Hello readers! So, I have embarked on a new journey. I'm going to be writing a series of one shots, each focusing on a separate character in their separate games. I haven't written in a while, so if I'm kind of rusty, please forgive me! Each story will be of a different moment. Some in the tribute's home districts, some in the capitol, some in the games, some after winning. I really hope this goes well, so please review and let me know what you think! Thank you so much for reading, it means the world!
Chelsea Bay, 18, District 4
I sift the sand through my fingertips as I let the sun warm my bronzed skin. The waves are crashing in the background, my favorite sound. I feel wonderful, almost tranquil, but the thought of it plagues me yet again.
How am I going to tell him?
I go back to focusing on the water rushing towards me, then receding as quickly as it came. The ocean has always been calming to me, ever since I was a little girl. I used to come here with my best friend, Vanessa, when we were little. Now we're both all grown up and rarely see each other. After our most recent fall out, I don't think we'll be talking ever again.
I hear the bell chime from the square. It must be noon already. Today is reaping day. I'm still not used to this. Today marks the 4th annual Hunger Games. Just 5 years ago we were at war, striving to create a more peaceful Panem. Now, things are exactly the same, but we have to kill 23 children every year.
I open my eyes and stand up, wiping the dry sand from my white sundress, pausing as they run over my stomach. I just shake my head and start walking towards town. I got ready for the reapings before hand so I wouldn't have to go back home. All I really did was put on a dress and a little bit of make up. My blonde hair is down in its natural wavy state.
As I enter the square, I see the stage and the big screens have already been set up. The reaping doesn't start for another half hour, but everyone eligible has to be early to sign in. I find the table with the peacekeepers and tell them my name. They take some blood and shoo me away. I head over to the 18's section, which is already starting to fill up. I stand by myself, because Sawyer isn't here yet and I don't have anyone else. I look around, hearing whispers. I try to ignore them, but of course I can't.
"Did you hear?" One girl whispers.
"Of course.I can't believe…what a slut." Her friend mutters back. They have no shame, these girls.
Thankfully, Sawyer arrives shortly after. He slips his hands around my waist from behind be and kisses my neck.
"Hey you." He says. I can hear the smile in his voice, and know that I won't hear that tone from him again for a while.
"Sawyer, I need to talk to you," I say, pulling him out of the 18's section and towards the nearby bakery. I don't want anyone else to hear.
"Chels, what's wrong?" He says, rubbing his hands up and down my arms.
I feel the tears well up in my eyes. I don't know how to say it without hurting him, so I decide it's probably best to just say it.
"Sawyer, I'm pregnant."
A flicker of something flickers across his face. He quickly composes himself, something he's always been good at, and pulls me into his arms where I continue to cry. He holds me tight, making soothing hushing noises, telling me everything will be okay, everything will be fine.
"I'm so sorry," I say, pulling back, trying to dry my tears. I look into his baby blue eyes for a sign of anything, but he begins to speak before I can see anything.
"Chels, don't be sorry. Please don't be sorry. I love you, Chelsea. After these reapings, we're going to go home, and we're going to tell your parents. I'm going to stick with you throughout all of this, you hear me? I love you, and I'm not going anywhere, okay? We're going to raise this baby and we're going to be a family together."
He kisses my forehead and pulls me in close again.
"I love you, Sawyer." I say. He kisses the top of my head before reminding me that we have to go sit through the reapings. We walk over, hand in hand, only separating because the boys and girls have to be in their own areas.
Our district escort, Venetia, takes the stage, and everyone politely claps.
"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" She squeals in her capitol accent. Behind her, a screen descends, and a movie about the war begins to play. The brutal war footage is paired with the voice of President Maximus Snow reciting the treaty of treason. Once that ends, Venetia makes her way back to the stage.
"The time has come to select our tributes! Ladies first!" She squeals, making her way over to the big glass ball filled with our names.
She fishes around, swirling the names up until she finally chooses the slip of paper she finds acceptable. She clacks over to the microphone in the center of the stage, slowly opening the paper. For the first time all day, I consider what might happen if I am chosen.
I hear the name. Chelsea Bay. My name.
I make my way up to the stage and look over District 4 for the last time. I know I will not be returning.