Returning From Hell Back to Hell {Kara}

[kap]

Harrison Greenslade

Punishments didn't bother me as much as they used to. I do something I'm not supposed to as an avox in the public areas of the Capitol, and the Peacekeepers find some way to scold me. It's not a unusual happening at this point, as I've never been the most obedient person. After all, when you're ripped away from your family and you get your tongue taken out as a punishment for something you've done, it's not the most pleasant experience. This time, what I did wasn't even that big of a deal, in my opinion. It's not like I killed someone again. No, all I did was shove an obnoxious Capitolite out of my way as I was walking. Normally, I wouldn't have even gotten in trouble for something like that. It's likely that the reason I got punished was because the person I pushed recognized me as an avox. Had they thought I was just a regular Capitol citizen like them, I may have gotten away with it.

After my punishment for the simple 'crime' I had committed, I was escorted back to Cees's place of residence by a Peacekeeper with quite a strong grasp on my forearm. I tried to push him away from me, but a person without words is a bit less threatening. Therefore, my silent attempts to get away accomplished absolutely nothing.

When I entered the home of Cees, the Peacekeeper told him that I had arrived, and then proceeded to leave. I didn't bother to remove my shoes when I came in, and simply walked over to where Cees was standing. Crossing my arms at him, I gave him a slight scowl for not preventing the punishment I'd just received. After all, Cees never punished me himself. He was a surprisingly kind soul for being the owner of an avox. I'd certainly had my fair share of cruel people that were in charge of me. Luckily, that streak seemed to be over, at least for the time being.

That was when I noticed that the television was on in the other room. I walked over to where it was, and observed what was being shown on the screen. The death toll for the first day was being displayed. Ten deaths. Ten children who'd died already. I was just thankful that none of them were mine. Luckily, none of my children had ended up in the Games as of yet, either. Perhaps I should complain less to myself about being an avox, and focus on the fact that my children are safe.

When my gaze was averted from the television, I looked back at Cees, my arms still crossed. If only I could tell him everything that was running through my mind right then. When I first was caught and turned into an avox, I didn't know how much I'd miss my ability to speak. Now I miss it almost as much as I miss my family. You know what? Enough with the lovey dovey, woe is me crap. I needed to face reality. I looked Cees harshly in the eyes, waiting to see what he'd say about my return to his life once again.