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The shock still hasn't set in on me. My brother is dead at the hands of the capitol. It has been almost a year since he's been gone and it's hard for me to accept it and move on. My parents put on a happy front as if they are not hurting, but I know deep inside they really are mourning greatly. Perhaps they are even still shocked from my brother's death. He was named after my late grandfather who also lost his life in the games.
With the reapings right around the corner, I've been preparing vigorously at the academy. My 18th birthday has already passed and the academy has chosen me to volunteer for this year's Games. Even if it was not my year, I'd be volunteering. I am only doing this to avenge my brother's death. We're not supposed to train before being chosen, but this law is ignored in District Two. I'm what you call a career tribute, or just a career for short. I have no interest in killing for fun, I only want revenge.
I finish my training for the day, letting all of my emotions out. Sweating profusely, I made my way home and all the horrible flashbacks came rushing in. I felt the cold sweat on my skin as the tribute count lowered to three. I was very nervous for Cato, I so desperately wanted him to come home. Everyone wanted him to come home, he was the favorite, but everything changed when he was brutally murdered by the tribute, and later the victor, from district 1. I remember the victory tour all to well. His name I have forgotten, but his looks of triumph and confidence are burned into my memories.
I snap back into reality and run home as fast as I can. I sprint to my room and slam my door shut behind me. Screaming and sobbing into my pillow, letting my frustrations out. I had to win this for him, I just had to. My father was at work and my mother was undoubtedly out somewhere getting rid of her problems by giving them to other people. My family needed this.
I have to win these Games. I will not let my district down. I will win or die. I don't care if I do meet my demise, for I will join my brother and my problems will be released. I wouldn't need to shed anymore tears, I wouldn't have to feel these terrible feelings. Cato was my only real friend and I would be nothing without him.
Many days have passed and today is Reaping day. I put on my nicest light pink dress and tie my blonde hair up with a pink bow. I am putting my life on the line, I might as well look nice, right? I start off to the town square where the names will be drawn. As I walk out onto my street, I hear someone familiar call my name.
"Artemis! Wait for me!"
I turn around and smile to see my "husband" walking quickly towards me. In ways, he is my husband literally and figuratively. Our parents have arranged our marriage and we both care genuinely for each other.
"Thorn!" I meet him halfway and jump into his muscular arms
Thorn had black hair and a muscular body from mining and masonry work. He was truly a work horse with a soft face that was so warm and loving. He was too old for the reaping and therefore we were safe from going in the same year so there was at least some hope of a wedding to look forward to.
"Are you ready?" He asks me, "Because once you check in and volunteer, there is no turning back."
"I'm ready and I am going to do this. I am coming home, I promise you."
I check in and everything just goes black, I can't really remember anything else but volunteering and shaking hands with the male tribute from my district. I believe his name is Jonah, Jonah Green. But there was something funny that I do remember. He didn't volunteer, in fact, he was actually reaped. No one volunteered for him and I thought this was too strange. It really bugged me and I had to ask him. There is always a male volunteer. No if's and's or but's about it.
We said goodbye to our loved ones and were whisked away to the tribute train where Jonah and I sat in sheer silence for what seemed like hours until I finally got up the nerve to speak to him.
"Why didn't anyone volunteer to take your place?" I ask
He shrugs, "I guess they think I have no chance and are probably better off without me. I told them not to volunteer anyway if I did get picked. I have no reason to live anyway and it's clear we already have a victor."
I sigh, I didn't really know what to say, things were becoming awkward, "We're here for sort of similar reasons. I can relate, really. I volunteered because of my brother, I can either win or die trying. And honestly, I don't even think I want to win, even though I could if I tried hard enough. I have no worth in my eyes."
"You're going home. Nobody likes me there." His green eyes pierced mine.
"Well, why?"
"I suppose they're jealous. They know I'm weak but girls swoon over me. They figure they'd have a chance if I were out of the way."
"That's stupid." I replied.
We didn't talk for he rest of the train ride, we sat through dinner with our mentors in silence and went to bed without acknowledging one another's presence. I needed him as an alliance. I didn't only need him, I wanted him as my friend in the arena. I wanted someone who could make anyone blind with jealousy, who would do anything get rid of anyone. He was the friend I desperately needed.
This is my fanfiction for Jonah Green. He is JonahtheGreat on Twitter. Give him a follow he's pretty fricking hilarious. Hope you enjoy!