Riddle me this. Rhythm you that. [Cameo]

[*]

I woke up this morning in Rhyme's bed. Kind of funny since I hardly remember going in there. Though, there was a calming effect when I did. Waking up to smelling her perfumed pillow and looking out her window upon opening my eyes. Everything just seemed right with the world. Classes all day were a bit weird and for reasons that I can't exactly place my finger on. Everyone seemed to be especially sweet around me, even Jargen who is never nice to anyone. I guess he finally woke up on the right side of the bed. I kept looking to the screen during the lunch period at school, but Alyssa pulled me away to go outside to eat instead. Rather nice outside and I kinda wish Rhyme was here with me to enjoy the cooler weather outside. "Ry. We're practicing after we eat. I didn't get to do anything yesterday. I had to, err, go home right after school. Chores. Ya know. And yeah... mom was kinda harsh on me, too. Did you sleep well last night?" I grin to Alyssa, taking a huge bite of the sandwich and siting it back down on the plate and laying down. The sun above has not a single cloud covering it and it's just a simply perfect day. Not a thing could go wrong. "Do you want to come over later tonight, Lysa? Dad's being really cooperative day. I think he'll be good with you staying if you wanted to. How about it?" I question her, turning on my side and looking over her. She shrugs her shoulders. "I dunno if I should. I mean, I need to catch up on my dance routine and so do you. Then again, it might be good if we did. I'll see if I can or not. No promises." She tells me and I let my shoulders quickly shrug in a quick manner and lay back down, putting my hands under my head and crossing my feet over each other. "Well, if it isn't rock-a-bye Rhythm... how's your sister doing?" She taunts me and I push myself to a sitting position. Alyssa, on the other hand, is already flipping her off. I grin, stiffle a giggle and bite my bottom lip to stay quiet. "Go away, Ashley. You aren't welcome here." I make a motion to assist my best friend in shooing away the three by waving my hand in a curved manner, telling them to shoo. "Yeah. Isn't is time for you to get a life and go bother someone else for a change? Or didn't I hit you hard enough yesterday? I like the color. Very in." Alyssa snorts beside me, and covers her mouth while I can practically see Ashley fuming, while Amber and Melanie scoff beside her. "You know, you're sister is never coming back, Rhythm. We'll never have to listen to her again in class and now, you have no one to protect you, so I'd watch that mouth of yours. Got me?" I lift my left eyebrow, purse my lips and them make a smooching sound toward her. "I'd watch that mouth of yours before you have to kiss my ass. Lysa, can we get out of here?" I ask and without another question, she's gotten up and the three girls are left in our wake as we enter the building again. "What's up with them? Why would they say that about Rhythm? She'll be back as soon as she finishes the games. It's only day three." I say and someone just happens to call Alyssa over to their table and she puts her finger up to me and dashes over, leaving me to empty my tray by myself. I smack the tray against the garbage can and put it into the opening and turn around to see Amber staring at me. "Ashley wants to talk to you... privately. She wants to apologize." I look at her and she gives me an innocent look and holding her hands up before going on. "I'm serious. She want's to make it up to you. She didn't realize that you would get so mad at her. Follow me." "I don't have time, Amber. I have somewhere to... Ow. Let go." Her hand encircles my wrist and squeezes me as she pulls me without letting go. Her grip only gets tighter. Around the next corner, I can see the two of them waiting and the snarl on Ashley's face tells me she's not about to apologize at all. "Ashley, I don't have time for this. Just say what you want and be done with it." "Oh, I don't have anything to say. I want to show you something." She wags her index finger at me and I don't budge. Instead, I turn away from her and start walking back to where I last saw Alyssa. Instantly, I'm being thrown backwards and the wall stops me from falling, followed by Ashley and her two friends beside her. "Don't... walk away from me when I'm talking to you, Morales. You know, I was going to be nice and apologize for your sister dying yesterday..." "She's not dead, idiot. Go watch the news. She's still fighting. The games aren't over. Now get out of my way." I spat out, shoving her back and pushing my way through Amber only to feel the wind being knocked out of me and doubling over, clutching my stomach. Pain zipping in and out of my stomach and sending a wave of nausea to curse my stomach as I dry heave over my knees. "That's for calling me an idiot, little Rhythm."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

R I D D L E.

Each waking moment it seems as though my thoughts are revolved around the Morales family, ever since that particular horrifying incident occurred. Okay let’s be honest, my focus has been upon them from the reaping. Already their half-brother is the closest friend I’ve obtained, and the other two have been plaguing my mind since Rhyme was shipped off to the Capitol. The minute my eyes were graced by her twin Brother, his image has yet to falter from my vision. And her little sister? Guilt has cursed me since the beginning. But ever since I held her from escaping Ruckus, experienced providing her comfort, she’s become another little sister I must protect with my life.

Again my gaze scans every inch of the school for the third day in a row. I can’t be surprised if they don’t show themselves for a bit, but also no one else can blame me for the fact that I’m searching for them. It’d probably be inappropriate to arrive at their house simply because I was granted with the privilege of walking them home. This leaves me with catching them in a communal place as my only option. And what better chance then these hallways?

A harsh sigh escapes my lungs as I’m left defeated once again. Of course I’m pleased with my ability to support Rhapsody through all of this, but something internal pains me to help them all. I have a sense of failure within me. That is until a loud thud and growing voices draw my attention. It’s as though my ears have superpowers as they perk up with instinct to dissect what’s going on. Instinctively my feet hurl me over to the erupting noises, only to spot Rhythm surrounded by her unkind foes.

My features pinch as I witness knuckles carving into the young Blonde’s stomach, and instantly my pace is brutal. “What’s going on here?” I scold with a harsh tone before I’m even within ten feet. The moment I reach the girls I’m pushing them aside, and automatically shielding Rhythm behind me. “How will other’s react if I share that you’re starting an unmatched brawl? And with a tribute’s sibling.” I resist mentioning the fact that she’s also grieving over this sister. But the last I observed, she didn’t completely come to terms with the final conclusion.

“You mean…” This bully wants to make it worse and bring up that fact, but I cut her off.

“Just what I said. Now scat before word gets out.” I threaten with a hardening face. Doesn’t take them long to do just as I ordered. Again my expression softens the second I turn to Rhythm though. Without thought I bend at the knees, balancing on the tip of my feet, to get relatively leveled with her. “You alright there, Munchkin?” I question, referring to that unwelcoming fist that greeted her stomach.

A sorrowful joy joins me with her presence. I’m truly happy to see that she’s not melting into her sister’s bed, as she was the other night. “When’s the last time you saw your sister on the screen?” I question in a hushed toned, unsure of what I may spark, but desperate to know where she stands in her sister’s death. Has she arrived at the dreadful understanding yet?

[*]

I can remember one time when I had the breath knocked out of me. It was scary and a little bit painful in the part that I couldn't get my lungs to function the right way or even take in a deep breath, but this feels nothing like that one time. Instead of landing on my back, the girl's fist made contact with my stomach, forcing the air out so violently that I have simply forgotten how to even try to inhale. It only comes out in a horrible gasp mixed with the need to expel the contents of my stomach if there was any. On my knees, crouched over trying to get my focus, I hear the muffled and flirty sounds of the girls above me and wonder why they aren't attacking me anymore. Are they done with their torture for today? Why did they stop? "Don't... need..." I can't get the words out beyond the heaving to get air and choke back a squeak as I start to cough faintly in efforts of getting the air to pull into my lungs. The darkness around my vision already is starting to tunnel and if I don't get this under control, then I'm going to pass out, I know. I ball up my fist, hitting the ground in frustration as I hear the pitter patter of feet exiting and then there is no sound anymore and for a moment I feel alone. Completely alone and curious if I'll be able to recover in peace and without comment from my rescuer, but that doesn't happen. Good. You alright there, Munchkin?" That's the voice from the other day when all this bullying began. When people started lying to me about Rhyme. That nickname that has been given to me from this stranger instantly makes that scent waft into my nose without him being close enough and I feel my body relaxing ever so quickly and then finally, a small, but lengthy breath slowly enters my lungs. However, my arms still clutch over my stomach and I let my forehead touch the ground as I moan. "No." I simply put it. A moment of quiet comes next as well as a few short breaths and the pain starts to recede from my stomach enough that I can finally sit up slowly and look unto my savior who, coincidently, reminds me of my sister. "A few days ago when the rumors started." I actually manage a full sentence before having to take a few more heavy breaths as if I've ran a marathon and gently, I press myself against the wall. I still keep my hand over my stomach, and look over to Riddle. "Thank you." I tilt my head back and grimace as I push up from the wall and remain unmoving for a few moments. "I'm a career. I swear... they just hit me in a sensitive area." I complain and fear that he might think I'm weak. "I think they broke something. Has to be it. Wouldn't hurt this much if they didn't break something, right? Next time, I'll be wearing a vest of nails and see how they like it." I break a grin and give in to sitting back down. "Don't tell a soul I said that. If those girls get any notion that they even phased me, they'll be back again." I'm pleased right now cause the words aren't coming out hoarse anymore and I can actually try to complete sentences without sounding like an old man. "Was you stalking me?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

R I D D L E.

That tiny forehead collapses to the ground in attempts to clutch her stomach and rid of the overwhelming agony engrossing her. Instinctively my left palm lands on her back in a gentle sooth, with an attempt to absorb away her pain. A child of her age doesn’t deserve this. She’s struggling with her sister’s death, and her peers only wish to make it worse. For once I’m thankful for the staggering number of younger sisters I’ve been granted. Each of them is another person I’m able to shield from this. Each of them taught me how to protect others as I care for them. They prepared me for the Morales family.

“Just try to breath,” I advice in a soft manner before patiently waiting for Rhythm to recollect herself. Unfortunately I’m unable to provide her with physical payback against her enemies, given the disposition difference and fighting ranks. My racing blood doesn’t even tempt me to achieve such an act, despite my hatred towards what has happened. I only discover myself grateful for preventing any more from occurring, and that I’m here for her now. Now to only discover how her mental battle has been treating her.

Soon enough Rhythm pushes herself up to heavily lean against the wall, leaving my palm free to maneuver myself to sit beside her. Obviously I have no intent on traveling elsewhere. Why else would I bring up a question that’s potentially an extended conversation? Seems as though every day that passes my connection to the Morales’s thickens. And what better way to understand it, then understanding them?

She speaks so calmly as she clashes with her need of balancing out her breathing to the proper pace. Positivity illuminates from her determination that Rhyme’s death is simply a rumor. And I’m trapped in the debate of enforcing the brutal truth, or comforting her. “Not much has happened.” I assure her in a complete lie while remaining stuck in my conflict. Least I stay relatively neutral without mentioning Rhyme? Yet I completely neglect the many more deaths that have occurred, and her sister’s face flashing among the stars she’s now apart of. But I refuse to be the one that enlightens her to that brutal truth.

“Don’t mention it.” I brush off with a saddening grin when Rhythm thanks me for stepping in. If anything I feel an obligation to thank her. Without the few I’m capable of defending, I’d be useless. I’d be that unimportant, sensitive little boy I used to be. But apparently I’m not the only one craving to appear more powerful then I truly am. Suddenly Rhythm forces herself from the ground. All the while I stay put on the floor, hopefully providing the height I’m certain she’s desiring.

To stand her ground while being surrounded by bullies already illustrates the strength this Rugrat truly has. Not once did she scream out for help. Yet she finds a need prove herself by mentioning that she is indeed a career, and how they simply carved into a fragile spot. I only grin in understanding as I listen. Eventually she slides back down past my level to sit, expressing how she might of broken something if she’s experiencing this extent of pain. Guess she really is strong enough that she’s avoided such injuries in the past.

“Nah. It doesn’t seem they hit any bone, only organs. And if one of those were very damaged, there’d be more signs.” I try to reassure her with a lowering smirk. “Just hurts as much as a broken bone for a minute.” A twist in my own stomach reminds me of what that feels like.

The energy changes drastically when Rhythm worries I might share the pain they’ve caused her. Immediately the corners of my lips flip to a downward spiral at the simple idea of doing such a thing. “They’ll most likely be back no matter what…” Probably not what I should say, but from what I observed it’s the truth. These unappealing females will be after her through thick and thin. And I can only keep up one fairytale for her; Rhyme’s not dead. “But from what I witnessed you scared those girls off.” And hopefully I save myself from being offensive.

I have a kneejerk reaction to promise her safety from this ever happening again. But I can’t. It’s another thing I can’t guarantee, and it torments me. There have been occasions in the past where I discovered I didn’t protect my loved one from harm. It’s the worst feeling, and knowing my vow was also tainted increased the self-destruction. “That will never happen again if I can help it.” Yet my words formulate a way to give Rhyme this pledge anyways. At least she knows I’ll do everything within my power to prevent it.

After a moment the mood changes suddenly, and within my preference. Actual humor passes through Rhyme’s voice. She wonders if I was stalking her. “You caught me…” I pretend to admit though it’s slightly factual. I was searching for her and her brother, but I’d never speak of that. “But who wouldn’t want to know the little sister of the bad ass Rhyme Morales?” Honestly I never really paid Rhyme the time of day given that snarky attitude of hers, but I can infer that Rhythm holds great compassion for her.

“I heard you’re just as tough as she is.” Okay, that’s slightly another lie. This information was given from what I have gathered, but it’s fact nonetheless. “Obviously that’s true since those girls needed some revenge from the other day.” I wink at her with the reminded of the damage she’s caused them. All I desire is to see a grin upon those innocent cheeks. Why must the Panem be so cruel?

[*]

I don't know how this person suddenly became part of my life and that of my brother's but I'm really glad he's here. He was incredibly sweet to keep me from running off the other day when the rumors started about my sister. Who knows what I would have done if I had made it outside into the fresh air. I could have easily ran until my legs gave out or I met with a peacekeeper at the fence's edge. Maybe I could have even passed it all together and would have been consumed by some ravenous beast out for blood and a tiny, morsel to eat. As it is, once again, he's saved me from myself. He's appeared out of nowhere at the most opportune time to keep me from hurting myself or letting someone else hurt me anymore. I wish I could have taken a picture when he showed up cause I would love to have seen the look on the girl's faces when he did. If it looked anything similar to the day that Rhyme had interviened that one day, it would have been priceless. The man's explaination about the spot they hit seems logical. I'm sure if it was bone I wouldn't be standing and if it was an organ, then I would still be laid up. Maybe I'm just being a whimp? "You can say that again. Well, a bruise is enough to show that I went down with dignity and honor. This girl don't call for help." I tell him, hoping to make it seem like that his help wasn't of dire need and that he didn't have to step in. Then again, I flash him a gentle grin and an eyebrow lift to kinda ease off any ill definition of my words. Then, he tells me that they'll be back again. Since this hasn't been the first time that this has occured, then I just nod. "You can't scare them off. They are like freak'in cats. They keep coming back. They never learn. They will never back off." I tell him and keep rubbing the spot where the knuckles had carved straight into my stomach. The pain was lessening but still throbbing. I can't let this guy see me be a wimp, so I suck it up. "I hate cats." I scoff at that phrase and Riddle tells me that he'll try to prevent it from happening again and immediately, I feel like he's having to defend me without me asking. Something I don't want. Those girls will only keep coming at me if they know that when I don't have someone around, that they will have to play nice. No. One of these days, I will meet with them and show them a lesson or two. They will regret messing with me, but it's just a matter of time. "You don't have to, Ridd. I got this covered. They are girls. I'm a girl. I just gotta woman up and they will back off. No everyone has common sense to know when to back off." I wittle my idea at him, trying to make it seem as if everything will be alright. I look over at him, half grinning to see this older guy, probably my brother's age or more sitting beside some little girl. What must people be thinking? That either he's crazy or I'm flirting with him but it's neither. He seems to embody another big brother for me and I kinda wish he would stay like this. I like the guy. He's really cool, actually. "You caught me..." He admits to my detective work about stalking. His tone though seems like he's being truthful about the whole ordeal which makes me wonder but not ask any further. A confession slips through his mouth and I raise my eyebrows out of amusement. "You want to know me? Because of who my sister is? You're crazy." I tell him, giving him an honest grin, chuckling under my breath a bit and shrugging my shoulders. "She is pretty... bad ass. She's my sister. She's taught me everything I know. She is my best friend." I sigh. "I miss her though." "I heard you're just as tough as she is." I nod my head. "Didn't you hear me? I said that's where Iearned it all from. Rhyme was the best. She's the strongest tribute these games and I can't wait until she gets home because I just want to hug her and show her off to the girls who started that awful rumor. I swear, people have been a little bit nicer since that day. They seem to notice that you can't talk about my family without getting something in return. Bad or good. Those girls will learn sooner or later when she returns. She'll show them. She'll have my back but she's gotta just survive a few more days." I sigh again, and suddenly throw my arm out, hitting him on the upper arm and then folding my arms in to my body. "Thanks to you, I'll have to keep turning my head everytime those girls come around because they are going to think you've become my bodyguard since Rhyme is gone." I snicker and put on such a squinty face and tilt my head to the side. "Why don't you teach me some moves, eh? I mean, I might as well start learning something new since Rhyme is gone for a few more days and then who knows how long till she comes home cause I know she's going to love it in the big city. She was made for it. For all I know, she won't want to come back and instead live it up in the capitol." I tilt my head back against the wall, and roll it slightly until both of my eyes are set upon him and I look at his chin to his cheek to his eyes and give him a desperate look. "Whaddya say, ole buddy? Riddle? Riddy? Ridd? Give me something to show my sister when she returns? Show her that I've not completely neglected my studies or training since she's been gone. I know she will hate it if I didn't keep going." This time I place my hands together in the form of a prayer and poke my lower lip out. "Please?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

R I D D L E.

“Well, I’m allergic to cats. So I’m not too fond of them either.” I comment when Rhythm relates her enemies to felines. “No wonder those girls irritate me.” A short, soft laugh escapes me through a huff while I shake my head in disbelief. After all these years I have yet to understand the concept of bullying, whether physical or mental. But what baffles me even further, is why these cruel children would enhance it after a sibling’s death. It’s not like they’re the ones morning. And here Rhythm is keeping a better attitude then they could ever even fake.

To validate my point further, the tiny Blonde reassures me that I don’t have to try preventing this from reoccurring. Apparently she can handle all three of them on her own, which I don’t doubt if it was under the right circumstance. From observing her enemies thus far though, it’s difficult to believe they’d pick a relatively fair brawl. But Rhythm’s right about one thing; they lack common sense.

Finally a glimpse of those shiny teeth forms a petite smile my way, making her validation all that much better. Of course I still worry over her future encounters with these girls, but at least I know they have yet to crush her glowing spirit. Automatically a grin folds across my own lips in response. “Just make sure you’re careful Munchkin.” I suggest lightly, not wanting to order her around like the little sister I feel that she is.

Speaking of the odd connection I already sense, I blatantly admit to wanting to know the famous little sister of Rhyme Morales. Of course I avoid mentioning how she’s recognizable through being a sibling of a dead tribute most of all. How could I possibly take that light from her eyes? Especially as she uses present tense with her confidence. One will certainly miss Rhyme, even if that particular youngster isn’t aware of her passing.

That dreadful misconception erupts next as Rhythm mentions her morale in her sister’s return. How ironic. She’s determined that they’ll be reunited, and that her rivals will be intimidated off for good when this occurs. Again I’m trapped within this conflict of how to react. I refuse to be the one that reveals that undesired truth, despite my hatred towards lying. But I simply can’t. The outcome of her discovering what her brain’s struggling to ignore, scares me. So my smirk grows fabricated upon my cheeks as I continue to listen to the tiny Rascal.

Out of the nowhere her tiny hand smacks into my shoulder, before she complains that she’ll constantly have to be turning her heads while the other girls are around. Apparently they’ll predict that I’m her new bodyguard now that Rhyme’s absent. “Just stare them down like a hawk.” I encourage with a gentle nudge her way. “Tell them I’m close-by from across the room.”

Then even more spontaneously, Rhythm requests that I train her a little in the career field. She wants nothing more then to have some new clever moves to impress her sister with when she arrives home alive and well. If only she knew. A cough rumbles through my throat as I get a slight unease, though it’s not due to the information she’s unaware of. I want to teach her how to defend herself, but not for career purposes.

When my attention finally focused upon the screen a couple of days ago I felt no deep remorse for the older dying Blonde, perhaps a slight sadness but nothing more. Yet within that very time until now I can’t bare the thought of witnessing her younger sister experiencing the same thing. Like I stated already, I’m determined to protect Rhythm in any way possible. But training her to fight in the Arena would be doing the complete opposite.

Unfortunately she continues to press over the matters. “Well…” I’m seconds away from confessing that I wish to never see her in the games, when she adds in a please. Either way I’d insist on teaching her to protect herself, guess there’s no need for arguing over the purpose of training. “Okay.” And as simple as that I’m caving into the Rugrat’s request.

“Let’s go.” I insist suddenly. Sure I’m being a bad influence, but we’ll only be missing the last class. And though she’s unaware of this, the teacher’s will be perfectly fine with her absence. “No point in risking running into those chicks again.” Just like that I’m upon my feet and offering a hand out to her. “Think your brother will care?” Because that’s probably the only concern we’d be faced with.

Riddle. His unforgettable features flash before my eyes. The last thing I want is to make him upset, but would it be worthy to assist his sister to happiness? Curious eyes remain on Rhythm, patiently awaiting an answer. If anyone were to know, it’d be her. “I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble with him.” Though it’s honestly the both of us that I’m concerned over now.

[*]

It's true. Since Rhyme has been gone to the capitol to appear into these games, those girls have seemed to step up their need to torment me just a little more than normal.I will never understand why though. Why would they want to hurt me or to mentally put me through hell just to satisfy their own diabolical needs. It's ridiculous in all honesty and I'm glad that this newcomer in my my life understands me. He even tries to tell me to be careful like my big sis does, who wasn't that verbal. She did more in threatening stares and intimidation but I like his ways as well. He's kinda like another big brother of mine.

"Just stare them down like a hawk. Tell them I'm close -by from across the room."

"Brilliant idea, but then they will just wait until you aren't around or will be looking out for you and then do their dirty work. But don't you fear, little one." I taunt, grinning ear to ear. "I has a plan to destroy them, but never you fear. It's only as a last resort."

I give a definate head shake to him and become curiouser if he'll train me in the arts of his training. If he'll show me more than Rhyme would have or different techniques. I'm ever so curious if I might even impress him and Rhyme later on. So, opposite of Rhyme, I press my hands together and poke my lower lip out in a pleading manner, tilting my head to the side and muttering one word.

"Well... okay."

"Yes!" I jump twice in pure excitement and pure joy giving that he just accepted my ever so clever plea to get him to teach me. All I can think about now is how long I have until Rhyme comes home and I actually get to show her what I've learned and hope that she'll still want to train me when she becomes a victor. A quick set unease rumbles in my tummy at the thought that once she gets back, she might want to train me.

So, I simply shut that negativity out of my life and look to Riddle once again with a pleasant grin. "Let's go! Let's go! Time to get this show on the road!" My voice trills away in a rhythmic tone while I take two quick skips to the right before listening to him and turning to meet his gaze.

"They can bite me." I nod my head with a 'matter-of-fact' type of command followed by a light laugh. Then something catches me off guard when he suddenly asks about my brother caring for him training me. I shake my head and shrug my shoulders.

"Why would he care? He would probably love for me to be trained by as many people as possible, right? I mean, come on. Who else will be invinsible once the games are pushed my way? I will follow in Rhymes footsteps and becoming amazing. Why do you ask?"

I question him and throw my hands to the right, waving him on to meet up with me. "Oh! I won't get in trouble. Don't worry, Riddle." I chew on my lower lip for a moment and then grin a heavy grin. "You know. You fit in with us a bit. Ya know why? You have an 'R' name. All cool people have 'R' names. Rhyme. Ruckus. Me, of course and you, Riddle. You fit right in. Have you met Ruckus yet? If not, you should."

I bounce up and down on the balls of my feet as I try to urge him faster. "If we're going to train, I don't want to turn thirteen early. Get a move on it! What are we going to do first?"