Brutus doesn't like me.

I don't know why, maybe because Penelope thinks I have a 'more interesting' story. But I don't think that matters now.
"Can you guys fight?" Penelope asked when we were eating breakfast together.
"I can fight with an axe and I'm very strong." Brutus answered immediately.
"You?" Mona asked me.
"Oh, I know how to use a spear." I said.
"In the games for survival it's more important to know how to survive than fight." It was the first time we heard Tara's voice from behind her black bangs.
"Tara, starlight! You actually started talking with us!" Mona said happily.
"Maybe you would like to tell the boys what happens next?" She said.
Tara rolled her eyes and started explaining.
"First you'll meet with your stylist, after that there will be a parade. Then you'll go on a training and you'll have a skill performance. In the end you'll go on a last interview and then you get into the arena."
That doesn't sound easy at all.
"Lucky for you I have information about other tributes that are the bigger threat." Penelope said.
"Most important; the careers. District 1 are Felice age 79 and Earl age 34. District 2 are Ginger age 50 and Tiana age 11."
"The eleven year old shouldn't be a big threat." Brutus said.
"No she shouldn't."
"But don't be allies with the careers. It's never worth it." She said that with a serious tone.

...

The time of parade came.

Me and Brutus were wearing similar outfits.
District 4 is known for fishing and water so our stylist decided to go for the under water world concept.
I had an teal shiny cape that looked like mermaid's tail. I had only fishing net on my chest. I was also wearing some white material wrapped around my hips. I had a gold sort of crown on my head.
I felt weird because I have never wore something like that.
While I was waiting near my platform I noticed people from District 2.
Ginger was the 50 old girl like Penelope said. She was tall and muscled, I heard that she volunteered because she wanted to be in the games. Penelope also told me that Ginger was trained to be a peacekeeper but never got the job because she had romance with one of the trainers.
Next to her there was a small girl named Tiana. She was just 11, poor girl has no chance of winning against many adults. I could see her terrified little face with many freckles.
"Hey, you." I heard someone saying from behind me. It was Brutus.
"What are you staring at?"
"Nothing, just thinking." I answered nervously, this guy could smash me to the ground if he wanted to.
"Don't you feel like it's not fair that innocent children has to die?" I asked.
"That's just how life works around here."
"Remember buddy, the strongest wins. You're 'interesting story' is not going to make you win." He started talking with serious tone. It sounded like threat.
"Tara said that a brain is more important." I replied while trying to hide my fear.
"You're listening to her bulshit?"
"Yes and maybe you should start too."

The parade started and we all were riding on the platforms. I wasn't sure what to do, Mona told me earlier to act like I'm above them all. I was looking at the sky while Brutus was looking around and waving to the audience.
At that moment I was wondering if Rose was watching me.
What is she thinking?
Is she watching?
She has to be watching, right?

...

I think I did good on the parade. At least that's what Mona said.
Mona didn't seem to be as stressed as she was on the reaping.
I really wanted to talk to her so I did it when we had free time after the parade.
"Hey, Mona."
"Yes?"
"Look, umm...this might sound weird but-" I couldn't get my words together.
"On the reaping you seemed more nervous than usual, I was just wondering why?" I asked.
"You see, I wasn't nervous that I will get raped in District 1 raping. I was scared that they'll pick-" she stopped like she was about to say something that she shouldn't be saying.
"My daughter." She whispered.
I was surprised I didn't thought she was allowed to have kids while doing her job.
"Can we talk about more in private?" She asked.
"Sure."

We went to my room where there was only me and her. Mona wasn't as happy and optimistic as usual, she was scared and nervous.
"I'm telling you this because I trust you so please don't tell anyone." She started and sat down on the bed.
"Okay, I promise I won't tell anyone."
"Couple of years ago when I was waiting to leave for my first raping in District 4, there was this guy. He forced me to do things I didn't want to do." Tears were coming to her eyes.
"And then I had Terra, my daughter. It isn't allowed to have kids in my career so my sister helped me raise her in secret."
"And you were scared that they'll pick her for Hunger Games?"
"Yes but they didn't."
"I never told this to anyone." She added.
A moment of silence came. I was processing the information. Poor Mona got abused and had to raise her daughter in secret. I always thought that District 1 people live happy lives with no problems, looks like I was wrong.
"Don't worry, you're secret will be safe with me." I told her and it brought a smile to her face.