Prologue:
I shivered as I heard the dreaded Capitol anthem play out into the darkening sky; it's the end of the day. A single hologram was projected above the tops of the snow-covered pine trees...it was the portrait of the genius District 3 boy.
My heart started thumping rapidly against my ribcage...I could hear it. Louder and louder it thrashed, wanting to escape.
I tried not to think about it, but it was the truth: cold Death laughed cruelly as he drew nearer. It was a miracle I even got this far without dying of hypothermia. But if the genius was killed, then I hardly stand a chance.
That means there's only the two of us left in this fight to the death. Me...and her.
Two Weeks Earlier:
"Welcome, District 10, the Livestock District...to the Second Annual Hunger Games!" dramatically announced a voice over a loudspeaker.
The voice belonged to a tall, freakish Capitol man, standing on the platform in front of the crowd, with black dreadlocks and pale-as-ice skin; the stiff suit he wore reminded me of the black and white spots on a cow. I could tell I didn't like this man already.
This was the Reaping, and thankfully it was my last year; lucky me, I'm about to outgrow the 12-to-18 age limit for these Hunger Games in only its second year. I stood with the other 18-year-old boys who were nervously shaking, their eyes darting about watchfully. Unlike them, I stood with poise and fearlessness; of all the boys in District 10, I can't possibly be picked...I had faith that I'd be the ticket in the bottom of the hat.
The crowd stared silently and waited for him to continue. I just gazed down at the grass and looked for four-leaf clovers...something I am a master of.
"Hello, you all! I am your District's escort, Nero Titanus. And so I will be, ahem, 'escorting' your very own tributes to the Capitol! Oh, did I mention how gorgeously peaceful this District is? Just lovely. Rolling pastures, grazing cows, wild horses that almost trampled me..." he seemed unamused. He perked up and continued, "And grass! Grass everywhere!"
Somebody coughed.
"Ahem. You get the picture. Now, I know this 'Hunger Games' stuff is so very new-you remember last year's wonderful First Games-so I will quickly remind you all of how it works. One boy, one girl from each District. These tributes are sent to the Capitol for training. And oh-! No prior training of tributes is allowed! The issue of prior training is being discussed with the Gamemakers and President Rayne himself, but as of now, it is illegal. The so-called 'Careers' that snuck into the First Games had an unfair advantage, which led to District 1's victory. Any proof of prior training for the Games will lead to immediate District disqualification...and death to the said tribute."
Why would you train yourself for the Games? So you can die? I laughed inside.
"Again, that rule is being debated upon and might change in future years. So now, District 10, are you ready to rumble?!" his voice bellowed throughout as a Peacekeeper rolled the two glass containers over to him. "Without further ado, I will pick out the magic ticket of two worthy candidates...but as always, ladies first."
Without looking, he reached a gloved hand into the girls' container, mixed them up a bit, and dramatically whipped the piece of paper out of it. He unfolded it, and as we all stared in wonder, he called out, "Step up to the plate, Miss Serah Stoneback, age 14! My, doesn't that sound intimidating?"
I could hear a woman, most likely Serah's mother, start crying as Serah stoicly, unemotionally walked up to the platform and stood next to the tall Capitol man. I glanced at Serah with her two, long brown braids...she was a few years below me in school, although I never really talked to her or paid her much attention. I do know she is not one to lose her head in a situation...she may be a challenge in the Games.
"Now on to the boys...or, rather, men." Nero stuck his hand in the other container. I really couldn't care less about this whole thing, I just wanted to go back to the fields near my orphanage where I was free. I carelessly watched the clouds drifting by and envied their freedom...oh, how I wish I was a cloud, roaming wherever the wind takes me.
Suddenly, everybody's eyes averted to me, as if they were accusing me. What did I do? Is it a crime to not pay attention to the Reaping?! A boy near me elbowed my side.
"What?!" I asked him.
"Again, Harvey, are you out there? Please step up. If not, we WILL find you." Nero demanded.
My blood ran ice-cold when I realized Nero was addressing me. I am the only Harvey in District 10.
Unable to speak, or even breath properly, I stumbled out of my age group, and slowly paced up to the platform next to Serah. I was daydreaming about mere clouds when he called my name.
With no one to grieve at my passing, and no one to volunteer in my place, my mind tried to process what has happened, and what is surely to come. This left no consciousness to pay attention to what Nero was saying and what came after that. All I knew was, I would have many headaches to come.