his money, was all have but him especially, so that, if mom is still upset and there's a fall out, we'll have a back up plan."

Joule stared at him completely stunned. Of all of the possible things he could have said, that wasn't one she could have ever thought of. While she knew that her brother's didn't care about her sexuality, she had no idea that they were willing to lose their mother just to keep her happy. That they wouldn't blame her for their mother leaving them if she stepped out of line.

"I- I-" She didn't even know what to say. It felt like a weight had been lifted and she could feel the familiar burn behind her eyes again, but for an entirely different reason from earlier.  

He wrapped an arm around her. "You don't to say anything, little sister. We love you, okay? We love you and we accept you, even if mom doesn't, so you just need to put those thoughts of being happy you might get Reaped right out of your head, okay?"  

Nodding, she hid her face in his shoulder, trying not to cry. This was a good thing, wasn't it? Her brothers had banded together to make sure she could be herself. As she leaned into her Flux's comforting, she knew one thing. From now on, she didn't have to be afraid of losing her brothers, as well as her mother. 

A clock chimed in the distance signaling the end of Flux's lunch break and the two of them clambered back down to the floor. With a last hug they parted ways, Joule feeling freer than she had in years. Where she went from here, the opportunities were endless and for the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of hope.

[colt-reeves]

Strong, honest, kind. || The Day Before

            From my window, I watch a lone cow stroll across our property. I can only guess it’s from the neighboring ranch. Once in a while, there’s a break in the fence and an animal or two will come wandering into our yard. We don’t have any animals here. Mamma’s too busy with work. Not like she would let me have an animal anyway, she always says how dangerous they are. I pout a little, watching the cow stroll freely through the grass, stopping to graze. I don’t get why she wants to keep my powers a secret anyway. The hero’s supposed to go out and help people, not stay locked up in his room.

            I leave the cow to graze and flop down on my bed, rolling onto my belly as I glance warily at the calendar. I’m supposed to be excited about today. Today’s the day I turn 12. There should be a cake, and people, and a celebration, at least that’s always how it is in my storybooks. But all I can think about is tomorrow; my first reaping. Being the mayor, Mamma always found a way to keep me home because of my “illness”. But this year there’s no getting out of it. Even though I’ve never been to a reaping, it’s not like I don’t know what happens there. Even Mamma doesn’t have the power to shelter me from the games. I press my eyes shut as images of the blood spilt by last years victors come to the front of my mind. Shaking my head I force my eyes open and reach over to my stack of comic books. I need a distraction.

            I pull my favorite Captain America comic from the top of the pile. The comics are all ancient, ones mamma managed to dig up for me, god only knows how. I skim my fingers over the cover. Cap has always been my favorite superhero. Mamma tells me Panem used to be called America a long time ago, but it was different back then. Whether that’s true or not, it’s not the reason I like him. I like Cap because he’s honest. He always does the right thing no matter what. He never leaves anyone behind. And even though he was an underdog, he never gave up. My lips curl into a smile as I flip through the worn pages. I only get about halfway through it however, before there’s a knock on my door.

            “Hello?” I ask, shooting up. Mamma’s not supposed to be home till later tonight, and there’s still evidence of yesterday’s excursion all over my room. I take the jar of fireflies I caught and stuff them on the floor of my closet quickly, picking up a small pile of rocks and leaves from my nightstand and hiding them in my dresser just as the last lock clicks open. I jump on my bed, trying to sit on it as casually as possible as my mom comes in. “What are you doing home so early?” I ask, casually flipping my comic upright when I realize It’s upsidedown. She beams proudly, revealing a cake from behind her back. “Happy birthday!” She says, walking in and setting it down on my nightstand.

            My eyes widen. Mamma’s always provided for us, but I’ve never seen a cake before, not in real life. And this one’s huge! “Woah!!!!” I exclaim, standing up and circling it. “Where did you get this? How did you?” I ask, staring in awe. She chuckles lightly, planting a soft kiss against my forehead. “You know I’d do anything for my baby boy.” She says, as if it’s an explanation. “I’m not a baby.” I say, sticking out my tongue as I poke one of the candles. “Are you really gonna light them? Like in the story books?” She smiles again. Pulling out a book of matches.” I will, but not before you open your gift.” I smile, expecting something homemade, a tradition formed from necessity. But the package she pulls out is neatly wrapped, pristine. I stare up at her for permission before unwrapping it carefully. When I do, my jaw drops. I hold in my hands a Captain America action figure. And not only that, but this one looks rare. I stare up at my mother with disbelief. “How did you do this?” She replies by pressing her finger to her lips. “A magician never revels her secrets.” I roll my eyes, but tackle her with a hug. “Happy birthday sweetheart.” She says, kissing my forehead one last time.

            When I pull away, she strikes one of the matches, and I stare at the glow of the flame. “I’m going to light the candles, and then you can blow them out.” She says, beginning to light them. “Don’t tell me though, or it won’t come true.” She adds. I think a moment, and then I take a breath and blow the candles out.

[cliftonwinters]

Need to Fill an Empty House (& Heart) || Day Before

Bring, bring!

There's nothing quite like the sound of an incoming video call bouncing off the walls of an empty house to wake you from a nice dreamless nap. I glanced over at my alarm clock to see that it was 4 in the afternoon. Since I was the one that was going to volunteer tomorrow afternoon I was allowed to head home early from the Academy. 

I rubbed my eyes and jumped out of bed trying to find the stupid tablet that would allow me to silence that annoying sound. 

Bring, bring! 

Clothes flew everywhere as I dug through my pile of laundry. Nothing was there. I rushed down the stairs to the kitchen, the next logical place I would have been. The counters held nothing but golden envelopes filled with invitations for my parents. I sighed. 

Bring, bring!

It was louder than it had been in my room. I looked to the fridge and rolled my eyes. The door swung open and I saw the stupid tablet nestled between a slice of pizza and the milk. 

The thing rang once more for effect - bring, bring! - and I pressed the answer button. 

"Hello?" The caller ID showed no information but knowing Flint, he probably got a new number because he broke the tablet again. The screen stayed black for a moment before fading to a face I thought I would be seeing in real life later this evening. 

"Hi Clifton!" my mother said. She never used Cliff, probably too colloquial for her taste. "How are you?" Her pink nails glistened from the late afternoon sunshine that shone on her part of the world. I squinted at the screen and saw that her hair was a mess and she was wearing a fluffy, white robe. 

"Where are you?" I asked in response. I steeled myself for the inevitable words that would leave her mouth. 

"In the Capitol dear." 

"Why?" I controlled my frustration. She had promised and this was a tradition. Every year they would be home for the Reaping, and they have been. It was the one night a year that his parents mostly paid attention to me. Tonight was where they asked me questions about training, the expected tributes, about my life. This was supposed to be my year. I had been working towards this. 

"A couple of the people that work for the President asked us to stay and attend a few meetings and a couple of dinners. I couldn't turn them down could I?" Her face seemed genuinely sad, but I knew better. 

"You couldn't have turned them down for me? For your only son?" My mom's jaw dropped, clearly unprepared for the questions that poured out of me. I held this in most of the time, I didn't like losing control like all of those years ago. I continued, trying to ignore the hurt that was spreading across her face. "It's always about you, right? Never coming home, always missing my birthday, everything. And even when you come home, it's always about you. Tonight was supposed to be my night. You know I'm going into the Arena, you know what that means!" 

My voice had gotten louder and louder, reaching a volume that dominated the entire room. When I fell silent, it was like the rest of the world had fallen away. It was just me and my mother. 

"Sweetie..." Her voice had changed, as if she was talking to a child. Trying to talk them down from going into full tantrum mode. I wasn't going to fall for it. 

"No sweetie mom. You don't care. That's it." 

Her eyebrows scrunched up. Her lip quivered, as if she was on the verge of tears. The voice that came out, trembled, tempting me to apologize to my mother. "You'll get to see us here you know? I'll find a way." 

Another empty promise. Whatever sympathy I had felt for her evaporated. I had been promised things too many times, with nothing to show for it. "Just like you promised to be here tonight?" I asked incredulously. 

"That's not the same..." 

I cut her off. "No, it's exactly the same. Something better comes up right? Sure, you'll come find me before I enter the Arena." 

"C'mon Clifton..." 

Nope. I didn't want to hear it. She had her chance. A whole 17 years to be close to me, to actually be a mother to me. Fuck it. 

"No mom. Maybe I will see you soon." I put an emphasis on the maybe, trying to tell her what the outcome could be.

Before I pressed the "End Call" button I took a last inventory of my mother. Her hand was wrapped around a tube of lipstick. Her other hand was reaching up to her face. A tear was rolling down her face. I pressed the button and tossed the tablet onto the couch. 

Fuck. 

I wasn't going to cry. I was more angry than anything. I needed a run, a distraction, anything. 

Bring, bring!

"What the fuck!" I picked up the tablet and was ready to press ignore when I saw who it was. 

"What up Flint?" I kept the anger out of my voice as best as I could and contorted my face into something confident. 

"Yo Cliff. There's a party tonight to celebrate the Reaping. I was told to personally invite the guy who was reping our district this year! So are you joining me tonight?" He smiled, god, his enthusiasm infectious. 

I grinned back. At least I could enjoy myself tonight, like I was supposed to. "Yeah of course, sounds like fun. Meet you there?" 

"Sure dude. See you at 8." He flashed the peace sign before hanging up on me. 

-------------------

"Ready to hit it?" Flint asked, picking up a cup full of beer from one of the many counters full of alcohol placed around the room. 

"Yep." We clinked our cups and drank our fill before grabbing another cup and diving into the crowd of bodies that made up the main room of the mansion the party was in.

The night passed in heavy amusement.

I got roped into a game of spin the bottle that a bunch of girls had set up near the end of the night. There was only one other guy in the circle and I flashed a knowing smile to the guy sitting across from me. We were the cream of the crop if we were the only two recruited.The bottle sat in the middle and I was pushed to spin first. 

The girl it landed on, smiled slyly and crawled on all fours to me. She kissed me and it was an understatement to say that I liked it. We made out for a few minutes, our mouths playing tonsil tennis. I desperately wanted more than this. I wanted my mind to be blank except for the excitement and pleasure that would befall me with this girl.

It was only when one of the girls suggested we leave the circle that we did. I lead her away and out of the house to my own. 

When I awoke the next morning, she was gone. I didn't know her name, but man had she left an imprint on me. Not just emotionally, but I think I had a few hickies. Maybe even some bite marks.