Preface
As the small boy's lifeless body floats to the surface of the water, I finally untangle my fingers from his curly brown hair.
The boom of the cannon.
The 23rd boom I've heard.
I'm going home. I'm going home. Tears pour down my cheeks. These aren't tears of joy. I just murdered a 13-year-old boy. No. I just swim better. He could've killed me if I wasn't an expert at keeping my head above water. No. I killed him. No.
No. No. No. No…
That water of the flooded arena begins to recede.
Images of Europa's head falling from his shoulders flood my mind. No. No. No.
I'm going home.
I should be happy.
His headless body crashing to the ground. Blood quickly pooling. The boy from District 2 laughing. Finding me when he hears my scream. Chasing. Chasing.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! The winner of the 70th Hunger Games… Annie Cresta of District 4!"