Memories Of The Past (FINISHED)

So, he hadn't seen my hair. I feel my eyes wander around me. The dirty pavement mixed in with fallen out sand, from the sandbox. The few trees with leaves, lush in bloom and the grass, ferociously growing taller as it moved away from the path. I listened to what he said next and felt my stomach instantly suck in. I looked away, trying so look as if I'm enjoying the scenery, while I wait for the red on my cheeks to disappear.

He seemed to ponder what I had said for a moment. While he did that I let myself take a break and think. I thought back to the time when I wasn't necessarily an outcast. I've always hated being alone. It was worthless, thinking about child drama and and whatever else if you didn't have advice, help or just a nice friend. My little day-- night dream was interrupted when I noticed him open his mouth.

"That was your family?!" For a moment I also feel myself fall. I know my eyes were wide but my mouth gaping like that was a bit over the top. I slowly closed it and put my hand to my forehead, amazed. "Goodness, that was one of the best victories I had ever seen! I can't believe that was your families gift!" Once again, I feel my face flush brightly for a second realizing I hadn't responded to the other part. "You... Would do that for me...?" The words barely came out past a whisper.

I felt my eyes stingy and my throat felt clogged, my heart pounding sincerely for the well fare of this person. "Thank you for saying that. Even if you don't get to fulfill it or were just saying it, thank you." But, I have no one to come back to. I felt like sinking into the floor. My shoulders drooped and I choked back my tears, blinking furiously.

He didn't seem to want to continue on the conversation about the victor very much. I almost felt like a stunned bunny. He was only two years older than me but, he seemed to be working so hard. "You'll get in. And if by the very slim chance you don't, I think you'll become a wonderful writer. If that doesn't work, maybe become a Trainer for Careers so your skills aren't wasted? And let's say, when you come out of the Games, you could maybe, just a suggestion, write about your victory." I bet you he's going to get in. He has exactly what sponsors are looking for. "Of course you'll get in." I repeated myself.

"Fifteen. I have been training since I was ten so, five years for me." I had no talent compared to him. Even though I practice almost every day, I could still lose to him. He seems like very hard competition, someone you would run away from in a fight, but he seemed kind, sweet, funny and honest. He would be a great teammate in the games. "I'm more or less hoping I get in with you. It would be, probably, the best experience I would ever have. I'm not asking anything of you, don't worry. Well, actually if you don't mind, I'll ask a few more simple questions."

I wonder for a minute, feeling insatiably curious. "Whats you favorite food, type of clothes and time of day? I know, they're incredibly random but, I feel comfortable enough with you that you might actually answer them."

"I swear I'll have every person I know sponsor you. No joke."

I yawned into my elbow. God, I'm not even tired, yet I'm yawning? "You like fiction? Are you kidding? I love fiction!" Oh gosh, it's amazing, thinking about all the stories I have read. Fiction was something I loved to believe in. I suddenly realize I'm spacing out. I awkwardly jump back to reality. I realize I completely missed what he said and mentally gave myself a pinch. Wake up from dreamland, princess!

Crab sounded really good right about now. I could almost smell melting butter and fresh seafood. My belly is wishing for me to grab out and take it but, obviously I can't seeing as there isn't any food in front of me. Unique was a good word to use. "Uniqueness is what makes everyone a bit more beautiful than before. Your pretty special yourself."

I looked him straight in the eye. Living with the burden of the truth behind your action in harming someone you know well is pretty upsetting. I respect him for telling me the truth that he didn't want someone he knew dying. "Alright, I swear I won't try to get in the Games with you." I was more or less overly excited to see if he got picked. "I understand. I wouldn't want you dead either. I'm not just saying that. And, you might be one of my favorites as well, if you don't mind me saying so."

"My favorite food... Is... Probably fruit. Any kind of fruit other than tomato is fine by me. I've never really like tomato, it just tastes sour to me. For clothes, I really like shoes. They keep your feet nice and warm or cool. Depends of temperature... Anyways my favorite time of day..." I start thinking about it. "The sunset. The gorgeous streaks of orange, pink and red and who knows what! All mixed into one beautiful end of the day. The day you lived. It ends but, you know that tomorrow comes soon. And you'll get to see the new challenges and wonders of tomorrow."

Listening to his question, I let my pack drop to my elbow before opening it and pulling out my carefully sharpened knives. I lay them out, flat on my hand, over lapping, in silent response to his question. "I hope you don't find it weird but I have a bit of a talent for juggling knives and throwing them." A lot of people found me weird with my combo of juggling knives and not feeling pain... Not feeling pain. It echoed through my mind. It's that annoying tweak that seems like you forgot something. I don't know why but, I just clench my fist around the hilts of my metalic, silvery weapons. I wasn't going to do anything with them. I let out a sigh and drop them back into my pack and slip it over my shoulder.

I look up, realizing the park was just a bit further ahead. "Don't worry. Were close. The entrance is right there." I point to a tall lamp, indicating the beginning of the park. I can't help but smile at him a bit. "So, what weapons or weapon are you good with?"


((Sorry if it was a bad post Dx it was like one AM and I'm all busy ish tomorr- today. You can blame Harry Potter for my skills tod- yesterday ))

I didn't expect him to say thank you for that second one. I almost opened my mouth until I saw him just about form a word, when he suddenly disappeared from my view. I jumped back almost instantly. I blinked, looking around.

"...I don't like the ground."

My gaze bolted down and I let out a calm, giggle. He lay on the ground, face up, with his hand on his face, as far as I could tell in the light. "If I made a joke about having a nice trip would you hold it against me?" I tried joking, just in case he felt bad about tripping. It must have hurt, I think to myself and am rewarded with a moment where I freeze. Was he okay? His hand is over his face...

I felt my stomach sink a bit and my eyelids droop for a moment. Of course he was okay, he was a Career. He's tougher than any normal person. I look him over after he gets back on his feet. "Are you okay? Your not hurt are you?" I ask feeling a pang of worry. He was a bit dirty but, seemed alright.

My shoulders perked up and I could tell I looked ridiculous. I relaxed a bit before putting my hands up, quickly, and waving them at him. "You don't sound over confident to me. I'm the same. I prefer to think the better of life. You can count on seeing me in the Victors Village as your neighbor." I set a new goal, stubbornly. Confidence is definitely something I would need in the games. If you start to doubt yourself... Then you can kiss your butt goodbye. But, don't get egotistic, Rosette.

"You really think so? I mean, I like description but, I never really saw myself as good at it. Well then, Thomas, when you get back to the Victors Village wait for me to get back from the Hunger Games, okay? Maybe we could write a book together. That would be something." I smile lightly at him. Get rid of him maybe being my favorite, this guy is the best thing that happened to District Two! I flush brightly then quench it by biting the tip of my tongue.

I looked down to the side, mumbling softly to myself, trying not to be heard. "...You have no idea..." I look up immediately. I look behind me, searching for the lamp post. It was a few meters in front of me, I realized and raised an eyebrow. Still looking in front of us, I could kind of tell and make out where every tree, bench and the path were. It was really getting dark outside.

"You like swords, huh? That must mean your pretty skilled with it." I listened intensely to the next part, grinning with him. Twelves. I think back to the retched Twelve that had been driven insane with blood lust about nine years ago and had slaughtered my cousin until I couldn't even recognize her. "Twelves need to be taught a lesson. They can't just waltz in and pretend to own the place. It's a good thing one of them is out already. I couldn't stand it if they won another game."

I look over at him. "Anyways, what kind of Arena do you think they'll put up next?"

"That would be great. But, you really don't have to do that. I'm sure you have some Victor friend you want to live next to. Anyways, just being on the same street as a good friend like yourself would be great." I gave up on trying to focus on both of his eyes and just focused on his left. It was the only eye being shown by the tall street lamps, dim, glow. I felt like I was falling a bit behind him so, speeding up the pace, I fought the thought of not returning and getting a house next to him.

And what if I was picked with him? It's my dream to get picked right? I can't turn that down. Alright, calm down. I realized I was shaking, my teeth grinding quietly together. No tesserae. That was my resolution. I relaxed my hands and flexed my fingers feeling each bone and muscle move.

"Swords are great but, I'm not very good with them. I think I'm better with weapons I don't have to feel the person die with. Throwing knives just... I don't think I could stand actually killing someone up close. I'm a bit soft." I quieted down to wards the last part.

"They better learn it fast or they'll have a little red haired problem coming after them." I suck in air through my nose and hold it for a second, closing my eyes. I didn't want them to win this year, next year or ever again. I wanted District 2 to steal their precious little victory strea- What was I thinking? I'm not a hateful girl. I looked into Thomas' eyes, searching for my original state.

"That's a smart idea. But, where did they get secret Career Trainers? Could it be the previous Victors? What we need to do is look over all the Hunger Games videos and see what moves they're playing and with what weapons. If we could mimic them, we could maybe understand at least what level of training they're getting." I shut my mouth, thinking over to myself what I had said.

I lick my lips, trying to keep them from drying. Twelves. Was the Capitol playing favorites? "An urban area? I think I've heard that maybe once before around the other side of town. I'm always amazed at what kind of arena they make. Even though it's the final place for some of our Tributes. What was your favorite place so far?"

I resist the urge to take his hand in fear of the park at night. It had only one lamp past the entrance. I remember when I was younger I would start off walking normally then, gradually, run to the lamp post and hide in the middle, a little kitten in a box. I sometimes sat there, against the pole, until dawn, relaxing under the light, in the grass. I only really relax here during the lighter hours.

The only scary part of the park was everywhere but the cloak of light in the middle. A light in the darkness. I tried to relax. I felt bloodshot eyes staring into my back, into my heart. Into my secrets. I shut my eyes, feeling my eyebrows come down. I clenched my fists slowly walking through the dark. I froze. I'm alone. I'maloneI'maloneI'maloneI'maloneI'malo- No I'm not. My eyes release all tension at once, making me slightly dizzy and I look back at Thomas, slowly following me. I look right into his eyes and feel safe

It's okay. I smile at him. It's okay, Rosette. I know my eyes are full of gratitude for him being here. It's okay. I'm not afraid of the dark. I'm afraid of being alone in the dark. I cough, clearing my throat. "Ha-have you ever come to this park before?"

"You haven't met any Victors? I would have thought an amazing person like yourself would have met a few. Not that I under estimate you. I would never do that, promise." Thinking about it, I don't think want to live next to anyone either. In fact, I wouldn't mind living-- My eyes widen a bit and I bite my bottom lip, stopping the thought as I feel my face get hot. I swallow, steadying my voice. "Of course. And let's say I don't make the games after your Victory. I can still visit you just the same. I would be delighted to visit you right after you win!"

He had a point. He sounded a little encouraging when he said it, too. I really should be focusing more on close combat instead of distance. I've mastered that one. "You have a point. Thanks. I'll be sure to start on that as soon as possible. What weapon are you at or, where are you in your training?"

I let out a laugh. Deadly wasn't really me but, I honestly felt rage to wards Twelve. I practiced throwing extra hard the third time they won. They have no chance this time though. Still, I felt my smile twitch up a bit when he told me. "Of course, I won't need to come after them with you kicking their butts sky high in the Games. They better-- They will be scared senseless when they see you charging them or who ever else. No one's gonna let them win for a long while." I can feel his brown eyes peering into my green and brown eye. My eyes twitch down and I look at his mouth as I see the smallest of movements come from the corners, as they perk up. "You like my eyes?" I feel an eyebrow raise at him.

I don't really respond to his comment about the Twelve Careers. I just gently nod my head and look at him. For his analysis on how many died, it was completely true. A lot of great people from District Two died in the arenas. I shake my head, hair tickling my face and small french braid gently blowing on my cheek. "I really have no favorites. It's like calling a graveyard your favorite place. But, I do agree, 56th was pretty impressive. Speaking of Games, aren't you kind of proud of Creel? He's pretty strong..." I can hear a tint of admire in my voice for Creel and quickly answer his next comment.

"So, you walk around a lot at night? Or is it just tonight because of the weather?"

Visiting him sounded great. Refreshing even. It sort of felt like an invitation. I licked my lips and felt my heart thump against my chest. I hope he doesn't hear such a loud heart beat. I know my cheeks are probably as red as a rose. "Same to you. Well, I would love to have you but... Me and my parents aren't really..." my sentence trails off and I'm left thinking, not about the gorgeous, talented boy beside me but, of my parents fuming, furiously at me for juggling again. My throat clogs, ending my sentence, and my heart sinks. I look down, feeling my head droop slightly. I realize what I must seem like and quickly throw on a slight smile, hiding the pain in my chest. "Anyways, I'm curious about your house, now. After the park, would you mind showing me your house so one day (hopefully sooner than later) I can visit you?"

Creel has incredible talent. "I didn't really care about Creel before. At first, I thought he might put up a good fight but nothing big. I regret ever thinking that. He is... I have no words for it. I bet you he'll win." I had forgotten about the other Tribute. I forgot Sylviana. How could I do that? "God, I feel terrible for her. But, I don't think it's pity she wants from us. It's probably respect, if anything. And she deserves it. She's done well." That lightened the guilt load a bit. Saying the words out loud made more sense than in my head.

So he walks around a lot... I kind of feel crushed by the tone in his voice. Was something wrong at home for him? Did he need a break from something? Trying to think positive I ask "So, have you seen any other good parks around here? Any attractions or just really nice scenery?" Anyways, for his training, if he got splashes of everything then he must be pretty good at this and that. In the back of my mind something shouted at me to ask him what his favorite model of sword was, but, I ignored it. "You'll have to show me something you know. Even if it's some sort of bird call I'm fine with it. Something learned is something gained." I shrug gently at his last remark.

The way he answered made my heart sway. I felt like I was falling. I had never really been told by anyone other than my family that I had pretty eyes. I look at him and try to take his whole face in. His cheeks, lips, nose, eyebrows and even his bangs but, most of all, my vision always returned to his eyes. I could barely see them but I knew they were beautiful. He says he likes my eyes but his are amazing, and I can just see a bit. "Your eyes are... Quite outstanding too. I can't really see them but, a taste is all I need. And, of course I'll switch places with you, if you want to see my eyes." Only if I get to look at yours as well...

I pick up the pace then walk in front of him, getting to his other side. I catch his eyes while I'm walking and I feel a smile light up my face. "You're pretty amazing... I regret not coming out here and bumping into you before. Al tho, we could do without the dark. I wouldn't mind taking a good look at you in the daylight." If I could hang out with Thomas more often... I'm sure my grey life would have some color. My heart jerks just double thinking what I've said. I tilt my head up and look at the trees.

As he shook his head and told me about his father and keeping distance, I felt my smile slowly slip off my face. My eyelashes got in my view and I felt my forehead expose itself. My mouth slightly agape and my eyes staring into his. "You don't get along with your father...?" I gazed into his dark eyes feeling like I was falling. Having parents who weren't in your heart fully was one thing but... Hearing him say that his father was like that as well brought a sort of eating pain to my heart. Thomas didn't deserve people degrading him or underestimating him. There was something in his words that made me want to step in and hug him but, I decided not to, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Respect was something everyone needed. "I'm sure if she was here, what you just said would bring a smile to her face. Knowing there's respect from someone like you, intelligent and kind, would make anyones day." I nudged his arm with my elbow and gave him a crooked smile, happily enjoying myself with him.

So, I get the hint he doesn't visit parks as much as me. I feel slightly disappointed but, knowing him, he probably knows places more beautiful than anything I've ever seen. "What type of food is there in the restaurant?" I ask looking over at him, my voice trailing off a bit at the end. "I know what you mean" I mumble gently within hearing range. I look back with his hand, following it's direction focusing into the woods. For a second, I think I see eyes and step for wards quicker than Thomas but, freezing for a moment after. I squint my eyes and look closely. They're just fireflies...

My mouth gapes open while I'm smiling at him, my eyebrows raise and my eyes grow in size, smiling as they do so. My whole face has emotionally been lit up by one remark. I realize how childish I must look right now and bite my bottom lip, trying to control my laughter. "Losing my pride is definitely no problem. But only if you come with me. Having a little fun would be great!" I enthusiastically say a little too fast, almost over lapping him finishing a sentence. I jump for wards on my toes, speeding up my pace as the child in me comes out. Calm down Rosette, it's just a slide, I think.

I slow my walking and look back over at Thomas, aware the lamp was only a few meters behind me now. I bite my bottom lip and smile, excited to see what he really looked like without having to focus hard or squint my eyes. "I wanna see what you really look like..." I turned a quarter of the way, my head still looking in his direction. Why I am so excited? I have no clue.