stained heart [flynn] 89th

FLYNN GARNER
YEAR OF THE 89TH

I don’t want to let go, there is still so much to go through. Pieces of strategy and advice that have only entered my mind just now but its too late. It is too late for Aurora. It is too late for both of us. She is taken away, piled into that glass tube just like Robin was. Just like I was. And then she is gone. I am left in the discomfort of the sixth floor, the usual suspects stood around the projector and my only view of someone I can call a best friend is on a screen in front of me.

”I told Aurora not to stick around, hopefully Jack will follow. I just wish they got a fourth ally. Even numbers are always an advantage. I am not sure about that Zane, hopefully Avriel and the old man will have taught him some sense.”

There are a few nods, a few mmhmms and some do not even acknowledge my ramblings. The table that was in front of the screen last year has gone. All the drinks are on higher surfaces and there is nothing fragile nearby the couch that we all congregate around. So, they have learnt from last year’s meltdown. Except I see no therapist stood amongst them. Just the usual painted on calm demeanors and fake cheering for a pair of kids they will soon forget about.

And Teddy Ursa? A year a later. Another year of being a neighbour and still, he has not helped me change his opinion on him. I better not turn into him when I grow old,

Everything in the room grows on edge as the tributes pile from their podiums, even my own ass balances off the cushiony couch. ”At least the bloodbaths have been a little less bloody in the past years. They have got this; they can get out.”

”I heard the gamemakers are hoping to change that.” Star the escort says, now focusing on filling up her glass rather than the two tributes she whipped away from District Six a few week ago.

”Don’t say that.”

”It is what the Hunger Games need! The feedback has been to change the name to the first battle as bloodbath does not really fit the tributes’ first time in the arena anymore.”

Just shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

Already so many are running away from the scene but Aurora and even Jack? No, they are both facing off with a band of careers! Careers that are nothing like Nanette. Real bloody thirsty careers, including that Fray guy who was walking around with the fake gun. ”Why does nobody ever listen to what I say? They are just as bad as Robin!”

Just like Robin.

”She is bleeding! Get out!” My own tears burst against my cheeks and the lack of table this year means I am straight off the edge of the couch and on the floor. ”Get up Flynn!” Star’s voice is just as cursed as the firing guns. Guns. Not guns, again! Bang. Bang. Bang.”JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP STAR!” I am on my feet, in front of the escort. There is someone else behind me, hand on my shoulder.

What did they think I was going to do?

Bang.

”That was not a gun, what was tha-…” That was it. The end. No. It was her. No. It is over. No.

Tears have never burned before. My heart has never stopped beating before. My chest has never felt so near to collapse. I can’t diagnose what is happening to my body right now.

”Flynn, please sit down.”

”No, just fuck off. Fuck off all of you!” That is when my hand swipes at the wine in Star’s hand. The glass shatters on the floor after erupting the red alcohol all over the mad woman’s dress. There is a shock on her face, a shock that I should have seen when Willa died, when Robin died, when Aurora died and now Jack. But no, a stained dress…

”They are both gone and all you care about is a stupid dress!” Arms grab at my jacket but I pull. I pull and tug away with whatever strength that has not been sucked out of me and then I run. I run without looking once at Teddy Ursa. Is he even in this room?