Dakota's POV:
I was sitting in a room inside the Justice Building, waiting to see if Rose would visit me. I was beginning to think maybe she wouldn't come, when the door burst open. I looked up just in time to see Rose running towards me, I stood up and she collapsed into me in a tight embrace. I hugged her back lovingly, knowing that this could very well be the last time I ever saw her. I hum soothingly to her and pull away slowly, placing my hands on her shoulders.
"Rose, listen to me. With Jack and I gone, we can't hunt for you. Remember when I taught you how to shoot a bow and arrow? You're going to have to hunt for yourself, use what I showed you," I look her right in the eye to make sure she understands. She nods serious like in response, promising she will.
"I'll do anything if it means you'll come back to me alive, Koda, anything," she tells me.
I smile sadly at her, saying, "And Rose, remember that Jaxon and I are always, always, in your heart. No matter what happens," I tell her, pressing my finger to her heart as I say so. She nods against and hugs me once more.
"I love you, Dakota," she whispers.
A tear slips down my face as I start to reply, "I love you t-" just then, two Peacekeepers storm into the room, pulling my younger sister away from me before I can finish speaking.
"Koda! ...Koda! No, Koda!" She cries, her voice breaking.
"Wait, no, Rose! I love you, too," I cry, my voice strangled.
Scrambling after her, the door closes in my face with a deafening bang. I lean against the door, head in my hands. Why me? Why Jaxon? How could this really be happening...?!

-LE TIME SKIP-

Jaxon and I boarded the train that would take us to the Capital. We followed our district's escort, Mae Winnthers, into a cart on the train where there were tables of food and drinks. She gestures to the food, saying, "I'm sure your hungry. The ride to the Capital will take several hours, so I suggest you two get something to eat," she tells us cheerily, a smile plastered on her lips. How can she be so cheerful when the Capital sends 24 children literally to their deaths each year? It's disgusting.
I was almost the opposite of hungry, but I sat down anyway, nibbling on a piece of pastry. I starred blankly out the window and watched the scenery whip by, the colors blurred together in a dizzy haze. I knew I had to get back to Rose. I had to win, or she would surely die. Jaxon sat down across from me and held onto my hand, offering comfort. My brother was always so strong, so sure. Even now I could tell he was trying to keep us together, even with his own emotions tearing at the seams. If we stuck together, I knew we could do it. But what if it came down to just the two of us? Who would go back to Rose, and who would die? Which of us would live the rest of our lives with the shame of our kin's blood on our hands?
These thoughts were to depressing for me to bear at the moment. I just wanted to sleep. Rest. Get away from this new Hell  that was now my life. I closed my eyes, my shoulders slumping with exhaustion. My vision blurred, and I collapsed into a fitful sleep.

-TIME SKIP-

I woke up to Jaxon shaking my shoulder. "Koda. Wake up, we're in the Capital," he tells me, looking out the window and waving. My eyelids blink rapidly, adjusting to the bright light. I sit up and peer out one of the train's windows. I'm met with the sight of thousands of people. All of them wore bright, colorful, and extremely exotic outfits. I knew I had to get people to like me, so I put on a fake smile, and started to wave. The people cheered, smiles of excitement clear on their faces. I internally facepalmed. This wasn't me, but if it got us out alive, I'd do anything it takes...

A/N: hey guys, I hope your enjoying this book so far. Don't worry, Cato is coming very soon, so no panic attacks or hyperventilating, got it? Lol kidding. But please comment what you think about the book, it really helps me get motivation. The more you comment, the more I write! Have a great day/night everyone! Thx for reading so far 💕😘