You're Not Always Right [Deane]

I'm not interested in the Games, not because they are happening (most of my buddies at school think they shouldn't be happening, but NO ONE would dare say that out loud) but because there's been no proper representation from District 10. I want to scream at the projection screen in District Square, 'I could do better! I could!' I could! But Deane wouldn't hear it. He's been great, but I don't need him checking my every move like he does. Actually, when he's out on the ranch with the livestock, when I'm expected to be at school, those are the times I feel most free. I am most free. But not now. Now I am walking back to the house expecting to get another thrashing from Deane about being late. What can I say? K'nut and Moe wanted to play basketball, and no one's had a ball in ages. Moe found the ball himself. He was flirting with Ella-Marie Munrow when she kicked the damn thing in the reeds behind the school, the only place where water pools in an acrid smelling swamp, and she done near jumped out of her skin on account of being so shocked. It must've been left from a time long ago, maybe even from a Tribute Champion. I can't remember anyone winning it in my lifetime, but that's not really a long time either, so who knows. It's always the Careers.

Moe invited me and K'nut to play. The hoop is still up because the Capitol hasn't bothered to take it down. It's hidden, so who would know that it's there? The pavement court is overgrown though, grass shooting up through the cracks in the pavement. Sure, it sucks. Whatever. The ball bounces nicely, and I'm naturally strong because of work on the ranch. So when we decided on a game we're going to call, You're-the-"Donkey", I whipped them solid. D-O-N-K-E-Y... six letters, six shots. K'nut hung on longer than Moe, which isn't saying much considering I dunked the ball and Moe was right after me. We hid the ball in the reeds. Maybe tomorrow we'll play again. Maybe.

Depends on how bad Deane thrashes me tonight. I'm at the ranch gate, pushing the rusting POS inward to the yard. With the crazy squeaking the rusty hinges are making, Deane's gotta know I'm back.