Голодные игры

           Lacemybootsbackup.Checkovermybowandremainingninearrows.Testmyleftearrepeatedlyforsignsoflifebyrustlingaleafnearit,butwithoutgoodresults.

           Despitethegrooslingandthefish,mystomach’sgrowling,andIknowI’mgoingtohavewhatwecallahollowdaybackinDistrict12.That’sadaywherenomatterwhatyouputinyourbelly,it’sneverenough.Havingnothingtodobutsitinatreemakesitworse,soIdecidetogiveintoit.Afterall,I’velostalotofweightinthearena,Ineedsomeextracalories.Andhavingthebowandarrowsmakesmefarmoreconfidentaboutmyfutureprospects.

           Islowlypeelandeatahandfulofnuts.Mylastcracker.Thegrooslingneck.That’sgoodbecauseittakestimetopickclean.Finally,agrooslingwingandthebirdishistory.Butit’sahollowday,andevenwithallthatIstartdaydreamingaboutfood.ParticularlythedecadentdishesservedintheCapitol.Thechickenincreamyorangesauce.Thecakesandpudding.Breadwithbutter.Noodlesingreensauce.Thelambanddriedplumstew.Isuckonafewmintleavesandtellmyselftogetoverit.Mintisgoodbecausewedrinkmintteaaftersupperoften,soittricksmystomachintothinkingeatingtimeisover.Sortof.

           Danglingupinthetree,withthesunwarmingme,amouthfulofmint,mybowandarrowsathand.thisisthemostrelaxedI’vebeensinceI’veenteredthearena.IfonlyRuewouldshowup,andwecouldclearout.Astheshadowsgrow,sodoesmyrestlessness.Bylateafternoon,I’veresolvedtogolookingforher.