Chapter Text
Hallen was possibly the most boring boy in District Twelve.
That being said, most things in District Twelve could be described as such that, boring. It's not that there wasn't anything to do, Hallen's mother always said there was plenty. Just nothing interesting. The gravel on the way to school. The voices of the children's choir. Nothing was better than truly boring.
Hallen didn't care much for singing. He didn't care much for anything, honestly. His life consisted of getting up for school, getting his sister ready, running to school because he got caught up in talking to one of his neighbors, a man-burdock? all he'd ever known him as was Mr. Everdeen. He'd always talk about his darling girls, Katie? And uh- was what it? rose? piper? prim? something like that. After getting smacked by Mrs. Jacobi, he'd sit down next to Matty. Matty was possibly the most annoying thing about District 12. His father was a peacekeeper, and he seemed never to let anyone forget it. He wore nice clothes compared to the rest of the kids in class. He always had fitting shoes and was possibly the only kid who didn't starve during the winter but still lived in the seam. His brown, wavy hair was always pulled into a braid, sometimes with a stick in it from wrestling on the dirt.
"Good-mornin' Matty"
"Morning, Hal"
He doubted that Matty didn't know how much Hallen hated being called Hal, I mean, the only people to ever call him by a nick name was his sister and his love. His girl. His darling. Daisy. For how many people thought she was ash in the snow, never belonged, and stood out like a sore finger, you'd be surprised how in love Hallen seemed to be with her. Daisy was the type of girl to act nice to the proper's faces, but behind them, she was possibly the most rebellious girl in District 12. She wore her curly hair in a ribbon that was similar to the one the mayor's daughter lost; no one *knew* where she got it from, and no one cared enough to ask. Hallen thought it was the nicest thing about her. The rumour's the other children had about her led you to think that he was some crazy folk-a boy- gone mad in love with a serial killer with fangs for teeth and paint in her ears.
Daisy had been there when Hallen had nothing; he'd been forever grateful for her. He'd run her the bread from his brother's girlfriend, among other simple tasks. At first, Daisy had thought of him as an annoyance. Most people thought the Orions were.
"hal" whispered Matty
"Yeah, whatcha need?"
"Ben and I-well-we're going to the slag heap to pick up any ladies, wanna come?"
"I'm afraid my hearts taken, Matt."
"You're no fun. Lucy-oh. Sorry."
It seemed a little after Hallen, and Matty's conversation had ended, the school day was over, and he had to run home. Most days weren't this rushed, but today was different. Tomorrow was the day of the reaping. God have mercy on how much he loathed that day. The fear of losing his sister, or his lover, maybe even one of his friends or neighbors, was terrifying.
"Where ya' goin' pretta boy?" Daisy called. Daisy was more confused than ever. He knew he'd get anxious around the reaping, as he always did, but he didn't expect this. "Sorry, ya'know how it is. Is sure in a rush, this year the crop ain't good- Louis, he ain't ever lettin me rest a day." He laughed nervously. He couldn't do much but hope his darling wouldn't be upset. He loved her, but not enough to give up his family for it. "I'd better ask the gods to make it good then, I ain't seen you in almost a week, mister." Daisy retaliated.
"Mister Orion, Misses Clemency. As much as I enjoy seeing you being civil with another human for once, you must understand that getting out of my classroom is of utmost importance." Mrs. Jacobi announced. She'd clearly grown tired of their antics. Forget-me-nots in Daisy's desk was one thing, so was finding a kiss mark on her shirt when they were in study groups of two. But apparently, this was too far.
"Sor'me." Hallen rushed out of the room, clearly embarrassed. Despite being a rebel, He didn't care much for being in trouble.
"You better be, I don't get why you're such a troublemaker. Lucy i-was such a nice girl, ya'know? She had nothing bad to say or do."
"Wont happen again, scouts honor."