Chapter 2: The Academy

As I regained my sense of reality I felt the sun's gentle kiss touch my skin. I awoke to find myself free of the chains I once wore. Restricted or not, my body would not want to move anyway. Everything is new. My skin was scrubbed down to its fresh layer, the poor vision I once had was fixed. The bow I once had because of my broken arm has mysteriously disappeared. As I examine my reconstructed body I fail to realize the set of eyes that set their gaze on me. I slowly raised my body remaining on the bed to see I am in an area that houses many of District's Careers-in-training. There is a row of beds that precede mine, and they are only separated by a thin sheet.

When I look to my right I make contact with a pair of eyes. The person staring at me is a boy, and he couldn't be any older than me. His gaze is so intense I feel as though I am an alien to him. "Were you the one screaming in the other room?" He asked with such fluidity it seemed as though he was singing as song. I just nodded, I couldn't seem to find my voice. The boy slowly rose from his bed and sat at the edge of mine. I could see him much more clearly with the sunlight shining on his features. He had golden hair, not blonde, but golden as though someone captured the sunlight and gently placed it on his hair. He had emerald green eyes that had blue flecks in them. We just sat in silence as I closely examined the boy in front of me. Those eyes burned intensely into mine, as though trying to figure out if I am an enemy or ally. "Have they picked you to train for the Games?" he asked in a nonchalant voice, but still with an edge of seriousness. I nodded once again still unable to find my ability to speak. He slowly leaned in closer to my face as if he was examining every detail. I began to back away feeling a breach in my personal space. This did not phase the boy's determination, and as soon as I was backed up against the headboard..He spoke. "My name is Xavier, and I would love to get to know you." In that second our lips touched.

"Xavier! That is enough! Stop scaring away our new recruits!" I heard a familiar strong voice say. The kiss broke as fast as it began and Xavier wiped his mouth and left my bed. He winked and slowly sauntered to the person who interrupted our kiss. I began to scream many obscene words at him and insult him for taking advantage of me. The man standing next to Xavier began to chuckle and patted Xavier on the back saying "Well now, it looks like the Board found us a feisty one!" Xavier just wore a self satisfied grin on his face. "Xavier only kissed you to bring your voice back..The drug they use to sedate you tightens your vocal chords causing the loss of your voice. The kiss heats up those vocal chords, that generates a hormone jump starting your speech mechanisms. Deliah Wood. Age 17, from District 2, excels in weaponry and healing. Welcome to the Academy!" The deep voiced man said. And it was in that moment I knew I was in for of hell of a ride.