Chapter 1-District 12
I ran as fast as my feet would take me. I was running from my impending doom with no success. My pursuer was too fast. I climbed trees, scaled rocks, and hid in bushes but somehow she still found me. It was me, but it wasn't. She was holding a knife up toward me and all I could do was wait...
My eyes snapped open and I grabbed at my dry throat gasping. I was covered in a cold sweat. I looked down at my mother staring at me in shock. She was preparing our clothes for the reaping. My mother lay out her first reaping dress for me, which I despised. I wore it every yea without complaint. I sat up and got in my outfit. I let my long red hair fall as I watched myself in the mirror. No time to wash. I woke up too late. My hair ends just at my hips. My eyes are a sea green and I'm very pale.
My mothers first reaping outfit is old and ugly and makes me look like a child. Despite the fact that I am short, the dress adds to the affect of youth. It is pink with ruffles at the bottom. A big bow ties at the end and my mother gives me boots to wear. When she tries to braid my hair, I pull away glaring. I liked my hair down.
My mom sighed as she marched out the front door. After only a moments hesitation, I followed. I hated the Reaping an everything about it. On this day, every district would be picking two tributes, one male and one female, to send off to the Hunger Games. In total there are 12 Districts. There used to be thirteen until the thirteenth rebelled against the Capitol, which is the main city where the rich live. The Hunger Games are strictly for the Capitol's amusement. Each District does something.
District One creates luxury items for the Capitol. District Two makes weaponry for the army and the Peacekeepers, which are basically cops. District Ten is livestock, Eleven is agriculture. Then there is my District. We are mining and coaling. The worst one yet. 13 did nuclear weapons...
I sighed and followed my mom outside our home into the Seam and followed her to the Hob. The Hob, the main store and trade units, had shut down entirely to watch the Reaping. It was just me and my mom. And I was falling behind. "Mom, wait up!"
"Keep up, Nettie!" She growled over her shoulder.
Mom wasn't very loving. Or she tried to be, but I never really let her fully reach me. Maybe because she tried to drown me when I was five, but the neighbor saved me, thank God. People were gathered around the stage with no sound. I walked to where the sixteen year olds would stand. It always went from oldest to youngest. Mom stood on the sidelines glaring at me as I stared ahead.
Effie Trinket, the woman who was assigned to our District God knows how long ago, danced on stage in her blue curls with red lipstick and a red suit. The crap the Capitol wears...
"Hello! And happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be EVER in your favor!" She trilled in her Capitol accent. It made me roll my eyes. I zoned out all the way through the mayors speech until names were being called. "Let's start with the girls!" She said practically bouncing her way to our ball. I watched as the other Victors chewed on their nails. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Our Mentors. Oh, and Haymitch whatever-his-last-name-is...
Effie dug through the names until she paused and smiled and pulled one out. She scampered back to the mircophone and spoke. "Nettie Collins!" I froze in my place for a second before I felt someone nudge me. I took a deep breath and made my way to the stage. My mother was smiling. Was she happy that I would die or did she have faith that I'd come home and make ha famous? Probably my death in which she didn't succeed...
Effie went to the boys ball. "Rory Scandle!" A little boy of about 13 started toward the stage, but a boy my age, someone I knew from school, Rory's older brother, Jareth, ran forward.
"No! No, I volunteer as tribute!"
Rory turned on his brother. "No, Jareth! I can do this."
"No, I won't let you." He shoved his brother aside and climbed on stage next to me. I looked at him confused. Did he WANT to die?
He met my eyes with sadness. The answer was no. He didn't. He wanted to save his brother. Like Katniss with her sister six years ago. I tried to sneak a peek at Katniss and Peeta but Effie was standing in my way. Instead I observed Jareth as the mayor gave his speech and Effie too.
Jareth had blue eyes and towered over me. His hair was blonde and slightly curly like how Peeta's used to be. Now it was short and spiked. Suddenly, Katniss grabbed my wrist and off we were to the Justice Building. Time to say good-byes...
I waited and waited for someone to show up. No one came. At the last minute, a little girl peeked in. Little Rory and Jareth's parents were with her. They stood at the doorway. I used to babysit for Rory and Bella all the time. Bella ran right into my arms and began to sob. I found it odd that Jareth's parents had come to see me, but my own mother hadn't.
Bella grabbed my face and turned it toward her. Rory stood behind her looking sad. He just watched. Bella held out a small belt to me. On it was a mockingjay, one like the pin Katniss wore in the 74th Hunger Games.
Bella gave me a kiss on the cheek before turning to her waiting parents. Rory stayed behind and hugged me. "Please wear it as your token." He whispered in my ear. He gave me a kiss on the cheek too before leaving the now silent room.
I hugged my knees to my chest and tried to hold in my tears. My mother always let me down, but I guess in the back of my mind, I deluded myself into thinking she'd come. Into thinking she cared. And suddenly, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I sobbed into my arms hard. A light knock on the door sounded but I didn't stop. I felt someone sit beside me and I froze. A hand on my shoulder made me recoil and look up. Peeta Mellark, who was very handsome indeed, was looking at me.
"Times up." He whispered. "Are you okay?" I shook my head and brought my head back to my knees. He rubbed my back as I sobbed. "May I ask why you're upset?" Beside the fact you just got Reaped into the Hunger Games and you will probably die. The thought lingered there in the air, but his voice was soft and gentle.
If it were anyone else I would have gotten up and walked away. But for some reason, I felt like I should trust this man...
"My mother didn't come to say good-bye." I whispered.
And suddenly, his arms were around me and I froze again. "Well, you have Katniss and I now. I know it's not really the same, but it's something."
"No, it's not the same," I sighed as I stood to walk from the room. He stood and stopped me by standing in my path.
"Well," He said, his voice getting hard, taking charge. "You're going to have to deal with Katniss and I as parental figures now. Especially if you want to survive." He crossed his arms watching my shocked reaction.
I felt my cheeks get hot as I stepped back. "No offense, but I don't need parental figures. I need Mentors. Mentors to get me back home."
He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Just follow what we say and you'll be just fine." He turned away from me and walked toward the exit. He stopped in the doorway. "Coming?"
I sighed and skipped forward to follow behind him. We met up Jareth and Katniss, who looked much the same. She still had her long brown hair braided. She took the mockingjay pin off her own shirt and placed it on Jareth's. Peeta glanced down at the belt and smiled at Katniss. He nodded at me, his eyes at my waist.
"Put it on," He ordered.
"Then stand next to Jareth," Katniss barked.
I placed the belt around my waist and went to stand next to Jareth. They observed us, staring us down with intense eyes. They walked around us in a circle, sharing a few whispered comments before they stopped in front of us smiling.
"Perfect." They smiled together. Katniss smiled at Peeta, her cheeks slightly pink.
"Ready?" Peeta said pulling his gaze from Katniss.
"For what?" Jareth asked.
Dummy... I thought.
"To get on the train, stupid." Haymitch said walking over from behind. Oh thank you, you just read my mind, I grinned to myself.
"Oh..." He said looking down.
"Could you try being a little nicer to them? Harsh words won't help them win!" Katniss glared at Haymitch.
"Well, kind words won't help us either!" I spat at her.
Haymitch broke out laughing. "I like this one!" Haymitch pat my back and walked toward the exit. "Let's go." He said attempting to breathe again.
I followed behind Peeta keeping close. I felt more trusting toward Peeta. Peeta was more easy going and soft where Katniss was straight forward and pushy. And Haymitch was just a dumb ass drunk. I COULDN'T trust Jareth. He'd be trying to kill me! And Peeta just stuck..
Cameras were in our faces and reporters were yelling questions. I just stuck my nose up and ignored them. I wasn't about to give myself up to the Capitol. Haymitch was barking things at the reporters saying we weren't open to questions right now. Katniss, with a great intensity, shoved me toward Jareth. I stumbled and crashed into his side where he caught me with one arm. He had his arm around my waist, pressing my body up against his.
"Two more love-birds from District 12!" One of the reporters joked. I felt my cheeks get pink.
"Just like Peeta and Katniss!" One woman sighed.
"Peeta, do you think this will turn into another star-crossed lovers in the Games?"
"A curse from District 12!"
"A curse?" One asked. "I think its adorable!"
Jareth didn't release me, so I just hid my face in his chest. "Play along." He whispered in my ear. He liked his head up and kissed my forehead. My cheeks were on fire now and anger bubbled inside me. I was NOT a toy for the Capitol's amusement!
Instead of overreacting, I just pulled back keeping only his hand. I just stared down at the ground.
"Aw, she's embarrassed!"
In your dreams, I thought. Why didn't I just rip his throat out now for all to see? He was not-and never would be-my lover! Too bad fighting other tributes before the Games was illegal.
Peeta led us into the train where Effie was bent over her "precious schedule" in anticipation. She was muttering to herself unconsciously.
Haymitch sat down beside her and stared at the table. "Food?"
I rolled my eyes and stormed away. He was like someone from the Capitol! Expecting food and luxuries. I didn't grow up with food that would come just at the mention. We actually had to work for it. He could walk at a steady pace with strength. I had to crawl slowly and still didn't get all the opportunities he did. An he had the NERVE to complain?
"You'll get used to Haymitch." Peeta's voice called to me. "He's not that bad once you get to know him."
"Are you sure about that?" I asked raising an eyebrow at him.
"Very. Come on. Dinner." He motioned me toward him and turned back to the dining room. I thought about refusing the food, but my stomach gave a loud growl. After a few minutes of hesitation, I sighed and gave in. I could smell the food from here and my mouth was watering. I walked in and sat next to Peeta, who smiled at me. Haymitch, Effie, Katniss and Peeta were bent over their plates eating. I looked over at Jareth who was staring at the rich food unsure.
I poked my spoon in the liquid concoction before me. "What is it?"
"Well, not poisoned for one." Haymitch said.
"It's Rose Petal and Cream soup." Peeta smiled at me.
"Mmm.." Katniss sighed. She quickly refilled her bowl and went back into silence.
Jareth peeked up at me, still a little unsure. He furrowed his eyebrows in concentration, as if eating was very difficult, and lifted his spoon to his lips. H thought for a second as he swallowed. He smiled and picked up the whole bowl and gulped the rest. He sat back with a large belch. Katniss and Haymitch laughed. Peeta didn't do anything but continue to eat. Effie and I made disgusted faces at him. Jareth just laughed.
"You've gotta try it, Nettie!" Jareth said rushing over to me. He shoved the spoon into my mouth. I swallowed but didn't get a good taste. I slapped Jareth across the face with all the force I could manage. He cried out and stumbled backwards landing on his backside.
"I can feed myself!" I growled at him. I picked up the spoon and took a bite. The taste exploded in my mouth and all over my tongue. It was so good! I kept getting spoonfuls eating more. By the time I realized everyone was watching me, I was frowning down at the empty bowl.
Effie was cleaning her face with a towel. "Well, now. Why not go watch the other Reaping's, shall we?"
Katniss and Haymitch went to the sitting room immediately followed by Jareth. Effie was chirping something about a Cinna and Portia as she bounced out of her chair. Peeta stood waiting for me. I stood up and went to sit on the couch between Peeta and Jareth. I hated sitting next to Jareth but he was deep in concentration.
I sighed and turned toward the TV. A man that could have inky been the District 1 escort was standing on stage. With his strange outfit, you could tell he was from the Capitol.
"Let's start with the boys!" He said making his way over. That was odd. Usually the girls were first.
"Darious Fulton!"
It was a second before a confused boy stood up from his chair. His face went quickly from confusion to shock. He stood facing the audience with a sad and helpless expression.
The escort went to the girls ball, plucked a name and scampered back to the microphone. Dramatic pause.
"Rei Daniels!"
For a second, you saw a girl with black corkscrew curls walking toward the stage. She wore a blood red dress that ended in the middle of her thighs with black knee high boots. All you could hear as she walked was the sound of her clinking bracelet.
And then suddenly, she stopped.
"Come on, sweetie, don't be shy." The man said.
She shook her head and took a step back. I guess what had just happened sunk in because she turned and bolted away. A Peacekeeper grabbed her and dragged her to the stage. She was struggling as she screamed and cried. She even begged. The Peacekeeper put her down when they were on stage but had to hold her down because she was still having a fit. Finally, when the time came to shake hands, Rei took a deep breath and released herself from the Peacekeepers grip. She turned to Darious and shook his hand.
I zoned out for the next Districts.. I cam back into mind around District 6. Their escort was a purple haired female and this one started with the men too. A name was called out, but a boy ran forward.
"I volunteer as tribute!" He said. His voice was full of pride and happiness.
"And what's your name?"
"Zero. Just Zero." He said as he got on stage.
The escort made a face and turned for the girls ball. "Alright, next is the ladies."
It got dead silent as she picked a name and went back to the microphone.
"Xara Tsunade!"
I sat forward and gasped at the sight of the girl. I had lost my breath and my heart skipped a beat. She was tall and slender with blonde hair that ended just under her shoulders. One eye was bright blue, the other was green. She wore a gray tank top with black pants and knee high boots that had a black buckle. She was beautiful.
Everyone was staring at me confused. I sat back, bright blush forming on my cheeks.
"Do you know her?" Haymitch wondered.
"N-no!" I stuttered. "Sh-she just looks familiar is all."
I pulled my knees up to my chest, confused with my reaction myself...