hisdarkmark | Fortieth Hex - [Written/Action]

[When he first opens his eyes, he's immediately blinded by the sunlight and he hisses loudly, rolling over in the dirt to shield his eyes. He doesn't move for a moment, barely bothering to take in what was going on. It was obvious he was back. His clothes were still torn and disgusting from the last draft, and he had a few dried scabs on his arms, but otherwise...he seemed fine.

Sitting up, he gropes around the area for his journal to check the date.

Shit. Just how long was death supposed to last in this place? He supposed it wasn't too entirely unusual, considering how long Arumat was gone when he had been murdered. He adjusts himself on the ground, shifting the way he's sitting and reaching in his pocket for a pen. The writing is scratchy and scrawled, but the words are legible.]

So that's what it's like.

[He doesn't care. He doesn't care to read through everything and find out what he's missed. He's on his feet and carefully walking toward house 25, already knowing that Tsuzuki and Hisoka were waiting for him and most likely could kill him again for being dead for so long.

The thing was, however, was that he couldn't figure it out. He couldn't seem to wrap his mind around what he's lost as a penalty. Maybe he got lucky and they didn't take anything at all. That would be nice, wouldn't it? But it seemed highly unlikely, especially considering the nagging in the back of his mind that something was missing. He'd just have to work it out later.

Hmm...hello house 26. You seem awfully familiar, and not in the way that it was the house some of Draco's friends live in now. He used to spend a lot of time in that house, didn't he?

No. Maybe not. He couldn't imagine why he would...must be mistaken.

It isn't until he's almost at his front door that he takes his journal again, scrawling out a few more words.]

...am I the last one to come back then? Suppose they really do save the best for the end.

[ooc: Death penalty explained briefly here]

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[It takes a few moments for him to rack his brain and remember who Peeta is, but when it clicks his expression mirrors her grim one.]

Ah. Of course they did. [Why? Because they're bastards. Complete and total bastards.] How did you find out...?

He wasn't there when I woke up.

[She blinks quickly. No more tears. She's tired of tears. Tears won't bring Peeta back, won't bring her back to him. No matter how much she wishes it were so. She won't give in. And so, Katniss takes a deep breath and wills the tears away.]

He wouldn't leave without telling me where he was. He knew - knows - it makes me worry. He wasn't at the bakery. And there'd been no signs of a struggle. If they tried to kidnap him, he would've fought.

And you don't reckon he'll be back sometime soon?

I couldn't find his journal.

[And, on some level, she just knew. Had that sinking feeling in her stomach. That feeling she had come home from the draft to find Rue gone. But this was so much worse. This was Peeta. Her Peeta. Stolen from her once again.]

It's been a month now.

That doesn't always mean he won't be back. [Words are coming out of his mouth, yes, but it's like someone else is speaking them. He's not sure why he's so entirely certain of this, but he is.] People leave and people come back often enough. Maybe not the right version the first time but its been known to have the originals return after months of waiting...

[She tries to think of examples of this. Aang had said he had gone home for a couple of days. But his own absence had been so brief, she never would have known if he hadn't mentioned it on the journal. She can't think of anyone who would fit this description. Not anyone, at least, important to her.]

Have you experienced this yourself?

...maybe. I don't actually recall. But I know it's true.

If you know, you must have some memory.

[The words, maybe, are a little sharper than she had meant them to be. She doesn't want to push, doesn't really mean to all that much. But this, the knowledge and reassurance that Peeta might some day come back to her, is important. So very important and dear to her that she can't even begin to put the feeling into words.]

Did someone else you know go through this?

[There's a slight snarl at the question, if only because he's frustrated. He can't even fathom why he would know bu--

'If you know, you must have some memory.'

...damn it. Is tat...]

Look, I know it can't just be me that knows these things. Ask and I'm sure you'll find someone who's experienced the same thing, but I can't say I have officially.

[The snarl is met with a scowl and a roll of her eyes. It's a valid question, she thinks. Whether or not he's frustrated with her badgering is not Katniss' fault. And if he's going to speak so surely on the topic, he should have some reason why.]

I will.

Fortieth Hex - [Written/Action]

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