When It Falls | (Kousei)

As the reaping and the games began to creep closer and closer to the present, Castle began to lock herself away from others more and more. After having lost a cousin in the games a few years back, she didn't want to lose someone close to her again, and definitely didn't wish to be selected herself. When Pixie was killed, it had devastated and changed Castle.

The eighteen-year-old residing in District Five had her life altered severely by the death she witnessed on the television. It had been broadcast to all of Panem, and there was no doubt in her mind that others were happy to see the death, since it meant there was more of a chance of their own loved ones returning home. Then again, Castle couldn't say she didn't feel the same seeing tributes other than Pixie die. With one less tribute in the way, it meant Pixie was closer to victory. It was true, however, that Pixie never did achieve that victory.

Ever since that death, Castle had begun to shut herself away from others. She didn't want to communicate with those who she felt didn't understand what she was going through, even all of these years later. There were very few people that she felt did understand, and they mostly consisted of her family members. It was unlikely to find anyone else here and there that had lost someone in the Games that she felt comfortable talking to. This was likely the reason she didn't have all too many friends at this point in her life.

This morning, however, since the reaping was getting to be so close, and she was nervous about having another person she knew being chosen, she decided that she'd do something a bit outside of her comfort zone and go out of the house. She decided that perhaps a bit of socialization couldn't be too terrible for her to have.

Brushing through her hair one last time before she headed out of the house, she then told her family members that were home that she would be back shortly. She opened the door and exited the house, then latching it shut behind her. The weather was warm, and the girl could feel the heat beating down on her. She was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, both rather plainly colored. She didn't have anything too extravagant that she liked to wear, as she often tried her best to just blend in.

She walked down the street for a while, passing by people and not saying a word. The drawstring bag that she carried on her back would bounce a bit against her as she walked at a steady pace. As she continued walking, though, her bag seemed to have gotten caught on something. She only noticed this because it completely ripped open, scattering its contents across the sidewalk.

Shit! was the first thought that popped into her head.

She immediately dropped down to her knees to begin gathering up her items as quickly as possible.