#fava003

The train stops. The announcement comes. Hudson watches Fava’s hands move, translating for Wren. Hudson’s own hands feel heavy in their lap, and they have ever since Wren was Reaped—they’ve been learning, but not fast enough, not for everything that’s happening now, the heavy things that they would say if they could.

They wonder if they should feel rescued. If these Rebels, the faceless voice over intercom, will actually keep them safe from the Games. Keep Wren safe. Keep Gage safe. Make it so Hudson doesn’t have to choose. (Though everyone, including their own brother, knows that they’ve already made their choice.)

Really, though, what they feel like is a pawn. They’re still being moved, only now it’s by hands on the other side of the board.

“Fava—” they say, unsure if they should feel hopeful or afraid, looking to her for her answer. “Do you think this could be the answer? Can they—” (whoever this they may be) “—really keep everyone out of the Games?”