Random meeting and blood~Nick~

[Nitya Demont]

The peacekeepers did not like being challenged. They would make him eat by force, but why not play with his head a little too? He had to know that they could make him do what they wanted. However, what he says to them is a bit unexpected. Still, one of the peacekeepers knew what to say while the others remained silent. "Is that a fact? How about all those poor girls you conned? How about the one that we caught trying to help you?" His comment made the others smirk.

Then, one took hold of his head. "We can do this a few ways. We can make you open your mouth or we can stuff a tube down you. Have a preference?" he asked with an evil grin. One way or another this guy was going to do what they wanted. It just wouldn't do to have somebody this strong against the Capitol.

--
"We may not have a choice you know. If they are going to execute him, it will be at the reaping. She's required to be there." Hammil couldn't bear to think of what his sister's reaction would be if that happened. He felt sure that it would be similar to when Indigo was killed. It just wouldn't be good. Titus gave Gaius a look. "You know, I realize you're trying to protect her, but think about what that guy means to her. Have you seen her this happy since Indigo died? i don't want to lose her again. We have to help some how."

I figured that mother would react this way, and honestly I probably would have thought the same thing if I weren't the one experiencing it. "I know what he's done mother. But is wandering really that bad? I know he's done more than that, but I can see past that. He's a good man, and he cares about me." For a moment I quieted as my head started to hurt again. After a moment it passed, and I was able to continue. "He makes me happy. I love him."

[Jack Lexington]

I’m afraid. There’s no doubt about that. To be honest I’m ready to piss my pants because I know they can do whatever they want to me and given my past I deserve some of it, too. Yet I won’t allow them to break me. Whatever they will do I’m not theirs and never will be. As much as they’re trying to in still fear, I’m going to show them that I’m not giving in. I owe that to myself.
“Whatever I did was consensual.” I claim even though I know that none of the girls would have let me in their homes if they had known I’d be gone within a few days. None of the fathers would have opened their pockets and stealing certainly wasn’t consensual. Depp down I know I did wrong and am willing to accept some form of punishment. The wandering however is nothing wrong in my mind. It’s just the capitol being worried about people getting to much information.
“What am I being accused off?” I demand to know and shoot them a look that could kill while I completely disregard their command to open my mouth and eat.

A moment later cold strong fingers grab a hold of my shaved skull and I know I’m in trouble so I clench my teeth together as hard as I can and try to wriggle my head out of the grasp.

--
Hammil, who had always been a bit of a rebel, lowered his voice and leaned in to tell his brother a secret. “I’m ready to keep that promise and do whatever it takes to save Nick and our sister…”
His brother gasped but then leaned in as well and asked. “How are you going to do that? If you have a solid plan, I might consider it.”
“I’ll think about it…maybe we need to get our hands on some peace keeper uniforms. At the day of the reaping there are so many of them that they can’t all know each other…I’ll think about it.”
The warning look he earned told him how crazy he sounded.

“Oh girl.” Her mother groaned. “Love can be strong but it can also be very destructive. I’m afraid you’ve fallen for the wrong guy.”
She leaned back and sighed again. “Trust me, you’ll find someone else. Let this guy go. He’s in prison. There’s no way they’ll let him go….just come to terms with it.”
She squeezed her hand and got up to leave.
“I’ll bring you a cold washcloth for your head. Rest, darling.”

When her mother was gone the brothers returned. They didn’t say anything about their plan to spare her the hope in case it was in vain.
“How you’re doing, Nitya?”

[Nitya Demont]

"Say that if it helps you sleep at night," one of the keepers fired back. He and the rest glared at the prisoner in front of them. "I think you know that already. Besides we are the ones that ask the questions, not you." This guy was really starting to get to them. Had they not been ordered to keep him in fairly good condition, they might have considered being a bit more rough. "Just so you know, I'd watch what you say. Wouldn't want others suffering for you would you?" one of them asks.

The guy struggles, but it is no use. The keepers are strong and have the numbers on their side. One holds his skull and another begins to pry open his jaw. None of it is done with care, and the peackeeper prying his jaw decides that if he ends up breaking some teeth, that will just have to happen. Prisoners were to break in here, and that's what they were determined to do One small little person would not make them fail in that quest. Another stands ready to jam food into his mouth.

--
What my mother says is true, and I know how it must sound to her. However, I know that there is no fighting what I feel. Nick is the guy that I love, and I am not going to give up on him. "There is no one like him, mother," I say as calmly and evenly as I can. "You might not see it, but he's the right guy for me. I'm not letting him go. I know he's in prison, and I know the odds of them letting him go are not in my favor, but I won't give up on him. I'm not completely naiive you know. I don't think you'd give up either." It's a dangerous counter to make, but I know in my heart that if my father were in the same place, mother wouldn't give up. It's not in her to do that, and that's where I get my determination from.

She tells me to rest, but that's the last thing I feel like doing. Instead I push myself into a sitting position. Standing probably isn't a smart decision right now, so I have to settle for what little I can do. Then my brothers walk in.

My eyes wander over them, and I get the feeling they are holding back. Then again, I did just pass out at the table, so I'm probably just reading their worry. I decide not to question them. "I'm fine. Mother's making a fuss over nothing. Sorry to give you all a scare though." For a moment I'm silent, then I voice what I'm thinking. "I want to go back."

[Jack Lexington]

"I sleep like a baby, don't you worry." I push through gritted teeth but I'm not happy with him not telling me what I'm even on trial for. Wandering, of course. But what else.
I really want to know what they intend to do with me but deep down I'm too scared to ask. Maybe I don't want to find out the inevitable.

He threatens that others might suffer when I don't obey but I know it's a bunch of crap because I have no family or friends other than Nitya and they can't know about her. All they know is that she helped and injured stranger or do they know more?

My mind starts racing when the grab my skull and force my jaw open. It feels aweful but I can't work against it if I don't want to break or dislocate my own jaw.
So all I can do is let out a deep scream at them, which comes out as a jumbled mess since I can't pronounce any words like this.

I feel food getting shoved in my mouth but my first and olny instinct is to spit it back out right at their feet. It's more of a reflex than anything and I know right away this wasn't a smart move but if I didn't I might have suffocated.
--
The brothers exchange a glance before they ask. "Go back where?"
Does she mean the peace keeper station or the place where he was captured?

"Nitya, listen to us. Rest for now and we'll find out where exactly they took him and what's going to happen to him. Then we'll make a solid plan."
The last words were spoken under their breath.
"You mustn't tell mom or dad."

Both brother hugged her and then left so she could get some rest.

It wasn't until the next morning when they looked into her room to see whether she was still asleep.
Then they entered and let her know.
"We were at the pub last night and you know how news always gets there first. Word is that he's in the dc in the district capitol. The big one. So far he hasn't been sentenced but that's only a matter of time. No news is good news, sis."

[Nitya Demont]

With a slight smile on his face, the peacekeeper strikes the prisoner hard in the stomach. He says nothing as he smacks the guy again, this time in the head. They know what they know, and they will use it to their advantage. however, there is no point or reason to reveal the cards they have to this guy. Though they are going through great pains to make an example of him, he is still no more than a blip in the grand scheme of things.

A feeling of satisfaction comes when the guy is forced to open his mouth. The scream doesn't bother them; they've heard worse and honestly, nothing bothers them at all. They were trained for one purpose, and that is what they intend on doing. Though his mouth is opened, they open it wider than it needs to be opened. Any extra amount of pain they can add on him is perfectly fine.

When he spits it out, they slam his head back into the wall and hit several of his sensitive parts. They barely have to think about it. Their hands remain on his jaw, forcing it open. Then, they shove more food in. This time, they hold his mouth closed and hold his nose as well. One way or another he will eat, and then he will accept whatever they want to throw at him.
---
Their glances don't escape me. I know that I'm probably not making any sense to them. "Go back to where they captured him. There might be something there to help us." Honestly, that probably isn't true, but I feel the need to do something other than to just lay here wondering.

For a moment I look at them. They do seem serious about finding Nick, but it's hard for me to just let it go. That's not the type of person I am. "I'm tired of resting," I say honestly. Then, I let out a sigh. "But if you promise that you'll do that and tell me about it, then I will. And, you should know I would never tell mom and dad about something like this. Dad is upset enough as it is anyway."

They leave, and despite my mind whirling all over the place, I end up falling asleep. My dreams are troubled. I keep seeing Nick being hauled away and various things being done to him. In others, I am back at the pk station though those don't bother me as much as the ones with Nick. It isn't the most pleasant sleep, but I still end up awaking and feeling better than I did the night before.

I'm not awake for long when my brothers come in. My muscles tighten, and I feel myself holding my breath as they speak. When they tell me what they found out, I let out my breath. Yes, no news is good news, but we've all heard stories about the big dc. It's a place that most live in fear of being sent. Thinking of him in there makes me sick inside, but still I have to hold onto hope. "So what next?" I ask.

[Jack Lexington]

My attitude only serves me well until the food lands on the floor but my satisfaction is soon crushed when they get brutal with me. They punch me left and right so I know I’ve gone too far and of course they are the ones in charge. One blow gets me in the spot where my kidney used to be, which hurts so much that I double over, only for a second though because then my head gets smacked into the wall which makes small stars dace in front of my eyes.
For a moment I wonder why I even put up a fight but there it is again. My foot has a will of his own and lashes out at them. It’s my fighting will, which they won’t break.

As to be expected they don’t give up on forcing the food into my mouth and this time they yank my jaw open so wide that it makes me yelp and my initial plan to spit everything back in their faces is crushed by them pushing my mouth closed and pinching my nose at the same time. I try to wind my head out of their grip and hold my breath but they don’t let go. Their fingers almost rip my skin off while I try to slide away under their grip but it doesn’t work and I’m running out of breath. If I don’t want to suffocate I have to swallow so I do as well as I can, but I can barely chew with them gripping me so hard, so I squeal to let them know I’m swallowing.

My face is bright red when they let me go and I swallow the disgusting stuff in my mouth.
“Fuck you!” Now I spit the words at them instead and glare at them letting them know I won’t be broken.


--
All through the night Nityas mother was going back and forth to her door because her fearful screams in her dreams were waking her up.
She was pacing the floor with his stomach in knots but never woke her daughter.

In the morning she prepared a nice breakfast that even included apples and pears in slice and some eggs and called her children down before they had to go out to fish.

In the small bedroom a hushed conversation was silenced by the door so she couldn’t hear it.
“If we go to the detention center and ask about the punishment we’ll give away your involvement. We need somebody else to find out for us…but who?”
For a moment everybody fell silent.
“What about somebody who is not necessarily connected to us?”
It took them a moment to figure it out but then her brother said. “Chester…he’s been looking for a boat for a while. He could ask to get his boat and fishing rights if he’s not coming back. Let’s ask him. We’ll pay him a few bucks and tell him he’ll get Nick’s boat if he enquires for us.”

[Nitya Demont]

Seeing the guy in pain didn't make them feel anything for him other than a bit of satisfaction. This was what they had been working for. With the doctors they had in this place, this guy could be fixed up in no time at all. Besides, this guy was truly asking for it. Though they would never admit it, they did give him some credit for lasting this long against them, but it also angered them even more. It made them and the Capitol look bad.

When the guy kicked out, one of the peacekeepers immediately sent his own leg flying right into the prisoner's knee. They didn't stop to see the damage. Instead, they immediately smashed his legs hard against the wall as well. The guy was going to be bruised for sure, and if he kept going the way he was, he was going to have a few broken bones to contend with as well.

Though the guy struggles, the peacekeepers keep tight hold of him. More bruises are sure to pop up from that. They see him beginning to swallow, but that doesn't make them lessen their grip. They don't let go until they are sure that he has swallowed it all. Honestly, they would've held him until he passed out had he not chosen to swallow. When they let go, his words spray out at them. Without so much as a thought or change in facial expression, they begin to rain blows down on him until one smacks him hard on the table.

"See you soon," one says as they leave the room.

--
I make it to the table without falling over. It's a small accomplishment, but I will take what I can get. When I see the breakfast laid out in front of me, I have to smile a little. It seems that she has included some of my favorite things. Slowly, my fingers reach out and pluck a piece of pear off the plate. The taste is amazing, and I can feel the juices saturating my mouth. I can only hope this pleasantness goes on into the rest of the day.

I start to think about what to do. I want to go to work today, but there's little chance that mom and dad are going to let me. That leaves me with an entire day to plan something out. I hope I'm ready.

Note: Sorry it's taking me so long these days. Life has become a little...complicated, but I am trying to get on more regularly.

[Jack Lexington]

With the way they are beating and kicking me I’m pretty sure they don’t have any orders to spare me and I’m pretty sure if they keep going they’ll break some of my bones if they haven’t already. My knee hurts even more than my head but what’s worse is that they win. They make me swallow their damn food with so much force that there is nothing I can do about but gasp for air once it’s down.
When I can’t resist the urge to give them a piece of my mind it earns me more punches and hits. Some don’t faze me so much but one finds it’s way into my side again. I feel the warmth of my own blood soak my shirt but not for long. Next thing I know my brow connects with the hard wood of the table with such force that I pass out instantly.


My worlds stays black for a good ten minutes. When I start coming to I’m all alone and there little light in the room. My face is still flat on the table in some wet puddle. Oh how I wish I didn’t talk back to them right now. My head is throbbing so baldy that I want to pass out again so I close my eyes.

In front of my inner eye. I see her. Nitya. She’s dressed in a blue dress. Her dark, shiny hair frames her pale face and brings out the red of her lips, that not too long ago used to caress mine so tenderly. For a moment I can even feel her lips on mine. Nitya smiles at me trying to encourage me. I so long to see her and hold her. I’d do anything for her to hold me tight right now.

Instead I’m lying in a puddle of my own blood, all alone in a cell with nobody to hold, to talk to and kiss. Part of me is already giving up because they’ve physically broken me enough to beg for help.

Once again I close my eyes but then a flicker of the fighter in me comes back and makes me pick myself up from the table. Ignoring the sharp pain in my side, my knee and especially my forehead I stumble to the door and yell as loud as I can. “You can’t break me!”
It takes everything I have out of me but I can hear footsteps outside, which tell me that somebody heard me.

So I sink to the floor and decided to think of her…the only thing that makes sense in my life. One thing I’m sure of is that I finally know what love is even though I will not get to live it anymore.

--

Hamill comes in to join his sister for breakfast. He pours himself a cup of tea and while he blows hot clouds of steam off it he watches his sister. “I’ve never seen you like this, Nitya.” He shares his concern.

After a sip of hot herbal tea he asks what’s on his mind. “Is it because of Nick or what they’ve done to you at the station?”
He doesn’t dare to actually ask about details but he knows that it probably wasn’t pretty.
“I’m really sorry for what happened to you but it might be better to give him up.”
He bites his lip while he watches for her reaction.

Then he states. “Dad told me to come and get you. He wants you to work on the boat with me today."
Again he watches her expression but something about Nitya changed. Something that made her grow up and a little less readable.



OOC: I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time. Chin up!
Is it time to move towards reaping day?

[Nitya Demont]

Reaping day. All over District 4, the people were getting ready for what was to be an eventful day. While the people were getting dressed in the best clothes they had, the guards were also getting ready. They had on their finest uniforms, and everything they owned had been polished within an inch of its life. As most were dressing, others were making sure everything was perfect in the square. Everything had to be just right to appear on screen. Besides, there was also the matter of the execution to take care of.

The guy had been trouble from the very beginning as far the peacekeepers were concerned. He'd left the district he belonged to and had eluded them all over. Then, he had managed to manipulate the young women of the district into helping him without them knowing where he was actually from. That sort of manipulation was dangerous, and he had to be stopped. The capitol did not need his sort messing with the lives of a whole district. Today was the day that it would be dealt with.

Six peacekeepers went to the cell that the prisoner was in. They threw open the door and one immediately went over and knocked the prisoner to the ground. He was careful not to break anything, but there was still no need to be gentle. "Time to get going." That was all that was said before the others came and 'helped' the man get to his feet. In reality, it was more of a jerk and a push out the door. He was cuffed of course, and though he was in good condition, he still did not look the absolute best. Of course, he wasn't meant to.

They began the long walk to the vehicle that would transport them to the square, and they marveled that the life of someone who had given them so much trouble would be over in only a few minutes once they arrived. Then again, what did they really care?
-----------

Nitya stood and looked at herself in the mirror. Her reaping day dress for this year was a light blue that almost reminded Nitya of the foam on the beaches as the waves washed over them. The simple french braid in her hair came to just below her shoulders. All in all, she looked completely presentable and formal for the day. She was anxious but not because of the reaping. If it was her name chosen, then it was her name chosen. She had prepared and trained for the games for pretty much all of her life. Her mind was on Nick, now.

The day her brother had asked if it was Nick or what had happened to her that was making her act different from the way she normally was, the answer had been both. Both of those things had changed her. Nick was the stronger force, and she'd told her brother as much. She'd thrown herself into work and training after that. There was nothing that she could really do this day. It was up to others, and if they did not succeed then she was quite sure that she'd volunteer herself.

Yes, that seemed desperate even to her, but with the amount of anger and drive she'd feel if anything happened to Nick, she felt sure that she could win. After that, she'd figure out what to do. However, she tried to push her mind away from that path of thinking. Her brothers would come through for her. They had promised to help him after all.

When she came out of her room, she looked at the faces of her family. She knew that they were worried that this year it would be her turn. For most, it was an honor to fight for one's district. However, that had never been the Demont's way of thinking especially after they lost Indigo. Still, they knew that it came with having children. If Nitya was chosen, they would be saddened, but they would of course cheer and feel a certain amount of pride through it all. It was just something they didn't want to have to face.

They exchanged some words and hugs, and Nitya slowly started out the door.

[Jack Lexington]

How many days has it been since I saw the sunlinght? How many since I saw her pretty face? All I ever get to see is the never changing uniforms of the peace keepers that come in harassing me day after day. Why? i don't know. My best guess would be to pay me back for leading them on, maybe some form of punishment or simply for their own entertainment because they can.
Each time they come they try to break me by assaulting and insulting me. They always make sure just to hurt me but never leave any permanent damage...except for the one on my mind.
By now I miss Nitya so much she's all I can think of. I see her in my dreams. There I can be together with her. In my dreams we escape together, live together, kiss, touch hug, talk...everything i can't have and never will....

With my hands behind my back and my shaved head hanging low I walk through the crowds that have gathered in the town square. The daylight blinds my eyes that haven't seen the sun for days. My gaze falls on the shoes people are wearing ebcause I don't want to meet their eyes. But then I notice the size of the feet. they are all small and wear their best shoes. Suddenly something clicks and I realize. This must be the reaping day. Instantly my head shoots up and I stare at all the little faces around me who look at me full of fear, terror and surprise.
What am I doing at the reaping?
Confused I climb the steps to what seems a stage while my eyes dart around to find her...

--
She stands there in her dress, pretty as a picture. If only her expression would match the nice ribbons and shiny lips. Instead Nitya looks somewhat amsentminded and sad. No wonder.
All three brothers are dressed in their best suits as well, that have been passed down from one to another since they only get worn once a year.
"ready?" Her oldest brother asks...not about the reaping as a bystander might assume but about their plan.

Together the family makes their way to the reaping, which takes place in a town that is about 2 hours inland. No word is spoken but their minds work like a clockwork going over the plan again and again determined to go through with it while the scenery flies by.

The square is already filled with young ones for the mendatory attendance. It's also swarmed with white uniforms.

Nitya gets chanelled into a block with all the other teenagers her age who are facing their last reaping. With lowered gazes they stand in line to get their fingers pricked for their IDs. Nobody dares to mock up but some cry in silence.

[Nitya Demont]

Before long and with no trouble at all from the prisoner, they make it to the town square. Before them, the entire district has all assembled. The children are still going through the process of check in, but everyone is there. At first, the prisoner's head is down, and the guards smirk to themselves. Apparently, they had managed to do their job. He doesn't seem to have fight in him anymore. Then, his head snapped up. No fight came with it, so they didn't really care. Nothing was going to save him at this point.

They walked him up the steps of the platform giving him a little shove at the top. Then, they stood guard around him to wait for the beginning of the ceremonies for today. As they did, they looked at all the people gathered. Reaping was always a sight to behold. They also noted how most gazes were fixed on the prisoner in front of them. This was going to be a good and much needed lesson.
------
When my brother asks me if I'm ready, I can only nod. My mind runs over every part of the plan multiple times, but I'm also thinking of the reaping. It is my last one, but that only means that the number of times my name is in there is higher than the number of times others are. There's still a chance that my name will be called and that I will be one of the ones fighting it out in the arena.

Too soon, we reach the square. Immediately, my family goes off to where the families stand. I take my place in a long line to get my finger pricked. As I stand, I look around. My eyes stop on some of my friends both older and younger who take a moment to offer a small nod which I return. Inside, my heart begins to thump loudly against my chest. What's the most hard for me to see are the ones who are going through their first reaping. Some cry and cling to older siblings if they have them, and others simply seem to shell shocked to do anything other than move as if they are in a dream.

Finally, it's my turn. I silently step forward and put out my finger. It hurts for a moment, but then it's over. Then, I join the rest of my block. I'm between two girls that I went to school with, and after a momentary greeting my eyes go to the platform. That's when I see him.

Immediately, my breath catches, but I let it out quickly. He's looking around, and I wonder if he will see me. He has clearly been through hell at the hands of the peacekeepers, and I can feel anger wash over me. However, it soon washes away when I look around me at all the faces worrying about the reaping. It seems strange that that is the least of my worries unlike previous years. My gaze turns back to him, and I try to send him a message in my mind, though I know it is impossible, to let him know that he is going to be alright.

[Jack Lexington]

It doesn't take long for me to figure out what I'm doing on a platform at the reaping. Today will be my trial, if you can call it that, and punishment for what I've done. What other day could scare more people away from committing the same crimes as I did? How could they possibly put out a bigger warning to more people? They can't.
Around the district square cameras are being pointed at various locations including the stage I'm on.

This won't just be punishment. If they go to these lengths I'm not here to get whipped. It will be a public execution. My gut drops and my knees get weak while my world starts spinning like crazy when I realize I will die today. Ever since I've been captured I feared that it could possibly happen but always opted for smaller punishments.
Now things are different. I'm most certain they will kill me. The indescribable fear that overcomes me makes my stomach turn and I start dry heaving.

Of course they won't let me move. With iron grips they hold my upper arms so everybody can get a good look at my panicking face. The hushed words of children staring at me get drowned out by the drumbeat in my ears. Dodong, dodong, dodong, faster, faster, faster.

Then I know I want nothing more that to see her face again and if this is reaping day Nitya is here. Somewhere in the sea of girls in their best dresses. Wildly my eyes dart around scanning the crowd, stopping here and there until they find her. Nitya. Right in the middle in pretty dress and her hair in braids.

Suddenly I can breath again as our eyes connect.
--

Next to Nitya her old friend from school stands frozen. She's pretty as a picture but her face is a tortured mess as she looks over at her. "Last time. If we get through this we're free."
Everybody knew that this was a lie. Nobody was free in Panem but the Capitolites. But they would be as free as they could be.
The girl took her hand totally oblivious to the fact where her friends mind was, whom she hadn't seen so long, and said. "We'll be fine."

--
Behind a row of buidlings near the square the peace keepers have set up their commando center in small shop.
Whoever isn't at the square yet is waiting her to have quick access in case of a riot. Most of them are on alert but some also have to do 'their business'.

Two of these unlucky officials are now out cold on the floor of the bathroom in the shop next door. Not only that but they are also naked and bound with ropes. they kind that fishermen use. The kind that everybody here uses.

Clad in their pretty white uniforms are now Nityas middle and oldest brother, who assume position with the other guards who are waiting to be called in.
Nervously one of the keeps his eye on the peace keepers next to them but Hamill reminds him to act as unsuspicious as possible. The weapons on their belts calm them down somewhat when they hear the countdown for the TV transmission over the speakers.
"Attentions citizens. One minute to the opening speech."

Only moments later three large screens come to life displaying an exact image of the children waiting to be reaped. The stage for the colorful capitolite,who now enters with her blue hair, long fake lashes, feathers, implants and glittery dress from another planet, and one, which holds two peace keepers and a prisoner in a yellow detention jump suit, which makes him stand out like a sore thumb.

[Nitya Demont]

The keepers see the looks and hear the whispers of the crowd. Obviously, they are doing their job quite well. Seeing the prisoner is making people quite nervous, and they look scared about what will happen. It's enough to make them smile, but they don't. Instead, they keep their eyes trained where they are supposed to be with serious looks.

This whole thing will soon be over. After the trouble this one gave them, some of them can't help but hope that it hurts. Not that he'd feel it for long. Punishment is an understatement. The guy is going to die. Then life will go on. Another might take his place somewhere, but they too will be extinguished.
--
I look over at her and try to offer up a smile though only a faint one comes. I'm too nervous for a multitude of reasons. However, I still manage to respond. "Been looking forward to this since the first one we went through." My hand grips hers out of nerves. I can only nod my head a little. So much can go wrong in these next minutes, but I have to keep repeating what my friend has said in my mind. It calms me.

Just as I'm beginning to think that he will never see me, our eyes meet. My grip tightens slightly on Mel's hand, but it relaxes as I continue to look at him. At least I know he has seen me. It hurts to think that he believes this to be his last couple of minutes, but it's also better this way. The rescue hinges on everyone thinking he is dead. I know my brothers will make it seem that way. They will do their part.

Of course, after they have got him away, the only thing I have to worry about is my name being called. If that happens, there's nothing anyone can do. Volunteering is of course possible, but since we are of the upper districts and usually one to do well, most expect those chosen to go on with it. It's a scary thought. However, my main worry is still how well our plan will work. Still, I keep my face calm and pleasant for him. He's watching, and I want him to see that I'm alright even after facing the keepers. If this works, I'm sure that will be discussed later. For now, there's just us.

--
As the countdown to broadcast goes on. Last minute adjustments are made so everything is perfect. Hammil looked at Nick and for a moment wished he could say something to him. However, that was too much of a risk. For now, he had to be a peacekeeper. He had to be the person to deliver the execution so that things would go the way they were supposed to. After all, he had promised.

Things start to buzz as the screens turn on. The brothers keep themselves passive, but is a strange thing to think that the eyes of the whole district and soon all the districts will be on them and this. It is crazy to think about, yet here they are. Soon the music starts to play, and they know it is almost time.

[Jack Lexington]

Her dark eyes are fixed on me but in them I can't see the same panic I'm feeling. Not the fear, nor the sorrow. She looks somewhat confident in her upright posture with her lips slightly curled up at the end. Why is she looking at me like that? I would bet my life on her not enjoying the fact that I'm about to get killed or her position in the reaping crowd. For a moment I draw my brows together in confusing. Then I mouth the words to her that I should have told her when I still had the chance. The words that give meaning to my existence in district 7 and made it all worth while. 'I love you.'

A moment later I feel the hands of the peace keepers next to me yank me back. Over on the other stage the woman from the capitol who is flanked by heavily armed guards has taken her position at the microphone and is now announcing in a cheerful voice that makes me ever more sick to stomach than I already am.
"Welcome children of district seven, welcome people of district seven. What a wonderful day...." The of her chirpy speech becomes a big blurr as I try my best to keep my racing heart under control. The sound of my own heartbeat drowns out her words though until the speech comes to me.

"...special occasion today. We're happy to announce that from today on you people of district 7 can sleep soundly again because we have been able to capture the wanderer, who has intruded your district, and made life here unsafe by stealing and taking advantage of young girls."
A pause in her speech gives people the time to comprehend what's going on. Suddenly I can feel not only all eyes but also cameras on me.
I'm pretty sure the rest of the color fades from my bruised face that hasn't seen the sun in weeks.
"Today Nick Travis will be punished for his crimes. According to article 23 crossing into another district is punishable by 50 strokes and 10 years in the detention center."
A lifetime in prison wouldn't be as bad as getting killed today. There's a small bit of hope rising in me before she continues.
"Given the fact that this man has also committed theft and seduction of underaged girls it has been determined that the adequat punishment will be death."
Her voice hasn't changed one bit since she started although she has just told the world that she will end my life. Now it's certain. There's no way out.
Without warning tears start shooting into my eyes and roll down my face as my face turn bright red while I scream."I never forced anybody to do anything. All I did was look for a better future in another district. So what, what's so bad about that? What are you fear..." I don't get further because I get violently punched in the mouth to shut me up.
All eyes stayed glued to me while people think exactly what I was voicing but nobody dares to say a word.
Instead they shut me up by forcing a gag into my mouth.

A little irritated she continues.
"Watch as the man will pay for crimes he has done to all of you now before the reaping."
All my struggling against the gag and the iron grip that holds me is in vain. I can't get away. I squirm, squeel, twist, turn and cry...in vain.

--
Nityas school friend gasps together with dozens of others when the execution is being announced. Nobody dares to say it but she whispers. "Ripred."
Then she closes her eyes and whispers. "Can you beleive this?"
She squeezes Nityas hand and adds. "Although he surely deserves it!"
Another red haired girl on her other side starts sobbing.

--
Both brothers stand ready behind a row of peace keepers taking good care that their faces don't get captured by any of the cameras for their own safety. Inside both are in uproar. While Hamill is determined to see this through his brother is almost peeing his pants and starts backing up slowly. A warm brotherly hand grabs him by the arm and holds him there. "Don't you do that now. We're his only chance, if he has one at all."



WIP

[Nitya Demont]

Though I feel like I'm drowning on the inside, I manage to keep a calm and encouraging look on my face. At least, I am up until he mouths those words. Then, I feel something snap. I don't lose it completely as that would be disastrous, but I do feel a few tears fall down my face. Fortunately, there are so many others crying that it doesn't stick out. The feeling those words give to me is unbelievable. Carefully, I look around to make sure that nobody is watching and mouth it quickly back. "I love you,too."

My eyes follow him and also look for my brothers. I don't see them which makes me nervous, but I know that I have to have hope. The woman from the Capitol is speaking, but I barely register what she's saying. Besides, it's normally the same speech every year. Of course, I know that this year there will be one change, but if I focus on that I will probably get sick. Instead, I just clench my fists and try to keep breathing. This is all so unreal, but I know that soon it will be over.

When she gets to the part about Nick, I try to drown out what she's saying, but it isn't that easy. My eyes lock on him just as everyone else is looking at him, but I know it isn't the same kind of look. She says something about lashes and imprisonment, but I know that won't be what happens. Even though we have a plan, I can feel a very sick feeling rising up within me. Even though I know he won't die, the thought of seeing him shot makes me want to scream.

Nick screams out that he never forced anybody to do anything, and I want to sob. Hearing him like this is hard, but I can't let myself break. Maybe later I can, but for now I have to act like the rest of the district. When they punch him, I flinch and feel a tug of anger come over me at what they're doing to him. Again, I clench my fists, but nobody would know why even if they had noticed.

My eyes stay glued to him as I watch him struggle through all the emotions I'm sure he's feeling. It's painful to watch. My friend speaks to me, and when she says he surely deserves it, I feel another pang. It's like a knife slowly being twisted into a wound. Nobody understood him. Tears slowly fall down my face, but it isn't out of place. I don't say anything; instead I just hang my head.
--
Before they know it, it's time for the execution. Hammil slowly steps forward with his gun. He makes sure to keep his face from being identified and takes his place in front of the prisoner. Though he knows that he isn't going to kill him, Hammil felt guilty for having to do what he was about to. It was the only way, but still, he had never shot anyone in his life.

Thankfully, it didn't appear that Nick would be able to see who it was that was going to shoot him. The woman made some other remark, and Hammil received the signal to raise the gun and shoot. His arms moved steadily though his insides were battling. This was for his sister just as much as Nick. His eyes focused on the spot very carefully. Then, he took aim and fired. Trying not to watch the body, he put his gun away and started to walk forward to drag him off as his brother stepped forward to help.