Yearning for Returning {Luanna Oneshot}

Luanna Xena

When Lorenza was reaped, it took all of my willpower to listen to what she had told me. I was not to volunteer in her place, no matter what. There were absolutely no exceptions to that rule, and the same order was given to her girlfriend, Renaissance Calbor-Morales. Renaissance and I both had to just stand there and watch as someone we were extremely close to was ripped away from us, possibly to never return. Sure, I had confidence in Lorenza's abilities in means of intelligence, but she wasn't much of a career, meaning that I wasn't sure if she'd actually make it through the Games alive if she were pitted against someone of a better skill set.

I was sure to visit her in the Justice Building. Her family, as well as Renaissance, each went in before me, but I knew that, despite her having already said so many goodbyes, I had to be one of them, too. As soon as I entered the luxurious room, I embraced my best friend in a hug. We'd always been extremely close, and I didn't want to think about losing her. When we spoke, I told her that she needed to remember the career training the Renaissance and I had been giving her in the past year. I knew that was important for her survival, and we couldn't let her forget it.

I'd had something I wanted to give to her to take as a token, only to realize that she already had Rena's necklace around her neck. I knew how important and special that would be to her, so I knew not to ask her to take something else, and didn't bother to take the bracelet out of my pocket. It would stay there while I was in the room with her, but would grace my wrist later on to remember her, whether or not she returned alive.

It was almost impossible for me to imagine losing my closest friend. I'd known her my entire life, almost, and we'd always been extremely close with one another. If we weren't such close friends, and had she not met Rena, perhaps we'd be the ones dating. For me, however, it would have been a bit awkward, as we were too good of friends to allow that to potentially mess something up between us. Even though I barely knew Renaissance, however, I knew she treated Lorenza well and that they were a perfect match for one another. I'm certainly glad that she found the right person, even if that could mean that she'd have yet another individual's heart she'd be crushing if she died.

Thoroughly impressed by her escape from the bloodbath at the Cornucopia completely unscathed, I remember watching her run off on her own. I had a smile on my face that first day, knowing that she was safe so far. Now, I just had to hope that that safety continued. She was tossing small pebbles into the rushing current of a waterfall, which calmed me. It was like she had found a way to entertain herself, and that made me happy. It didn't have to be all fighting, all the time. Alongside that, she was also sponsored a backpack and a megaphone, which meant that people in the Capitol liked her enough to send her things.

I wasn't quite certain what Lorenza was expected to do with the megaphone, but I was sure she'd figure it out. She was intelligent, and I knew that she wouldn't use it when she was alone, as that would simply make her stand out and open to attack. No, she was smarter than that. She made sure it was turned off and placed it in her backpack. I watched her on the screen, weapon in hand and ready to defend herself if need be, when it cut to another few tributes, mourning one of their fallen.

Lorenza was smart. She didn't allow herself to get too attached to anyone. The young woman didn't even form an alliance with anyone, deciding to fend for herself with her own weapon, skills and wits. I knew she could accomplish a lot if she needed to. There was no way Lorenza Camille Aita would go down easily. Unfortunately, the entire time that she's in the arena, I know I won't be able to sleep peacefully. Knowing that your best friend could be murdered in cold blood at any moment isn't a comfortable feeling.

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738 words