Hi everybody! So this is just a preview of the first chapter of this story. I probably won't start it for awhile (maybe) because of the other story I am writing. I hope you enjoy!
"Happy Hunger Games District Twelve! And may the odds be ever in your favor." Effie Trinket backs away from the microphone and lets the mayor say his speech about why it is necessary for there to be the Hunger Games every year.
I let my mind wand while he does this because, since I am seventeen, I have heard this speech for the past six years. My best friend, Nicky Riviera, stands next to me. She is shaking and has goose bumps, so I take her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. Even though I am from the Seam, I have never taken out tesserae: my older brother and sister would.
I focus my attention back on the stage. Effie has stepped up to the big glass bowl full of tiny slips of paper with thousands of girl's names on them. She slips her hand into the bowl, and I can feel my heart beat faster. She pulls out a slip of paper and reads, "Lilly Brown!" Oh good, I didn't get chosen, I will be safe for the rest of my life. I turn to Nicky and smile at her, but she doesn't smile back. She is staring at the little girl, Lilly I think her name is, getting on to the stage. She must only be twelve because she is the tiniest, most delicate thing I have ever seen. I feel horrible for her. She will probably be the first one to die, she will never be able to have a life…
Before I realize what I am doing, I step forward and say in a strong, confident voice, "I volunteer as tribute." Am I crazy? What am I doing? I don't even know this little girl, and I am volunteering for her. I just want her to be able to have a life. I keep the confident look on my face as I walk up to the stage and shake Effie's hand. I have to be known as strong. I want the other tributes to fear me, even though I have never even touched a weapon in my life.
"What's your name and your age honey?" I hear Effie ask.
"I'm Abigail Moore and am age seventeen, and don't call me honey," I growl at her. She steps away, surprised at my tone of voice.
"Well," she says, "you must be dying to go into the arena since it's your last year." Then she heads over to the boy's bowl. I stand next to Effie and look off into the distance. She puts her hand in the bowl with the names of the boys in it and pulls a piece of paper out. "Riley Anderson," she reads. Oh no! This day just got ten times worse than before. Riley is my other best friend. We have known each other since we were two years old. I don't look at Riley as he steps on stage, knowing that if I do then I will give him a sad look. I cant stop with my strong and confident act.
Effie makes us shake hands and I look him in the eye and give him a scary glare. People have to think that I'm ruthless. Our hands separate and two peacekeepers lead me into a room in the Justice Building.