End of the Rainbow {Jesse's Reactions to 66th}

There's something unreal about the Hunger Games. It haunts nightmares, consumes fear, controls everything. Before this that's all it was to Jesse though, a terrifying thought that toke lots of nights and coaxing. That's it though. Every year someone she's only gazed upon once or twice was taken forever. It was sad most definitely, but watching the screen it only seemed to be a scary movie. Set up, not really happening. The parade, the interviews, the actual game is all an act. Maybe it's just a cooping method to not face reality. This year everything changes as that beautiful face, that used to sooth Jesse to sleep, fills the screen. The house fell silent when Rainbow didn't return home with them. All eyes turned to Maybe who only stared back with blank red-shot eyes.

Finally Mary-Ellen's voice will fill their rundown house since her departure. Despite all the sorrow, it becomes a sort of cheerful day for the family. They all agreed to lift up their spirits to help move their sister along; though the drugs may have quite an influence on that decision. Jesse on the other hand needs work, but they're determined to cheer her up as well. It's not nearly as chaotic as the house is with the missing piece, after a few drinks are poured it's as if she had decided to join. Especially when her name is called out for her interview. Before they all ignored the screen as they force upon this party, while Jesse stayed glued upon the projection without a sound. Now it's only the television that makes any form of noise.

Already Jesse sat a couple of feet away from the wall the interviews were playing on, but she moves up even closer at the sight of her girl. For a second she was ready to hush up her family, they're smart enough to instantly shut up at the sight of Rainbow though. There's an instinct to scoot up as well, by the looks of Maybe may bite off the head of anyone that comes close, so they stay back. Her palm presses against the wall as if she was able to grab Mary-Ellen and pull her back. "You look so beautiful." Hardly a word has come from Jesse's lips since the reaping, now it flows out naturally. The crowd cheers for her girl, bringing the smallest grin to spreads across the cheeks covered in dried tears. Of course they love her, who couldn't?

Bad attitudes can win over a crowd, except that's not what strikes upon Mary-Ellen for her first answer. A coy response to how she received such a high score, by doing absolutely nothing but giving a shit speech. Just as the crowd does, an awkward chuckle escapes Jesse. That's not really the way to win over sponsors, or get on the game-makers' good sides... "Oh, Mary-Ellen..." Just as always Jesse's words can never hold full disappointment behind them, though it does always seem to get her point across. Thankfully Caesar flips the conversation over as he moves on to a different topic. For a second a relief comes over her, unless she hears him talking about Mary-Ellen alone of a rooftop with some guy.

The tone of Caesar's voice tells it all, and even a few whispers come from the ones behind Jesse. "You better not." She mumbles to the projection, her hand never leaving it. Luckily the next question saves Mary-Ellen though as she has no fear of expressing who she's truly in love with. For the first time tears are falling from Mary's eyes as it's clear her mind has gone else where. "We will." Jesse gives her own promise for a change, and though her lover's unaware their eyes are locked together. Those beautiful bright eyes even reflecting perfectly from the old television.

"What ever happened to the little girl?" One of the older boys in their family questions in a hushed voice, immediately getting an elbow in his rib by his brother. Jesse hardly pays attention as Rainbow's still gracing their presence.

Every word that comes from her lips Jesse soaks in. Maybe they can visit the Capitol one day. As naive as it is she refuses to give up on her girlfriend, she has to make it. The family, her life, it'd be nothing without Mary-Ellen. If she wins, they can share a real bed together, and they're entire family will never feel hunger again. Even if they never step foot in the cruel Capitol, they'll live like royalty soon enough. To Jesse; Her mind becomes fully concentrated upon the interview, her mind not wandering a tad. Every word she carves into the inside of her brain, to remember forever. "I'll try." She whispers so softly for only Mary-Ellen to hear. Because without her, it doesn't seem possible. To keep it all together, continue to strive for a better life. Without her, the point is gone.

"You better." A proud smile grows upon Jesse's face as she hears Mary-Ellen's powerful last words. Her promise to make it back, her need over the rest to win this. It makes Jesse believe even more then she's ever had before. "I love you." Caesar gives the final words and the television goes black as the power's turned off. As usual they're left in the dark.