I do not own the Hunger Games!

There was a sofa in the middle of the room but I was too nervous and anxious to sit down, so I silently paced the length of the room with tears still streaming down my face.
A few minutes later my first visitor flung the door open and gave me a big hug. Adriana's face was wet with tears.
'Oh Lara, why did you volunteer?' Adriana cried.
'Because I would never let my best friend face the Games. You're like my sister!' I exclaimed.

We talked for a few more minutes but then Adriana was dragged out and I was all alone in silence.
I went back to pacing the room awaiting my next visitor. I still couldn't get over the fact that I was entering the arena with Jake. We would stay together until something tore us apart!

Just as I was thinking more about the situation my door opened and Liam and my Mother walked in. Liam was crying but Mother was looking at me with sad eyes. I immediately ran into her arms and cried and cried. I couldn't believe I was going into the arena. After a few minutes I remembered we didn't have long so I disentangled myself from her arms and looked at them both.

'Mother, take care of Liam. Whatever happens in these games, just accept it and move on ok. Just forget!' I said.
'And Liam, you must help Mother as much as you can. Be a good boy and do everything she says. Help around the house when you can. Just do anything to help Mother. Also, keep an eye on Jake's little sister, Ciara. She is your age so she is probably really upset about this.' I exclaimed.
'I love you so much.' I cried.

There was just enough time to give Liam and Mother a quick kiss and hug before they were herded out of the room. I couldn't think of anyone else coming to see me so I lay down on the sofa and cried silently for a while until I realised there was someone walking into the room. I quickly sat up and rubbed my eyes. Standing in front of me was a girl in my class, Daisy Waters (I think) and I think we had spoken a few times but not properly.

'Hi.' I said.
'Hey, I just came to say that I think that was the nicest thing anyone has ever done before. I mean, volunteering for their best friend to enter the Hunger Games. I am really sorry that Jake has to go in aswell. That must be pretty tough on you. Well, I was wondering if you had a token yet.' Daisy asked.
'No, unfortunately I don't.' I replied.
'Oh, I was wondering whether I could give you something as a token. It's a necklace and there are two halves. I want to give you both, you will always remember District 8 then because it's like District 8 is one half and you are the other. District 8 will always be in your heart! Please take it. I have no need for it. I have to go now but good luck in the games. I will be rooting for you Lara. Bye!' She exclaimed.

Before I could give her the necklace back, saying I couldn't take it from her because it was too beautiful to take into the Hunger Games she was gone and I would never speak to her again probably. I know that's bad, I mean giving up on winning before the Games had even started but everyone knew I had no chance. But I don't mind, I just want Jake to come home. I wouldn't be able to stand it if Jake never came home. I would always feel guilty.

I knew Daisy was my last visitor so I sat down on the sofa and stared blankly into the distance and thought about everything people had said to me today.

It must have been about 10 minutes later that Peri walked into the room and beckoned me out into the hallway. I picked myself up and slowly walked myself to the door and out into the corridor shutting the door behind me.
Jake was in the hallway waiting for me to come out. I could tell we were nearly done here and we would be heading for the Capitol soon.

I looked into Jake's bright face and gave a reassuring smile which I could tell was not very reassuring. Jake smiled back and his smile helped calm me down.
'Hey, get many visitors?' I asked.
'Mother, Father and Ciara came. Adriana came to see me and then I got a visit from Harry Adams. That was about it. What about you?' He replied.
'Adriana came in and then after Mother and Liam came in. Then I got a surprise visit from Daisy Waters which I really wasn't expecting. She gave me my token. Do you have a token?' I said.
'Yeah, Mother gave me a silver ring with Ciara's and my name engraved on it. It was really sweet. Let's see your token then.' Jake said.
I pulled the necklace from my neck and showed it to him.
'That's an awesome necklace, Lara.' Jake replied.
'Thanks,' I said, grinning from ear to ear.

'Come on then you two. We have got to get to the train. Just to keep in mind there will probably be a lot of people wanting to take your picture so just a word of warning.' Peri called to us.

I gave Jake a look that seemed to say, 'Let's do it!' and we walked after Peri with our heads held high and looking like we had not a care in the world.

We were led through the Justice Building and then were put in a car which would take us to the station and then we would be off to the Capitol. I had butterflies in my stomach but I pushed them down and acted as brave as I could.

Once inside the car Jake and I talked quietly just about anything really. It was just to take our minds off the days to come and what would happen over the coming days.

It didn't take too long to get to the station but once we were outside of the car and heading to the platform everywhere around us there were people taking our pictures and trying to show us things. I just ignored them all and tried not to get noticed. It was my strategy for the game. It seemed like Jake had a similar strategy because we walked side by side, never looking at the cameras or any of the people who had come to see us. We were oblivious to it all.

We got into the train as quickly as we could and walked through all the carriages, marvelling at everything in them. In the farthest carriage were some chairs and a lot of mouth watering food.

'Lara and Jake. You will now be shown to your rooms and then you can get cleaned up. Once you are ready come to this carriage and we will have dinner. You will then meet your mentor. Now, follow this avox to your rooms. See you soon!' Peri announced.

Jake and I followed the Avox and she came to a stop outside our rooms. They were across the hall from each other so we could easily speak. Jake and I made a plan to meet in the corridor once we were washed and dressed ready to go down to dinner. I stepped inside the room and nearly fainted. The room was magnificent!

The carpet was plush and comfortable to stand on. There was a Queen-sized bed in the centre of the room with beautiful covers. The window was really large with curtains covering it. The walls were painted a nice creamy colour. Leading off from the room was an ensuite bathroom. I walked to the bathroom and pushed the door open. Inside was a power shower with a panel with many controls with letters underneath. It was so cool.

I went into the shower, feeling the jet sprays on my bare skin and it felt like all worries and stress were being washed away with all the dirt and mud on my skin. It felt relieving and refreshing.

After experimenting with the panel I stepped out and towelled myself dry. I found some new dresses in the wardrobe and I chose a nice Caribbean blue dress with a cream bow in the middle. I found some nice cream coloured flats aswell and I put them on my feet. I then replace the necklace round my neck and marvelled at myself in the mirror. I thought I looked good enough so I went outside where Jake was already waiting for me.

He was wearing a crisp white shirt with some black trousers and black polished shoes. Very smart, I thought.

'Ready?' I asked.
'Yes. Let's go down to dinner.' Jake replied.

We walked side by side down the corridors to the dining cart. It was like being in a maze but it was quite easy to find our way. All the way to the carriage I was tempted to just entwine my fingers with Jake's and never let go but of course I didn't.

We walked through the door and sat ourselves at the table. Peri wasn't there yet so we just sat there talking softly. A little while later Peri emerged from a door at the back of the carriage. Behind her was a man who looked smart and looked sly and intelligent. Like he had a few tricks up his sleeves.

'Good evening, Jake and Lara. Meet your mentor Jacob Elliot…

How did you enjoy the second chapter? Please review. Leila xx