"Pearl Blue!..." No, no, no this can't be happening! My best friend looks at me a look of desperation mixed with panic on her face. She can't go into the games, she's four months pregnant! Her fiancé, Caspian, looks across at her, his eyes filling. Pearl bursts into tears and as she walks into the isle. I know I only have a few seconds to decide what to do. As Pearl begins to mount the stage I scream "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"
Everyone looks startled, including Pearl "No!" She screams "Pearl go off stage and find..." I'm stopped as the peace keepers rudely drag me on stage. The escort, Bluebell, smiles at me "What a brave girl! What's your name dearie?" "Coral... Coral Wave" Bluebell smiles and pats me on the back "How old are you my sweet?" "Eighteen..." "Very good! Well it was nice to meet you!" I smile as bravely as I can "On to the boys..." Says Bluebell but I don't listen to her...
My purple eyes search desperately as she speaks. Where is he?! I know if I can just see his face I'll calm down... Wait there he is! His eyes lock with mine and my heart slows. He mouths "I'll come..." And I smile for real this time. "The boy tribute is... Poseidon Aqua..." Oh great Poseidon! The most egotistical boy in district four! He thinks he's all that and a bag of flounder! I watch as he struts up to the stage and winks confidently at the girls before waving at me. I roll my eyes and look out into the crowd. He smiles and rolls his eyes as well...
Once inside our separate rooms in the justice building, I sit down on the soft couch. My father comes in first. He's drunk, I can tell. Of course he ALWAYS is. Ever since my mother died he's been drinking. "I... I came to say..." he belches rudely before carrying on "... Say goodbye. Hope you make it longer than the bloodbath..." He chuckles "I doubt it but what's life without a little hope..." I look at him shocked and hurt. He notices and smiles "You're... You're scared! Ha! Well you should be! Real scared..." He walks out the door without saying another word...
Pearl comes next with Caspian "Oh Coral..." Says my best friend before bursting into tears "why did you have do it Coral?!" I stand up angry "You are PREGNANT! What am I supposed to do?! Smiles and say 'oh sorry I sent you and your child to your graves'?!" This sends Pearl into another fit of tears. She sobs against Caspian's chest. Tears fill his eyes as he looks at me "I want to think you... For everything. I owe you. If there's anything I can do..." "Take care of her. For me..." Caspian smiles down at his future bride "I will, don't worry..." The peacekeepers come and we hurriedly say goodbye. Finally HE comes...
"Coral..." He says and wraps his strong arms around me "Hudson..." I say and finally burst into tears "I'm so sorry! I... I..." Burying my head into his chest I cry "Please... Promise me you'll come back..." His voice is soft and filled with concern "If anything happens to you..." I stare up at him, looking into his eyes, waiting "Coral... I... I love you..." My breathing stops and my hearts quickens "You... You love me?..." He smiles and nods "Surprise..." I smile and choke back a sob " well Hudson I love you too..."
He looks into my eyes "Really?" I smile "Really. And I'll come back to you, I promise!" He leans down and I tilt my head up. Our lips touch and I smile. I wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss. The door opens and a peacekeeper walks in but I pay no attention. "He needs to leave NOW..." We don't move and I close my eyes, savoring the moment. Suddenly he is torn from me and is shoved out "I'll come back!" I yell as the door closes. I sink down onto the couch sobbing, not caring if they think I'm weak. Why not? Because I AM weak, so very weak...