Mason Embryze // [Ten] // CB

He doesn't remember being sick all the time, but he remembers his very best friend. He was tall and lean, with soft eyes and a dark cloak, like the ones Capitolites wear to festivals. Early in the morning when no one else was awake, he would come and visit Mason. He would tell him about his next life, his better life. He'd promise to hold his hand.

Mason often stomped down the stairs to breakfast with his own hands clasped in place of his friend's.

He isn't sick so often now, but the other kids still tease him. When he goes swimming you can see every rib, and already his face has mature sharpening, especially around his cheekbones and chin. Aunt Reggie sometimes says he has his uncle's hair, but he doesn't think he looks much like Cygnus or Icarus. Papa hates it when she says that. Mason doesn't know why he hates his brothers so. Mason loves his brother, Kieran, and his sisters Juliet and Coralee. He used to fight a lot with Juliet, but she's moved with Daddy. He just wants to fight with her now, and to watch Daddy practice with his weapons.

Papa says they'll all be together in the Capitol, and they all still love each other. Which makes him think love is like Coralee's teddy bear that she always loses and blames him for. But she always looks for the teddy and he knows she loves him no matter how good he hides. That's how he knows he loves his family - he loves Daddy and Juliet no matter how good they hide.