~ I'm Sorry
Chapter 1
No... It can't be. My stone cold body stands completely stiff as the other boys around me back off to allow a path to the stage. I didn't move. I was in a world of disbelief before I was snapped back to reality by a large Peacekeeper with a vice-like grip. He grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the centre of the dried up field where all the boys and girls of district 4 stood. I stumbled my way to the stage where I was greeted by unusual looking women. Her makeup so unbelievably heavy I didn't have the slightest idea as to what she would look like without it. "And now for the girls." She said. Her bony hand carefully fished for a slip of paper. "Eve Longly! "
Eve Longly? Who was that? Her name didn't ring any bells. So who was she, who was the girl I would be trying to kill in a matter of days. She stepped out from the crowd, her pale white skin gleaming in the harsh sunlight. Although I didn't recognize her name, her face was unforgettable. I used to see her hiding behind the same oak tree staring at the young children playing on the field every day. She was so beautiful, so mysterious. She took small steps up to the stage refusing the hand of the unusual women. "There we have it ladies and gentlemen, District 4's tributes for the 66th annual Hunger Games! Cooper Redd and Eve Longly!"
Waiting in the justice building was torture. What would I say to the three people that mean the most to me before I was sent off to be slaughtered? My mother, my little brother Joffrey and my Uncle Mo. My thoughts were interrupted by an opening of the door. In came My Uncle, one hand supporting my mother and the other holding Joffreys hand. Joffrey broke free and bolted when he saw me. He wrapped his little arms around as much of my body as he could. I stroked his blonde hair until he let go and looked him in the eyes. "Listen to me Joffrey, you're going to be the man while I'm gone ok?" "You make sure Mum takes her medications and do what Uncle Mo tells you, he knows what's best." His tear-filled baby blue eyes stared back at me. "I bet you could win Coop! You're the strongest person I know!" he says. I chuckle and fluff his hair and replied "Ill see you when I get back little guy". Mum and Uncle Mo were next. "Mum, I love you and I'm going to do everything I can to get back to you." No reply. The medication that was keeping her alive had turned her into a mute. Whether she could understand me or not was uncertain but it made no difference, she was still my mother, still the one who brought me up when Dad wasn't around, still the one who sacrificed everything to make sure I survived. "I'll make sure she's ok, just go hard kid" said Uncle Mo." A crooked smile appeared on his face and I could see the glimmering of light upon his tear covered eyes.
Then just like that, they were gone.
"Come the train to the capitol awaits." I followed.
Eve and I sat in silence on the train. Her face still expressionless. "You don't go to school?" i say. Her face was locked forward but her eyes turned and looked at me. "No" she said bluntly. "I see you watching young people, playing on the fields. Why?" I reply. "I'm going to find our mentor" she said flatly. Then she was gone. I didn't follow, instead I found my own way to my room and drifted off to sleep above the covers, visualizing everything that had happened that day.