I tug at the hem of my dress with my fingers, the clock that hangs on my wall ticking by slower than usual. Eventually I decide to go out and swing my legs over my bed and grab my white sneakers, tying the laces before I jump down the wooden stairs. I run into the kitchen and grab two pieces of burnt bread, hiding them behind my back. The butler, holding the door open for me, gives me a fake smile. He doesn't like me and the feelings are mutual.
I scowl in reply, muttering a "thanks…" as I step out onto the rough pavement. My short, black hair tangles behind me as I meet the gazes of several frightened people. Of course they would be afraid, it's The Reaping today after all.
I make my way through the streets and alleys of District 8, smoothing out the black dress my father got me. A few young children run up to me and wrap their skinny arms around my legs.
"Carter! Carter!" They chant happily, releasing my legs momentarily so I could hug them back."Do you have any…" they begin, I nod interrupting them as I bring the pieces of bread out. Their dark, circled eyes light up as the bread shakes in their fragile hands.
They murmur several "Thank You's" and I wave it off with my hand.
"It's fine. I'm glad I can help." I reply grinning, they jump up and down in happiness before running off down the small lanes.
'Enjoy freedom while you can' I think to myself, carrying on down the alley.
A group of boys I've come across at school (but never bothered to learn their names) call out to me as I step into the line of shivering 16 year old girls.
"Hey look!" the blonde boy taunts, "Even princess Carter can't get out of this, huh?" he finishes, his cold smile twitching.
Well, obviously they've heard about me. The Mayor's daughter.
"Couldn't buy your way out?" another calls out, hi-fiving his friends.
"Or was Daddy to busy to help his own daughter?" the blonde spits, widening his eyes as if to say 'What're you gonna do?'
I look away sighing as they prick my finger with the needle. Usually I'd have a comeback but today my nerves overpowered my sarcasm.
I wipe my hands on the hem of my dress and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Many girls around me are sobbing and pacing back and forth, but I force myself to show no emotion as Effie Trinket struts onto the stage.
"Welcome! Welcome!" she begins over-enthusiastically. She does the same speech every year and I've heard it at least 10 times. I sneak a glance at Jonah who's gaze is focused on Effie, I'm pretty sure he's not listening, just looking.
She takes a brief pause before the five words I feared fell from her mouth.
"And now... For our tributes" she exclaims, "And may the odds be ever in your favour!" She bats her extended eyelashes before continuing,
"As always... Ladies first" she cheers, shuffling over to one of the glass bowls. She picks out a slip and delicately unfolds it, clearing her throat as she reads the print on the piece of paper.
"Carter Henderson"
Everyone's heads turn to me, some have looks of pity, some are full of relief. I choke on my own breath as the peacekeepers approach me from either side. They grip my shoulders harshly, pulling me towards the stage. I twist out of their grip frowning and stumble through the crowd. I head up the steps as Effie puts her hand on my shoulder, "Congratulations love! You are so lucky to have the opportunity to represent your district!" she whispers to me as I stand on the stage. I scold myself for the tears that build up in my eyes and I bite my lip to prevent them from falling. No one has ever seen me cry and I don't plan on anyone ever seeing it.
"And now... for the boys" Effie exclaims, shuffling over to the other glass bowl and picking a slip. She slowly unfolds it and reads the name aloud.
"Jonah Fields"
I cover my mouth with my hand as my best friend dizzily makes his way through the crowd and towards the stage. His younger brother, Jordan, runs after him, calling his name. "Jonah! Jonah! No!" he cries, trying desperately to reach him.
Jordan normally accompanied Jonah when we went hunting, where we taught him how to defend himself and what not. Jordan worshiped Jonah, and he always seemed to love me... But ever since the incident, Jonah doesn't let him go out much anymore, he claims it's 'too dangerous' for him.
But occasionally they would come over to my house and we would just hang out like nothing happened.
He reaches his hands out to Jonah but the peacekeepers prevent him from getting any closer than 20 meters. Jonah abruptly turns back to him, muttering something along the lines of, "It's gonna be alright," before taking his spot next to me on the stage.
"And there we have it!" Effie cheers, putting her arms around our shoulders, "Our tributes, for District 8!"
Everything is silent except for the sobs coming from Jordan as he clutches to his mother and the beat of my heart pounding in my chest.
The peacekeepers lead me off the stage and into a room, separate from Jonah. I curl myself into a ball on the armchair, closing my eyes and acting as if I could disappear into it.
"What are you doing?" a confused voice suddenly asks. My eyes snap open to see the blonde boy from earlier. I groan and face my back to him,
"Trying to be invisible," I answer sarcastically, he laughs and takes a seat next to me. I raise my eyebrows, "If you're here to tease me, now's not a great time." I straighten up and, much to my dislike, face him. I now can study him more closely. He has rough blonde hair that hangs over his forehead, resting above his bright blue eyes. His clothes suggest he isn't a street rat, but shows he can barely afford them.
"I'm not here to do that, I assure you." he replies leaning forward, "My names Harrison, by the way."
I sigh, "And why are you telling me this?" I ask, twiddling my thumbs.
"Well I don't see anyone else here." he snaps, making me gulp.
I don't reply. Instead I slowly nod, it was true, my Father was obviously busy and my Mother...
I look down at my feet and he sighs in frustration. "I'm sorry." His soft, blue eyes meeting mine. A flash of guilt shows in them before being replaced by his cool, collected features.
"What for?" I question, running a hand through my hair.
"Everything." he replies shrugging and getting up from his seat. "And just saying," He chucks me a blue locket of some sort. I catch it and turn it over in my hands, before looking up at him confused. He smiles in return and begins walking towards the door, "I'm rooting for you!" he yells, leaving me alone with the locket.
No one else comes to see me for the 20 minutes I have left so I sit alone in the arm chair, clutching onto the locket that now dangles from my neck. I look up towards the door and do something I cannot remember doing as a small child.
I cry.
A/N Hey guys. I hope you are enjoying my story and continue reading it :) This story is connected with two other stories, written by two of my best friends :p stellaslomp-To Save Myself and Anton Shepp-My worst nightmare. So go and check those out as well :)
