[83rd] The Reaping - District 4
Oct 1, 2019 13:05:33 GMT -5
Post by d12. sofia markus ♕ kaяi on Oct 1, 2019 13:05:33 GMT -5
The morning sun rises and Bell jumps out of bed and rushes to the window to feel the cool morning breeze after a sleepless night. It was not fear or worry that kept her awake, it was excitement. Her eyes wander from their little island to the trees not too far off where the tops of buildings just begin to peak through and a smile found its way onto her face.
Some odd months and 17 years ago a queen was born. Rumors say that the whole District went quiet the day she was born, that not even a whisper could be heard throughout the streets. At least that’s what she was told, and she makes sure everyone knows that they are standing in the presence of greatness.
There was no fear today. Or on this day any year. Just excitement. Just a queen that is ready to see her kingdom.
Ready to finally feel free.
She carefully tucked the last piece of loose hair behind her ear before grabbing her red lipstick off and delicately making her final touches. With a quick turn and a little smile she headed out the door and into the hallways of her palace.
Conversation stopped as soon as the door to her room sounded shut. Heads quickly turned away and eyes looked down. All but one. Beck came up next to her and without saying a word quickly squeezed her hand and let go to walk beside her like the exchange had never happened. A small show of emotion that if others weren’t watching they never would have seen. A small gesture to show he cares. She couldn’t help but peer at him through the corner of her eye as a smirk played on her lips. Bell was the queen here.
And they all needed to remember to bow down.
Finally after what seemed like ages of waiting she is free from her prison. A palace is supposed to be a home, a place that is safe. But she never felt either. They trapped them on the island, raised the group of them to be slaughtered like pigs. She trained her whole life to be the best, but she was never more than average. Then finally they revealed to her the true purpose of their stay.
To die.
But a queen never simply accepts defeat.
At first it hit her hard, and her world came crashing down around her. Her palace was burning at her feet. She kept her composure, they could not see her stumble. They said only the best would survive, and Bell had never been the best. So she worked harder, and she worked smarter. Secrets and bribes helped her to excel, and soon she was nearing the top. Maybe she would make it out alive.
Dead or alive? She was no longer sure what the better option was.
Cole had made up his mind, he wanted to be dead. Her fists clenched and her eyes narrowed as he stepped up to the stage, throwing his life out the window, finally making his last escape. This was not part of the plan, she was supposed to be the first on that stage. She was supposed to be the only one.
He would pay dearly.
Rage consumed her body and blurred her vision. She was almost blinded when she realized that the other tribute who had been chosen cowarded back in fear. A smile played on her lips as a plan formed in her head. Her crown would not be taken so easily.
Not today.
Not ever.
Bell side stepped out of the crowd and small gasps from her siblings surrounded her. They were not allowed to do this, this was not a part of the rules. ”My turn,” she whispered.
Rules never seemed to apply to queens anyway.
With her head held high, she made her way to the front of the stage. She gave Cole a curt nod before taking the microphone from his hand.
”Bell Hailsham. A name you won’t forget”
Her eyes searched the crowd for Beck and she held his gaze for a second too long. She was going to die, but she wanted to decide how.
A real ruler decides their own fate. And she has decided to die by her own hand. They would not ruin her, they would not tuck her away and pretend she never existed. She would die a martyr.
She has always been a queen.
And now it is time for her to take her rightful throne.