"Flicker Aura."
I gulp. That's me. Everyone looked around, and eventually, their eyes land on me.
"Come on, then. Up you come."
I cut straight through the other thirteen year olds, up onto the stage, which is studded with shimmering bulbs, making a clear "5".
Pixi Breeze looks around expectantly.
"I'm here." I choke out. I stumble up onto the stage. No one volunteers. Not that I expected them to anyway.
"Good. You're here. Let us find your partner."
Her hand skims the top of the boy's names, before she plunges her hands deep inside. She pulls out a slip from the very bottom.
"Sam Beam."
A tall, black-haired boy steps up. He looks about seventeen.
"Well, that's that. Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour." Pixi smiles.
She pushes us gently into another room. We say goodbye to our friends and family here. I remember talking to my cousin, Joan, a few years back. She placed seventh.
My mother and father both run in, tears streaming their face.
"It's ok. Honest. I'll win for you. And District five. Okay?" I say.
"Yes, sweetheart. I want this young'in to have a proper big sister." Says my dad, as he places a hand on my mothers swollen belly.
"I promise I'll win. And if my brother or sister's born before I come back-"
"You get choice of the name" finished my mum.
"Ray for a boy, Charm for a girl."
"Perfect." My mother says.
They walk out of the room, and my two friends come in.
"Flick, win it for us." Says Amber.
"I will. I will come back, Amber. And Gleam, look after yourself okay? No looking for trouble while I'm gone." I say sternly.
Gleam has a tendency to look for trouble.
"Promise. We'll see you soon."
They walk away, and I can almost see the tears welling up in their eyes. I must win for them, I must win for everyone.
OIO
That's the first chapter to "Early Games."
Here's a quick guide to the names.
Flicker- District 5's main export is power, and sometimes powered objects flicker. I also used this, as her personality can change quickly, like a light flickering.
Aura- This is a name meaning "Light"
Sam Beam- This is a play on "Sunbeam"
Amber- Think of the Amber traffic light.
Gleam- Think of something gleaming in the light.
Let me know if you like the story!
