Chapter 2

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I guess I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, I was in a foreign bed. The blankets were as soft as cotton, softer than anything I've ever known. I quickly bolted up and noticed that there was a girl in my room. She had choppy short brown hair, and I wouldn't put her at anything over 25.

"Umm… hi." I said tentatively.

The girl turned around, stared at me with eyes full of sadness, and went back to her work. That's when it hit me- she's an Avox. I had never met one in person; the rumor was that if you committed a really bad crime, the Capitol cut your tongue out and made you basically a slave.

"Would you mind, um, leaving please?" I asked nervously.

The Avox girl merely nodded her head and exited the room. It was then that I realized I was on a train. I glanced out the window and became mesmerized. The green pastures just came rolling by again, and again, and again. I finally pulled myself away from the window and looked through my drawers for something to wear.

Keeping my bracelet on, I changed into a yellow frock with tight brown pants, leaving my dress strewn across the bed. I tried to confidently walk out of my room but quickly failed; my only excuse, in case there were cameras, was to blame it on morning grogginess.

When I reached the dining hall, I was greeted by my mentor, Jinn, Volan, and his mentor, Saras. Jinn smiled cheerfully at me; Volan was sullen and only nodded.

I was not prepared for the heavenly sight that sat before me. A whole buffet, stuffed with unfamiliar delicacies and delights. I sit, not knowing what to try first.

I reach for a platter filled with round, white objects. I grab one, bite it, and quickly spit it out into my napkin. It's disgusting; all hard and pointy.

Jinn speaks up. "You're supposed to peel it."

"Yeah, you peel off the outer layer and eat the inside." says Saras, trying not particularly hard to hide a smirk.

I take another white oval and remove the outside. I put the now smooth and wet object into my mouth and try it. It tastes a lot better, though oddly slimy.

"So, let's get down to business." Saras begins.

"Do you guys want to start with the reapings, or strategies?" Jinn asked.

I glance at Volan. He's been very quiet this whole time, just starting at his plate filled with only out district bread on it.

Volan cleared his throat. "Let's go with the reapings." His voice sounds much huskier that I thought it would be. Maybe that's one of the reasons why Ema's so crazy over him.

Saras grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.

The reapings from District One begin. The representative calls out a name.

"Louisa Golas!" Her peppy voice rang out.

Before the girl could even leave her age range, a loud voice called, "I VOLUNTEER!"

A petite girl with hot pink hair strode confidently onto the stage.

"What is your name?" asked the district representative.

The girl narrowed her eyes and smiled coyly, "Erin Aglow."

Volan seemed mesmerized by this beautiful Erin, but I wasn't fooled. Her sly demeanor reminded me of the most popular girl in my school- she would gain your trust, and then she would stab you in the back. Socially, of course, but in this game, maybe literally.

The representative was now calling the boy tribute. "Arno Phips!"

Again, someone volunteered. This time, it was a big, tall boy. He looked cruel and vicious. The boy stepped onto the stage.

"Jo Monsa!" He announced.

Next was District Two.

The district representative walked up to the platform, her green hair frizzing up in the heat of the day.

"Alyona Mickel!" she called out.

Quickly, a volunteer stepped up. She had neck-length black hair, and blue eyes that shone out in the midst of all the gray around her.

The girl reached the platform and shouted, "Mirizati Mentois!"

You couldn't even hear the original male tribute over the yell of another volunteer. It was a short, stocky boy who looked like a man. He was a red-head with solemn green eyes; it was like he was doing his duty and nothing else.

"Gian Ione." He announced gruffly.

Now came District 3.

For whatever reason, the representative looked haggard and worn out as she mumbled, "Kyla Sotne."

A brown-eyed girl with long brown hair headed to the stage, appearing scared and weak. Could it be for real, or an act?

Next, a pale, scrawny boy named Griffin Bamlom was called up. He looked very young, especially with his big glasses and long sandy-brown hair.

Jinn fast-forwarded through our district. I was glad; there was no way I wanted to relive the torture that was my life.

In District Five, there was a small, slightly plump girl named Elissa Zalusa and a skinny boy with shaggy chestnut hair named Evan Amazorla.

District Six caught my eye.

The girl, Aloe Mimoso, was fairly average. Neck-length light brown hair, about 5'6". But the boy got my attention. He had short, cropped brown hair and kind emerald green eyes. He was tall, but not especially buff. His name was Shawn Bearrund, and I thought he was cute.

District Seven was a thin girl with dirty blond hair named Torisse Burs and a big boy with dark hazel eyes named Hanu Cerdoce.

From District Eight, there was a blond girl with dimples names Bri Dobronsin and a hazel-eyed boy named Toma Gedrick.

District Nine brought a tall girl with almost white hair named Melisse Gamlowski and a short boy with light brown hair named Raaj Patale.

In District Ten, there was a brother and sister pair with brown eyes named Troy and Raley Stovensec.

District Eleven was a dark-skinned girl with shimmery black hair named Nikol Remoin and a tough boy with short black hair named Josep Leqler.

Finally, from District Twelve, there was a olive-skinned girl named Samina Swide and a small, scrawny boy named Nijel Guiltir.

When Jinn turned off the TV, I slumped into my chair. These were our competitors! Big, buff boys and evil girls! How was I supposed to win this thing?

I glanced at Volan, and could tell that he was as shocked as I was

"Sooo…" Jinn began, "Do you guys want to train together or separately?"

"Separately." Volan and I said in unison.

Saras nodded. "Volan, come with me."

Volan and Saras left and went into a different compartment, leaving Jinn and I in the dining hall of the train.

"First thing first. Strategy." Jinn said.

I thought for a moment before answering. "Honestly, I have no idea."

Jinn smiles; not a mean smirk, but an understanding grin. "Just grab whatever is near you and sprint. That's what I did."