And Then Restart // {Mandyer}

Sawyer Monaghan

I take a moment to get away from under the watchful eyes of Alexander and Mace, for there is something I need to do and I require privacy to do so. As I stand behind this tree and watch the steam rise from the snow as I relieve myself, I remember that there are in fact cameras all around us disguised as rocks or poking out from the foliage. The thought of scores of viewers throughout the districts watching me urinate is an unpleasant one, and I rebutton my pants as quick as possible. Can't be too careful you know. At these temperatures the less exposed the better. Wouldn't want anything to freeze and fall off.

__

Now there's an truly unpleasant thought.

It comes to my attention that I never saw Charas or Shayde take a moment to answer the call of nature, I suppose they must have done so under the cover of night. I wouldn't want to take care of business out in the open where people could see either, but beggars can't be choosers and I'd rather not have a patch of yellow ice in my pants.

...

I miss indoor plumbing.

It's not like I'm used to this climate. When does anyone in district three have the time to go camping in the winter? Is there even anywhere to camp? I can't recall. I do recall watching last years hunger games onscreen. At the time I thought the sweltering heat and the torrential rain pours had to be some awful weather conditions to survive in. Of course, the gamemakers had to go and prove me wrong, sticking me in this frozen wasteland where people die bloody deaths on a daily basis. People. I think it's important to remember that we are all people, even if some of things we do here are downright inhumane; and especially if we have reason to believe people are losing their minds. No one should die thinking that they're a monster.


I make my way back to the fire started by Mace and plop myself down by its side. As I do so, my mind wanders back to my most recently deceased comrade. I wish I had had the time to speak a fitting epitaph over her cold corpse. Something along the lines of: "Here lies the body of Charas Harp; Boy did she know how to kill people." Well, something like that. Its a thought in progress. I never did get a chance to properly thank her for everything though. If not for her playful debonair personality I'd probably be rocking myself back and forth right now while gnawing off my arm.

It was she who managed to grab some matches from the cornucopia. She was the one who reminded me to eat; not to mention doing most of the cooking. She did stab me in the arm yesterday, but in light of the fact that she's dead, I think I'll make an exception and forgive her. She did pretty well for a district twelve tribute, and who could have expected less? She received a twelve during training for one, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention twelve's unusual winning streak. That's what most people call it anyway. Me? After traveling with Charas this week I'd say its not unusual. Nah, Its more like a kid who has tired of bullies messing with him deciding to learn how to fight and lay some smackdown on his tormentors.

Eventually, the person you are hitting will hit back. Makes sense to me anyway. At any rate, my thought is interrupted as I become aware of a creepy sensation. That weird feeling you get when you think someone is watching you. What makes it worse is when you actually are being watched. In this case, my gaze is drawn to Mace who is staring at me in an unnerving nearly unblinking way; his eyes just seem to be rather flat. It could be that they grow them like that in ten. I wouldn't know. Adding to his unsettling stare, he stands, and begins to pace around the fire. I am unsure of his intentions until he speaks; and what he says take me completely off-guard.

He says we are due for a discussion and asks me if I've been with Charas since the beginning. I must say, I kind of expected something along the lines of: "Me Mace. Me kill tributes big time." Followed by some caveman war whoops and chest beating. - I could be exaggerating, letting my imagination get away from me, but he doesn't strike me as the conversational type. And of all things, why would he ask me about Charas? Whats she to him other than some girl his alliance member nearly decapitated?

I take a moment to formulate a reply, deciding how best to approach him. I won't bother trying to cajole him or otherwise make jokes. I have a feeling I could meet rocks with more of a sense of humor than him. I also doubt that he'd believe any stories I could make up about getting cozy with Charas. I guess the best thing to say would be the plain and simple truth. I'm not sure what he stands to gain from learning anything about my disposition concerning Charas, or why he even cares. Maybe something happened in the training center? Might have. She sure as heck didn't wander off and talk with Mace in the arena.


"Yeah."I say pointedly."We lost someone to the bloodbath, and another yesterday, but for the most part it was just me and her;wandering aimlessly and having the occasional snowball fight." I smile sadly at the the memory of exchanging powdery projectiles. That was a pleasant day."She was really something else wasn't she?" It's as good a question as any.