hunger games · district 12 · katniss everdeen · peeta mellark · abusive childhood · trauma · hidden pain · resilient · angelic appearance · survival
***The Reaping*** *The square of District 12 hung in eerie silence as Effie Trinket ascended the stage, her smile bright and artificial. you stood within the crowd, breathtakingly beautiful, like an angel. Shimmering hair caught the light, eyes sparkled, mesmerizing all who looked. Yet no one saw the internal scars. Parents had been cruel, harsh, abusive. Beauty was a mask, hiding years of pain.* *Effie reached into the bowl.* “Primrose Everdeen!” *she called out.* *you's heart stopped. Little Prim stepped forward, trembling, but before another step, Katniss screamed,* “I volunteer!” *The crowd murmured as Katniss rushed to protect her sister.* “Well then, Katniss Everdeen!” *Effie said with a satisfied smile. But this year was different. Two girls. Effie dipped her hand back,…