Hey, this is my first fic, so yeah. Hope you enjoy it.
I have no beta, so please excuse all grammatical errors. And english isn't my first language, so please forgive any lapses in my grammar.
Disclaimer:
I am not Suzanne Collins, I do not own any of the characters, though I wish I did own Peeta. Sigh
—
"I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"
Numerous heads snap up as we look at the commotion near the stage. An olive-skinned girl shouting, pushing a younger girl behind her. Protecting her.
It's her. It's the girl.
"What's your name?" Effie Trinket says, seeming to enjoy the closest thing to entertainment this district has offered in the last few years.
"Katniss Everdeen."
Why do you care so much Peeta? She doesn't even know you exist. Except, maybe during that rainy afternoon.
She wouldn't remember that. She would've forgotten about that. You should have too.
I bring back my attention to Effie. Her clothes are a shocking pink, which hurts my eyes. A stark contrast from the bleak gray of our district.
"It's time to choose our boy tribute."
Obviously, I hope I won't be chosen. But luck can only go so far. If a twelve-year-old was chosen, who's to say a sixteen year old has a better chance?
But there's a part of me, hoping to be chosen, hoping to get the chance to know her. To protect that girl. Not that she needed it.
Effie holds the slip and reads it.
"Peeta Mellark."
This can't be happening.
I hope that this is all a dream. I force myself to wake up from this nightmare.
But I don't. Because this is the harsh reality.
Don't you dare cry, Peeta. Don't show you're weak. She could do it. Why can't you do the same?
But you wanted to be here right? A small part of you wanted to be here. For her.
I walk up to the stage, trying my best to stay steady, even though I could feel that my knees were weak.
Effie asks for volunteers. My brothers would never stand up for me. Blood ties can only go so far in this world.
I stare at the girl beside me, standing straight, holding back the tears and emotions, putting a strong facade, hiding all the sadness and fear anyone chosen as a tribute would feel.
I wonder what she's thinking about.
Probably her sister, her family, herself. Definitely not about you.
The mayor motions for us to shake hands. I smile at her, although it might have come across as a grimace. I squeeze her hand, wanting to reassure her that it would be okay. Everything would be okay. But I knew, everyone knew, The odds would never be in our favor.
—
"Peeta?"
I heard my father come in and I began to cry hysterically.
"I believe in you Peeta. You can survive this." My father said while rubbing my back, although he didn't sound too sure. God knows I wasn't either.
"Maybe we could have a winner from District 12 this year." I heard my mother say to my brothers outside. "She's a survivor, that one. She'll outlive them all." I knew it. She wasn't talking about me. She was talking about her. But she was right about her. She's a fighter. Maybe she could win this. She needs to win for her family. They needed her. People from The Seam needed her. I needed her to live. Where did that come from?
I took a deep breath and calmed down.
"Father, could I ask for a favor? I know I might not come back-"
"Peeta, don't think like that." My father chastised me, but I knew that deep inside, he knew that too.
"Keep Katniss' sister alive. You love her goat's cheese." I said, trying to lighten the mood." Tell Katniss you'll do this, so she'll have less to worry about. "
" I will, Peeta. Don't you worry about a thing. Focus on yourself. Try and win this alright?" I heard my father nearly choking on his words, fighting back the tears.
The peacekeepers were here, waiting for us to finish.
"Yes. I'll try. And give these to her please." I gave him cookies, wrapped in paper. I knew how much she loved them. When we were younger, during lunch breaks in school, Madge would share cookies with her and Katniss would smile like she had just gotten the most precious thing in the world. She'll love them.
At least, I hope she did.
We finished saying our goodbyes and I love yous, and we walked through the entrance of the building, making our way to the train station.
This is it. This is the beginning of the end.
—
So, thoughts? Reviews would be nice. This is the first chapter, and I'll update soon enough:)
