Chapter 2
As I sat in the visiting room of the justice building, my mother entered alone. She took me in her arms and I felt tears fall onto my hair. "You have to come back" She told me. I nodded, afraid of what would happen if she lost me, like she lost my father. My mother was 18 and so was my father when he got reaped to take part in the games. He was killed in a bloody fight with one of the careers. I know that my mother still mourns for him and, whats worse, her only reminder of him will also be going to her death because of the wretched games. I felt tears stream from my face as the peacekeepers came to take her away. In her place, I was surprised to see Connors family come into the room. Mina threw her arms around me and started to cry. I tried to hold back tears as Connors mother gave me a hug. I noticed that Jared wasn't there to say good-bye.
Once all of our good-byes were finished, Akiera came to retrieve us, along with Peeta and a few peacekeepers. A car was waiting outside of the justice building for us and I watched in awe as the world flew past us. At the train station there were cameras everywhere. Connor took my hand. "Smile." He whispered in my ear. I nodded and smiled as we boarded the train. Once we were on the train, Akiera set us free to go to our cabins and get ready for dinner. I went into my room and found that it was even more luxurious than the justice building. I stripped off the dress I was wearing and went into the bathroom. I took a warm shower for the first time. In district 12, there was rarely any hot running water other than what you boiled yourself. It was like standing in a summer rain only warmer and more relaxing against my skin.
I went into the dining hall to find Connor and Peeta enthralled in a conversation. It was clear that they were quickly becoming friends. I sat down next to Connor just as Akiera entered. She smiled at us. I tried to smile back but found it felt more like a grimace. "Eat up. Tomorrows a big, big day." She said enthusiastically. I grimaced at Connor. He nodded to me. Suddenly, the most delicious and delightful smelling food appeared in front of me. Connor and I ate until we couldn't eat any more. Then I headed back to my room and changed into a pair of pajamas.
A soft knock on my door in the middle of the night woke me from a nightmare. I had dreamed that I was in the arena and was waiting for the gong to sound when Connor stepped off the platform and was blown to bits. I opened the door to find Connor standing outside my door, safe and in one piece. He came into the room and sat down on my bed. "Couldn't sleep?" I asked. He nodded. "I also came to give you something that my sister wanted to give to you but didn't get the chance." He said, pulling something out of his pocket. He held out his and and dropped something into my hand. It was a necklace with a small clover leaf and maple leaf attached to it. I held it in the palm of my hand, examining it. Then I put it around my neck. The metal was cool against my skin. "I love it." I said softly. Tears threatened at the edges of my eyes and I blinked them away. Mina was like a younger sister to me. This gift would be a reminder of her when I went into the arena. I hugged Connor and lay back down on my bed. I fell asleep and dreamed about Mina.
