I set the wooden table with fresh Asters and daisys on the checkered tablecloth. Mom sets the dish of Katniss Tubers and dark gravy on the table, the steam rising and twisting like ribbons of unique beauty. "When will Father be home?" I ask, adjusting the flowers so daisys are the outside and the purple asters on the inside.
"Soon. The bakery and gallary are busy today. And you know how he gets when ge starts a new painting. But we have some news, so he promised to be home as early as possible. I nod, going back to the counter for the salt and pepper, wondering, what news they could have possibly have. Maybe Uncle Haymitch is going to visit for HayHay Jr.'s birthday! I think excitidly. Uncle Haymitch and I have always gotten together quite well, and I love him. He's my favorite uncle. Well, my only uncle, if you don't count Uncle Beetee and Uncle Flavius. We don't see Beetee and Flavius very much, but when we do, it is a very odd show.
When father does arrive, the first thing he does is kiss mom and smile like he won't ever see her again. But, with their story, I don't blame him. Then he ruffles my hair and claims "I can't beleive your still here! No running to the woods, today, eh?" (It's an old joke. When I was 7, I was mad because Father didn't bring cheese buns for dinner and threanted to run away to the woods)
Then HayHay Jr. runs in, trailing his "superhero" cape tied around his shoulders and we sit down and eat. After we have been served and had our first helpings, Mom finally says, "Alright, kids, me and your father have some news."
I look up from dipping my bun in my gravy and straighten, hoping Uncle Haymitch really is coming.
Mom seems to look at father for assurance before continuing: "An old friend and his family is coming to visit. We have not seen him in 22 years, and didn't even visit his wedding. He wrote a letter last month asking to see us and we decided since school is out in two weeks...he could stay for the summer."
I feel my stomach pitting up. I think I know who she is talking about. But HayHay Jr. says it for me, "Who is it, mommy?"
She lets out a breath, and holds Fathers hand. She glances at me and says, "Your Uncle Gale, sweetie."
My heart drops. I slam my hand down hard the table and stand up, knocking my chair to the floor. "No!"
Father looks confused and looks over at Mom, saying, "What's wrong? Why is she upset?" Then something dawns on him. "You didn't..."
Mom looks even more upset. "I had to, Peeta, she was old enough."
He groans then looks back at me, glaring at the two, having a conversation that makes no sense. "Willow, you've never even met him."
Outraged, I scream, "No! Because of him, I don't have an aunt! Because of him-Mom's Sister is dead! dead! Murdered, father!"
Suddenly his eyes darken, shrink into his skull, and his jaw clamps shut. He grabs hold of the edges of the seat, pulling and pushing it at the same time. Tension. I've only seem him like this once before, when Mom had to bring the the family dog, Rue, to the vet to be put down because she was too old. Mom lets out a gasp, tears running down her face, she grabs a hold of Father, hugging him and whispering to him. HayHay is crying now, too.
I run out the door, running, running, until I get to the the woods. The fence has long since been removed, and wild animals always wander around. I run into the wood, hearing my words echoing and the long since joke since I was 7. I dash across the spring, the sun setting on my back and the squirlles running way, the birds squaking to each other.
End of Part 2
Hi everyone! I know this was about 20 minutes late, but school got in the way, lol. I hope you liked this eposide, and please rememeber, that no, I do not beleive that 'gale killed prim' I just included it for story's sake, so please do not hate me for that. Have a wonderful day!
Pings-
-WinterT