{w a v e} after wave [Frankel]

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How different the beach is, to where I was this morning. Cutting up fish really is not an ideal job for a girl like me. Firstly the smell, how anyone could possibly withstand that aroma, I do not understand. It sticks to you like flies to shit; it takes a lot to get rid of and is absolutely vile. Secondly the gore, guts of fish is really not a pretty sight. It took me months to hold back the vomit, which wanted to erupt from my stomach. I can cope with the blood and gore now, but at times I still gag. Mainly it is the head, those fish eyes glaring up at you, sinning you for chopping off its head. Finally the heat, how I love the warmth but when I am cutting up fish in a confined space, it really becomes my enemy. Sweaty fish and people, all crammed up into one tight space. It is terrible now, especially in the heart of summer.

Summer has its benefits however, a lot of them really. Every summer, the district is really in its spirits. Everyone is out of the house, after work they are outside, lapping up the gifts from the sun. Populating the whole beach, it was really the location for everyone, especially me. The beach is where I can relax, make friends and let all my energy out. Really the beach was a marvelous kingdom for adventure. There is always something different about it every day. Different people, different animals, the ocean acted differently and sometimes spat obscure objects onto the sea. It is also a great soft spot, for me to throw a few shapes.

Since I wasn’t like those stuck-up district 4 careers, I decided to put my physical ability to a different use, entertainment. Doing cart-wheels, hand stands, backflips, I am actually quite talented at them, which makes a change. Mainly my brothers cheer me on, they like to usher audiences to the beach, when I do my little performances. It is actually quite entertaining to do, all these people clapping my name; they sometimes throw cash at me too! I have decided this will be my career, not a fish chopper upper, a body shape thrower. I have no idea what it is called, but it is my own talent, so I can call it what I want.

So here I am, throwing my shapes again on the beach. Incredibly, it is pretty quiet than usual, although because it is later in the day. I have my bathing suit on, I can flex easier in it and I have planned to take a dip into the sea. The swimming suite is my black one, a full one with white dots splashed here and there along it. It quite comfortable, compared to those bikini ones, which sluts tend to wear.

I continue to do a few cart-wheels before spotting an ideal target on the beach, a guy who looks my age. I try to identify him, but his face is not recognisable, maybe I should go for a close look. Halting my tricks for now, I’d grab my beige towel, before heading over to the guy. Treading my bare feet across the warm soft sand, it was pretty soothing on my feet. Standing directly in front of the guy, before I could announce my arrival, he already spoke. “Well you’re obviously sat in the wrong place to get the sun.” Really Mina, you can say better than that.

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Prior to me arriving to the beach today, I had a typical morning at home. Sweet mother darling was ranting one of her lectures at me; of course I ignored every word. She thinks she has strings attached to me but I cut them a long time ago. She is very manipulative to dad and my brothers but fails with me. Today’s lecture topic was actually about me being at the beach…too often. She say’s I should focus more on getting the house tidy, not messing around with boys on the beach. I need a life mother; it is not like I don’t do anything and at least I work.

Fortunately enough for me, I was born in District 4, not the most wealthily but good enough. We have enough food on the table and commodities, we work for it and we get it. Despite the terrible smell of fish lingering everywhere, we’ve a great social life, a great economy; even though I hate them at least we can afford career training. We also have our very own Olympic park, how awesome is that?

I decided I would spend the night here; I couldn’t stand an evening with my mother. Fortunately enough for me, we had different shifts at work, I have no idea how I cope living and working with her. My brothers and father were out on the ship once the reaping was over, me being the only one eligible for the reaping, everyone was relieved when my name was not called. There could have been the possibility though, with the quell. I think we’ve three tributes this year, none of them I know.

Looking to the guy on the beach, his face would be unrecognisable. How had I not me this wonderfully handsome one before?

“You can take my spot then. I was about to go for a quick swim anyway. Why don’t you join me?”
So he wants me to sit and then suddenly asks me to swim…make your mind up. I’d lay out my towel across the sand, before replying to the guy.

“Yeah alright, I’ll go for a swim.”

Despite being on the beach for a while now, I hadn’t put one toe into the water, which makes a change. I enjoy the refreshing seawater and I couldn’t give up the chance of swimming with a vigorously handsome guy.

“What your name, blondie?” Oh great, how original was he, ‘blondie’ wow I hope he can do better.

“Ough! I not a typical dumb blonde!” I’d yell, as I run up behind him. “My name’s Mina and yours?” I’d carry on running past him, heading straight into the water.

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