burn to the ground | kay - jb blitz

Time slowed down as I sat on the couch in the justice building.

Staring at my hands as I twiddled my feet together, I took one breath in and let it back out. My chest rose and fell slowly in time with the clock clattering away.

I had done it, my plan, that is.

If they didn't taken me seriously before, they'd have to do it now if they want me to live. No more conversations ceasing when I enter a room, no more whispered words shared over secret meals, no more protection because I'm too young. This is my coming of age; I was thrust into adulthood with that final squeeze of Vera's hand before calling out for death.

But I don't intend to die. It's not part of the plan.

I enter the games, I leave the games, and I'm finally taken seriously. From everything I've seen, that's how it's done here if you want to be considered rebellious.

And then, if I die, I'll simply become another part of the cause, another dead girl used to expose the evil of the capitol. Either way, I'll still be working against the capitol, against the people who imprison us, torture us, and force us to lose sight of who we are. No matter what, it's a win-win situation.

She'd be here soon. Probably to chastise me, to yell at me for being stupid. As if I don't know what I'm doing when I know exactly what I'm doing. But still, the thought of leaving my sister is what caused my chest to clench when the door swings open.

"Hey Navya," I say quietly.