A >matter< of b l o o d [Bison Blitz]

"Let me go! This isn't my house -- you can't force me to stay here! Let me go!"

The Peacekeepers just grunt as they finally let go of my arms and shove me inside the overpopulated hovel where my supposed family lives. I think I pick up something about 'curfew' or 'school tomorrow' -- both of which are bullshit. How many sixteen-year-olds in District Five are still in school? And I never once got bothered about a curfew before those last damn Games. Before Shadow.

A cold wind howls past as the door slams shut, and I involuntarily shudder. No one cared who I was -- who any of us were -- before that Reaping. Now, if we so much as toe the line, we're cuffed and taken out of public sight. Somehow, I doubt the Capitol cares about the families of the dead tributes anymore. But apparently the Peacekeepers don't think so.

I half-scream, half-groan and kick the doorframe, hearing a few icicles crash to the ground outside. Ok, I'll admit. It was a bit cold outside. But I'd much rather be freezing out there than milling about with strangers in a house that's barely warmer in the first place.

Speaking of which.

I turn around and see one of my half-siblings, one who could actually pass as my sister. We're both the same age. We sort of resemble each other. She might be the person I have the best chance of getting along with.

But she's a drunk. And a drunk is a junkie waiting to happen.

I don't associate with junkies.

"What's got you up so late? I say, spitting the words out like poison. "Last call was hours ago, sis."