I sat by my over-sized window watching the birds fly by, probably heading south for winter. In the courtyard below, red and orange leaves danced in the wind until they settled to the ground. I don't know what one would call my home. Mansion? Palace? Castle? Prison seemed more likely.

Three years ago, the democracy fell and contact with the rest of the world was cut off. An epidemic plagued the people. Many died, more would forever feel the effects. With a powerful band of followers, King Joshua rose from the ashes. At just 21, he took power of the U.S., soon to be renamed Panem. Government and laws were established. How did I, Beatrice, fit into this mess? Noah's right-hand-man, Aaron, was my boyfriend. Aaron, Joshua, and I grew up together (although I was four years younger than the both of them) and Josh and Aaron had always been best friend. Aaron had helped Noah take power and brought me to come live with them. Noah declared me his "cousin" and I was given the title of princess. Everything went okay at first, but the country was stricken with hunger and poverty. All the perks were given to the city surrounding the palace, called the Capitol. The surrounding districts were treated unfairly and overly people were forced to work and made almost no money. There were set boundaries that could not be crossed, making travel from district to district either very difficult or costly. Families were torn apart and many died from starvation.

I didn't have to worry about any of this at all. But I did. Joshua made a terrible leader and was more of a tyrant. Of course, I could do nothing, for Aaron was much too protective of me and I wasn't allowed to leave the castle gates without him or his most trusted soldiers. I served no purpose what so ever, and was treated more like a teacup. Pretty and admired, but locked away so as not to be broken and to be seen and not heard. I lived a dull life.

My thoughts were interrupted by Lydia, my maid. "General Aaron and His Majesty would like to see you, Miss."

I sighed. Being around Josh didn't exactly excite me anymore. "Alright. Tell them I'll be right down. Thanks Lydi." Lydia left and i slipped in some socks and a baggy sweatshirt over my leggings and tank top.

I found the two of them lounging in the den playing video games. I rolled my eyes and "accidentally" turned the TV off. "Heeeeyyy..." Josh throws a pillow at me and I down next to Aaron as he wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my cheek from behind. Josh shakes his head. "You two disgust me. Bea, there's a conference today and you must attend."

I sigh and shrug lying my head on Aaron's chest. "I really don't want to. It's not like I talk to anyone or do anything anyways."

He shakes his head, "It doesn't matter. The people love you. If something as angelic as you follows me, other people will too."

I huff and cross my arms. Aaron pulls a strand of dark brown hair behind my ear. "I'll be there to keep you company. I'm sure it won't be as terrible as you make it sound." I offer him a small smile. He kisses my forehead and follows Joshua out the door.