Hi everyone! So this is just a quick authors note before you continue reading. This is not a typical fanfic. I will be using the appearences of the boys and only some of their names. These characters will not depict any of their true characteristics or personalities. I will post a casting list soon so you can associate the name with the face. But until then, I hope you enjoy reading. Vote, comment as you wish. Much love -M 

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Light from my beside lamp shone on my face causing me to groan in protest. It was morning I could tell. I rolled over in my blankets and sighed again. I really did not want to get up, but the universe didnt care what I thought. 

Slowly I removed myself from the comfort of my bed and groggily stumbled to the bathroom. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as I turned the slightly rusty knob in the shower, letting the lukewarm water fall.

Quickly I stripped of my pajamas and then stepped into the falling water, shivering as the droplets splashed against my skin. I scrubbed my body with the homemade lavender soap I had made and then washed my hair with shampoo and conditioner.

When i was done I dried off and ran a brush through my hair before going to my cabinet to change into the clothes for work. I wore a baby blue uniform today along with my white converse. I used the worn down hair dryer on my dresser and dried my hair until it was straight and soft. Finally I brushed my teeth, making a mental note to put toothpaste on my list of rations.

Once I was dressed I went into the kitchen and decided on eating the apple in the refrigerator for breakfast.

I took a bite from the red fruit and was about to grab my keys to leave when a mechanical voice broke the silence of my home, sending my heart racing.

"Eleanor Belle, please confirm your attendance at this time." The female voice said and I visibly relaxed.

I walked over to where the television was a pressed the black button next to the microphone.

"Eleanor Belle." I said my name into the microphone.

Every morning, all citizens of Karnevia must confirm their attendance. If they fail to do so they will face punishment. That was law number two.

This was done to make sure that no one was out of place. Even though I would never say it outloud, I thought it was done to make sure that no one had escaped.

I cant believe I had almost forgotten.

Now that I had checked in, I took the final bite of my apple, tossed it in the trash bin, and then grabbed my coat and keys, heading outside into the morning air. I locked my door and shoved the keys into my coat pocket.

It was a ten minute walk back to the diner and I began to hum to myself as I walked. It was still freezing outside, the sidewalk nearly iced over.

I came to an intersection and looked both ways before carefully crossing. Two Minders stood at attention by the corner.

I was sure to make no eye contact and briskly pass them. I let out the breath I had been holding in after I passed them and hurriedly made my way to the diner.

Since I was the first one here, I would be opening the shop. The windows were dark when I arrived and I pulled the key from my pocket and unlocked the door, flipping on the sign and then letting the door bang shut behind me.

I went straight back to the kitchen and turned on the stove and coffee maker. I retrieved my apron off the counter and hung my coat on the hook. Tying the apron around my waist I headed back behind the counter.

Greg, the impatient jerk would be arriving any minute. Just as I thought that the bell above the door chimed and the sound of someone entering the diner, the door clanging shut behind them.

I looked up to see Greg stomping in. He hung up his coat and shook the snow off of his hair.

"El." He greeted me brashly from the door.

"Greg." I responded distastefully and he strutted past me to the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes as he passed. Working with this boy was hell. I'd quit but I needed the money and this was the only job available.

Behind me the coffee maker beeped shrilly, letting me know that it was ready.

I poured myself a cup and blew on the liquid before taking a sip.

I set the cup back down on the counter and leaned against it, waiting for the first customers.

I turned on the radio and fiddled with the antenna until I could hear the weather report clearly. I didn't even have to look behind me to know that greg was sending me death glares.

After a while of waiting the bell chimed signaling that someone was here.

I looked up expecting to see one of the usuals coming in for their breakfast but I gasped when I saw who had walked in.

A Minder in his uniform and gun strapped to his back walked up to the counter. His hair was dark brown with a few blonde highlights and was in a mop of waves on his tan forehead. He was very fit, the black leather zip up jacket and black jeans clung to him like a second skin. His eyes were dangerous and I could help the feeling inside me that wanted to flee at the sight of him.

He took a seat at one of the red stools on the other side of the counter. When he cleared his throat I jumped, realizing that I had been staring at him ever since he walked in.

"Um wha-what can I g-get for you?"I stammered and he smirked.

"Just a coffee. Thank you." He responded in a smoky voice.

I nodded quickly and went to go retrieve his coffee. After I poured his cup I placed it in front of him.

"Thanks." He nodded and took a sip without even blowing on it to cool it off first.

I nodded again and went to take my place at the end of the counter, as far away from him as I could get.

The notepad I used to take orders on suddenly became my main interest as I began to doodle on it, trying my best to ignore the man down the counter.

After a few minutes of silent doodling the sound of someone clearing their throat startled me.

I glanced up to see the Minder staring at me.

Slowly he placed his hand on the coffee cup and slid it down the counter towards me. I stopped it in my hand with ease. Thank God for fast reflexes.

He smirked a little when he saw me catch the cup and then he stood up swiftly, placing a few paper bills on the counter before walking out just as fast as he walked in.

I stared open mouthed after him.

A Minder...here in the diner. That never happened. Minder's normally kept to themselves. There was something off about him.

I tried my best to shake it off and continue on with my day but everyone in a while I would catch myself thinking about the Minder.

The Minder's of the Unexceptional's were always quiet and remote. They weren't ones to cause scenes or get involved with anything unlike the Minder's of the other classifications.

Maybe it was just a fluke?

By the time closing time had arrived, I had completely forgotten about the incident that morning.

The grease trap had caught on fire, no thanks to Greg I might add, because he got the oil too hot.

Then the washing machine decided to stop working right when I needed to wash the dirty laundry.

I had fixed them both and still managed to collect a decent amount in tips throughout the day.

At closing time I rushed out the door, not even saying goodbye to Greg, probably because he did'nt deserve it. I just wanted to sleep.

I walked briskly through the snowy air until I finally reached home.

Unlocking the door I shrugged off my coat and shoes, dropped my keys onto the table and sighed loudly. I began to untie my dress as I walked to my bedroom, washing up hastily and then changing into a solid black tee and grey cotton shirts.

My hair was in need of a brush and I ran the comb through it, returning it to its straight, black, shiny self.

The wooden floor of the flat was cold as I padded to the kitchen. A loaf of bread that was half eaten was my choice meal tonight.

I used the remaining butter on my bread and savored every bite. I washed it down with the milk from the carton.

As I finished my dinner the sounds of the television turning on stopped me in my tracks.

The static screen turned into one different from its normal blue background. This time it was a live image of the King's podium in the town square.

The square was filled with Untouchables, cheering as the King graced his way to the podium.

The King was young, not old like most would believe him to be. His skin was slightly tanned but still very pale. He was tall and lean but with broad shoulders. His blonde hair was paired with eyes as blue as sapphires. King Blakesley . 

I watched the screen as he stepped up to the microphone before him and cleared his throat, silencing everyone in the square.

"Good evening citizens of Karnevia." He said in a clear, steady voice.

"As you are aware, tonight I will be announcing something of grave importance. I will not waste time with petty words but instead get straight to the point. Tomorrow we will hold a Gathering. All citizens must report to the town square in the assigned sector for their classification at 10:00 A.M. Those who do not attend will be punished to the highest degree of the law. That is all, thank you." King Blakesley  said and my heart stopped beating. 

Just as I had feared. I wasnt suprised, I knew that this was going to happen, but that did'nt make it any less terrifying. 

The screen now flipped over to the more familiar one of Jetta Romanoff in the news room. 

"You heard it, tomorrow will be the first Gathering in over four years. Report to your assigned sector at ten in the morning." Jetta reiterated in the most casual tone, probably because he knew he was safe from being chosen by the Hunters. 

"Now it's time to repeat our contracts." Jetta winked and swallowed quickly. 

"As a citizen of Karnevia I here by decree my loyalty to my ruler. I will not disobey the law of the King, nor will I defy his orders in any way. I will know my place in my classification. Long live Karnevia and long live the King." I tried my best not to sound annoyed and angry, the microphone would sense it.

"I am Jetta Romanoff signing off, goodnight." He smiled classically at the camera and then it was back to a black screen.

I sighed as I began to walk towards my bedroom. 

Tomorrow was going to be another Gathering, the first once since my parents were captured. I was going into this was alone. 

The only thought that kept me from totally freaking out was the fact that now my chances of making it out of the Gathering were much greater. Almost a ninty-nine percent chance that I would walk away free. 

That was the only thing i could think about as I fell asleep. I was going to make it out.