I believe I can fly {Frankel}

[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

T

he sun glistened through the window of my room as it slowly peaked over the horizon signaling the start of a new day. Yawning, I stretch my arms above my head trying to take the sleepiness away. Sleepiness today isn't an option because it's a day spent with Mina. I've only spent time with her once, and that was on a surfboard riding the waves, but today we're doing something else. Something that I've never tried to do before in my entire life, cliff diving. In a way it sounds scary. Who would want to jump off a cliff? But at the same time, it sounds like fun. Like an adrenaline rush. And ripred knows I love adrenaline rushes.

My feet hit the cold floor sending chills throughout my entire body. The boards creak beneath the weight of my body as I walk towards the closet alerting everyone in the house that I'm awake, yet they're opinions doesn't matter. If they want to make fun of me for finding a friend, it's on them. It goes to show that my family has no priorities if all they want is to keep me away from everyone. Falcon can have all the freedom in the world, yet I'm stuck living a nightmare. It's always me the answer to, but that's okay because I've finally found something to do. I could always move out too.

I quickly get ready before heading out of the house not looking back.

The walk to the beach isn't much. It's the same distance every day, but this time it's different. Normally I have my surfboard in hand waiting for a chance to ride the waves. Surfing has become my life. But it's so lonely on the waves when nobody else is there with me.

Today I'm standing there waiting for Mina to show. This is the place we agreed to meet for a new adventure. A chance to find out what she enjoys. A chance to build a friendship between the two of us. All I need is a friend. Yet many questions run throughout my entire mind. What if she doesn't show? What if she just set me up? What if the other night was just a dream and I'm facing reality now? Shaking my head I force the thoughts away. She wouldn't do that to me, would she?

Sitting in the sand, I run my fingers through my hair as a gentle breeze flies through the air. The waves are calling me, and I know I need to go to them, yet I have all the time in the world for them. Right now, I only have enough time for Mina because who knows if we'll both be here another day. Life is short, especially with the hunger games, so it's important to live each day like it's the last. Never giving up. Never changing anything.

Closing my eyes, I allow myself to relax as I prepare for another great adventure with a friend.

template by anzie

500 words

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

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Mina Knudsen

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Blasting its glare through the curtains, I’d groan at the sun’s alarm would awake me. Every morning is a battle for me, I hate it. Whoever invented the morning should be damned, how is it easily possible to roll out of such a comfy bed? It’s hard to let go of my relationship with the comfort as I have spent so many hours with it during the night. But today all the groaning and moaning must be deposited for I am to hang out with Teagan again and this time we’re doing something I like, cliff diving! But the bed is so comfy…five more minutes?

No Mina.

Battling it out inside me, an internal war between motivation and laziness would play itself out; the winner being motivation. Dragging myself from the bed, my feet would hit the splintering wooden floorboards as I’d prepare myself for today. My brothers and father of course will be out working but unfortunately my mother is still in the house. I haven’t bothered telling her about my activity for today, I know she will try and deter me from doing it. Even though my father used to get involved with me and my brothers antics on the beach, my mother always protested about it, she is a safety freak. She just needs to learn how to loosen up a little.

Throwing on some clothes, I’d quickly get myself ready for the day; I am probably running late anyway. It is a norm for me so I always have a plan of getting out of it. Trotting downstairs, I’d slip into the kitchen, grapping an apple. Usually I’d skip breakfast but today it seems my stomach is protesting about being starved. I don’t want the feeling of being hungry, ruining my experience with Teagan, I want to live through it all happy.

Popping out of the door, I’d head out of the house. Anticipation for this day has been taking over my mind since the moment we left the beach that night. During sleep I have been dreaming about our night on the ocean under the moon’s light, my prediction of it never leaving my mind was true. Hopefully this day will be as good as that night, for I am the host of the activity today although it will be different to that night. This time we actually know each other a little bit and I am determined to learn a bit more today. Does Teagan have the balls to jump off the cliff like I do?

Quickening my pace, I know I am definitely behind the time I told Teagan to expect me. Speeding from a walk to a slight jog, my mind would be running with the possibilities of the day. Will he even be there? Has he bailed out on me? Will he enjoy it? Could we get hurt? Wiping away the paranoia swamping my head, I’d reach the beach. As the sand would hit my bare feet, a sudden rush of relaxation would take over my body.

Scanning the beach for Teagan, I’d quickly identify him sat in the sand. Trotting over to him, a smile would trail from one ear to the other. ”Hey Teagan!”

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Words: 533

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[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

P

art of me wonders if she’ll actually show.

Red and orange reflect off the ocean as the sun begins to climb higher into the sky. It’s so different compare to the reflection of the moon during the night. It’s mesmerizing watching the different birds in the sky. The clouds even match the color of the sun. Purple glistens across the sky, and on top of it all, the waves crash down against the beach leaving a joyful tune in my ears. It’s amazing standing here digging my toes into the sand watching as children slowly make their way to the beach to enjoy the day. Yet I can’t help but wonder if Mina actually stood me up.

My fingers dig holes into the sand around me. If I had a bucket, I would create a wonderful sandcastle while waiting, but I didn’t bring anything. I only brought myself because that’s all I needed. I didn’t have time to grab anything else as I thought I was running late, yet it appears everyone runs late on the same days.

Surfing was fun. It meant the world to me allowing her the chance to explore the waves like many people long for. She enjoyed every single moment of it, and it made my boring night into a better one. Mina has invited me to go cliff diving - I still don’t understand why anyone would want to jump off a cliff into water. Perhaps it’s fun? I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.

Bringing my knees to my chest, I watch as children wade into the ocean for the very first time in the morning. The water has to be getting cooler now that the summer is slowly going away although it always feels like summer here. The temps are nice, but even with the nicest temps horrible winters can come about. Storms brewing from the coast never ends well. They’re dangerous. Extremely dangerous

“Hey Teagan!”

Her voice rings through my ears. The corners of my list into a genuine smile as I push myself into a standing position. Butterflies slowly dance around inside my stomach twisting my intestines into knots little by little. I’m so glad that she’s here, and I can’t wait to experience the thrill of jumping off a cliff with her - I hope she’s done it before. .Turning to face her, I can’t wipe the goofy grin from my face. “I’m so happy to see you!”

My heart leaps inside my chest as I cross my arms in front of me rubbing the skin on my arms trying to make the hairs rest normally.

“So, where is this place?” I ask hoping today is just as good as the surfing night, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind it’ll be anything worse than fantastic.

template by anzie

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

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Mina Knudsen

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Rubbing away the sleep that still infests in my eyes, I’d try to hide away my tiredness. No matter how hard I try to fight the power of the morning, I abruptly fail. I’ve grown to use to not being a morning person and it seems the night time is the only moment my body wants to be alive. I don’t want to look drowsy in front of Teagan, I want to actually look like I am enjoying myself. Unfortunately, we’re unable to do cliff diving during the night, I am sure it wouldn’t be safe. I am an adrenaline drunky but I’d rather not end up dead in the ocean.

Pouring out the limited energy inside of me, the awakening sun seems to be more energetic than myself. Pouring its rays across the growing blue sky, it welcomes a new day to the District of Four. Many have already flocked to the beach, be it to relax or to work, many people are already beginning their business. Thankfully, I pleaded my way out of work today, seeing as I haven’t had a full day off for weeks. Who would want to be gutting fish to miss out an opportunity like this? Anyone not normal, most likely someone like my mother.

Excitement begins to roll around inside of me, as anticipation begins to build. He’s here, we’re ready to go. The thought of him not turning up had not crossed my mind. I don’t see why he would miss such opportunity. From what I learned from that night, he is a sweet guy and I doubt he’d turn me down.

Stretching across my face, a smile would begin to take over my expression. I’m so happy to see you!” His comment would send butterflies inside of me. Flattered at his remark, I can feel my cheeks begin to burn, they’re probably a shade of red to his eyes. Giggling slightly, I’d try to hide my blushing with my hand, as I spin around into the direction to the cliff.

Appropriately, I picked a meet up point which wasn’t too far away from the cliff base where we are going to jump from. I’ve been here so many times with my brothers, it is like another home. I have a map to the area carved inside my head. Since I suggested the idea to Teagan, memories of us together there have played through in my mind. I miss those moments so dearly but I feel so pleased that I could be reliving them with Teagan.

”It’s not too far away, just up the beach, we’ll have to climb up some steps to get there but it’s not hard. I used to come here all the time.” Leading the way to the destination, excitement would charge my legs, my mind swimming in possibilities. I do hope Teagan will enjoy this.

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[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

P

eople flood the beach. The shouts of joyful children ring through my ears. It’s amazing what a little bit of water can do for a person, yet at the same time it all seems so far away. The waves call to me, but there’s always time to surf and hang out with the guys in the lineup. Today is devoted to cliff diving with Mina. I’ve always wanted to try something new, and this is the perfect chance. It’s a chance to show my family that I’m more than a mess up. That I can get back up when the world knocks me down like it has done so many times.

Falcon laughs over and over because he’s the perfect child. He’s never messed up. He’s a strong career. He’s the one mom and dad want to go off to the games. I doubt they would even care if I died. But that’s besides the point because I have found a friend. Just a few nights ago she was a complete stranger. Someone I hadn’t ever seen before, yet she noticed me. She asked for a ride, and the waves was perfect.

Today is going to be perfect no matter what.

Running a hand through my hair, I chuckle a bit more of nerves than anything. Immediately I shift my gaze towards the sand, yet when she turns around away from where we’re standing, I follow suit. In the distance stands cliffs high above the water. Isn’t it dangerous to fall that far? Butterflies dance around inside my stomach for a split second. And everything inside of me is screaming to run away and pretend like this had never happened, but leaving her behind wasn’t an option. Oh quit being a baby, Teagan. It’s going to be fun.

At least she’s been there before. She knows where we’re going, and with that I trust her. I will follow her because what could possibly go wrong? Everything. Falling to your death. Dying. Shifting my weight unevenly from side to side I can’t hide the ever growing grin. Today is going to be one of the best days ever.

“Let’s do it!” I almost shout at the top of my lungs, but each words grows quieter and quieter as I realized what I had done. When she starts moving, I follow behind her without a worry in my mind. “Just don’t get me lost because I don’t want to get lost.” Shrugging my shoulders and follow behind her.

template by anzie

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

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Mina Knudsen

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Splashing at my ankles, sand begins to attack my naked feet. The beach has the best surface to walk on. Springy and soft, occasionally warm to the sole of the foot. It is also the best place to fall asleep on. The sand somehow wraps itself around me, cradling me from the cold. Despite it always finding its way into clothes and especially knickers, it is still the best place to walk. Not the concrete roads outside my house that likes to peel my skin off whenever I fall onto it, the sand is a great cushion and it is hard to injure yourself on it.

I’ve never planned something like this before. Whenever I have hung out with anyone, they’ve always been the one set the quota for the day. I need to make sure it is a brilliant day, a day to remember like the first night we spent together. I’ve been craving time to spend with Teagan since that night and today seems an optimistic one.

Beginning the journey to the cliffs, only the excitement for the moment swirls around in my mind. This will be so fun. Memories of the times I spent with my brothers here, sit well as evidence for my excitement. The adrenaline before you step off the cliff edge, the split second of stillness when you plummet to the water and the relief when the ocean captures you. It is such a magical moment and I can’t wait to spend it with Teagan. Maybe if he enjoys it, we can spend more days like this together…forever. I think I’ve found a lifelong friend and I don’t want to let go of our growing bond together.

I don’t care if my mother will unimpressed with our friendship. I am old enough now to tear through the chains she has wrapped around me. All my life she has forced me to do the things she wants me to do. I’ve never had the chance to lead my own life and only recently have I slowly begun to slip a few limbs out of the cage she has around me. Hopefully these days spent outdoors will be the guiding point for my escape and maybe Teagan could be my accomplice.

Glancing back towards Teagan, a smile would flash onto my face. ”Oh we won’t get lost, don’t worry.” I begin to worry that Teagan might be frightened about the activity that we’re going to start. I haven’t even asked him if he enjoys things like this. I feel like I have just thrown him into it. Moving back towards Teagan, I’d slip my hand onto his, holding it gently. ”Don’t worry, I’ve done this so many times.” As I hold his arms, a warm sensation sends vibrations through my body. A flush of emotions takes over my veins. Just the slight touch of his skin has sent me in all these directions. There is something hypnotizing about him. Shaking off the thought, I’d continue to guide us to our location.

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[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

S

and sweeps between my toes with each step I take. At least it’s not blistering the bottoms of my feet like the hot pavement. It’s usually why I spend so much time at the beach because it helps keep me cool and relaxed. It’s also helps to figure out what people are doing for the day. Yet today it doesn’t matter. I don’t know if anyone will be at the cliffs with us which leaves an eerie feeling inside of me. What if we fall? What if an accident happens? What if one of us gets hurt? Question after question flies across my mind, but I place a smile on my face doing everything that I can to hide the fear eating away at my insides.

At least she’s happy. That’s all that matters right now. Today has to be perfect. Nothing will happen because she said she’s done this many times before. Yet the feeling of being lost still lingers in the back of my mind - it’s much better than the thoughts of jumping to my death. Heights have bothered me for the longest time, but spending time with a new friend is something that’ll allow me to face the fear. It’s not exactly the fear of heights that’s bothering me, it’s the fear of falling. I’ve fallen from a surfboard before, but it wasn’t enough to do any type of harm. Falling from a cliff is enough to paralyze someone or worse kill them.

Taking a deep breath, I continue following along behind her. My eyes dart in every direction praying for some sort of landscape to etch into my mind. At least she knows where we’re going. It helps ease the nerves a tiny bit, but the butterflies continuing dancing inside my stomach twisting my intestines into knots - it’s a good thing I haven’t ate today. And then she slips her hand into mine. It completely catches me off guard, and I’m sure my face has turned three shades of red, but her words are calming. Something about them almost completely wipes away the nerves.

Yet I still want to turn around while I can. It’s best to just run away now instead of having feelings of regret in mid jump. So much can go wrong even for the most trained professionals. But I would regret it so much if I was just to chicken out right now and walk away like a coward. But I am a coward.

I can’t let this knock me down. I have to stand up and keep going. I’m sure Mina wouldn’t lead me to anything that would harm either of us. Surfing with her was a huge risk, but it was one I was willing to take. That risk led to a friendship. I just hope the friendship stays for all eternity. “How often did you come here?” It’s a question to learn more about it. One to ease my mind. But in all reality, I just want to have a conversation because that’s the best way to get to know people.

template by anzie

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

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Mina Knudsen

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Facing my fears has been a key element in my life but I learned something to deter from doing it. The only words that my mother has blessed me with, which I actually believe. We’re giving fear for a reason, to stop us from dying. If we weren’t all afraid of something, we’d all be dropping like flies due to stupid things. It’s a natural instinct which we shouldn’t have to overcome. Even if someone is afraid of the littlest things, it isn’t bad at all. Thankfully I am not one bit afraid of heights, which means it will probably not be my killer. My only great fear is dead fish and well I work with them every day so I’ve already predicted my own death.

As the realisation hits me that I still have my hand in his, it seems he hasn’t declined it. His warm smooth skin slides across my palm. I do hope my hands are not sweaty. Wanting to keep our hands locked together forever, I wonder if I should take us on a detour, maybe that way I can hold him just a little bit longer. Glancing around, I’d realise that we aren’t that far away anyway and excitement seems to be taking charge of all the rest of my emotions.

”I use to do this like every week, same spot.” I’d inform Teagan, hoping to reassure any worries he may have lingering inside of him. ” With my brothers probably like every time they had a day off, it’s all safe. We’ve never come away injured, not even a scratch.” I can remember the panicked face on my mother when we told her of the activities we did each day. I am surprised the woman actually cared. Every time we went out, she tried to deter us from stepping out of the house, unlike her, we actually had a life. I still can’t believe we all share the same blood with her.

Stepping off the beach, I’d lead Teagan off to the top of the cliffs up an embankment. ”We’re not far now.” Sand began to disappear from the track and was replaced by dead turf and the odd covering of dirt. My naked feet began to plead for a softer surface again, although it would be awhile before I get them back onto soft sand again. Our jumping point is decorated with rocks so it will give no mercy to my bare soles.

Quickly the cliff top began to immerge in the distance. A nice steep vertical cliff, with no hazards sticking out to catch us in our descent to the water. Painted ivory, the cliffs are made up of a sedimentary rock, chalk. Many times have me and my brothers slipped a few of the rocks into our pockets as they make great writing materials on the pavements. Releasing my hold of Teagan, I’d hurry to the edge of the cliff, looking directly down it. It has been over a year since I was last here and the ocean’s waves have done well to erode away the cliff face. Thankfully there are no hazards yet from the power of the ocean so it seems we’re safe. ”A nice clean drop down, no rocks in our way.”

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[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

D

istraction is probably one of the most important thing in life especially when the fear of the unknown settles in. Sometimes I wonder what it’s like to live without fear, but every individual in the world has at least one fear. My biggest fear is the unknown. It’s hard to go through life wondering what it’s like each and every day knowing that I may face that unknown. I always try to live my life to the fullest because it helps me to go on when I feel like giving up. But I never stay down when I’m knocked down. The world knocks people down all the time, and I’ve witnessed a few people never stand up again. In my opinion, letting the world keep me knocked down would mean a failure on my part. As long as I keep trying, nothing can hold me back from reaching for the limits. The sky’s my limit and it goes on forever.

Listening to her talk about how she never had a scratch from it makes me feel a bit better, but there’s still a huge risk. Surfing is risky, yet it’s nothing compared to jumping off a cliff into the water below. All I can think about is doing something wrong and ending up dead. Shut up, dude. She’s done this all the time. Just calm down. Taking a deep breath, I continue following behind her.

“Well, that’s good to know.”

Yet in all reality, I still want to turn around and flee while I can, but fleeing would only prove me a coward that I already am. I keep telling myself it’ll be fun. That it’ll be totally worth it. That nothing won’t go wrong, but my mind keeps lingering on the fact that so much can happen. I’ve never jumped from a cliff before. Truthfully, I’ve never wanted to. Never have I even considered it because I don’t want to die before my time. Perhaps dying from cliff diving will be a much better fate than being shipped off to the hunger games.

A small grin creeps across my face as the trail turns from sand into a hard surface. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, if I had shoes on, but this time I don’t have any. I didn’t think I would need any. We’re almost there.

My heart leaps inside my chest, and I’m sure the palm of my hands are sweating bullets. And then I see the tops of the cliffs, and Mina releases my hand and she’s taking off running towards the edge of the cliff. I want to scream at her to tell her to stop because she’ll fall and get hurt. Butterflies dance rapidly inside my stomach, and for a moment I can’t move. It’s like someone glued my feet to the ground.

A lump forms in my throat as an invisible hand wraps around it making it almost impossible to breathe, but I force myself forward. Step after step until I’m standing beside Mina looking down at the waves crashing below. "A nice clean drop down, no rocks in our way."

I’m pretty sure I look foolish because my chin has dropped to the ground, and my eyes are as wide as tiny plates. No words can form. My hands shake at my side, and I’m unable to think. Every single thought I once had disappeared quickly. Taking an awkward step back, I take a deep breath before trying to relax myself. “That’s good.” I say with a nervous laugh.

Oh please don’t let me die.

template by anzie

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

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Mina Knudsen

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If it wasn’t for my daredevil ways, I would probably be dead. I know my mother would greatly disagree with that and believe my daredevil ways will likely kill me but if it wasn’t for freedom like this, my life would be dull. Gutting fish all day and living a scheduled life is not something I want to be doing forever. I live in one of the most fortunate Districts that has so much to offer, that’s why I didn’t take on the career life. I didn’t want to be tied down; I never want to be tied down. Nobody has a leash on me and they never will. I am a free spirit and I have the controls of my life, not even my mother can take over them. Nobody will ever influence me to do wrong as it will be likely me facing the consequences.

Glancing down the cliff edge, all my worries would topple down over it. When I am doing things like this, all the stress is wiped clean from my mind. The face of my mother eliminated and the clasp she has wrapped around me torn apart. If only I could throw her across this cliff, it would fix a lot of troubles in my life. However I don’t think living an eternity in the detention centre will run well with my free personality.

Crumbling from the face of the cliff, a piece of chalk would bounce into the ocean below. Calm waters make me optimistic about today’s activity as all hazards seem to be out of sight. I am not one for being careful but from what I can see, we’re safe from the possibility of drowning or falling on a rock. I have heard many horror stories about people doing this in the past but it doesn’t deter me. It seems the odds are always in my favour and I must relish that.

Turning around to face Teagan, excitement begins to trail around my body as I am eager to get going. ”I’ll jump first, just to show you how to do it.” Spinning back around, I’d aim my pointing finger across the cliff. ”Down there is a small slope, if you climb it, it will eventually come back up here. It is all safe, there are steps eventually up it” I still wonder to this day who installed those steps. Despite being eroded by overtime weathering, they’re still doing their job. I praise whoever put them there, someone more interesting than my mother likely.

All the short responses from Teagan begin to hit me. Is he worried? Will be bail out on me? I haven’t even considered any worries that may be lingering inside of him. When I was worrying about surfing he reassured me that he would protect me. I must do this for Teagan.

Approaching him, I’d take him by the hands gently, my eyes fixed onto his as I’d try to give off a reassuring mood. ”Are you ok?” I’d ask, trying to dig out any worries that may be hidden deep within him. ”If you’re scared then it’s ok, I was the first time, you’ll be safe. If you don’t want to do it, it’ll be fine; we can just do something else.” A smile spreads across my face, as I’d try to warm up to Teagan.

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[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

W

aves roar below me devouring the rocky ledge. Death lurks behind every crashing wave. Normally waves aren’t scary, but these are, and I can’t figure it out. On any other day, I would wish for the tallest, deadliest of waves to surf. Perhaps it’s the height? Yet none of it registers in my mind as I feel myself trying to run away. My legs are wanting to move, but I’m stuck, glued to the ground. My muscles tense, and my eyes linger on the huge drop from the top of the cliff to the waves, and for a second it feels like the drop will defeat me.

I wouldn’t let myself live it down if I bailed on Mina. She surfed with me the other day. She brought me to her favorite place. She wants to do something, and I can’t keep her from that, but it only feels like I’m a burden in this very moment as fear creeps quietly throughout my body. One wrong move, one wrong step, I could end up falling over without being prepared. My mind is begging me to run, to get out of here before death consumes me.

But I can’t let this defeat me.

“I’ll jump first, just to show you how to do it.” For whatever reason her words bounce around my mind repeating over and over. I want to tell her that this is completely crazy and ridiculous, yet this is her idea of fun. She came up with this all on her own. But it doesn’t stop the fear.

I finally close my mouth and simply nod my head. Maybe if I watch her jump, it’ll help me realize that everything will truly be alright. But what if she dies? What if I never get to see her again? I shake my head pushing the thoughts away. I can’t stand here like this. Not much longer. My knees are shaking under the weight of the world, and I’m afraid I’m going to topple over at any given second.

“Are you okay?”

Her words startle me, and I nearly jump out of my skin, but at the last possible second I gather my surroundings. I want to tell her that I’m alright. That everything is fine, but it’s not because I’m terrified. I’ve never been this high up before, and I’ve never imagined jumping off a cliff in my entire life. Mother and father would think I was stupid, but that’s what they want. They don’t want me to have a life, or friends, or do anything worthwhile, and this will be totally worth it in the end. Yet it doesn’t change the butterflies inside my stomach.

Before I can answer, she’s speaking again. Talking about how we can find something else to do, and right now it seems like the best option, but I can’t let this defeat me. Everyone falls. Every has their fears, and this one is mine. Mina reassures me we’ll be safe. That nothing will go wrong when so much could happen. At first I want to take her up on the offer to find something else to do, but I can’t disappoint her. I want to have fun. I want to do something that’s amazing. Something that’ll give me a huge adrenaline rush. And this definitely will if I can bring myself over the fear of falling to my death.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” My words are soft spoken as I slowly back away from the ledge. But I will not run away. This will not defeat me because winning is more important. Besides, what is life without a little adventure anyway? “It’s just a long way down. I’m sure it’ll be fun once I actually jump. It’s just the fear of the unknown.” In a way, just hearing myself say that brings some relief.

“I will not back away from this. Besides, I could use a shot of adrenaline.” And for the first time since we set off on this journey, I’m ready to go. Something so small will not hold me back.

template by anzie

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

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Mina Knudsen

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As I still have a hold of his hands, I’d try to send a reassuring vibe through him. I have never really been the one to comfort people but I must try my best to help Teagan. If he doesn’t want to do it, I don’t really care; I am sure there are a lot of other cool things we could do together. Some things that I like, a lot of people don’t like too. I am sure I will be able to find something else we both enjoy, besides surfing. Maybe something simple like eating cake, sunbathing on the beach or exploring the rock pools. I will have to keep those activities in mind for I am sure we will be hanging out again.

Attacking the face of the cliff, I can hear the crashes of the water as it tries to erode the rock face. Above us, a patrol of seagulls send out their call as the family floats around in the sky. Birds are so free, I wish I could grow wings and fly away. What lives beyond the ocean has always intrigued me and hopefully one day I will be able to explore it. One day I will be free from my mother and the Capitol, away from this damned land I call home.

Anticipation still swirls around inside of me as I am eager to throw myself over the cliff edge. To some the idea of jumping off a cliff is ridiculous, un-safe and stupid. All these words I usually get from my mother. Over time I have learnt to ignore her but as a child I would always suck up to my mother. Thankfully my brothers taught me to stand up to her; they all know that she is as tight as a fish’s ass, even my father. Yet we all still live with her…love her. There must be something that keeps us bonded to the vile woman.

Glancing into Teagan’s eyes, I’d remove my hand from his as I listen to him speak. I know he is likely nervous, a lot of people are their first time. ”Don’t worry about it.” A reassuring tone fills my words. ”I was scared my first time.”

I can remember the first time that I did it. As I child I always used to watch my brothers and their friends, they wouldn’t let me jump as I was “too young.” But for my eleventh birthday, they allowed me to do it. It took a lot of encouragement and attempts to push me off before I dived into the water but I am thankful that I did it. The split second that I was ascending down to the water feels like an eternity. It felt like my last moment on the planet, like I literally just killed myself. My fears swam around inside of me but were quickly drowned when I hit the water. As I reached the surface of the water, that was when the adrenaline kicked in and the fears were vanquished. It became very moreish, an addiction and I had to do it again and again. My brothers grew tired of me jumping in all the time and had to drag me home. I was banned from jumping by myself until I was fifteen but then I was free to do what I wanted.

Walking back to the cliff edge, I’d glance down at the drop. Before it used to send a wave of sickness in my stomach but now it is just my equipment of fun. ”It is a lot of fun really after the first time, you get addicted to it, a real adrenaline rush." Glancing back at Teagan, a smile would flash across my face. ”We could jump together the first time if you want?”

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[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

B

ecome one with the waves.

I remember the first time I ever tried to surf. I was completely terrified. Through the years. I've witnessed many accident happen - some were deadly. Yet I had what it took to conquer the waves. Little after little I kept going. I kept forcing myself to ride the waves, to become the wave, and for a while it worked. Until I fell. Falcon tried once, and he gave up. He told me to give up because it wasn't worth my time to keep doing something I wasn't good at. He told me that I was a failure, but it was in this moment I realized the meaning of failing.

The only people who fail are those who completely give up.

Over the years, I've fallen, and I've pulled myself up and kept trying. I've tried to conquer fears, yet it's proven impossible. A fear of falling still lingers before me. Falling from a high place is even worse. Falling to my death destroys my mind.

I'm sure it's just a matter of taking the leap of faith to conquer the fear, although, it feels impossible. I admire Mina for trying to reassure me. To tell me everything will turn out fine. In the back of my mind, I believe her. I trust her, but my mind refuses to move. To change. Perhaps it's not worth the fight.

But today, I can't give in.

A large grin plasters against my face as I force the fear away. My eyes focus in the seagulls above before shifting my gaze to those below. Many times I've watched as they spiral towards the water with their beaks open prepared to scope up a fish. It's amazing because they do it without fear. That's what I need. I need to become the seagull and fall without fear.

Knowing that she was afraid her first time eases my fears a bit. Perhaps it's normal. I mean, who wouldn't be afraid to jump from a cliff their first time? And to know that it's an adrenaline rush makes it different. I love adrenaline rushes. The way my nerves twitch from the excitement. The high it gives me as I do something for the very first time. This is what I need. It's something to do.

Cliff diving is something to conquer.

Taking a deep breath, I turn back towards her. Biting my lip, I try to form the words. To make something make sense. To show her that I am not giving up. But my words fail me. A lump forms in my throat catching my words suffocating their existence in a pit of doom. Yet no matter how many times I swallow, it doesn't go away. Until I force myself to speak.

"Yeah, jumping together for the first time would be great." I try to sound enthusiastic, but I'm afraid the cracking of my voice gives away my fear. Mina already knows I'm afraid. She knows I'm extremely worried, but through it all she's trying to ease my fear.

"So, how do we do this?" I gulp before looking away reminding myself that it'll be okay.

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[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

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Mina Knudsen

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Conquering fears and failing has been a great factor of my life, the first fear I ever had to tackle was my mother. A cruel brunt of a woman when I was an infant but I had to stand up to her and with the helping guidance of my brothers, I did just that.

Many times I have failed and many a times I have dragged myself up from the mess I had caused, wiped it clean and did it all over again. Being probably the most dumbest of my family, I still know that life has its quirks and the only possible way to survive is to push on through hard times. I live in a cruel world but I mustn’t let that deter me from doing what I wish to do, if I was tied down by stupid petty things then there is no point in continuing with life. Fears, stress, happiness, all those emotions are a part of life that we need to go through. If we didn’t, then we are not human and it would be impossible for us to function in this world.

Humans are fragile but we must build armour around ourselves if we are to survive.

Inspecting the area around us, the see breeze would begin to attack my skin, sending slight goose bumps across my body. Despite the ever marching winter it seems today the ocean isn’t affected by the changing seasons just yet. Soon, I will have to walk away from here for a couple of months until spring waves hello to us all but there are plenty of things to do in the winter and hopefully I will be able to share them with Teagan. But first, I need to get this done correctly; I need to make sure he feels safe.

Our first encounter with each other, my brain was in turmoil and tried to drag me away from the situation and I guess it is doing the same for Teagan. With guidance and reassurance, Teagan helped me overcome my fear and I must do that for him right now. Although no matter how much I want him to do this with me, I can’t force it upon him, it wouldn’t be fair. I want to make a bonding friendship with him and if anything happens, well I would’ve totally ruined that for the both of us.

As enthusiastic words fall from his mouth, relief begins to swarm me as I’d plan our next move. We are to jump together the first time and I know after that, if all goes to plan; he won’t want to stop jumping off. I just need to get us over the first hurdle and then we’ll be on to a flyer.

”Well we’ll hold hands on the edge.” And with that call, I’d quickly slide my right hand onto his, trying to secure a relief of reassurance for him. ”Then I’ll count down if you want or jump whenever you want to but we must go at the same time, otherwise one of us will catch our heels on the edge…” Alarm bells would signal inside of me. Why tell him that, you idiot? Having explained a simple danger, I thought it would be good to make him aware of it. ”Although if one of us does, it won’t hurt much…just a scratch to the foot…but the adrenaline will make us forget about it.”

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[Knuckles]

Teagan 'Little T' Taifun

you may be knocked down, but not out forever

I

find it strange standing here. A feeling of being on top of the world crumbles down upon me for a mere second before flying away forever. Thankfully she doesn't decline jumping together, and it makes me feel at ease. It's been a while since I've had this feeling. Surfing makes me feel alive, like I'm living for the very first time. Each time I ride the waves, it's like a new meaning sweeps through my life. Being in district four has it's advantages. I don't know what the other districts are like, but I don't think any other district has the joy of endless water. A place to escape. A place to have fun. A place to slowly develop friendships.

Surfing was the first step. Now we're about to free fall from high in the sky towards the waves below. Perhaps it'll be fun. I hope the fear of this event isn't trying to warn me of some greater damage that's about to come. My body likes to warn me. It tells me things that I could never pick up on. Yet right now I'm refusing to believe it because I want to trust Mina. A new friend. Someone I can spend time with away from my family.

Yes this'll definitely be worth it.

Her warning about jumping together kind of makes me cringe. Knowing that one of us could get hurt makes me uneasy. It sounds dangerous. Like one of us could actually get hurt if something goes wrong. Every ounce of fear plummets through my body again, and I'm frozen. I can't move, or think. Why would she pick something so deadly? Something that'll injure us all? But I remind myself that surfing is the same. It can build us together, or tear us all apart. Water is such a peaceful part of nature, but it proves deadly. I take a deep breath fighting against my own self. Backing away isn't the answer, but neither is falling to my death. Yet dying would only release me from the chains Panem and my family have wrapped around me.

"So you can count." At least I know the words are together and that nothing would happen.

Slowly I move towards the edge of the cliff once more. My eyes focus on the waves below - all I need is a surf naked and I'll be set. The sound they make as they crash against the shore brings a great music to my ears. It makes me feel alive, and in order to survive, I must become alive. I always told myself to become one with the waves. To make them become me. And with that I zip through them with ease, but even the greatest surfers in district four can fall. Nobody is perfect.

My mind races rapidly going from I can't do this to yes you can, Teagan. Over and over until I force myself to relax and breath.

Inhaling sharply, I turn towards her. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

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