"Happy Hunger Games!" Boomed Sorren, jovially. "And may the odds be EVER in your favor!"
She wouldn't be picked. She's got a low amount compared to some people...
But still, I worry.
Sorren walked to the reaping balls, pausing at the girl's one.
He dropped his hand into it, taking his time deciding which slip to choose.
He unfolded his paper, staring out into the sea of people.
"The female tribute from district twelve.... Sadie Everdeen."
The girl turned white as a sheet, her blue eyes wide with fear.
She slowly walked to the stage, her steps tiny.
Her shirt was untucked, her small body trembling...
"SADIE!" Screams a voice.
Jesse runs through the crowd, running to her sister.
Peacekeepers grab ahold of Jesse, her screams filling the square.
"NO!" Screeched Jesse. "NO! I-I VOLUNTEER!"
The peacekeepers let go of her, and she stood tall.
"I volunteer as tribute." Growled Jesse.
Sorren looks down at her, his face etched with shock.
"O-Okay!" Boomed Sorren. "Looks like we have a volunteer!"
Jesse made her way up to the stage, her face blank.
"What's your name, young lady?" Asked Sorren.
"...Jessica Everdeen." Croaked Jesse.
"I bet you my bottom dollar that was your sister, am I correct?"asked Sorren.
"...yes."
"Splendid!" Exclaimed Sorren.
"And now- for the boys!"
He reached his hand into the other ball, pulling out paper.
He unfolded it, clearing his throat.
"The male tribute from district twelve... Lukas Mellark!"
I felt my blood drain, my heart dropping down to my stomach.
"Come along, now." Sighed Sorren. "Don't be shy."
I walked slowly to the stage, feeling tears gather in my eyes.
I faced Jesse, her emerald green eyes trained on me.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Boomed Sorren. "May I present to you- district twelve's tributes for the 74th Hunger Games!"
...
"Come on, you two- shake hands!" Squealed Sorren.
I stretched out my hand, Jesse shaking it.
She stared at me, her eyes cold.
I forced a smile, trying to keep my tears from falling.
Peacekeepers ushered us into the Justice building, the wooden stage groaning over all the weight.
Jesse...she....ill have to...
Only one person can exit the arena.
That means that one or both of us will die...
"You have five minutes." Growled. Peacekeeper, closing the door behind me.
I looked around the room.
It was the first time I had ever been in the justice building, and I found the decorations in it welcoming.
I sat down on a velvet couch, running my fingers along the surface.
I'll let Jesse win.
She deserves it.
Besides- what do I have to come back to? A family that hates me? This wretched world?
It'd be better if I died.
...
Nobody came to visit me.
My mother and father didn't bother.
But that's okay.
We were on a train, going extremely fast. The tiny crystal chandeliers shook, clinking together and sounding like wind chimes.
Seated at a table, I was next to Jesse, both of us across of our drunk mentor.
"So...when do we get started?" I ask.
"Woah...slow down, there, buddy..." sighed Ivor, brushing greasy hair out of his eyes. "I can't tell you anything right now."
"Then why are you here?!" Snapped Jesse.
Ivor held up his glass, the amber-colored liquid shimmering.
"The refreshments." He huffed.
Our mentor is a complete drunk. He's not going to help us, and we're gonna die.
I lost it.
He was sitting here, not even bothering to TRY and be sober for us... and he's supposed to be our mentor.
I reached for his glass, knocking it over.
But he was quicker.
Even though the liquid fell on him, he kicked me, pinning me to the back of my chair with his foot.
This...is awkward.
"Now look what you've made me do!" Spat Ivor. "You made me spill my drink!"
He got up, muttering angrily to himself.
I looked to Jesse, our mentor walking out of the room.
"He's friendly." I muttered, sarcastically.
Jesse looked away from me, ignoring my comment.
I sigh, remembering how she never talks to me...
I've known her since we were in kindergarten, and she's never noticed.
"Well what would you expect from Ivor?" Asked Jesse, still looking away from me.
I remember how he fell off the stage at the reaping...
How he hugged Sorren- who flinched and looked like he was dying inside.
I stifled a laugh, a smile on my face.
But I remembered our situation, and my smile melted.
...
Jesse stabbed the table, just missing Ivor's hand.
She glared at him, her gaze charged with hatred.
My jaw hurt from getting punched, and all I wanted to do was put ice on it.
But no.. Ivor said it makes me look more tough... and I need all the credentials I can get.
"What's this?" Asked Ivor, holding up the knife. "Have I actually got a pair of fighters this year?"
Sorren walked in, gasping.
"THAT IS MAHOGANY!" Screeched Sorren, anger tainting his usually formal voice.
Nobody payed attention to him, Ivor turning the knife over in his hands.
"You two have a lot of work to do." He sighed. "But I think you guys actually have a chance."