The sun was midway into the sky when Ophelia finished her meager lunch, eager to get out of the confines of the family house. Her father was occupied doing who-knows-what in his office, and all he left Ophelia was two silent bodyguards watching over her. She hated the constant supervision that he forced on her, but kept quiet. Even worse, every time she was outside and saw anything remotely interesting, the stupid bodyguards would always pull her away from it! Ophelia was sick and tired of it. Still, when she looked back the two bodyguards stood still and quiet behind her. Just earlier today, Ophelia was let outside and spotted two Capitol citizens talking about whatever a tribute was. Something about who would make it the furthest. When the two of them locked eyes with Ophelia, she was whisked away by the bodyguards and forced back inside the house. There were a lot of witnesses. Needless to say, that wasn’t her most charming moment, but Ophelia was still interested. Her curiosity nagged at her the entire morning. Setting aside her bowl, she slid off the stool and cast one more look at the bodyguards. Still completely quiet and expressionless. What training had they gone through to act like that? Do they even have emotions? Ophelia quickly turned away, storming through the halls and trying to catch glimpses of outside through the windows lining the walls. After a few minutes of aimless walking, and curious gazing, Ophelia turned to the bodyguards. Maybe if she asked, they’d let her out? But she had an incident today—maybe that would hinder her chances. Still, there was no knowing what would happen if she didn’t try. Looking up at the bodyguards, who were much taller than her and still not looking her in the eye, she forced out words. “Um—can I go outside? I mean, I know you guys have to come with me, but it’ll only be for a few minutes, I promise. I won’t stay out there for an hour or something. Even a minute will be enough. Please?” She managed her best pleading expression. Still no response. Ophelia let out a disgruntled sigh. “Fine. Be like that. But I’m still going outside no matter what!” A smile broke out across her face and she turned around, sprinting. “Try and keep up,” she yelled, echoing down the hall. Behind her, she could hear them running after her, which only made her laugh. “If I can’t go outside, I might as well bother you guys!” Ophelia turned a corner, almost crashing into the wall. The doors were so close. If she could make it a little further.. Suddenly, she slammed into something, falling very clumsily onto the floor. Looking up, she locked eyes with the two blank-faced bodyguards—well, if they’d actually look at her. The only evidence of them chasing after her was the quickened rise and fall of their chests. Ophelia was infuriated. She scrambled to her paws, face warm with anger. “You two won’t let me do anything!” She screamed, backing away from them. “I always try and go outside and make friends and actually /do/ things, but it’s always you guys! Always following me! Do you know how that makes me feel? Nobody even looks at me normally! I hate you two!” Ophelia spat. All her life, she was followed by these two. Always. She couldn’t do anything normally—and she couldn’t do anything about it. “And I know not every kid has bodyguards monitoring their every move!” At that, Ophelia’s eyes began to water. Was there any time in her life she was left alone? Either the Districts were watching, or the bodyguards, or even her own father. Scratch that, Imperium never had time for her. Ophelia stormed away, this time upstairs to her room. The bodyguards trailed after her. “Again, really? You guys are crazy! I live here! Am I not safe from the world? What has my father done to you?” She yelled accusingly, scaling the flight of stairs. The doors to her room were nestled in a nearby wall. It was still bright outside, with no clouds in sight. Ophelia opened the door to her room and slammed it behind her. She expected the bodyguards to be perched right outside the doorframe.
Ophelia always felt safe in her room. But all safe meant to her was being alone, and this was as alone as she could get. The walls were colored a soft bubblegum—her favorite color. The one thing Imperium did right. She scrambled atop her bed, sinking into the mattress. Tears streamed down her face, and her eyes were red with crying. Why couldn’t she just be a normal kid? Ophelia looked out the bedroom window, where a bird sat on a tree branch high above. She gazed longingly at the bird, who got to fly freely and go wherever it pleased. “Wherever you want, huh? You get that? Lucky you.” Ophelia sat up on her mattress, watching as the bird shifted on the branch. “I’m always being followed by these two creeps. And my father won’t let me do anything! But you get to see everything. Maybe when I’m older I’ll do that. Maybe.” Ophelia sighed. She knew that probably wouldn’t happen, but at least she could hope. ... The sun was lower in the sky, and the evening was purple and orange when Ophelia left her room. As expected, the bodyguards were right outside, already following her. This time, she didn’t care. It was like a fact of life, being guarded. She dragged her paws on the ground as she walked, the warm light through the window fading and darkening. She had wasted the entire day. But there was still some light outside, and the view from her room was blocked by trees and shrubs. Maybe she could at least get up on the balcony? Breathe some fresh air? Turning to the guards, she spoke. “Hey, uh—I’m going up. To the balcony. I want to breathe. Also see the birds. I guess.” Again, no response, but what else could they do? Ophelia made her way to the corner and past, and climbed what seemed to be endless flights of stairs until she finally reached the balcony. It wasn’t really a balcony, but the roof of the house was unoccupied, and fenced, so why not go up there? When she reached the roof, she was immediately hit with cool, crisp air Ophelia could only describe as sweet. There was a soft breeze that combed through her hair and stung her eyes a bit, but she didn’t care. Sighing, she approached the fence and tried to peek over it. The streets were quiet and lonely, but the sky was beautiful. It was all shades of purple and pink and orange where the sunlight last touched. Ophelia loved nights like these, where everything was peaceful. Even as she got older, she thought she’d always cherish these moments. Behind her, she sensed the bodyguards, still and silent as always, but she didn’t care. Maybe it was weird, the constant monitoring, but there’s nothing to be done about that. Maybe it’s for the best. After all, her and her family have a reputation to uphold. Maybe Ophelia doesn’t act that princess-like, and that’s why she needs bodyguards. But so do her siblings. But what’s so special about a bunch of kids? Ophelia sighed. Today really did leave more questions than answers. But for now, Ophelia breathed in the cool night air and let herself get lost in the sky.
