10/05/2009 18:06:00

Inspired by gethsemane342 at the Hunger Games Trilogy Unofficial Forum.

One Moment's Touch

She was so beautiful; I couldn't believe I'd never noticed her before.

Head held high, entering the crowd with her younger sister and mother, my eye caught hers only for a moment. Katniss Everdeen was tough, but today she looked delicate. Fragile, even. I'd seen her at school of course- she was in my year, but in all of the more advanced classes. She didn't talk much, just hung out with Mayor Undersee's daughter, Madge. She didn't date or go to any of the parties thrown by our many classmates. She was a friend of Gale Bristow.

My heart beat faster when she came to stand near me. Her head only came up to my shoulder, but she stood with such confidence that I felt small in comparison. Her soft blue dress, fitting her body perfectly, rustled against the ground as she moved closer. Her arm brushed against mine, and I caught the smell of lavender and herbs. Her hair was braided carefully in thick, shining plaits that fell down her back. I moved closer to her, hoping that she would notice me, maybe even speak to me. She didn't.

Disappointed, I focused my attention on the Mayor as he gave the Hunger Games Speech for the thousandth time. Or at least I tried to. All of my nerves were on fire, my awareness completely focused on Katniss. She raised one arm and brushed a lock of hair back behind her ear with such elegance it made me want to cry. I'd only noticed her minutes before, but there I was, practically worshipping the ground beneath her feet.

Effie Trinket stepped up, bubbly voice whirring as she rustled through the glass bowls. I was too entranced to even wish for my sister's safety as she read the name. Katniss gasped, which made me come back to my senses. She fell in what seemed like slow motion, swooning towards the ground. I grabbed her arm, steadying her. She pushed me away and began to run towards her sister. My armed burned where she had touched me.

"I volunteer!" Katniss yelled. "I volunteer as tribute!"