Chapter 1
The Woods
I remember, my friends and I used to joke about it when we were young…
5 years ago…
"Guys! Imagine if the Hunger Games were real and happened to us!"
"I think that would be sort of fun!"
"Me too!"
"It would be epic! I could use a bow and arrow like Katniss!"
Present day…
I regret everything I said.
It was a bright sunny summer day in the middle of July. I jumped out of bed and changed into my old cross country t-shirt, and my old jean shorts that barely fit me anymore, but it was the only thing I could find in my drawer. I grabbed a wash cloth and cleaned my face with my daily pore cleanser that I bought the other day. Ugh, why is everyday so boring now!
I thought to myself.
I was wrong.
I was carrying on with my business when I heard my mom scream from the living room. I threw down my wash cloth and ran to her.
"Mom what's wrong?"
She merely pointed to the TV screen, with her mouth wide open.
I listened carefully to the news report while the reporter said…
"Remember that tragic book called the Hunger Games that stole everyone's hearts?"
"Well Mayor Annie Lovitt just announced today, that a reaping will be held in each state around the country."
"One male and one female from each state will compete as a team in the Games."
"This is no joke folks; we are doing this because of the economic downfall in 2017."
"The reaping will be held tomorrow, everyone between the ages of 10-19 have been entered."
"Thank you for your time and we will see you tomorrow in Times Square!"
The TV was turned off…
I was still in shock.
I am trying not to think about it…I mean… what are the chances that anyone I knew and loved was going to get picked?!
I snatched my IPhone off the night stand by my bed and shoved it into my pocket. On my way out the front door, I grabbed a honey bun for breakfast. I decided not to tell my mom or dad where I was going because they were in the middle of a deep conversation and I didn't want to upset them even more than they already were.
I stepped outside and the sun nearly blinded me.
Bzzzzzzz Bzzzzzzz Bzzzzzzzz Bzzzzzzzzz
My IPhone vibrated in my pocket. I yanked it out and pressed the power button.
4 new messages.
They were from my best guy friend, Jay, short for Jayden.
I read the messages….
Demi….U there?
Meet me in the woods on the border of town.
Please :) I love you.
I guess not, but I really need to talk to you Dem.
How desperate can he get?
I typed back…
Jay, I will be there in a sec don't rush me…. Do you want to talk about the games?
30 seconds later….
Bzzzzzzzzz
Ok Dem, and yes I do! See you there sweetheart! ;)
Jeez….. Oh just forget him Demi!
I'm talking to myself….AGAIN!
I crawled under the wire fence blocking the town from the woods. The fence was only there to prevent hunters from hunting when hunting season wasn't yet in session. This is why I didn't bring my bow…I would get in trouble.
I entered the woods on the thin narrow trail that Jay and I found last year in September. As I walked I hummed my favorite song and thought about tomorrow.
Wonder if I got picked?
Wonder if Jay got picked?
Wonder if my sister got picked?
Wonder if my best friend Raven got picked?
Wonder if…
UGH! I really need to shut up.
I heard rustling in the bushed.
"Demi?"
"Jay?"
"Demi!"
He ran up to me and picked me up and swung me in a complete circle.
"Jay was that necessary I just saw you yesterday you act like it's been forever!"
"To me it has."
"So what's up?"
He asked.
I leaned up against a tree, trying to play cool, and told him how my parents are all worked up about the games.
He came closer to me and brushed my side bang out of my face with his hand gently.
"Don't worry about the games Dem, we will be fine."
"You don't get it Jay! I'm not just worried about us! I'm worried about my family as well!"
"It's ok Dem I understand!"
"No, no you don't."
"I just care about you!"
"Well I know you do Jay! It's kind of obvious!"
"I don't want anything or anyone to hurt you Dem!"
"Jay! I think I can defend myself! Probably better than you can!"
I ran away from him, away from the woods, away from fear, and back home, where more fear awaited me.