Random meeting and blood~Nick~

[Jack Lexington]

As if my aweful situation wasn't enough one of the peace keepers feels the urge to hit me with his gun against my cheek, which burnst instantly but still doesn't faze me now that I'm in their hands. Being smacked around is probably going to be the fun part.
Suddenly they are moving faster, more or less pull me to their vehicle which is the strangest thing since I've never been inside of one before. The engine purrs to live as they push me in a seat and lock me to a bar on the side. My eyes try to catch another glimpse of Nitya, who has dissapeared in the crowd as we moved away from it but I can't see her anymore so I let my eyes drop to the floor as the slow movements give away that we're driving.
At least they aren't killing me on the spot.
Silently I wonder what they have planned. What will they do to me? Whatever it might be I'm determined not to give up my saviour. Never.
Half an hour later we arrive in Jamestown where the detention center is. Everybody knows the dark grey windowless walls even if they've never set foot inside.
Only for a very brief moment I look up at the walls that are towering high above me and are guarded by armed men on towers. I know I will never leave these walls again without their consent.
Instinctively I push back against them when the 3 meter high steels doors open but get forced to walk inside with them. There are three other men inside a small room waiting to get 'processed' as well. Briefly I wonder what their crimes might be. Are they fence hoppers as well? Or are their crimes even smaller? Judging from the one man's creepy features and grim expression I'd say he's done worse than I have but who knows. He might as well be innocent. It wouldn't matter in here.

A number of commands follow that we're supposed: Hand over your belongings, undress, shower.
While they search me for weapons I ask. "When am I going to have a trial?"
But the only answer I get is. "First we have to safely determine who you are and then you'll be punished accordingly to your crimes. There is no trial."
I gasp when I hear that. How can there be no trial? No evidence, no self defense? Does Panem really determine what I've done wrong and what they will do to me without any chance of fighting it?
"What do you mean?" I stop and stare at the man instead of following his command to get rid of my dirty clothes.
Instead of an answer they simply grab me and do it for me while I struggle against their hands even though I don't stand a chance and am just inflicting more pain to my wound. When I finally in my birth suit they finally realize that I'm bleeding. One look is enough to tell me that all the running and jumping has done me no good but opened up the scar from the surgery at the bottom end again. Blood is running down to my hip and then trails slowly down my right thigh. I can feel my gut drop and my knees get weak once more.

From some corner of the room I can hear a distorted voice shout a command. "Send in a medic. The order was to bring him in unharmed. Who acted against that?" While I search for the source of the voice which seemed to be coming from the ceiling I notice that my vision is becoming increasingly blurry. Maybe passing out wouldn't be such a bad action right now. For some reason I want to stay alert though. I'm not going to give in to them just like that.

Behind me the other two prisoners are being shoved into another room where they get scanned for their identity and then scrubbed down.

--
The crowd lingers on for a while when the peace keeper vehicle is gone and discusses what has just happened, how the house got partly distroyed and how much of a thread I or the peace keepers really are. Some people shout that they're glad I'm finally locked up, other claim that any one of them could suffer the same fate.

When most people are gone the brothers meet up with their siblings. They're sweaty, annoyed, helpless, desporate.
Immediatley Hamill encloses his sister into his arms. His voice is cracking when he admits. "We were trying to create a diversion to get you free and make them focus on Nick. We promised him to have his back and get him out before the peace keepers can get their hands on him but they were too fast. I'm so sorry."
He can't even look at her while he says it.

[Nitya Demont]

The medic came in to examine the captive. Meanwhile, the peacekeepers that had brought him in were being grilled. "The order was unharmed! Now, who did this?" None of the peacekeepers spoke for a moment. Finally, one of the older peacekeepers spoke. "We don't know. We were the second ones on the scene. The first peacekeepers that went after him were detained by a trap. We only found him in the house." The superior officer made a snarl in the back of his throat. "You really expect me to believe that?" he asked menacingly.

At that moment, one of the guys in charge of the prisoners' records came in. "What?" snapped the peacekeeper. "Sorry for interrupting sir, but we have some information on this guy. The coat guard reported that he had to have a kidney removed upon arrival to their base." That was all he said before going back out. The superior looked at the records in his hand and nodded. "You all got lucky this time," he told them.

The medic was examining Nick. He pressed here and there and cleaned up the bleeding. It was obvious that this was an older wound that had been healing. There didn't seem to be any infection, but he was definitely going to need some attention. He remained silent as he continued to look the guy over.
--
Feeling Hammil's arms around me is so comforting. Hearing him sound so sad and guilt ridden makes me want to cry. It isn't his fault. "You didn't mean for this to happen. It's really my fault for getting caught," I tell him sweeping some hair out of his face. "It's hard to go against the peace keepers; they do have the number on you. We are going to get him out again though. I need your help."

I don't force him to look at me, but I give my brother another squeeze to let him know that it's ok. I'm not really sure what our next step is going to be since he'd been taken to the detention center. Getting there would be a problem, and I feel certain that they are going to bring him back here as an example. "Any idea about when he might be brought back to punish?"

Note: Wow! Can you believe this is at 16 pages?

[Jack Lexington]

Standing up I endure the examination and do get some satisfaction because the pks are getting in trouble because I'm bleeding. It would put a smile on my face if I wasn't in so much trouble myself so my expression remains stern, desperate even.
It doesn't take long for them to figure out that the bleeding comes from the scar that the surgery left and is not to blame on any of them for that reason. I get cleaned and wrapped up which I endure without moving a muscle or any flinching. The fading vision and hearing however does worry me but I'm not about to admit that to them.

Then they 'process' me. I get scrubbed down to prevent that I'm bringing dirt and contamination into their facility. They shave my head because my hair could bring in lice and put me in plain white clothes. Now I look like one of them-almost.

With my clothes, my hair, heck even mu dirt they humiliate me, they take every bit of personality from me which they can without peeling the skin off my back. I feel shameful and naked, even a little broken and most of all fearful. They have me exactly where they want me.

A prick in the finger. Then a small droplet of blood on a computer reader gives away my true identity.
"Er, sir, there seems to be a mistake here. This man's name is not Nick Travis. It's Nick..."
With a frown the superior fixes his gaze on the small screen that also shows a picture of me...as a child. His eyes flicker back to me but I avert my gaze. Maybe this is my chance. Maybe they think they've got the wrong guy.

--
Despite Nityas words her brothers let their heads hang.
"We promised we'd help and let him down."
Hamill stands up straight through as he claps his brother on the back. "Just for now. We need a better plan next time. We'll keep that promise, brother." A reassuring look to Nitya follows.

Titus posture is much less self assured. "What's going to happen next? Where will they bring him? Because there's no way of us getting into the detention center. Out only chance would be if they bring him back into town to publicly punish him."

Nitya seems to be sure that Nick will be brought back. It's not unlikely because every man and woman in district 4 has witnessed many public whippings and even executions. It's a way to instill fear in people and easily keep them under controll.

"Do you suppose it has anything to do with the reapings coming up in a few weeks?"
A shaky voice was heard.

[Nitya Demont]

Gently I pat him on the back. I know that nothing I say is going to make him feel better even though I know it wasn't as though they hadn't tried. However, knowing they had tried and were good at distractions and yet Nick had still been caught makes me start to worry about what our chances were. I could see that probably a bit more risk was going to have to be taken, and I was determined that I would be the one to take it. If it weren't for me they wouldn't be in this mess.

It is nice to see my brother encouraging one another about this. I'm also relieved that it doesn't look as though they are planning on giving up. At least Hammil and Titus aren't. Judging by the way Gaius talked to me on the way here, he doesn't like that we are taking all these risks. Then again, he has more of a reason to be distrustful than the rest of us. Not to say that we are easy to gain trust from, but we give it a little more easily than he does. Right now, he's just remaining silent.

We look at one another for a moment as we consider all of Titus' questions. The problem is that there is no way of knowing what is going to happen next. He is right though, we have to hope that he is brought back. There is no way we'd ever get into the detention center, or if we did, we wouldn't get out again. Then we'd be in even more trouble and probably all killed ourselves. "I think they will bring him back. You know how they are on wanderers, and they've been looking for him for a while," Hammil says. I can't help wondering if we were in another district if the penalty for wandering would be this harsh.

The idea of the reapings hadn't come to mind. It would be the perfect day to do things like that. That put a wrench into my plan of helping. My brothers were all over the age limit, but I still fell into the age range. If they were going to bring him back the day of the reaping, I would have to be standing with my peers as we waited to see who would be chosen. The idea was not a pleasant one. On top of Nick possibly being executed right before my eyes, I might get chosen for the games.

Note: sorry this one is a little shorter

[Jack Lexington]

The seconds drag on and on while I wait for them to figure out for themselves whether I'm the Nick wanderer they are looking for. My vision swims before my eyes while I'm forced to stand and stare ahead.
"It's him, you fool." The older one announces. "He changed his name and boy oh boy does he have a long record."
It almost sounds like admiration when he reads my spreadsheet like a story from a history book. "Seems like our wanderer here has been crossing districts for almost ten years now. Gambling, impersonation, theft....if I add up those years in the hole I'd say you'll never see the light of day again, boy."
His eyes are sparkling with misplaced anger when he fixes them on me but I choose to avert my gaze. Not that I'm ashamed for what I've done but I know there is no use in discussing my crimes or not crimes with this man. He would never understand.
"You got the wrong guy." I mutter but he simply shakes his head and tells me. "The computer says you are the guy."
I'm not sure why but I can feel a wave of nausea come on and can barely keep myself from throwing up right on his shows while my vision briefly goes out.
I stumble forward and hear them say.
"Take him away."

At least I get to lay down when they throw me in my cell. A tiny space with a matress on the ground and a hole that stink like hell.
Right now I couldn't care less. I'm about to loose every bit of self controll, be it from exhaustion or the prospect of never seeing the light of day or Nitya again. I slump down on the matress that seems somewhat clean and stare at the bars that are closing in front of my eyes.
Why does she mean so much more than all the other girls. So much that I risked getting thrown in here for her.

--
"Let's go home." Gaius tells the others. "Before we get in trouble for being here. C'mon, let's move." Obviously the events have spooked him so h drags Nitya along because she's the only one who is weaker than he is.
"Mom and dad will be worried. I'm pretty sure the sirens went off everywhere."
He visibly shaking but Hamill calms him down. "Don't worry, brother. We've done nothing wrong. Not yet."
He casts a glance at the others and then makes his way down ton the boats. "We need to find out what's going to happen and make a real plan this time."

[Nitya Demont]

The peacekeepers watched the new prisoner as he went through all the steps that came along with being thrown in the detention center. A few times they did handle him a bit more roughly than they normally would have, but this guy had been giving them trouble for too long. He needed to know that they ruled here and that there was no hope for him. There was no hope for anybody behind these walls.

Admittedly he is not in the best shape. Fortunately, the medic has promised that he will be ready for his moment in front of district 4. Fortunately no trouble came from his wound opening as it was an old one and he had decided to run. Yes, things were going splendidly now. Pretty soon he would be just a memory in their mind, if even that.

"Has the platform been taken care of?"
"Yes."
"This is the last time a wanderer comes through here."

--
I knew Gaius would be worried, and I knew he'd suggest we go home. Then he starts to drag me, and though I drag my feet and try to pull away, he's stronger. "Gaius! Stop it!" I exclaim. Fortunately he stops when Hammil starts to talk, but his hand is still on my wrist. Even if Hammil convinces him to stay, I know that he's going to try and convince them to send me home.

"Not yet, huh?" Gaius asks as he drags me along when we start back towards the boats. "Don't you think that we've done what we can, and even if we want to help, don't you think you should be more concerned about your own sister's safety? She's already been caught once and has the marks to prove it. She gets caught again, and they aren't going to be as lenient."

Again I struggle against him, but it isn't any use. "Gaius, I'm staying here until it's time for me to get ready for the reaping. I can do this. You know I can."

[Jack Lexington]

Before they lock my cell I overhear them talking about a platform and this being the last time a wanderer came through here. That sounds an aweful lot like they want to make an example of me. The image of a platform lingers in my mind because it sounds so much like execution. Yet I tell myself to remain calm and that jumping to conclusions will not help me. My hands however don't listen to me and won't stop shaking while I stare up at the grey ceiling.

Then silence fills my cell, the hallway, the damn detention center. I hate this silence. I'd rather hear somebody complain than nothing at all.
the next few hours I fill with sleeping a little to regain some strength and then listen to more 'nothing'.

I can't help but run through the options. What will they do to me? Hang me? Shoot me? or will they be cruel and torture me first. The best version I can think of is getting whipped publicly and then thrown back in here for the rest of my life. If that's the best...

I can't help the fear that gets a tight grasp on my chest with it's cold, clammy fingers and squeezes tight without letting go.

Forcing myself to think of happier times I let my thoughts drift to the boat but have to think about Nitya. I'm thankful I got to see her when I was arrested because that means they let her go. At least she's free. It's only a small consolation but it's there. Yet tears fill my eyes when I think about her and how we could have been together. How we could have lived and loved, maybe even more.
The same sadness and desperation takes over when I burry my face in my hands to hide my tears. If they've installed some sort of surveillance I will not give them the satisfaction of watching me break.

--

"Get in the boat." Her brother commands. "We will figure something out but not right here and now. We need a plan so get in. Mom and dad are going to be worried as hell."

Gaius simply picks his sister up and lifts her into the boat before she can object, then they push away and set the sail.

"Don't be stupid, I know you want to help so be smart."

[Nitya Demont]

There was a camera in all the cells to keep an eye on the prisoners. They didn't want any of them trying to harm themselves. They had to face whatever punishment had been given them. For their newest prisoner, it had not been fully decided other than that it was going to be public. A stage had even been built in the center of the district especially for the viewing. There had been some other considerations that they had taken as well, but some of them were not set as of yet.

The statement from the girl he had escaped with had arrived. While most of the peacekeepers attributed the get away to the naivety of a young girl, one or two were a little skeptical. However, it did not seem likely that anybody would come and risk their lives for somebody they barely knew. Still, it would be good for everybody when this whole thing was over with.

The prisoner definitely seemed stronger than most, but in the end they felt sure he would crack. Not many could last behind these walls. There was too much nothing. It was the best way to take away sanity among other things.

--
Gaius was right of course. There wasn't anything we could really do now. The reaping was going to be our next chance, and I wouldn't even be able to do much if anything because I would be part of the reaping. Once again I'd be waiting to see if my name was called. Still, he didn't have to carry me into the boat.

As we set sail, I couldn't help but stare off and think of Nick. Ok, so that wasn't really his name, but it's who he was to me. I wondered if he was thinking of me and if he thought we had abandoned him. I hoped not. My body felt exhausted from the day, and I leaned back comfortable against Hammil. His arms went around me protectively, and I started to drift to sleep.

Once she was asleep, the brothers started to talk. "Are you guys really serious about helping?" Gaius asked with a concerned look.
"We have to. We didn't just promise him, we promised her. Besides, she'll be out of danger. This is our choice. We're not asking you to help."
"That's true. Still, I mean we don't even really know this guy and neither does she."
"He took care of her out there."
"Yes, and I can see she cares about him, but what kind of fall are we setting her up for if we fail?"
"So you are helping? You just said we."
"I guess I am."
"Well let's come up with a plan then."


Note: Sorry for the delay.

[Jack Lexington]

The hours drag on and on after I wake up from a restless sleep. The little light, that falls through a gap in the wall that's barely big enough for a mouse to squeeze through, has faded to grey. So I'm staring in the dark. Only a few things are visible. The corners, my matress and my own hands and feet.
Carefully I feel under the detention clothes to test whether the bleeding has stopped. The bandage is slightly damp but it's not running down any more. For now that's a relief.
I sigh into the emptiness of my cell and clothes my eyes.

More hours pass until a small window in my cell door gets opened. Instantly I get up to see what's going on. A glass of water gets passed in by a guard.
"Drink."
My mouth is dry and my throat hoarse from the chase and no drink afterwards yet I tell the man. "Not thirsty."
"Drink." He demands in a harsher tone and I reply very politely. "No, thank you."
A second later the door gets unlocked and the same man pushes me against the wall pins my chest down with his forearm and pushes the glass against my lips. The hard plastic connects with my teeth making me fear he'll knock them out. Next thing I know half of the water enters my mouth, the other half goes down my shirt. Who does this ass think he is? I will drink when I want to. So I spit it right back out on the ground beneath my feet.
As thanks he whacks me across the face with his stick and growls. "Next time I'll bring the funell!"
My cheek burns red hot but I don't give him the satisfaction of touching it or any sort of acknowledgement or his actions or words.

When he's gone and the door locked however I slide down the wall and run my head over my shaved , prickly head. Why did I put up a fight? It will only make things worse?
I guess that's who I am.

--

Nityas parents had practically been pacing the floor all the long after taking the day off from work to support their daughter and then not finding any of their children at home.
When they finally spotted them at the gate their father was at the door with a few steps and tore it open.
"Where on earth were you? And why didn't you tell us where you're going?"

Her mother pushed passed her husband when she spotted her little girl and embraced her in her arms. Tears filled her eyes when she whispered. "I thought you'd been detained again. I'm so glad your free."
She then held her at arms length and cried. "Don't you ever scare me this much again. You can't mess with peace keepers!"

[Nitya Demont]

The peacekeepers had been watching him closely. There was plenty of fight in this one, and he wasn't caving the way many of the others did. He still seemed strong and very capable of making decisions to disobey and/or fight back against them. Of course, that wasn't really a smart decision; nobody went against the capitol or the peacekeepers. However, it did show them that perhaps they weren't being hard enough on him. Yes, he was supposed to make it to the reaping, but they didn't like that he was fighting so much.

"Think we should do anything more to him? Break him down a little?"
"I don't know, it might be good for the people to see what happens to a fighter."

--
The sound of my father's voice was both a welcome and a scary one. I knew that we were in trouble. However, since my brothers were all grown and technically adults by the standards of the district, I would be the one in the most trouble. Of course, I was the one who had brought Nick into contact with our family, and I was the one that got caught. I was the one that had worried my family the most in the past hours.

We didn't respond until we were actually inside and after mother had hugged me. Her arms felt so reassuring to me. For a moment, my mind went to when I was younger and thought my parents could do anything. Now, I knew that wasn't true and that I was now in one of the situations where I had to fix my own way.

"I'm alright, mother," I whispered softly. "I'm sorry that I made you worry. Promise, I didn't do anything. Gaius kept an eye on me." That earns a smile for Gaius. Thankfully he keeps his mouth shut about me wanting to go back. Then, my father started in.

"Yes, you're all safe, and we are glad, but what did you think you were doing? Suppose you'd been caught by peacekeepers again, Nitya?" For a while he continued to bluster on in anger until he pauses and stares at each of us. Slowly, I shuffle forwards.

"Gaius and I just went to go find Hammil and Titus. They weren't here when I got back, and we thought maybe they were trying to save me from the pks. We didn't think we'd be so long, and we thought you might try to stop us if we let you know I wanted to go look for them...since I was just caught and all."

[Jack Lexington]

The rest of the evening or night...I'm not sure what time of the day it really is because I'm too wound up to sleep even though my body feels limp...I spent in memories with Nitya. She's the best memory I have and I want to surround myself in it to stay upbeat in this environment that is trying to beat me down.
I can't help the occassional disturbance by somebodies lonely cries or screams for help. They scare me each time even though they are to be expected.

It's dark and I'm tired but I don't really dare to sleep plus the cold creeping through the thick walls is keeping me up. I wrap my arms around myself and draw my knees up to my chest to maintain my body heat but chills start creeping down my spine.

When the sound of the window in the door is audible in the dark and a ray of light shines in I wake from an uneasy, restless sleep. It must be a few hours later because the light through the small hole in the wall is a lighter shade of grey now.
Again a hand holds a cup of water and demands that I drink it.
"Not again." I mutter with my voice cracking.


--
Nitya's parents believed her story. They, however questioned what her two older brothers were doing out and about when they should be working.

For the rest of the day everybody is banned to their rooms until they figured out what to do.
When it's time for supper the family gathers around the big dining table that holds a bowl of peas, potatoes and codh on a plate. It's a large meal.
"For you, my dear." Her mothers gives Nitya a smile that seems a little awkward. "We're happy to have you back." Her hand caresses Nitya's cheek.

Everybody eats unusually quietly when her father breaks the silence and clears his throat. "Have you heard?" He searches their faces and then simply states what needs to be said. "I'm sorry, Nitya, but your friend has been captured. It's on the news. They locked him up and stated that he'll receive his sentence on the morning of the reapings when everybody is in the town square."

Grabbing his plate and getting up he adds. "I know you liked him. Sorry, darling."

[Nitya Demont]

Taking away the prisoners' ability to choose when they drank was something that had been devised by the Capitol. Controlling even the most basic need was something they wanted to do to show that no matter what, the Capitol was the thing controlling all of the districts. Yes, they let the people have hope, but the Games were enough to prove that they were really dependent. Here the control was even worse. Depending on the prisoner, more and more things were taken from them.

Nobody had really bothered to mention to the wanderer what fate was going to befall him. The way he was to be taken care of had still yet to come on, but the end result was the same no matter the way. The guy had to know it was coming. In addition to the execution, they planned on watching the crowd to see any reactions that might be out of place. If there were any other wanderers or anything of that nature, this was sure to smoke them out.

Now, another guard headed into the prisoner's cell. It was dinner time.

--
Being banned to my room was not that bad. It gave me time to sketch and mull over things. I knew there was probably not much else I could do. The reaping was approaching faster than I cared to think about. The newly cleaned dress hanging in my closet was enough of a reminder of that. However, that thought was nothing compared to what I was thinking about Nick.

At dinner, I see we are having one of my favorites. Mother smiles and I try to smile back. However, I'm sure it doesn't go all the way up to my eyes. Feeling as though I've let Nick down and knowing that his punishment is bound to be bad isn't something that I can forget about, and so I cannot be truly happy even though I am safe at home.

Still, I manage to respond. "I'm happy to be back." It's a true enough statement. Honestly, I'm still shaken from my earlier experience, and though I'm sure the mark is gone, I can still feel where he hit me. Things aren't the same now.

When my father speaks, I feel my breath stop. Of course, the news that Nick has been caught is not news to me, but I act surprise. Though he only says that he will receive his punishment, I can read what he's saying. They plan on killing him.

"You're right, I do like him." I manage to get that out, and then say, "Hammil..." Next thing I know, I begin to fall over.

[Jack Lexington]

My body is shivering slightly from the wet cold in the cell. The scratchy brown blanket doesn't provide much warmth.
I watch the arm with the cup of water disappear and the hole get closed but just when I think I won the door gets unlocked and in come two guards with the cup and as far as I can tell in the darkness of the cell some food.
"Lights on in 19." One of the yells and a moment later blinding overhead lights get switched on. Even though I shield my eyes from the brightness the momentarily blind me and give the men a chance to grab a hold of me.
As hungry as I am food from these men seems unacceptable for me. I guess I'm not starved enough but it turns into something bad as soon as it is in their hands.
"Last warning. Drink and eat." They demand while they pin me down.
When my eyes finally adjust to the sudden light I grit my teeth and shake my head but refuse to speak. I'm not going to do these bastards any favours. I'm pretty sure I know what they'll do to me anyhow. Whatever they do, they will not break me...I think before a fist connects with the healing wound in my side and makes me gasp for air.
I work through the pain while they hold me in place and shake my head again. If only they knew that their attempts to rule over me only make me more stubborn and my will stronger.

--
Everybody at the dinner table was happy to have all the children back and unharmed. While they were eating most of the biys minds were working overtime and not much was spoken, when Nitya suddenly collapsed and her lifeless head dropped forward. Then the rest of her body followed in a big heap.

Instantly everybody jumped up and rushed to her rescue but while her brothers and mother were picking her up and carrying her to the sofa her dad remarked. "That damn boy." He knew the power of love and if he wasn't wrong it was taking it's toll on his daughter. Apparently her feelings ran a little deeper than compassion.
"Nitya, wake up." Hammil was ready to slap her when Titus felt for her pulse. "It's there, don't you slap her."
He gently shook her and kept sking. "Nit, open your eyes, c'mon." They're voices became more urgent.
Her mother could barely hold it together and with tears in her eyes ushered the boys outside. Then she brought her cheek close to her daughters one and caressed her.
"Darling...you need to come to. Please."
A tears slipped from her eye onto her daughters cheek that looked awefully red. She simply could not wrap her mind around what had happened to her little girl.

[Nitya Demont]

Nothing was working with this guy. What could he be holding on to? There didn't seem to be connections of any kind in this district. He had gained some reputation for sleeping his way around, but it didn't seem like any of those ladies were ones that he'd stuck around for. There had to be something that was keeping him from breaking like the others. Perhaps he was just a prideful and strong person, but they had seen tougher people crumble. There was just something about him that was keeping him strong. When he refused to eat again, he got another punch to the gut and a whack to the temple. Their faces were screwed up in anger. "You better eat or we'll make you," one of them said.

There wasn't time to wonder on it though. A message was expected at any moment that would disclose in what way this man was to be executed. The other decision to be made was when to let him know that his days were numbered.

--
"Do you see now? This guy has gotten to her, and now she's in a heap on the ground," Gaius whispered to his brothers. Honestly, he believed that Nick was a good guy. What was debatable was whether or not he was good for Nitya. It would have been one thing to be friends, but what he saw was something different. That was what he worried over.

"It doesn't change anything, Gai," Hammil answered. "Really it just shows that she's been pushing too hard and probably that she needs him."

I could hear their voices, but I could not open my eyes. Inside everything was swimming, and I felt like I was walking through a fog. It was a strange sensation and one I had never felt before. Still, I could not open my eyes, and the sound of my brothers was gone. It was hard to say what was happening outside of my mind. Finally, after what seemed like a rather short time to me, my eyes started to open. I felt my mother's touch, and I felt her tears of relief when she saw my eyes. She didn't say anything for a moment. Instead, she just looked at me.

After a moment, she spoke. "Darling, you gave us a fright. The boys were so worried. Shall I call them back in?" I nod at her knowing that they will be fretting unnecessarily if she doesn't. "One thing first," she says. "This Nick must be very important to you. I can see by the way you act and by what's happened. Do you love him, Nitya?" Again I nod, and though she doesn't say anything, I feel this isn't over. She goes to get my brothers and that's when I think it would be a good idea to try and get up. I don't want them to see me still on the floor.

However, it soon becomes apparent that getting up is not wise. Immediately my head begins to spin around again, so I sort of fall back onto the floor. I don't pass out or anything. I just lay there. Apparently I have gone past my limit. Fortunately this happens before they all come back in.

[Jack Lexington]

Beating me is the least horrible thing they can do to me. Sure, it makes me double over and wince in pain. But it's just momentary and subsides after a minute or two. Again I refrain from touching my cheek even though it burns and feels like they split the skin this time.
Again the urge me to eat but I grit my teeth, slowly look up and them in they eye before I press out. "Make me!"
No doubt they will but I feel like giving them a run for their money.
I hold their ugly gazes wondering what might be going on in one of their heads. Do they really feel what they're doing is just?
"I never hurt anyone, you know?" I state...not sure why.

--
The brothers were discussing whether Nick was good for Nitya or not for a while before they got onto a different topic.
"We need to find out what's going to happen to him, for her sake. If they are going to execute him she can't be there."
Her brother leaned his head against the outside wall of their home and looked up at the dark, grey clouds. "She's not going to be happy...we promised to help him but we didn't."
He closed his eyes to shut the truth out while his younger brother objected. "So what? it's over. They have him in the dc...what can we do? Nothing!"

Her mother was in for a surprise when Nitya simply admitted she was in love with that stranger. "Why? I mean you barely know this man." She ran her hand over her hair.
"He's committed crimes, you know that?"
It was very hard for her to watch her own daughter run into trouble. "I want you to be happy, darling."