Girl on Wire

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

Mother Sparks woke me this morning with a tray of food. As I was eating, she told me that Alexia was bathing now, and it would be my turn next. I was still feeling pretty weak; so, she and Alexia helped me to the bathroom. My current weakness will be a definite liability if I get Reaped, I…

I tried not to think about the uselessness of people, my current lack of my father, the Reapings threatening my safety and my few friend’s safety, or how I would be screwed from the start of the Games were I to be picked. I couldn’t keep up with all the bitter emotions running through me, so I had to take a few moments to calm down and shove them all down. Mentally burying my emotions, I went back to business of cleaning my teeth and taking the next round of medication, though neither could rid the nasty taste from my mouth.

I rubbed at the space between my eyes, then smoothed my fingers back over my hair, as was my nervous tick. But my fingers only met skin and wraps. I yelped, feeling around the back of my head, finding the same. I glanced around, then picked up the fresh bowl to look at my reflection, finding my hair gone and replaced with a medical wrap. I turned to the other side of the bed, shuffling around for anything regarding my medical records or state. I scanned through the list of injuries they had me down for and treatment I recieved. I saw first and second degree burnsand anti-radiation treatment before my head protested enough for me to return the clip board. I must’ve been farther into the labs that I had thought. I tried not to think about what state my father must be in, if he was still alive. I stared down at my hands, thankful at least those had somehow gone mostly unhurt, if rather raw. My medical chemise white, but soft enough to not bother my skin too badly, though I realized they had left me without any other clothes, as the ones I wore during the accident must’ve been disposed off. Were they expecting me to show up to the Reapings like this?

I bit my lip, but kept my emotions back as there was a knock at my door. I glanced at it, waiting for whoever it was to enter, expecting another medic. But the door didn’t move, and I suddenly remembered what Phil had said before I went under.

“Liz?” My voice was still hoarse, and it pained a bit to talk, but it wasn’t enough to keep me completely silent. “Is that you? Come in!”

“Wait here,” I whispered to Phil as I edged the door open slightly.

I slipped through the opening, and I shut the door behind me. Remmy was sitting on the edge of the bed in nothing but a white hospital gown. She was pale, and there were bandages wrapped around her head. She looked as weak as I felt. I walked across the room and sat down carefully next to her on the bed. I reached over and took her hand.

“Are you ok, Remmy?”

Though Liz moved with the careful motions of a tired girl still healing, she looked as beautiful as ever, clad in an emerald dress with her hair done up. I could see the pain in her eyes as she sat down next to me and grasped my hand. “Are you ok, Remmy?” I bit back tears, never fully prepared for such a question.

“Could always be worse,” I croaked. “How are you? Where you hit badly by the blast?” At this closer proximity, I could make out the details of her intricately braided hair and smiled at the care put into it. “You look beautiful.” My smile faltered into a grimace as I ran a hand over my bandages again. It finally fell into a frown as I whispered, “Dressed our best for slaughter. The Capitol always knows what they’re doing.”

Tears prick my eyes at the pain in Remmy’s voice, but I fight them back. Tears won’t do either of us any good right now.

“I’ve been better,” I respond. ”Right now, everything hurts. Even breathing.”

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I reply, blushing again. Her smile falters, and her voice drops to a whisper.

“Dressed our best for slaughter. The Capitol always knows what they’re doing,” she says with a grimace as she runs her hand over the bandages on her head.

“I know,” I whisper back, my expression echoing her own.

“The nurse said you were being released to attend the Reaping. I figured that no one would have thought to bring you any clothes; so, I brought you a dress and a matching scarf,” and I hand her the bag containing the clothes. I stand up, careful not to jostle her since I’m still not sure how badly she is hurt.

“I’ll wait outside while you change. Just call my name if you need help with anything. When you’re ready, we’ll go together,” I say, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before slipping out the door.

Phil is leaning against the wall outside the door. I walk to his side, and slip my hand into his. I need the comfort of his touch right now. I am used to thinking of Remmy as strong, and it hurts to see her so wounded right now. Phil squeezes my hand gently, but he says nothing as we wait.

“I’ve been better. Right now, everything hurts. Even breathing.” Liz commented, and I laughed, though stopped short from the pain. “I understand that completely.” I replied softly.

Realizing my comment hadn’t been the best one at the expression on her face, I squeezed her hand, trying to smooth things over. “It’ll be okay though. We know what we’re doing too.”

I took the bag of clothes, staring down at it in surprise. I knew Liz was openly kind, and a wonderful friend at that, but I couldn’t help but be amazed at the simple act. It took specific thought on my behalf to even consider lending me clothes, and that Liz had took the time to do so left me speechless. I was simply not used to people being considerate anymore. I looked back up at Liz as she stood up carefully, and was immensely grateful for not having to go alone.

“Thanks,” I said hoarsely as she left.

It took me a moment to get my body to cooperate with me, my hands shaking in held in emotion. I thought about Tally, how I’d have to tell her our father was missing, though I bitterly thought it wouldn’t matter as much to her all the way in District 4. I don’t think she even remembered much of dad. But District 4’s Reapings would be happening as well, and I silently prayed for her safety. Miles a part or not, she may just be the only family I had left. Though I had a feeling that if one of us had to be picked for the Games, Tally would be the one who could really win.

I slipped shakily out of the bed and into the dress, grateful for the soft material and loose fit which was easy on my skin. As I changed, I saw the bruises and burn wraps on various parts scattered across my body. I ached, but the pain I knew I should be feeling was mercifully subdued. I wound the scarf around my head to hide the head wrappings.

Dressed, I took a composing breath, grabbed the things the medic had left me, and moved to the door. I was careful to stand up straight with my chin high, in as good posture as my body would allow. Liz and Phil were waiting outside, hand in hand, and I gave them a smile, but cast Liz a slightly bigger, knowing grin.

“I just need to sign out. Then we have a national event to get to.”

Remmy’s eyes flash to our linked hands, and then she gives me a knowing grin. I blush as I return her smile, and I know I’ll have some explaining to do later. Now, however, is not the time. We follow her to the desk, and wait as she signs out of the Medical Centre.

Together we walk out of the facility, and we begin making our way towards the Hub. I don’t know if its my injuries, or merely dread of what is coming, but I find my strength failing. I clutch at Phil for support, and I intercept a worried glance from Remmy.

“I’m ok,” I try to reassure them both. And, I know we have to keep going. Attendance is mandatory, and the consequences for not attending don’t even bear thinking about. I force my feet to keep moving forward.

Soon we encounter other groups of people all head for the same destination. The same solemn expression is on every face. Today, two of us will be chosen. The rest will go home in relief, but somewhere in District 5 tonight, two families will be grieving. I look at Remmy again, and I hope she is not chosen. This is her last year. If she makes it, she’ll be free from the Reaping. I think of Alexia, and I wish for her not be chosen either. I can’t bear the thought of losing my sister.

We reach the outskirts of the Hub, and I pause. Phil is beyond the eligible age. He can’t cross into the Candidate Area with Remmy and I.

“Phil, will you promise me something?” I whisper.

“Anything!” he whispers back.

“If…” I nearly choke on the words I am trying to say. “If I am chosen, promise me you’ll take care of my sisters? Don’t let them get taken to the Community Home, please?” I beg.

“I promise!” he says as he wraps his arms around me. I hang on to him for a moment before pulling away.

I grab for Remmy’s hand, and we make our way into the Candidates Area.

The walk to the Hub from the Medical Center isn’t a long one usually. But with both me and Liz still wounded and walking to our possible deaths, it took much longer. Several times I thought my legs would just give up and a few times I thought about curling up on the side of the road and letting a Peacekeeper come, yell at me, and drag me to square himself, if only to cause a little bit of trouble for the Capitol. At least trouble that wouldn’t end with my tongue getting cut out.

Liz appeared the same way, and had to clutch Phil to keep moving. I glanced at her, worried if she would be able to make it and stand up for the time it took for the “celebrations” to start. She claimed she was okay and kept moving, but a quick glance to Phil confirmed none of us truly were. We were simply gritting our teeth and forcing ourselves to continue.

The Hub was bustling, but not with the same amount of life as usual. Most of the citizens were sober and serious, and there was very little conversation for a crowd so big. I couldn’t afford to think about how the people around me were suffering in their own ways, so I diverted the thought process, and instead hoped that Tally was doing okay. District 4 citizens were more likely to volunteer for someone, but I knew that were Tally chosen, she’d be too stubborn to pass up the chance to prove herself or stick it to the Capitol, because the Games meant death anyway. I glanced at Liz, realizing her next oldest sister was eligible this year too, and desperately hoped she wouldn’t be picked. It would destroy Liz, more so than her own name being called. At this point, I wondered what could really destroy me anymore, and couldn’t decide if the lack of things was a good or horrible thing.

I was a few steps ahead when I realized Liz and Phil had paused before the Candidates Area. I realized Phil was beyond the eligible age, and thought at least that was something good for Liz. I kept my gaze on the raised, multi colored stage that people were huddling around, to give the two some privacy.

She grabs for my hand after their hushed conversation, and I return the hold, giving her a tight smile. We moved into the Candidates Area, being herded together by the Peacekeepers and separated from the rest of the crowd by ropes. I keep my eyes on the podium, cameras, giant screen, and bowl of names on the stage. At 18, this is my last year. But that also means I’m at higher risk of being picked, especially with the tesserae I took. My chest tightens as I remember dad’s explosion of protests when he found out I took another out this year.

I remain composed, ignoring the odd looks at my scarf and few hushed conversations. I wonder who, if anyone, notices the wrapped burns along my legs.

This year was my last eligible one, but the thought gave me very little comfort, as at that very moment, I still was eligible and it only took once.

I squeeze Liz’s hand to make sure she’s still with me, though I could find no words to fill our thick silence.

Reaping Day

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:52:31 -0500

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

Mother Sparks woke me this morning with a tray of food. As I was eating, she told me that Alexia was bathing now, and it would be my turn next. I was still feeling pretty weak; so, she and Alexia helped me to the bathroom. My current weakness will be a definite liability if I get Reaped, I…

I tried not to think about the uselessness of people, my current lack of my father, the Reapings threatening my safety and my few friend’s safety, or how I would be screwed from the start of the Games were I to be picked. I couldn’t keep up with all the bitter emotions running through me, so I had to take a few moments to calm down and shove them all down. Mentally burying my emotions, I went back to business of cleaning my teeth and taking the next round of medication, though neither could rid the nasty taste from my mouth.

I rubbed at the space between my eyes, then smoothed my fingers back over my hair, as was my nervous tick. But my fingers only met skin and wraps. I yelped, feeling around the back of my head, finding the same. I glanced around, then picked up the fresh bowl to look at my reflection, finding my hair gone and replaced with a medical wrap. I turned to the other side of the bed, shuffling around for anything regarding my medical records or state. I scanned through the list of injuries they had me down for and treatment I recieved. I saw first and second degree burnsand anti-radiation treatment before my head protested enough for me to return the clip board. I must’ve been farther into the labs that I had thought. I tried not to think about what state my father must be in, if he was still alive. I stared down at my hands, thankful at least those had somehow gone mostly unhurt, if rather raw. My medical chemise white, but soft enough to not bother my skin too badly, though I realized they had left me without any other clothes, as the ones I wore during the accident must’ve been disposed off. Were they expecting me to show up to the Reapings like this?

I bit my lip, but kept my emotions back as there was a knock at my door. I glanced at it, waiting for whoever it was to enter, expecting another medic. But the door didn’t move, and I suddenly remembered what Phil had said before I went under.

“Liz?” My voice was still hoarse, and it pained a bit to talk, but it wasn’t enough to keep me completely silent. “Is that you? Come in!”

“Wait here,” I whispered to Phil as I edged the door open slightly.

I slipped through the opening, and I shut the door behind me. Remmy was sitting on the edge of the bed in nothing but a white hospital gown. She was pale, and there were bandages wrapped around her head. She looked as weak as I felt. I walked across the room and sat down carefully next to her on the bed. I reached over and took her hand.

“Are you ok, Remmy?”

Though Liz moved with the careful motions of a tired girl still healing, she looked as beautiful as ever, clad in an emerald dress with her hair done up. I could see the pain in her eyes as she sat down next to me and grasped my hand. “Are you ok, Remmy?” I bit back tears, never fully prepared for such a question.

“Could always be worse,” I croaked. “How are you? Where you hit badly by the blast?” At this closer proximity, I could make out the details of her intricately braided hair and smiled at the care put into it. “You look beautiful.” My smile faltered into a grimace as I ran a hand over my bandages again. It finally fell into a frown as I whispered, “Dressed our best for slaughter. The Capitol always knows what they’re doing.”

Tears prick my eyes at the pain in Remmy’s voice, but I fight them back. Tears won’t do either of us any good right now.

“I’ve been better,” I respond. ”Right now, everything hurts. Even breathing.”

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I reply, blushing again. Her smile falters, and her voice drops to a whisper.

“Dressed our best for slaughter. The Capitol always knows what they’re doing,” she says with a grimace as she runs her hand over the bandages on her head.

“I know,” I whisper back, my expression echoing her own.

“The nurse said you were being released to attend the Reaping. I figured that no one would have thought to bring you any clothes; so, I brought you a dress and a matching scarf,” and I hand her the bag containing the clothes. I stand up, careful not to jostle her since I’m still not sure how badly she is hurt.

“I’ll wait outside while you change. Just call my name if you need help with anything. When you’re ready, we’ll go together,” I say, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before slipping out the door.

Phil is leaning against the wall outside the door. I walk to his side, and slip my hand into his. I need the comfort of his touch right now. I am used to thinking of Remmy as strong, and it hurts to see her so wounded right now. Phil squeezes my hand gently, but he says nothing as we wait.

“I’ve been better. Right now, everything hurts. Even breathing.” Liz commented, and I laughed, though stopped short from the pain. “I understand that completely.” I replied softly.

Realizing my comment hadn’t been the best one at the expression on her face, I squeezed her hand, trying to smooth things over. “It’ll be okay though. We know what we’re doing too.”

I took the bag of clothes, staring down at it in surprise. I knew Liz was openly kind, and a wonderful friend at that, but I couldn’t help but be amazed at the simple act. It took specific thought on my behalf to even consider lending me clothes, and that Liz had took the time to do so left me speechless. I was simply not used to people being considerate anymore. I looked back up at Liz as she stood up carefully, and was immensely grateful for not having to go alone.

“Thanks,” I said hoarsely as she left.

It took me a moment to get my body to cooperate with me, my hands shaking in held in emotion. I thought about Tally, how I’d have to tell her our father was missing, though I bitterly thought it wouldn’t matter as much to her all the way in District 4. I don’t think she even remembered much of dad. But District 4’s Reapings would be happening as well, and I silently prayed for her safety. Miles a part or not, she may just be the only family I had left. Though I had a feeling that if one of us had to be picked for the Games, Tally would be the one who could really win.

I slipped shakily out of the bed and into the dress, grateful for the soft material and loose fit which was easy on my skin. As I changed, I saw the bruises and burn wraps on various parts scattered across my body. I ached, but the pain I knew I should be feeling was mercifully subdued. I wound the scarf around my head to hide the head wrappings.

Dressed, I took a composing breath, grabbed the things the medic had left me, and moved to the door. I was careful to stand up straight with my chin high, in as good posture as my body would allow. Liz and Phil were waiting outside, hand in hand, and I gave them a smile, but cast Liz a slightly bigger, knowing grin.

“I just need to sign out. Then we have a national event to get to.”

Reaping Day

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:36:43 -0500

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

Mother Sparks woke me this morning with a tray of food. As I was eating, she told me that Alexia was bathing now, and it would be my turn next. I was still feeling pretty weak; so, she and Alexia helped me to the bathroom. My current weakness will be a definite liability if I get Reaped, I…

I tried not to think about the uselessness of people, my current lack of my father, the Reapings threatening my safety and my few friend’s safety, or how I would be screwed from the start of the Games were I to be picked. I couldn’t keep up with all the bitter emotions running through me, so I had to take a few moments to calm down and shove them all down. Mentally burying my emotions, I went back to business of cleaning my teeth and taking the next round of medication, though neither could rid the nasty taste from my mouth.

I rubbed at the space between my eyes, then smoothed my fingers back over my hair, as was my nervous tick. But my fingers only met skin and wraps. I yelped, feeling around the back of my head, finding the same. I glanced around, then picked up the fresh bowl to look at my reflection, finding my hair gone and replaced with a medical wrap. I turned to the other side of the bed, shuffling around for anything regarding my medical records or state. I scanned through the list of injuries they had me down for and treatment I recieved. I saw first and second degree burnsand anti-radiation treatment before my head protested enough for me to return the clip board. I must’ve been farther into the labs that I had thought. I tried not to think about what state my father must be in, if he was still alive. I stared down at my hands, thankful at least those had somehow gone mostly unhurt, if rather raw. My medical chemise white, but soft enough to not bother my skin too badly, though I realized they had left me without any other clothes, as the ones I wore during the accident must’ve been disposed off. Were they expecting me to show up to the Reapings like this?

I bit my lip, but kept my emotions back as there was a knock at my door. I glanced at it, waiting for whoever it was to enter, expecting another medic. But the door didn’t move, and I suddenly remembered what Phil had said before I went under.

“Liz?” My voice was still hoarse, and it pained a bit to talk, but it wasn’t enough to keep me completely silent. “Is that you? Come in!”

“Wait here,” I whispered to Phil as I edged the door open slightly.

I slipped through the opening, and I shut the door behind me. Remmy was sitting on the edge of the bed in nothing but a white hospital gown. She was pale, and there were bandages wrapped around her head. She looked as weak as I felt. I walked across the room and sat down carefully next to her on the bed. I reached over and took her hand.

“Are you ok, Remmy?”

Though Liz moved with the careful motions of a tired girl still healing, she looked as beautiful as ever, clad in an emerald dress with her hair done up. I could see the pain in her eyes as she sat down next to me and grasped my hand. “Are you ok, Remmy?” I bit back tears, never fully prepared for such a question.

“Could always be worse,” I croaked. “How are you? Where you hit badly by the blast?” At this closer proximity, I could make out the details of her intricately braided hair and smiled at the care put into it. “You look beautiful.” My smile faltered into a grimace as I ran a hand over my bandages again. It finally fell into a frown as I whispered, “Dressed our best for slaughter. The Capitol always knows what they’re doing.”

Reaping Day

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:59:00 -0500

Mother Sparks woke me this morning with a tray of food. As I was eating, she told me that Alexia was bathing now, and it would be my turn next. I was still feeling pretty weak; so, she and Alexia helped me to the bathroom. My current weakness will be a definite liability if I get Reaped, I…

I tried not to think about the uselessness of people, my current lack of my father, the Reapings threatening my safety and my few friend’s safety, or how I would be screwed from the start of the Games were I to be picked. I couldn’t keep up with all the bitter emotions running through me, so I had to take a few moments to calm down and shove them all down. Mentally burying my emotions, I went back to business of cleaning my teeth and taking the next round of medication, though neither could rid the nasty taste from my mouth.

I rubbed at the space between my eyes, then smoothed my fingers back over my hair, as was my nervous tick. But my fingers only met skin and wraps. I yelped, feeling around the back of my head, finding the same. I glanced around, then picked up the fresh bowl to look at my reflection, finding my hair gone and replaced with a medical wrap. I turned to the other side of the bed, shuffling around for anything regarding my medical records or state. I scanned through the list of injuries they had me down for and treatment I recieved. I saw first and second degree burnsand anti-radiation treatment before my head protested enough for me to return the clip board. I must’ve been farther into the labs that I had thought. I tried not to think about what state my father must be in, if he was still alive. I stared down at my hands, thankful at least those had somehow gone mostly unhurt, if rather raw. My medical chemise white, but soft enough to not bother my skin too badly, though I realized they had left me without any other clothes, as the ones I wore during the accident must’ve been disposed off. Were they expecting me to show up to the Reapings like this?

I bit my lip, but kept my emotions back as there was a knock at my door. I glanced at it, waiting for whoever it was to enter, expecting another medic. But the door didn’t move, and I suddenly remembered what Phil had said before I went under.

“Liz?” My voice was still hoarse, and it pained a bit to talk, but it wasn’t enough to keep me completely silent. “Is that you? Come in!”

After Affects

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:28:00 -0500

The room in the medical center was very… white. It was thankfully easy on my head, with no patterns or bright colors or anything to strain my eyes. Very crisp. Very clean. Very un-personal. Very District 5.

I sighed, rubbing at my head, which still throbbed. I couldn’t remember anything after Phil had left, past being jammed with needles and then put under, where I had a long sleep filled with flames and images of previous Games, and the faces of previous District 5 tributes, and bits and pieces of the explosion at the plant. I swallowed hard and did a mental scan of my body. My head still throbbed, but the rest of me was exhausted and numb. Whatever meds they had given me must’ve kicked in and done their job. I pushed back the covers, looking down my bare arms. Most of the white dust from the debris had been cleaned off, but it was obvious I was still in need of a shower. My skin looked raw and dry, peeling around my fingers and palms and elbows. I decided I didn’t want to look at the rest of me, and was thankful for the drugs keeping me from feeling whatever injuries I had.

After a moment, making sure I wasn’t too light headed, I sat up, groping for the cup of some liquid at the table beside me. I pushed the button near by, signaling to the nurses or whoever monitored these things that I was awake, before sipping down the tasteless liquid.

I stared at the blank wall, as there were no windows in the room, and tried not to think of where my father was (or wasn’t) and the Reapings. I didn’t know what time it was, but I knew I had to be up and out of here soon, else Peacekeepers would drag me out. Had I not been of eligible age, they’d probably just let me watch it in the meeting hall of the Medical Center with the other patients too sick to move, but I had to be in the town square in case my name was called.

I grabbed for the bowl on the table and leaned over it, heaving up only liquid. My stomach churned and growled at the same time, and I groaned. I took a shaky breath, head thudding and eyes burning as held back tears started.

The door opened and I quickly swallowed back my sobs and took control of my emotions as a woman in medical uniform came it, not bothering to look at me as she replaced the bowl and cup, filled the latter with a darker liquid, and set down a smaller cup of what smelled like mouth wash on the table.

“The Reapings will begin soon,” She said without emotion, looking at me for the first time. She glanced down at a clip board in her arms, “You are to attend in the square with the other eligibles.” She put down a small bag at the foot of my bed. “Your condition is stable enough that you may continue healing at home,” In other words you don’t want me to waste space, I thought bitterly. “Everything the Medical Center deems necessary is in the bag, instructions included.” I nodded automatically and she moved to leave.

“Wait, was a Lewis Radialle checked in?” I croaked, my throat still a bit sore. The medic glanced down at her clip board, then back up to me.

“I do not know, but I am not in charge of the list of patients.”

“Well can you find out?” I growled, trying to keep my anger and worry in check.

She simply stared at me, an expression I couldn’t read coating her face: completely professional. “You should get ready for the Reapings.” With that, she was gone.

[[Continued here]]

Power Play: Searching (Phil's POV)

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:52:00 -0500

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

“Will you see if you can find out what happened to Remmy?” Liz asked.

I looked into her eyes, and they were troubled, worried for her friend. I knew I couldn’t say no. Heaven help me if she ever asks me for something I can’t give her, because I don’t think I could ever tell her no.

“Yes,” I…

My first breath felt like fire. I absurdly thought now I really understood what it was like to be a dragon from ancient mythology. The breath quickly turned into a cough, but there was nothing but debris dust to cough up, and for a moment I thought I would never breath again. I sat up and grasped my throat and mouth as the hacking continued, pulling at my stomach and back until it finally let up enough for me to take a full, but ragged breath.

I looked up into startled faces, though I had to squint away the bright sunlight and brace myself against the sounds of people and equipment. I looked around, my head thudding in protest, as I realized I was still at the blast site, except now it was filled with people up and moving, and different parts roped off. Most of the dust had settled. A layer of it coated my skin, and for I moment I thought I must look like a ghost. My head swam and I shut my eyes against the pain and dizziness.

A medic beside me pushed me back down on the stretcher. “You shouldn’t be up, we haven’t checked over all your injuries yet.” I had no energy to fight, so I settled back against the stretcher as I tried to keep my head and stomach under control. I coughed again, but thankfully it was less violent than before.

I opened my eyes again to see the medic gone to get something, and another young man out of uniform watching me. His face was familiar, but not enough to trigger any other memory. I glanced around, seeing no other stretchers in the area. Panic settled in my stomach and I coughed again as my breath quickened. “Da-” My throat was raw and burning, and I could almost feel the the dust settled in my lungs. I grasped at him, staring hard at him. “Dad.” I croaked, and could feel my hands shaking. “Where?”

I took Remmy’s hands as I knelt down by her stretcher. I could feel her hands trembling in mine as she called for her father. At first I thought she was asking where she was, but then I saw the look of panic in her eyes. I realized she was asking where her father was.

“I don’t know Remmy.”

My mouth would have gone dry at his answer, had I not already been dehydrated in the first place. I don’t know. How was that possible? That wasn’t an answer. Her father… her father… I squeezed the young man’s hand tighter, swallowing hard. I couldn’t cry, even if I wanted to, but crying wasn’t safe except in the confines of ones own home.

I glanced around again, then shut my eyes tight. I had to rely on the fact that an I don’t know was better than another possible answer. The medic came back, shook his head, and handed me a drink that no doubt had some meds inside. I lifted my head enough not to choke, stared into the clear contents suspiciously, but my parched throat didn’t care if it was medicine or poison at that point.

The liquid coated my throat, and my voice came easier this time, though it was quiet and broken. “Who are you? How do you know my name?”

“I am Philipe Thorn. We’ve never met, but we have a mutual friend. Liz sent me to find you. She’s injured, but she’ll be alright,” I responded.

The medic gestured to two helpers who lifted the stretcher. Remmy was still clinging to my hand; so, I walked beside the stretcher as they carried it to the medical transport. They loaded it inside, and I sat beside her as the transport began to move towards the Medical Centre.

“Liz?” I breathed. Right, she must’ve been on her way with the other apprentices. I had been so preoccupied with dad, everything else seemed so minimal, but the full impact of the fire and explosion suddenly hit me. Just how many people had been hurt? How many were or could’ve died? “What’s wrong with her? How badly was she hit?” The liquid had done it’s job — it still hurt to talk, but at least I could.

They moved the stretcher into the medical transport, but a took a last glance back to see the damage. “What happened to the others?” I croaked, glancing at Philipe again. “How long have I been out?” The transport smoothly moved forward towards the Medical Center, and I cast a last glance at the old plant, wondering where my dad could’ve gotten to, or if they had simply not found him because there was no body left to find.

I curled in my fingers at the thought, then realized I was still clutching Philipe’s hand. I gave him a slight smile, and squeezed it gently in thanks before letting his hand go again. It was nice that a stranger who was simply a friend of a friend could still be kind.

“Liz…” I started to tell Remmy about her injuries, but I found myself struggling with words as the image of Liz as she looked right after the explosion appeared in my head. She’d been so pale and still with blood streaming from her head. I had been afraid that I would lose her again, but this time for good. I cleared my throat and tried again.

“Liz cracked several ribs. She also hit her head pretty hard. She had to have stitches to close the head wound, but she’ll be ok.” I told her hoarsely. I sounded like I’d been breathing in the dust from the site too. ”Several others in her group were injured too. There are still dozens of people unaccounted for, but they’ve set up a search rotation. They’re still searching for anyone who was known to be the plant at the time of the explosion.”

I found myself pausing before answering her last question. I was just as reluctant to answer her as I had been when Liz asked me a similar question just yesterday. I was worried about how she would respond when I told her. My pause caused her to turn her eyes back to me, and they were filled with questions. I took a deep breath.

“I don’t know exactly how long you have been out, but tomorrow is Reaping Day.”

He paled some when trying to talk about Liz. The list of her injuries didn’t sound too bad, at least to what they could’ve been, but it sounded like just relaying the information was killing him. I grasped his hand and tried to give a reassuring smile, “Liz is a tough one. She’ll pull through just fine, don’t worry. She has a great support team.” My voice fell as I tried not to think about my own lack of one. Even with her parents gone, Liz was lucky to still have people looking out for her.

I closed my eyes for a moment to rest my head as he mentioned the rest of the victims and the search rotations. “Good,” I whispered. Maybe they would find dad. When he took a long moment to answer my other question, I opened my eyes and watched him, now worried.

“…tomorrow is Reaping Day.” My heart fell somewhere into my stomach and I thought for sure I would vomit. I put my hands to my face to try and calm down, to quell the stream of worrying thoughts. Were we ready for it? With this generator down already, what had happened to the others? Could we even broadcast the Reapings this year? The penalty for a faulty job was a one no one wanted to have. And if tomorrow was the Reapings, that meant… oh god, I couldn’t even remember when the explosion happened. How long had I been stuck in the rubble? Days, weeks?

“Well, that explains why my stomach feels so empty,” I croaked, the attempted humor vacant from my voice. I glanced at Phil again, “How do they expect any of us to show up?” I didn’t feel like I could even sit up anymore, let alone make it to the square and then stand huddled with hundreds of others for hours as the Capitol once again decided their fates. Our fate. My fate. I still could get Reaped, and so could Liz. I bit my lip and shut my eyes against the worry bubbling in my stomach, my voice barely above a whisper. “This is all so wrong.”

I am stunned and touched when Remmy takes my hand again in an attempt to comfort me. Despite her injuries and her own worries, she is trying to reassure me, a complete stranger she’d only just met. I squeeze her hand gently in return before releasing it.

She pales when I tell her how close the Reaping is. I can see her trying to calculate the time between the explosion and today before she covers her face with her hands. I can see that she is attempting to lighten the moment with a humorous comment about her stomach feeling empty, but her attempt falls flat. We lock eyes again, and I can see the pain and worry in her glance.

The medic isn’t paying attention to us, but I am thankful that Remmy’s voice is barely a whisper when she speaks next.

“How do they expect any of us to show up? This is all so wrong.”

I lean closer, my own voice just as quiet as I respond. “I know its wrong, but you’re right, they’ll still expect everyone to be there.” I feel the need to reassure her as she’d tried to do for me. ”Try to hang in there. You’re not alone.”

The transport slows to a stop, and they begin to unload Remmy’s stretcher. I walk beside her as they carry her into the Medical Centre.

I could only nod in response, hoping that whatever treatment they were planning for me would be quick and painless. ”Try to hang in there. You’re not alone.” I cracked a smile, trying to believe his words. “Thanks.” They wheeled me in the Medical Centre, and the medics started buzzing about.

“You’ll have to leave now,” one said to Phil, gesturing away from me. I lifted my hand in a weak wave.

“Tell Liz I said hi, and thanks.”

As they moved me into the center, flitting about to prep me for whatever injuries I had managed, sticking an IV into my arm among other things, I shoved back my fear. I had no choice but to trust these strangers with my life, and to try and not focus on the Reapings happening in only a few hours.

Power Play: Searching (Phil's POV)

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:04:03 -0500

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

“Will you see if you can find out what happened to Remmy?” Liz asked.

I looked into her eyes, and they were troubled, worried for her friend. I knew I couldn’t say no. Heaven help me if she ever asks me for something I can’t give her, because I don’t think I could ever tell her no.

“Yes,” I…

My first breath felt like fire. I absurdly thought now I really understood what it was like to be a dragon from ancient mythology. The breath quickly turned into a cough, but there was nothing but debris dust to cough up, and for a moment I thought I would never breath again. I sat up and grasped my throat and mouth as the hacking continued, pulling at my stomach and back until it finally let up enough for me to take a full, but ragged breath.

I looked up into startled faces, though I had to squint away the bright sunlight and brace myself against the sounds of people and equipment. I looked around, my head thudding in protest, as I realized I was still at the blast site, except now it was filled with people up and moving, and different parts roped off. Most of the dust had settled. A layer of it coated my skin, and for I moment I thought I must look like a ghost. My head swam and I shut my eyes against the pain and dizziness.

A medic beside me pushed me back down on the stretcher. “You shouldn’t be up, we haven’t checked over all your injuries yet.” I had no energy to fight, so I settled back against the stretcher as I tried to keep my head and stomach under control. I coughed again, but thankfully it was less violent than before.

I opened my eyes again to see the medic gone to get something, and another young man out of uniform watching me. His face was familiar, but not enough to trigger any other memory. I glanced around, seeing no other stretchers in the area. Panic settled in my stomach and I coughed again as my breath quickened. “Da-” My throat was raw and burning, and I could almost feel the the dust settled in my lungs. I grasped at him, staring hard at him. “Dad.” I croaked, and could feel my hands shaking. “Where?”

I took Remmy’s hands as I knelt down by her stretcher. I could feel her hands trembling in mine as she called for her father. At first I thought she was asking where she was, but then I saw the look of panic in her eyes. I realized she was asking where her father was.

“I don’t know Remmy.”

My mouth would have gone dry at his answer, had I not already been dehydrated in the first place. I don’t know. How was that possible? That wasn’t an answer. Her father… her father… I squeezed the young man’s hand tighter, swallowing hard. I couldn’t cry, even if I wanted to, but crying wasn’t safe except in the confines of ones own home.

I glanced around again, then shut my eyes tight. I had to rely on the fact that an I don’t know was better than another possible answer. The medic came back, shook his head, and handed me a drink that no doubt had some meds inside. I lifted my head enough not to choke, stared into the clear contents suspiciously, but my parched throat didn’t care if it was medicine or poison at that point.

The liquid coated my throat, and my voice came easier this time, though it was quiet and broken. “Who are you? How do you know my name?”

“I am Philipe Thorn. We’ve never met, but we have a mutual friend. Liz sent me to find you. She’s injured, but she’ll be alright,” I responded.

The medic gestured to two helpers who lifted the stretcher. Remmy was still clinging to my hand; so, I walked beside the stretcher as they carried it to the medical transport. They loaded it inside, and I sat beside her as the transport began to move towards the Medical Centre.

“Liz?” I breathed. Right, she must’ve been on her way with the other apprentices. I had been so preoccupied with dad, everything else seemed so minimal, but the full impact of the fire and explosion suddenly hit me. Just how many people had been hurt? How many were or could’ve died? “What’s wrong with her? How badly was she hit?” The liquid had done it’s job — it still hurt to talk, but at least I could.

They moved the stretcher into the medical transport, but a took a last glance back to see the damage. “What happened to the others?” I croaked, glancing at Philipe again. “How long have I been out?” The transport smoothly moved forward towards the Medical Center, and I cast a last glance at the old plant, wondering where my dad could’ve gotten to, or if they had simply not found him because there was no body left to find.

I curled in my fingers at the thought, then realized I was still clutching Philipe’s hand. I gave him a slight smile, and squeezed it gently in thanks before letting his hand go again. It was nice that a stranger who was simply a friend of a friend could still be kind.

“Liz…” I started to tell Remmy about her injuries, but I found myself struggling with words as the image of Liz as she looked right after the explosion appeared in my head. She’d been so pale and still with blood streaming from her head. I had been afraid that I would lose her again, but this time for good. I cleared my throat and tried again.

“Liz cracked several ribs. She also hit her head pretty hard. She had to have stitches to close the head wound, but she’ll be ok.” I told her hoarsely. I sounded like I’d been breathing in the dust from the site too. ”Several others in her group were injured too. There are still dozens of people unaccounted for, but they’ve set up a search rotation. They’re still searching for anyone who was known to be the plant at the time of the explosion.”

I found myself pausing before answering her last question. I was just as reluctant to answer her as I had been when Liz asked me a similar question just yesterday. I was worried about how she would respond when I told her. My pause caused her to turn her eyes back to me, and they were filled with questions. I took a deep breath.

“I don’t know exactly how long you have been out, but tomorrow is Reaping Day.”

He paled some when trying to talk about Liz. The list of her injuries didn’t sound too bad, at least to what they could’ve been, but it sounded like just relaying the information was killing him. I grasped his hand and tried to give a reassuring smile, “Liz is a tough one. She’ll pull through just fine, don’t worry. She has a great support team.” My voice fell as I tried not to think about my own lack of one. Even with her parents gone, Liz was lucky to still have people looking out for her.

I closed my eyes for a moment to rest my head as he mentioned the rest of the victims and the search rotations. “Good,” I whispered. Maybe they would find dad. When he took a long moment to answer my other question, I opened my eyes and watched him, now worried.

“…tomorrow is Reaping Day.” My heart fell somewhere into my stomach and I thought for sure I would vomit. I put my hands to my face to try and calm down, to quell the stream of worrying thoughts. Were we ready for it? With this generator down already, what had happened to the others? Could we even broadcast the Reapings this year? The penalty for a faulty job was a one no one wanted to have. And if tomorrow was the Reapings, that meant… oh god, I couldn’t even remember when the explosion happened. How long had I been stuck in the rubble? Days, weeks?

“Well, that explains why my stomach feels so empty,” I croaked, the attempted humor vacant from my voice. I glanced at Phil again, “How do they expect any of us to show up?” I didn’t feel like I could even sit up anymore, let alone make it to the square and then stand huddled with hundreds of others for hours as the Capitol once again decided their fates. Our fate. My fate. I still could get Reaped, and so could Liz. I bit my lip and shut my eyes against the worry bubbling in my stomach, my voice barely above a whisper. “This is all so wrong.”

Power Play: Searching (Phil's POV)

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:55:59 -0500

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

“Will you see if you can find out what happened to Remmy?” Liz asked.

I looked into her eyes, and they were troubled, worried for her friend. I knew I couldn’t say no. Heaven help me if she ever asks me for something I can’t give her, because I don’t think I could ever tell her no.

“Yes,” I…

My first breath felt like fire. I absurdly thought now I really understood what it was like to be a dragon from ancient mythology. The breath quickly turned into a cough, but there was nothing but debris dust to cough up, and for a moment I thought I would never breath again. I sat up and grasped my throat and mouth as the hacking continued, pulling at my stomach and back until it finally let up enough for me to take a full, but ragged breath.

I looked up into startled faces, though I had to squint away the bright sunlight and brace myself against the sounds of people and equipment. I looked around, my head thudding in protest, as I realized I was still at the blast site, except now it was filled with people up and moving, and different parts roped off. Most of the dust had settled. A layer of it coated my skin, and for I moment I thought I must look like a ghost. My head swam and I shut my eyes against the pain and dizziness.

A medic beside me pushed me back down on the stretcher. “You shouldn’t be up, we haven’t checked over all your injuries yet.” I had no energy to fight, so I settled back against the stretcher as I tried to keep my head and stomach under control. I coughed again, but thankfully it was less violent than before.

I opened my eyes again to see the medic gone to get something, and another young man out of uniform watching me. His face was familiar, but not enough to trigger any other memory. I glanced around, seeing no other stretchers in the area. Panic settled in my stomach and I coughed again as my breath quickened. “Da-” My throat was raw and burning, and I could almost feel the the dust settled in my lungs. I grasped at him, staring hard at him. “Dad.” I croaked, and could feel my hands shaking. “Where?”

I took Remmy’s hands as I knelt down by her stretcher. I could feel her hands trembling in mine as she called for her father. At first I thought she was asking where she was, but then I saw the look of panic in her eyes. I realized she was asking where her father was.

“I don’t know Remmy.”

My mouth would have gone dry at his answer, had I not already been dehydrated in the first place. I don’t know. How was that possible? That wasn’t an answer. Her father… her father… I squeezed the young man’s hand tighter, swallowing hard. I couldn’t cry, even if I wanted to, but crying wasn’t safe except in the confines of ones own home.

I glanced around again, then shut my eyes tight. I had to rely on the fact that an I don’t know was better than another possible answer. The medic came back, shook his head, and handed me a drink that no doubt had some meds inside. I lifted my head enough not to choke, stared into the clear contents suspiciously, but my parched throat didn’t care if it was medicine or poison at that point.

The liquid coated my throat, and my voice came easier this time, though it was quiet and broken. “Who are you? How do you know my name?”

“I am Philipe Thorn. We’ve never met, but we have a mutual friend. Liz sent me to find you. She’s injured, but she’ll be alright,” I responded.

The medic gestured to two helpers who lifted the stretcher. Remmy was still clinging to my hand; so, I walked beside the stretcher as they carried it to the medical transport. They loaded it inside, and I sat beside her as the transport began to move towards the Medical Centre.

“Liz?” I breathed. Right, she must’ve been on her way with the other apprentices. I had been so preoccupied with dad, everything else seemed so minimal, but the full impact of the fire and explosion suddenly hit me. Just how many people had been hurt? How many were or could’ve died? “What’s wrong with her? How badly was she hit?” The liquid had done it’s job — it still hurt to talk, but at least I could.

They moved the stretcher into the medical transport, but a took a last glance back to see the damage. “What happened to the others?” I croaked, glancing at Philipe again. “How long have I been out?” The transport smoothly moved forward towards the Medical Center, and I cast a last glance at the old plant, wondering where my dad could’ve gotten to, or if they had simply not found him because there was no body left to find.

I curled in my fingers at the thought, then realized I was still clutching Philipe’s hand. I gave him a slight smile, and squeezed it gently in thanks before letting his hand go again. It was nice that a stranger who was simply a friend of a friend could still be kind.

Power Play: Searching (Phil's POV)

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:26:38 -0500

radicalremmy:

po-lizrose:

“Will you see if you can find out what happened to Remmy?” Liz asked.

I looked into her eyes, and they were troubled, worried for her friend. I knew I couldn’t say no. Heaven help me if she ever asks me for something I can’t give her, because I don’t think I could ever tell her no.

“Yes,” I…

My first breath felt like fire. I absurdly thought now I really understood what it was like to be a dragon from ancient mythology. The breath quickly turned into a cough, but there was nothing but debris dust to cough up, and for a moment I thought I would never breath again. I sat up and grasped my throat and mouth as the hacking continued, pulling at my stomach and back until it finally let up enough for me to take a full, but ragged breath.

I looked up into startled faces, though I had to squint away the bright sunlight and brace myself against the sounds of people and equipment. I looked around, my head thudding in protest, as I realized I was still at the blast site, except now it was filled with people up and moving, and different parts roped off. Most of the dust had settled. A layer of it coated my skin, and for I moment I thought I must look like a ghost. My head swam and I shut my eyes against the pain and dizziness.

A medic beside me pushed me back down on the stretcher. “You shouldn’t be up, we haven’t checked over all your injuries yet.” I had no energy to fight, so I settled back against the stretcher as I tried to keep my head and stomach under control. I coughed again, but thankfully it was less violent than before.

I opened my eyes again to see the medic gone to get something, and another young man out of uniform watching me. His face was familiar, but not enough to trigger any other memory. I glanced around, seeing no other stretchers in the area. Panic settled in my stomach and I coughed again as my breath quickened. “Da-” My throat was raw and burning, and I could almost feel the the dust settled in my lungs. I grasped at him, staring hard at him. “Dad.” I croaked, and could feel my hands shaking. “Where?”

I took Remmy’s hands as I knelt down by her stretcher. I could feel her hands trembling in mine as she called for her father. At first I thought she was asking where she was, but then I saw the look of panic in her eyes. I realized she was asking where her father was.

“I don’t know Remmy.”

My mouth would have gone dry at his answer, had I not already been dehydrated in the first place. I don’t know. How was that possible? That wasn’t an answer. Her father… her father… I squeezed the young man’s hand tighter, swallowing hard. I couldn’t cry, even if I wanted to, but crying wasn’t safe except in the confines of ones own home.

I glanced around again, then shut my eyes tight. I had to rely on the fact that an I don’t know was better than another possible answer. The medic came back, shook his head, and handed me a drink that no doubt had some meds inside. I lifted my head enough not to choke, stared into the clear contents suspiciously, but my parched throat didn’t care if it was medicine or poison at that point.

The liquid coated my throat, and my voice came easier this time, though it was quiet and broken. “Who are you? How do you know my name?”

Power Play: Searching (Phil's POV)

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:04:40 -0500