He chose a blanket. He preferred a soft duvet, but a warm fleece throw is much more practical given the situation. His friends had told him many ideas on how to use this covering to his advantage in the Games— the obvious ones being for comfort when sleeping (but quick naps only, of course), and for protection from the harsh elements. He was taught how to use a blanket, in dire situations, and when folded in a certain way, to descend safely into caves. His teacher advised him that he should use the blanket to carry his belongings in, from campsite to campsite.
But at the front of his mind, he had always planned that the blanket was to be used in the time between his death and when the drones came to remove his body from the arena. However short or long that period of time may be, he wanted to make sure his body could be kept somewhat safe. He and his district partner had an agreement they would do this for each other.
He found it to be quite the gift that he got to choose what he would be wrapped in when they would return him back to his family in District 8, where textiles were produced.
Of all the days he’s lived in his 84 years Which is 30,660 days give or take It’s not the centrefold half-way marker In the winter of age 42
Where he counts before and after
Rather it is the day in his early adult life At 23 years and 3 months, in the autumn Day 8461 exactly When his soulmate smiled at him
With hesitation, she travels towards the fuming violet cloud. The air is dense as it becomes poluted with dark cosmic exhaust. Curious as to its origins, the smoke’s scent of burning charcoal and rotten rodent bodies reminds her of own innocent attempts at practicing magic—changing her morning bowl of oatmeal into ice cream, or her worn-out heels into hiking boots.
Was someone calling for her? Purple smoke is the signature she leaves behind on all her transmogrification spells. She doesn’t intend to, but she hasn’t honed her skills yet to be able to conjure or cast without leaving such an obvious trace. This was clearly and obvious signal— was it meant for her? Or was there another underexperienced witch practicing faulty magic? Whoever it was, they’ve got her attention.
