The Help (Hero and Mai)

[Lotus]

Jess had was the victor of the 21st Hunger Games, but to her she was just the victor of some brutal game that she'd been forced to take part in and a place that killed her best friend. However long ago it was she didn't really know. Every day seemed to be the same; her trying to forget, her trying to move on, her trying to live. But after being in an arena with twenty-three other kids trying to kill you, trying to make those things hard was a real challenge. Each and every second or each and every day was a struggle. She was alone and she was broken.

There was only one day of the year she really remembered and that was her brothers birthday. She'd never forget that day for as long as she lived. Mainly because of the shear dread it put into her. Sure, she'd survived the games but she was still scared to visit her father. Scared as well as angry. It was his fault she went in. It was his fault she lost her best friend. It was his fault she was like how she was now. But nevertheless, her father 'held' a dinner for his prized child; the favourite. The only problem was that today was that dreadful day and after a night of next to no sleep it was going to be hell.

She called out to her white German Shepherd, Atlas as she stood at the door. She came bounding and a small smile played on Jess' lips. She bought Atlas when she realised she needed a distraction from the horrors of her so called life, and the name came about because she could distract Jess so much that it was like being taken to a completely different place. Jess pulled her coat round her, being careful of the inside of her arm and opened the front door.

"Let's get this over with Atlas."

[Hero]

You could say Clark was homeless. He lived on the streets and stole whatever he could. He won't to the Capitol illegally to many times. But it didnt matter. Right now, he had a job. He was pretty much a care-taker. Apparently, he was the Father to Jess, a D10 Victor. She must've been pretty of she liked like her mom and dad. Even though he hasn't seen her, he had seen pictures. She was beautiful.

That didnt matter. He had work to do and had to stop dreaming. His boss had kept reminding him that it was his son's birthday today. He still had to clean and make the dinner and most of all, the cake. Surprisingly, baking was a talent of his. But he continued cleaning until he watched the door slightly open. It was her. This was Jess. He walked over to the to find her and her dog as well. He let her in and the dog jumped on the couch. "Don't mind me. Just cleaning up. I hear its your brothers birthday. Is that right?" He watched her with interest, as if she hated this place.

[Lotus]

Jess was a little surprised when some strange guy let her into what used to be her home. He said he was cleaning up. Since when did her father get a cleaner, or whatever this person was. She looked around the place and shuddered inside. It brought back so many, what used to be, terrifying memories but now were just depressing ones she couldn't shake.

The guy was still talking to her so she tried to pay attention and forget the memories. She shrugged off her coat and nodded her head. "Yeah. You're right." She hung her coat up and went to the coach where Atlas had made herself comfortable. She hissed, "Off. If father catches you you'll be in lumber." As always, Atlas did as her told and Jess took the place in which Atlas had been sitting.

With Atlas's head on her knees she looked around the place properly. It looked a lot better than it used to. "You've done a good job with the place. Looks nicer than I remember." Yet she still didn't look at him properly.

[Hero]

He wasn't surprised with the odd look he it from her. If a visitor came through, they all asked him why he was working there. He gave them the answer that it was job. Anyone job for any money was better than nothing at all. Her father came and went even as he was working so he often had to house sit. It was often lonely but again, better than absolutely nothing. "Well since it is, if I'm gone, tell him happy birthday for me." He paused a moment, getting a good look at her. Then he finally knew who she was. "You must be Jess. Your father talks about you all the time. Maybe not nice but I've heard a lot about you."

He moved the chest around. He accidentally know led a pic of her dad off the shelf. He hitched up his jeans and reached down to retrieve it. He rolled up the sleeves to his long blue t-shirt, revealing slightly chiseled arms. "And thank you. I need a job so this is it. As I still have to cook and everything. You wanna help?" He walked into the kitchen and began getting the things he needed. "You helping?"

[Lotus]

Jess heard what the guy said and stiffened automatically. He knew he'd say rude, derogatory, hateful things about her, even though she won those blasted games. Nevertheless she nodded her head and said, "That's me. I bet you've heard everything, from his point of view at least. Anyway, nice to meet you..." She paused. She hadn't actually asked him his name.

She watched his movements, intrigued by him for some reason. Watching him took away the strange feelings she got in the house and made her relax a little, so when he asked to help she stood up and followed him slowly; with Atlas at her heels. "I'll help. Where is my father? Out I presume?" She stood in the doorway of the kitchen and watched this stranger get to work, but as odd as it was, she felt comfortable. "What shall I do?"

[Hero]

He knew he had offended her. He could read people and he had watched her stiffs t the mention of what her father said about her. He never had meant to. "Listen, I'm sorry. I just meant that..." He gave a little charming half smile, "Well I don't really know what I meant, I'm jar not trying to antagonize you. You're probably a good person and all but it seems your father thinks differently. That's all." He made it into the kitchen and started preparing the main meal. When she came in after him, her dog followed eagerly behind. He always wished he had a pet, but he knew he couldn't. He could barely take care of himself so a pet would be another mouth to feed. "Oh right. I'm Clarkson. But please, just call me Clark."

He went over what he was going to make but didnt know he was going to have help. "Well, how's your baking?" He smile and handed her everything she needed. Her father had given him money for rare icing for the cake. "You wanna put the icing on the cake? And yes. He's out somewhere. Probably getting some last things together. And thanks for the help. I appreciate it."

[Lotus]

Jess' face fell at his words. Her father had already talked bad things about her and no doubt this Clark person believed them. She tried to smile though it though as she said, "Well it's nice to meet you Clark. Just a shame I didn't get first impressions with you, your impressions of my were already there, but maybe they'll change and you'll realise..." She stopped herself there before she got angry. She couldn't let that happen.

She nodded her head numbly at what he said. Of course her father would be out. Finding a last minute, yet wonderful present for her brother. Jess hadn't a clue what to get him, she never had done. But she could make him a meal one night, without her father, maybe. She had the money for a banquet for crying out loud.

She walked over to the counter and said, "I can give it a go. Not sure how great I'll be." When he thanked her she shuddered, "Don't thank me. You won't like it if my father knows I helped..."

[Hero]

"Don't worry. I don't believe what your dad said. I don't believe him. People talk you know. They say he isn't the best person in world. And I saw that he isn't. He favors your brother and I see that. So I'm gonna make my own opinions about you. And maybe realize what?" He tried to give her a reassuring smile. He didnt want to offend her but he wante her to feel better knowing that he didń simply believe what he heard. He put down all his materials he was using for the money and pulled out a small box and handed it to her. He turned to face her and leaned against the low counter top. "Its a leather bracelet. With what money I had, I figured I might as well get your brother a gift if I want to keep my job. Take it and give it to him."

He thought about what she said. About how her dad would practically freak if he found out she helped. "Well, don't tell him then. I will if you want. I'll worry about it. And your baking? I bet it's fine." He smiled his big smile and just got back to work.

[Lotus]

Jess simply shook her head at him, brushing off his comment. She didn't really want to delve into the issues regarding her father. What he said was completely true and it was fairly shocking at how much he actually knew about their lives, without actually ever meeting him in person. It was fairly odd, but her father was always one to never shut up.

She stared at him in shock when he handed her the box. She couldn't take that from him and pretend it was her present to her brother. That wasn't right! She pushed the box gently back into his hands and cleared her throat. "I can't do that. It was your idea and your money. I know how bad my father can get, so keep your job. I'm use to being in trouble with him. Don't worry about it." She tried to smile softly as she looked away from him.

I nodded my head. I was definitely good at not talking to my father, so not telling him about this wouldn't be a challenge at all! She watched him out of the corner of her eye and was, if she had to admit it, slightly fascinated by him. "We'll see when the finished product comes out."

[Hero]

He wondered what this girl really had against her father. It was like some sort of unspoken hate, you could call it. Maybe that's why her father always talked about her brother. Her dad even regarded his mistakes with pride. He talked about her like she never even existed. He rarely spoke of her at all. Though Clark always asked about her. "Yu believe him, don't you? You believe all the rude things your fate has said about you are true, don't you?" He just grinned and continued working.

She caught his attention again with confrontation about the bracelet. He knew it was his own money. He knew that he should keep it for himself. He didn't. Maybe he just wanted one good thing to hold on to. But he couldn't. He had to keep his job. It wasn't in his best interest to get fired. "Don't worry about it. If there's a paper and pencil, I can draw him something. I've done portraits before. It's not a big deal. Really." He turned back to work and had already prepared the simple appetizers and now just turned back to the rest of his work. "The cake? You'll be fine. I have a feeling your baking is better than mine."

[Lotus]

She shook her head as he kept talking, stopping what she was doing and gripping the edge of the counter; knuckles turning white. She cleared her throat and tried to gain some of her composure as she stood up and got back to making the mixture. "I have nothing else to believe but what he's said. I grew up with, I was forced to do things I never wanted to, I was forced to volunteer. So don't get me wrong when I say that that's all I've ever believed and all I ever will. I have nothing else to go on." She looked to him then and said, "Please don't bring it up, again. Ever."

She looked away suddenly as she felt her cheeks warm slightly at the expression he had on his face. She shoved the box, this time, back into his hands and said, "You'll give him this instead of me. You need the job more than I need to be appreciated okay? That's the last of it." She was past the point of caring what he had to say now, so simply shrugged at his baking comment. She remembered baking a couple of times, but now, she hardly ever carried out the task.

[Hero]

He never really saw her expression after he made the comment. Apparently, she got pissed and all, asking him to never bring it up again. The fierce tone of voice she used slightly gave him the chills. But strangely, he found it dark and sexy at the same time. What was he thinking? Why would a tough Victor like her, find interest in a little homeless kid anyways? It made no sense. "Well, let me bring this up then." He turned to face her before continuing. "Despite what your father says, I think you're pretty cool. Winning the Games and all. I understand that you may not want to talk about it with a stranger like me, I get that. But that's what I think of you."

When it came to the box, she was as firm as ever. To please her, he took it back but only set it next to him. He prepared the meal rather quickly, probably out of anger. "Look, I'm only trying to be nice. That's it." Luckily, the meals didn't need to be cooked, considering they tasted better raw. so he excused himself and left her in the kitchen. He really did get it if she didn't want to talk, but he was only trying to be polite. Not mooch. He pulled out his sketch pad that her father had bought for him and began to draw. He wanted to draw a picture of her brother, so she could have something to give to him. But he ended up drawing her. Her dark hair pulled back in a bun. One little strand of hair loose from the rest. Her back slightly arched and brows furrowed in concentration. He was afraid she would ask. But he just kept on drawing.

[Lotus]

She chuckled, but it was a dark and cold sort of laugh. Winning the Games being classed as cool. She glared at him before her eyes softened and she felt the pain coming back. Damn pain, just let her live for once! "You really have no idea do you? No idea what the games does to a person; even the one that lives..." She turned away, trying to hide the welling up of emotion within her. "It breaks them. It breaks them so much they'll never be fixed..." She got back to work and tried to remember the nice comment about her. He was sweet to think that, but to relate it to the Games. No. Not cool.

When he walked out she felt herself crumble inside. She hadn't had a conversation with someone properly in ages and now the person that had been willing had just walked away. She squeezed the inside of her arm to bring the pain back from the cuts that were there before she sighed and tried to get back to baking the cake. She kept glancing round the door to find him sitting there drawing, fascinated by his every movement.

[Hero]

He looked up from his drawing for a moment to find her ranting. About the Games. Seriously. What's the huge deal? He thought of the Victor from District11. That Felix Hades guy. That's the huge deal about them. They mess people up. Get heir who love life, and just life confused and screwed up. And he didn't mean to do that to her. "Look. I don't even need to put that remark towards the Games. And I'm sorry that I did. And breaking a person, yeah. I get that but to where they can never be fixed? Everyone can be fixed. It just takes a little longer and accepting that you actually can." He looked back down at the drawing and drew the kitchen around her. But the most detail was fixed on her.

He watched her squeeze her arm, almost out of reflex for hiding something. Maybe she wanted him to stay. But ask everyone else. No one wanted him. He was insecure and all. He would even admit it but not out loud. Out of the corner of his eye, he could she he watching him. He gave her a side smile and simply continued, not wanting to think of possible feelings for a cold hearted Victor.

[Lotus]

Jess didn't have words because that definitely wasn't what she believed. She'd been broken by her father and the Games made it worse. All her life she'd been broken, but not as much as she was now. She tried to brush off his comment, but could she ever really be fixed. Especially when all her life was filled with torment and pain. She didn't believe it. Not now. Not ever.

She finished the icing and finally looked over to Clark. "I-It's..." He voice cracked and she cleared her throat. "It's done." She carefully a tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She hoped it was up to standards, he seemed to analyse everything. When he looked up though she looked away suddenly, going to wash her hands.

[Hero]

As he stood from the couch, he set his sketchbook down behind him and laid his pencil over it. To his surprise, he didn't even bother to close it and keep the drawing of her hidden from the object of his fascination. He stepped behind her and admired the cake. "It's beautiful," he remarked. He smiled. He picked it up and brought it over to the table first. He had we help Cary appetizers and plates of different dishes to the table. He glanced at the clock. 3:45. "Listen, I have to go at 4. So can you hold up until your father gets back?" He made sure she wasn't looking effort taking the box with the Beverley out of his pocket and placing it down on the table. He walked the kitchen to clean, humming much happier songs to keep him busy. He went into the living room to gather his things but nearly forgot that he wanted to tell her something. "Believe me. You didn't need those Games to make you cool." He quickly tore out the page were he drew her in his sketch book and set it next to the bracelet. "Thanks for giving me someone to tal to today." He took one last look at her, admiration obvious in his eyes, and closed the door behind him.

[Lotus]

She actually managed a smile because of his compliment. "Thanks... I think." He took it to the table and after helping carry the rest of the food to the table she watched him start to clear up. He was happy, and she envied that. It was like nothing could bother him.

Then she saw him tear something out of a book and wondered what it was. She'd check later on if she could, but what was she supposed to do until everyone arrived. And what if she was alone when her father arrived. She dreaded to think of that moment. Jess was just about to say something to him as he closed the door behind him. She walked to the door, opening it and watching him walk away. She didn't want that, she realised that now.

She ran after him, after telling Atlas to wait. She caught his arm and looked to the floor. "Is there any possibility you'd stay for dinner? My father might not like it, but you'd be my guest." She realised she hadn't put this much effort in to a person for a long time. It shocked her o the core. "I understand if you don't want to. I'm not great company and you're probably sick of that house.." She trailed off and looked anywhere but at him face.

[Hero]

He turned around once she got his attention again. He was honestly surprised that she had followed him out here. Once she grabbed his arm, he actually turned. "Jess, I-I wish I could but.." Just then, an idea came into his head. He took her hand and led hand back in the house. He grabbed the drawing off the table an put it into her coat pocket. " I wish I could stay, but I really can't." He could tell t just before he had closed that door the first time that she had wanted to say something. He turned and put his hand just above the scars. He felt the unevenness of we skin beneath his touch. "What were you going to say?@

[Lotus]

Jess watched Clark closely and noticed that he put something in her coat pocket. She'd check it later, because right now, her heart felt like it had sunk even lower than before. She didn't even know why. She didn't even know this person! He was just a stranger her father had hired to clean his old, decrepit house.

She shook her head and turned away slightly after her eyes were drawn to his arms. They looked similar to her own and she shuddered a little at the memory of how her looked today. "I-It doesn't matter. I was going to thank you, for being, y'a know, kind and all. And if you wanted to stay you were more than welcome. But understand, I said I did. After all, if I had a choice, I wouldn't be here either." She smiled sadly and said softly, "Well, I'll see you around then I guess. Enjoy whatever else you're doing."

She turned and walked away. She walked into the kitchen and found the bowl she used whenever she visited for Atlas's water. "Here girl." She was instantly at her feet, lapping up the water. Jess sunk down next to her and stroked her absentmindedly; waiting to hear the door close letting the one person she had felt anything for in a long time leave.

[Hero]

He watched as she didnt even check her coat pocket. She wouldn't check it. He knew. People were forgetful and he was just some stranger in this pretty ramshackle place. Then again, this was probably the nicest place he'd seen in weeks. When she stood there and thanked him, he was amazed. "Well you're welcome I guess? I try not to get on people's bad side as it is. Don't wanna start now." She didn't have her coat on but he was still moved by the pain she went through. He really didnt know. He took away his hands and pulled his sleeves tightly over them. "I-I'm sorry." He went around the main room and cleaned up anything else he thought needed it before he left.

To his own surprise, she still offered him to stay. He would be dead as well as out of a job. His boss wouldn't be hapoy with his caretaker's intruding on his favorite day of the year. Not to his own surprise though. "No thanks. I'm good. I wanna keep my job you know. And intruding? Not really my thing. And yeah. See you around sometime." He began to walk out the door but paused in the doorway. She thought he was gonna leave? No. Not like that. While she gave water to her dog, he took the picture out of the pocket. He walked over to her and leaned a bit downward on one foot. He laid the drawing on the ground. "You know, I'd think you would like it." He smirked and walked across the room and out the door. He then took off into a run, into the town.

[Lotus]

Jess stared down at the drawing laid on the floor in front of her. So that's what he'd been drawing when he left her alone in the kitchen. A drawing of her. She didn't understand it. Why would Clark; both of them complete strangers to each other, draw her?

She felt shaky, one because he couldn't stay and two because it was taking a lot to get her head around everything that had just happened. She slowly reached out and picked the drawing up; staring at the amazing detail he'd put into it. Her decorating her brothers cake; concentration clear on her face. It wasn't a very flattering pose, in her eyes, but Clark had obviously seen something in it. At that thought a tiny smile crept to her lips and her cheeks flushed a little. He'd actually drawn her. Then again he could have just needed something new to draw. Yes, that was the reason. Nothing else to it. Nevertheless she still folded it up and placed it in her back pocket.

Just then she heard a key in the door. It was either her brother or her father; both had keys since her father was so generous and allowed her brother full access to the house whenever he wanted it. The person called out, "Anyone home?" That's when she knew who it was him. This time a grin spread across her face and she felt the closest thing to happiness she had ever felt in a long while. She jumped to her feet and ran to the door yelling, "Brandon!"

She jumped into his arms and held him tightly in an embrace as his arms encircled hers. It was good, to feel that way. To know someone did love her; even if they didn't really show it. She pulled away and that's when they laughed at each other and had a proper catch up; till their father arrived.

***

It had been a long, tiring and hurtful day; for Jess anyway. The dinner had drawn to a close and it was time for her to leave. Thankfully.

Her father had been the worst company, and even though Brandon had tried to stop him from being so hurtful, he continued. Jess wasn't even sure how it had happened, she hadn't technically done anything wrong, but he'd lost his temper when Brandon had gone to the bathroom. She'd gotten a slap round the face and his fingertips dug into her arm so hard that they left bruises. She didn't understand why this time, she really didn't. They'd only been trying to have a civil conversation. That was the only true abusive thing she had to have put up with for the day; the rest of it was just hurtful words.

She grabbed her coat and headed for the door, calling for Atlas to follow. Brandon called to her to wait, so she did. Outside they sat on the porch; Jess not feeling overly talkative at that precise moment in time. Atlas was at her feet and her brothers arms were around her. She felt tears in her eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall. Not in front of him so she turned away slightly; out of his embrace.

He caught her arm though and she winced. He hadn't meant to hurt her, just wanted to see if she was okay; he was the only one who she told about her bad times. "Show me Jess..." His voice was hoarse, like he was holding back any true emotion. She shook her head but couldn't resist her brother. He was her only true family. She slowly lifted the sleeve of her shirt up and watched her brothers expression. Her arm was a mess, she knew that. He pulled her into a tight hug, but she felt someone watching so looked around warily; tugging her sleeve down in the process.

[Hero]

As he walked through the busy and very crowded streets, he couldn't forget her. He knew that he really shouldn't worry about her. She was all bad and hardened because of what the Games did to her. He understood that. It's not like anyone could really love someone like him anyways. He wasn't much. According to everyone else, he couldn't amount to anything, and never really would. But maybe she saw something in him that maybe no one else did. But that brought him back to memory from when he was too little to really remember, but for some reason, it stuck out to him.

~Flashback~

Clark was 5. His dad needed him to run an errand for him. He didn't want to, considering his dad wanted him to go to the place where you would sell slaves. The place where you go to seek people for money. He always cried that he didn't want to go. But everyday, his dad made him go. When he got there, another man, older than his own father tried to buy him. It was a day to day kind of thing. But the one good part about his days there, was the teenage girl there. She would walk around the house and cook, clean, and just about anything else. Her father was a jackass like his dad was. She could be his sister. He was grateful though. Some nights if he had a nightmare, he would find her room and climb into bed with her. She would hold him and sing him to sleep. It was beautiful. She felt like a younger mother that he never had, to him. And his little 5 year old self loved it.

~End of Flashback~

That's how he felt while watching her with her brother. The way he comforted her. The way he held her, despite her father's hate for her. Her brother still loved her. Clark had always wished he had a sibling to care for him. But once his mother died, his father was never sane enough to have another wife, or even another girl in the house. If he did, he tried to come on to her and all that crap. It didn't work well with Clark. He waited until her brother had stepped off the porch before Clark approached her again. "I see you found the picture." He smiled and referred to the corner of his drawing sticking out of her pocket. "You like it?"

[Lotus]

When someone walked up to her and started talking to her, Jess pretty much jumped out of her skin. It was just getting dark and she was in a bad place after the day she'd had. She wasn't thinking straight and now her brother had to leave her so their dad wouldn't blame Jess for something else. She was aware of someone watching them; the games did that to people, but she wasn't with it enough to pay that much attention.

Her eyes focused on the figure that had spoken and she realised it was Clark. She'd recognise that smile anywhere, which was an odd thought come to think of it. She'd met him only once and that was today; or at least that's what she thought. She nodded her head and cleared her throat to hide any give-a-way emotion. "Yeah. You did put it right in front of me though."

She stood up and brushed herself down, making Atlas move in the process. "You have real skill." She slipped the drawing out of her pocket and held it out for him. "It's really good so keep it for a portfolio or anything. Drawing like this could take you anywhere." She smiled at him, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.

[Hero]

He had put a hand on her arm to help steady her. Granted he did scare the wits out of her. He had never meant to but from some people,he had advantage of stealth. It was one good thing his father had given to him. Something he could actually use. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." He faced her but she seemed a bit taller. He then realized that she had been standing in the step above him, which made them about even height.

"And I put it there so you could see it." What he really wanted to say? He couldn't say at all. He couldn't say that he was sorry for her being in the Games. He wanted to tell her that the drawing wasn't out of boredom. It was because he felt something for her. What it was? He didn't know but was willing to find out for himself. He simply chuckled at the idea of a portfolio. His dad would laugh even harder. He didn't keep most of his drawings, just the better ones that he wanted to keep. Those drawings that he did sell were his main source of income. "Portfolio," he mumbled, "Everyone would just laugh."

[Lotus]

Jess moved down the step so they were on even ground and took hold of his hand, placing the drawing in it and closing his fingers around the paper. "Now. If you haven't tried you don't know that people will life. I certainly didn't. So keep it. If you don't make a portfolio, that's your choice. But why not keep something and treasure the fact that someone complimented it and your skill?" She raised her eyebrow and took a step back from him.

She felt Atlas at the back of her legs and she reached down her hand so that she would come and sit in the right place. Atlas may be white, but she did like getting into awkward places with people.

She was confused though. Why would he, one draw her, two show it to her, and three make it like she was going to keep it? It was a weird thing to do. Jess was never forward, she never really had been. The only time was probably when she volunteered for the games and when she came out the victor. Before and after that no one even knew she existed, other than Gregory and Brandon. A pang of hurt and betrayal washed over her and she needed Clark to keep talking in order for her to forget.

"So, why did you end up drawing me? Was it just something new to draw in that boring old house?"