《Bloodlust》
Aquila Neve (Capitol Citizen, Female, Age 13)
I twirled the black wire in my hand, not really paying attention to whatever garbage the teacher was prattling on about. I mean, please, being the Head Gamemaker's daughter really makes you know everything about Panem's history, especially the Hunger Games- and all the gory details- way before anyone bothers learning. Catching Katrina's eye, I winked and tapped the area where my ear was- except it was being covered by my hair. I grinned and rolled her eyes in return. Leaning against my arms, I scanned the digital board. Stifling a yawn, I raised my hand since everyone else looked like they were falling asleep.
"Yes, Ms Neve?"
"The answers to the questions are ACB," I said pointedly, after I wrenched out my ear-buds, gesturing to the board lazily, "Finch Arbor won the 74th Games. Gale Hawthorne led the rebellion. He was then tricked to go to the Capitol because they had captured the other Victors, and his girlfriend, Katniss Everdeen." I raised my eyebrows at him and enjoy him recoil at my glare. He knew, I held more status here, even as a student. I was the second most powerful figure's daughter.
"Very nice answers, please stand up next time you answer." I rolled my eyes at that statement. The teacher pretended he did not notice and went back to his lesson. Feeling the stares of the other students- envy, awe, and Katrina's triumph- I let out a little smirk.
I let my arms go slack, letting daydreams sweep through me, thinking of later. The Reaping. Now then, which dress? Glancing at the teacher every now and then, I took out my phone and flicked through yesterday's new order. The blue one sets off my eyes. The black one has the air of 'poshness'...
Finally, the bell rang. Katrina, the richer ones and I daId out of the room, hurrying back home to prepare for the mass viewing later. My hands found Katrina's and I dragged her all the way back to my house.
***
Throwing open the doors to my walk in closet, I left Katrina to do whatever I wanted, I had plenty to spare. I went over to the first hook, eyes racking across a number of dresses there were, trying to find that black one that really complemented my hair.
After all the torturous decisions to choose, I grabbed my ready packed sling-bag and gestured for Katrina to leave. In the instant I locked the door, a slick car arrived at my doorsteps. I opened the door and slipped in, choosing the second row. Wincing as I heard the heated argument, I realised I did not have to bother. My parents hardly even glance my way these days.
Arriving at the President's Mansion was a relief. The guards escorted us through the front gate, used only for the important people in society. I felt smug, knowing I was one of the youngest in the crowd. It was a greater relief when I realised my father will be giving speeches half the time, keeping up a commentary with Caesar Flickerman- who surprisingly is still alive, despite how long he had been the interviewer and the rebellion. I wondered what was he taking... Settling into the back seat with "I Neve" and "Katrina Monae" respectively sewn onto the back. I leant back, pulling out my phone, scanning through the messages.
"Behave yourself." My mother glared back at me, even though I hardly had done anything, before going to the front row, peering from the balcony to the mass of people below, their bright and contrasting costumes making them very obvious from the plain and formal red and gold setting. I shrugged lightly, ignoring her as a mass of people started filling up space, swarming towards her. Being the Head Gamemaker's wife was one that earned you popularity, fame and money, all which you did not need to work for. But of course, it was a precarious position. If the arena was not up to President Nyx Snow, granddaughter of the late President Coriolanus Snow, we were all as good as dead. Literally.
Leaning back, I ordered a random Avox to bring milk tea for me and coffee for Katrina. Letting a smile play on my lips, nodding politely to anyone adult that actually happened to notice me, I waited not-so-patiently for the Reaping start.
Let the screams and cries of terror begin. Let bonds be broken, family ripped from each other. Let them suffer.
The blood-lust in my eyes were unmistakable.