Celia reaches into the bowl and draws a name as she says “And representing our gentlemen, we have…” I hold my breath. “Dior Teraser!” Huh. I mean, kinda mixed feelings. I’d say there was a little bit of a grudge from when we were six, and there was a celebration. I don’t remember what for, but I remember there being pie. Soft, warm, cherry pie. Let’s just say the table legs were extra lanky. Long story short, I tripped, tasted cherry, and I’m stuck with the nickname “The Pied Piper” for the rest of my days for anyone who was there. As the infamous nicknamer makes his way to the stage, I give him a small smile. He’s been nicer to me in more recent years. I think we could do this together, if we try. Celia smiles and says “Let’s give a round of applause for our District 12 tributes!” There’s an empty round applause as me and Dior shake hands. Dior looks into my eyes and gives a grin. I upturn the corner of my mouth in response. “May the odds be EVER in your favor!” And before I know it, two Peacekeepers are escorting me into the Justice Building. I’m placed in a room with a set of scratchy velvet couch’s, a fire place, and some bread. But I’m not hungry. I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever eat again. I just stare into the flames. Not acknowledging my Mom. Or Jax. Or the fact that my Dad didn’t even bother to show up. But what does snap me out of it is when I feel a presence beside me. Her presence. I fling myself into her arms and hold her. I check the door. No windows. Then I kiss her like my life depends on it. Which, in a way, it kinda does. Shes the one to pull away and she just looks me in the eye and says “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do-“ Her voice breaks. I hold her tighter. “All I know is that I can’t live in a word without you-“ She starts to cry. I know I should be strong. Be there and tell her it will be alright. But I can’t. Because it won’t. We both know my chances are winning are zero to none. Once we both calm down, she pulls something from her dress pocket and places it in my hand. It’s gold, too big to be a bracelet but too small to be a necklace. And there’s a small, diamond heart charm dangling from it. “It’s an anklet. You can hide it in your boot. I was just thinking, you may want it as your token-“ she kisses the charm and places it around my ankle “So that you always have some of my love with you.” I hug her and say “I don’t need an anklet to have some of your love with me.” I kiss her again. “Promise you’ll try to win.” She whispers “Please promise.” She looks at me. How? How on earth did I get her to look at me like that? It’s then that the door begins to unlatch. A single Peacekeeper enters and try’s to pry her from my arms. But I refuse to let go. As the Peacekeeper calls for more man power, I whisper “Lexie, I promise I will try with all my might to win these Games. And if I fail, I double promise I will find my way back to you. No matter what. I’ll never stop loving you. Ever. I love you like all-fire Alexis.” And just before the Peacekeepers pull her through the door, I hear her say “I love you like all-fire too, Piper.” Then the door latches and my love is gone.
