For the next few moments I feel as if I'm drowning, I can't hear anything, everyone seems to be moving at half the speed, my limbs feel numb, but for some reason I carry myself towards the stage. The crowd of relieved children separate to make a pathway for me, I get a clearer view of the woman who has called me to my fate. The brightness of her outfit stings my eyes, and makes my head whirl. Her pale, manicured hand is icy cold as she begins to help me onto the stage, constructed especially for today. But then the eerie silence is broken by a panicked voice screaming my name. It's like someone has dragged me above the water, rescued me. I gasp for breath as I realise its Katniss.
I whip around as I begin to hyperventilate, to see Katniss being restrained by peacekeepers. I've only ever seen that look on her face once, when father died. The look creases her face, her beautiful eyes stony. There's a commotion, Katniss breaks free of the peacekeepers grasps and exclaims "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!". There it is again the drowning feeling, my heart is beating so hard I feel as if it's about to burst right out of my chest.
"NO! NO! You can't Katniss" the words roll off my tongue and I scream as I lurch towards her, a strong pair of hands lifts me into the air, knocking the air from my lungs. It's Gale. He carries me away as I scream and fight to break free of him. I'm sobbing so hard I'm shaking. He drops me suddenly, not taking his eyes off my sister. After all he has just lost his best friend. I run to my mother "We've got to do something Mom!" I wail. "There's nothing we can do." She says hoarsely, her face emotionless. I bury myself into her stiff body, I jam my fingers in my ears trying to block out the horrors of today.
"Katniss Everdeen! I bet my buttons that was your sister!" as Effie says that I want to lash out and just scream, it can't be happening, this can't be real. Seeing my sister up there on the stage, I feel as if I'm the older sister and she's the youngest. She looks vulnerable, scared but also strong i can tell she's willing herself not to breakdown, I know she won't she's too proud to do that.
Effie again reaches into the clear glass globe that holds the name of the male tribute, "Peeta Mellark!" Effie proclaims. The baker's son, I've met him on the odd occasion, his father is a kind warm hearted man who bakes the most delicious cookies, and he often spares a few for me after school. It's a shame he chose to wed that awful woman though. Peeta is more scared than Katniss, he seems upset, bewildered, but carries himself strongly to the stage.
He and Katniss shake hands, but then Katniss is lead into the justice building and I crane my neck to make sure I soak up every inch of her; I squeeze my eyes shut to process the image and imprint it into my mind. After all this may be the last time I see her. I don't want to forget the sister who saved my life.