emotions swirled [fly/six]

[kap]

F L Y
O ' M A L L E Y

.

I've always tried to be the strong one, but it can be difficult trying to be tough all the time. Besides, I'm still young, so I feel like I have every right to have a few extra fears compared to the average person. Then again, I feel that everyone has the right to be scared of things, no matter how small. That's exactly why we need people to help us and to comfort us. I just wish I could be one of those heroes that people need, rather than needing one myself.

Right now, unfortunately, I do need someone, and that's why I approach Six. He's one of my older siblings, and we've always gotten along really well. He's there for me when I need him, and I try to do the same for him. Today, it just turns out that I'm the one who needs help, so I approach him.

"Six?" I ask. "I need to- can I uhm- can I talk to you about something?" I question.

I've been anxious about the reaping for quite a few days now. It has me really nervous, admittedly. I'm not really sure why I'm more nervous this year than I was last year, but something about it just seems to be getting to me a bit more than last time.

Sure, I want to be a hero. I want to save people and protect others, but that doesn't mean I want to be in the Games where saving others could cost my life. I'm not ready for that. Maybe one day, sure, but right now, it still terrifies me.

What kind of wanna-be hero is too scared to risk her life?

Me, apparently.

~


"And though I'm told I'll never fly
That doesn't mean that I won't try"

lyrics: "Superhero" by Tim McMorris

[Deleted]

Six was surprised, though definitely happy, when Fly came to him for support. Fly had nine older siblings and she chose to go to him. Of course it made sense, they got along pretty well. Both of them were just sweethearts. He had a feeling he knew what Fly wanted to talk about. The Hunger Games. It was almost Reaping Day and she likely had anxiety about it. Hell, he had anxiety about it.

But there was something else he had even more anxiety about. He was scared of talking about the Games. He knew it was unlikely his parents would overhear. But he was starting to question the Games. He didn't understand why they were considered good. He couldn't ever seen killing as justified. And he didn't want to verbalise those thoughts that he had never spoken.

But, he would if he had to. Bigger than his fear was his love for his sister, for all of his siblings. He loved them with all of his heart and would do anything for them. He would kill and die for his siblings if he had to. He would be terrified, but he loved them. All fourteen. They were his best and only friends.

He sat down on his bed and pat the spot next to him. He gave her a small smile to try to help calm her anxiety. He was doing everything he could to help his little sister. Even if they were only two years apart in age, he still considered himself responsible for her. He spoke softly and gently, not wanting to excite her too much or let his fear become obvious. He was here to comfort her, not the other way around.

"Come sit, Fly. We can talk about anything you want, my little hero."

table by Kaplan