Three days before the 26th Games
"We all remember Zan," Grandfather smiled warmly, lifting his glass of wine.
The extended family was gathered at the great table - Mother, Father and her older brother Obsidian sat to her left. Mother's sister, Aunt Drusilla and her husband Hector sat beside Mother. Drusilla's twelve year old twin daughters Cordelia and Caelia sat like matching angels, glistening blonde braids and shimmery silver dresses.
Father's sister Aunt Augusta sat beside her solemn pillar of propriety, Uncle Julius. Sitting across from Crystal herself was her favorite person of all, Eleanore Rose. 'Nell' had turned fourteen this summer, although she was the same height as the twins. Her corn silk hair was left down, long and flowing down her back. Nell was quietly sorting the peas and carrots on her plate, eating one before the other. Her movements were precise and quick, never meeting Grandfather's eye.
To Crystal, she was a delicate flower to be sheltered in an oncoming storm. To Nell's parents, she was a bitter regret. She was supposed to be a Volunteer, but a slim and shy girl without any ego was a poor showing. Nell was often subjected to 'lessons' to help her become stronger, but nothing seemed to work. Crystal sensed that the lessons happening less frequently of late meant that Nell would soon be let off the hook.
"- he represented our family with honor. Stone - " A nod to his son and daughter. " - shone brightly in the arena. With a little more luck, he would have become victor."
"With a little less help to the mongrels." Aunt Augusta sniffed.
"The Family has been presented with an idea." Grandfather continued, giving Augusta a stern look.
"Obsidian?"
All eyes swung to Obsidian, except for Nell. She glances behind her, at the young serving girl bringing dessert. Crystal kicked her under the table.
Careful. Crystal warned with her eyes, nodding to Obsidian.
"Thank you, Grandfather." Obsidian stood. Crystal sat forward, surprised. Standing was reserved for receiving punishment or high praise or... Crystal's eyes widened.
"I want to Volunteer as tribute." Obsidian stated solemnly, his chest puffed out like a fluffy game bird in the Games. The family broke into smiles and Crystal realized that this was all expected. It was to be his year.
Crystal, Caelia, Cordelia and Ellenore were excused from the table, told meaningfully to go and train. The twins immediately went to the gym, dutiful and dull. Crystal lingered with Nell, who immediately walked to Crystal's room.
Crystal's room was dominated by three pieces of furniture - the bed, the book case and the hanging bar that she practiced chin ups on. Nell immediately plucked a book from the shelf, reading the spine.
"You won't like it." Crystal warned. "Business psychology. Very boring."
"Why do you like it?"
"I don't. Father gave it to me. I am to learn business strategy for my profession."
Nell returned the book, snorting.
"They haven't figured out that I'm to need a profession, too." Crystal touched the girl gently.
"They will. Zan was a tribute. Obsidian will be a victor. He'll raise other victors and we'll enjoy our 'rise to the top'." Crystal intoned to make Nell laugh. "And then we'll be free to read whatever we want."