I figured I'd just get right down to business instead of just dragging out the whole train ride and goodbyes, and blah blah. :P So I hope you enjoy. Make sure to review. (:
The only sound that's heard is Cecelia's nails clacking against the microphone as she drums her fingers. I'm frozen. Completely frozen.
I look over slowly to Cyrene to see her with parted lips and blinking rapidly. I bet she's still trying to understand what just happened, and honestly, so am I.
"Evelyn Ainsworth?" Cecelia repeats, her purple eyes scanning the crowd.
Go, Evelyn!
I slide my hand out of Cyrene's and draw in a shaky breath. I take a step forward out the crowd. Cecelia's eyes immediately dart to mine and a smile lights up her face. "Come on, Evelyn."
Before I can muster up the courage to walk up the steps to the stage, someone catches my arm. I notice its Cyrene when she cries out, "Evelyn!"
She tries to pull me back but Peacekeepers come quickly and make her let go of me. They even forced her back into the crowd, though she thrashed like mad, calling my name.
I force myself to look forward and block out her screams and cries. Robotically, I move my feet forward and slowly move up the steps. I stop when I'm beside Cecelia's side. She smiles at me and pats my arm. I don't even glance at her, instead I stare straight forward with parted lips in shock.
Though I tell myself I need to stay strong and that I'm on camera, I can't help the tears that prick at the corner of my eyes.
"Any volunteers?" Cecelia asks after a moment of silence, placing a hand on my shoulder. Not even a sound comes out of anyone. Not even Cyrene who stares at the stage. But it's not like I expect her to give up her life for me. She has a family too.
Cecelia moves on after it's obvious no one is willing to take my place.
I blink away the tears as best as I can and glance to Cecelia to see her at the boys reaping bowl.
What if she not only picked me, but Warrick?
It's selfish, but I'm not really thinking of one of Cyrene's brother's being picked. All I can think of is Warrick and how I pray it's not him.
When Cecelia picks a boy named Carden, I let out a breath I haven't even noticed I've been holding. Again, Cecelia asks for volunteers. No one decides to take his place.
The boy shakes madly like a leaf, letting out pain stricken cries. I can't help but feel slight pity for him. And I can't help thinking how I hope I won't be the one to kill him.
Cecelia wraps her arms around both of our shoulders, thrusting us to get side. "District nine, your tributes, Carden Hunt and Evelyn Ainsworth!"
Some people clap, but not many. Cecelia doesn't say another word after that. The Peacekeepers come up onto the stage and pull us off, leading us to the Justice Building.
One of the Peacekeepers thrust me into a room, then swiftly closes the door behind me. I don't even complain.
Feeling defeated, I collapse onto the leather couch. After a few minutes, I question if anyone is even coming to say goodbye to me. Then again, if Warrick and Sloane possibly got reaped, I'm sure I'd be painful to even muster up the courage to say goodbye. Our last goodbye.
The thought of dying hits me hard. I'm going into the arena soon where I'll be fighting for my life. And I'll actually have to kill others if I do make it past the Cornucopia, though it's highly unlikely. Just like Terrin, I'm sure I'll get killed not even three minutes into the games.
Tears prick at the corner of my eyes again for the second time that day, I'm going to die.
"Evelyn!"
The loud wail 'causes me to look up. I see Sloane and Warrick at the door way, both with tears streaming down their cheeks.
The Peacekeeper out front pushes them in, grunts that they have five minutes, then shuts the door.
They both run to me, wrapping their arms around me while burying their faces into my neck. Warrick's sobs loudly, gripping my back tightly. "I don't want you to go, Eve."
"I don't either," I whisper. It's incredibly true. I don't want to go into the arena. I don't want to die. But I am. Still, I can't bring myself to actually say that to them. That I'm not coming home. If I did, it'd be in a casket.
I push back the tears though. My siblings have never seen me cry, not even when our mother died. It's because I don't want to be weak for them. I need to be strong, even if it means faking it.
"Don't cry," I demand and they both pull away, looking at me with questioning eyes. "I'm not going to die. I'm going to win." I surprise myself when I look them both straight in the eyes and tell them this massive lie.
It's because I can't bring myself to fully say goodbye. And that I'm not actually coming back home.
"You promise?" Sloane softly whispers and I nod stiffly.
"Yes. So be good while I'm gone. And does... does dad know?"
"Yes," Warrick says, "He knows. But it's too painful for him to say goodbye…" Warrick trails off, and I understand.
I don't think my father could handle having to say goodbye to another family member. He already lost his wife, now he was going to lose me.
"Times up."
My eyes dart to the door and the Peacekeeper beckons Sloane and Warrick to leave. They're reluctant, but I give them a shove towards the door and a gentle smile. "I love you. Okay? Now go."
They both nod, whispering they love me too. Then they're gone. And Cyrene is already shoving her way into the room by then.
I stand up and she comes running to me, wrapping me up in a hug. For the second time ever, I see Cyrene cry. I can't hold it any longer. I let the tears fall freely and I wrap my arms around her tightly. "I'm so scared." I admit slowly, barely able to understand myself as I choke on sobs.
"You have to win, Evelyn. You can't die. You can't leave me like Terrian."
I shake my head at her, pulling back. "I'm not coming back, Cyrene."
"Don't talk like that." She says hoarsely. And I almost want to tell her what I said to Warrick and Sloane, but I need to make sure she'll take care of them both for me. And I need to get out my last final wishes.
I ignore her command and instead say, "You'll look after Warrick and Sloane, won't you?"
"I won't need to, because you're coming b-"
I cut her off quickly, "You promised you would if I got reaped. Just like I promised you it."
She stares at me for a moment in silence, her jaw slack and her lips parted, giving me the same look when I was up on stage. Finally, she nods submissively, "Of course."
"Thank you," I mutter and pull away from her slowly. "And tell everyone to take care of themselves. Most importantly, tell everyone I love them and that I… That I'm sorry I didn't make it through the games." I manage to say and avert my eyes to the floor, unable to meet her burning eyes.
She doesn't fight back this time and demand I stop talking the way I am. It's probably because she's just realized the seriousness of the situation.
Sure, I'm good with a bow and arrow and perhaps I could pick off some of the tributes, but I couldn't kill the Careers. Clearly, one of them would take me out.
"Okay." She whispers, "I'll miss you Eve."
I glance back to her and manage a small smile. "I'll miss you too. Bye Cyrene."
I pull her in for one last hug, then release her when the Peacekeeper pops back up, telling us times up. She gives me one last look, staring at me with watery eyes. Then she's gone. Perhaps forever.
They don't give me long to wallow in my pity.
They hurriedly usher me out and to the train station. I'm not even able to see where I'm going when bright flashes blind my eyes. It's even hard to hear my own thoughts with numerous people shouting my name. That seems to be a popular thing to do today.
I'm not even fazed as Cecelia makes us pause for a moment and pose to the dismay of the Peacekeepers. I stare emotionless at these people, though after a while I find myself glaring at them as they ask if I'm excited to be going into the arena.
How could I be excited to be marched off to my death? They don't seem to understand. No Capitol people do.
The more I think about the Capitol, the more I get angry. I tear myself away from Cecelia's side, though she calls after me. I walk angrily up the train steps, and someone directs me to my room. I don't waste any time. I confine myself in there till my stomach starts to growl and I know I have to give into temptation soon enough.
Luckily for me, Cecelia comes knocking at my door five minutes later demanding I come out. And I do.
She leads me into the dining room and pushes me to sit down in front of a huge TV. Then she begins to argue with Carden who needs to learn manners.
I peer around, looking to the dining table that's littered with all types of food. My stomach rumbles longer and though I tell myself I should resist, I can't.
I give in and eat. Though I'm not as animalistic as Carden. I watch the whole time as he scarfs down his food, ignoring Cecelia's cries of detest.
I look away with a sigh, directing my eyes on a crystal glass. I wonder how much money I'd get if I pawned it back home, I think defiantly. Surely if I did that'd ensure a meal or two for Warrick and Sloane. Too bad I'll never get the chance to go back home.
"Where is Ace and Kimbra?" Cecelia's questions and looks over at us, as if expecting us to answer. Who are Ace and Kimbra? "They're always late," She mutters and stands, walking off. Probably to go find the people she speak of.
"Do you think they're our mentors, you know, Ace and Kimbra?" Carden voices, looking to the direction where Cecelia had disappeared.
I shrug, not bothering to say anything since that's enough of an answer. Carden frowns at me and opens his mouth to say something when Cecelia comes back into the room, chatting endlessly to the two figures behind her.
"I get it, Cecelia." A man, who I presume to be Ace, says. "The District seven escort stole your hairstyle. I know."
A smile twitches at my lips at the clear annoyance in his voice. Carden laughs lowly, though Cecelia hears him and shoots him a harsh glare. "You're just like Ace, always laughing at me." She rolls her eyes and moves out of the way, revealing a broad man who appears to be in his late thirties with brown eyes and matching brown hair.
He smiles at us kindly, sticking a hand out to Carden. "Nice to meet you, Carden. I'm Ace; I'll be your mentor."
Carden smiles back hesitantly, reaching out and placing his hand in Ace's. They shake quickly before they both pull away. Ace falls into the chair next to him and glances over to me. "And it's also nice to meet you too, Evelyn."
I give him a stiff nod, my own way of greeting him.
"Kimbra, dear, why don't you take a seat?" Cecelia says and my eyes flicker over to a middle aged woman with curly brown hair and the same shade of green eyes like mine. Though something's off about her. I realize so when she picks at her fingers and keeps her head bowed, muttering words that I can't decipher. What was wrong with her?
"She suffers from trauma," Ace says suddenly, answering my unspoken question. "Her games really made an impact on her."
"So I get a crazy as my mentor?" I say and realize it's too harsh when Ace's faces twists in pain. But Kimbra doesn't seem the least bit phased by what I've said. All she does is glance up at me, cock her head to the side, and then look away. She goes silent though and stares at an invisible spot on the wall.
"There hasn't been another female victor in so long to be able to take her place," Ace mutters and frowns at her. "I'll be helping you out as well Evelyn. Don't worry."
I don't reply, I just nod.
Though I feel incredibly unluckily and that this is unfair. Carden gets a perfectly fine mentor who's capable of giving him advice while I get stuck with a nut job. In any situation, I would think that was incredibly mean to say, but not right now. Not when my life was on the line.
"Oh, the reaping's should be on any minute!" Cecelia chirps, and as If on cue, the Panem symbol appears on the screen.
It flashes to the District 1 reaping. It's not surprising when their District escort calls out a name and immediately someone shouts out volunteering.
The girl has the most incredible alethic built I've ever seen, along with gorgeous blue eyes and long flowing blonde hair. I learn her name is Jewel.
The boy who volunteers is just as striking as her with blonde hair as well and deep brown eyes. He wears a boyish grin on his face as he tells everyone his name is Dazzle.
The screen changes suddenly to the District 2 reaping's where again, the girl volunteers. Though she's a lot more vicious looking then the District 1 girl, she's just as beautiful. She introduces herself as Monarch and that's that.
Their District 2 escort is barely able to read the name off the boy's slip of paper she's picked before a deep voice shouts, "I volunteer!"
Their District 2 escort smiles and ushers whoever shouted out of the crowd, revealing a broad teenage boy. The whole crowd falls silent as he struts up the stage, radiating power. I even fear him myself when I see the muscle he's packing.
"Your name?" Their district escort asks, leaning the microphone towards him.
"Talon Rellant,"
"Very nice. District 2, your tributes, Monarch Ambrose and Talon Rellant!"
Everything blurs after that and the reaping's go by quicker. But I still note who's going to be the real hard one's to take out.
I predict District 1, District 2, and District 4. Though that's no real big shocker. I bet they'd been preparing for the games their whole life.
The District 4 boy and girl are vicious. The look in their eyes was… scary, frankly. Especially the girl who even murderously glared at her own District partner. I couldn't stop myself from thinking; she's definitely the one who's going to be taking me out.
Though as the reaping's go on, all the tributes look strong enough to be able to put up a fight. Especially the boy from 7.
By the time my reaping comes around, I'm almost anxious to see how I look. If my tears were evident. I'm relieved when I see I don't look like I was about to cry.
Instead, I look emotionless, like I don't even care that I've been reaped.
Carden doesn't give the same approach, though. He was crying madly and shaking. I can just imagine what the other tributes are thinking right now looking at him. They probably figure that he'll be easy to pick off.
Honestly, so am I.
I think Carden would be the only person I'd ever be able to take out in the games. Too bad he's my District partner and now that I've talked to him, known his name, I can't imagine killing him.
But I won't need to. Because I probably won't even make it past the Cornucopia.
I sigh and glumly walk off to my room, though Cecelia calls after me and says how the reaping's aren't done.
I don't think she realizes that I don't wish to see the faces of my potential killers.
That night, I can barely sleep. Especially not with the constant sound of footsteps and heavy exhaling of breath. I can only imagine it's Kimbra that's making such a ruckus.
But it's not only Kimbra that keeps me from sleeping.
It's about how in just a matter of hours, I'll be in the Capitol. I'll only have three days of training, and then I'm off to go into the games.
The more I think about the Hunger Games, the more I squirm. How can you really prepare yourself for death? You couldn't. And I wasn't about to pretend I was strong. No, I was scared. Scared of dying. I was only sixteen years old, I hadn't even experienced life yet and here I was, getting shipped off to die.
Right now, life back in District 9 seemed more amazing then I once thought.
I'd being going home for sure. Just in a casket.
We arrive in the Capitol not long after I wake up. Cecelia's quick to usher me out, though she stops for a moment and fixes my hair and complains why I didn't change my dress or anything.
I'm too deep in my own thoughts to care about what she's saying.
I walk by her side the whole time we're lead into an enormous building. Cecelia quickly leaves my side once a hoard of people coming run at me, grabbing me and yanking me off into a whole different direction. "Have fun, dear!" Cecelia's calls over the chaos and then she disappears from my sight.
I'm quickly stripped despite my protests.
They pluck every ounce of hair on my body, bathe me in a funny smelling water, and pull at my hair mercifully.
"Is this your natural hair color?" One girl with blue hair asks, titling her head at me.
I nod stiffly at her.
She quickly yanked a strand of my red hair and laid it over hers, turning to the others who continued to work on me. "I was thinking of getting this color for myself. What do you think?"
They all immediately start shouting their approval. I tune it out after a while. Their obnoxious capitol accent was really starting to hurt my head.
Once their down, they all fled the room and I'm left utterly alone and confused.
I look towards the door they had just ran out of and silently, I contemplate escaping. I don't have much time to dwell on the thought when a woman comes barging in, wearing a big smile on her face.
"Hello, Evelyn," She greets, running a hand through her puke green hair. Just like any other Capitol folk, she's dressed ridiculously. "My, they weren't kidding when they said you were quite the looker."
I make a face at her. Quite the looker? Instead of asking what she meant, all I say is, "Thanks."
"I'm Chandi and I'll be your stylist." She says, making her ways towards me. "Let's get started, shall we?"
I agree numbly and she gets to work.
After what feels like hours, she steps back with a huge smile on her face and announces cheerily, "All done!"
"How do I look?" I ask, before I can stop myself. All I hope is that I don't look like a complete idiot.
"You tell me," She says and makes me face a full length mirror. I quickly suck in a breath at my appearance, only slightly pleased when I don't reveal an animal that we supposedly hunt back in District 9. That's what most of the costumes were each year, animal that we hunt, but I'm happy to see that I sort of resemble a huntress with my mid-thigh chain-mail skirt and a brown, tight, leather corset that has one long strand of leather leading to my neck.
The corset is actually quite amazing with the numerous buckles and such. And the leather forearms guards are just as breath taking as the corset.
Though it's all painfully uncomfortably, I don't say anything.
I'm especially pleased when they hand me a pair of boots instead of heels. I quickly slip them on and they fix my hair one last time, grinning; "Now you look ready for combat." Chandi says, and her prep team agrees.
It's all a blur from there.
Just like before, I'm dragged off to a different area. And somehow, Ace appears by my side and so does Carden. Who's dressed in a similar outfit like mine.
We stop once we get into range of the chariots and other tributes. I suck in a shaky breath. It's a lot scarier now seeing the other tributes up close.
They all look so... big. And tough. My stomach does constant flips that I'm afraid I'll end up puking.
Most of them stroll by casually, holding their head up high and doing their best to intimidate others with intense glares.
I can't manage do the same, though Ace nudges me and whispers, "Do your best to look fierce." But it's hard.
Instead of looking all tough and intimidating, I go for the emotionless angle. Like I don't even care that I'm here.
Ace seems pleased, since he gives me a brief glance of approval.
Carden doesn't even know what angle he's going for. He just nervously smiles at everyone, even the people who glare at him.
"Keep that angle 'you-don't'-scare-me' angle, Evelyn," Ace whispers to me as he guides us both to the chariot. "If any of the tributes, especially the careers, try to spark up a conversation with you, don't reply. Okay?"
"Alright," I agree. And then he leaves me to go talk to Carden. Probably to try and tell go for the same angle as me.
Though I'm not entirely sure what angle I am trying to accomplish myself. And if I'm going to be able to pull it off.
I scan the room, taking in the various costumes. There all the same as they are each year. Typically cliché.
Like, for instance, District 4 is dressed as fish. And the District 4 girl doesn't seem the least bit pleased by her outfit. She angrily has her arms crossed and she hisses at anyone who tries to talk to her. Even her own stylists cringe in fear.
The District 1 girl, Jewel, truly represents her name. She's dressed in this form fitting dress with numerous gems covering it. She's beautiful, just like any other girl from District 1.
As if sensing my gaze, her twinkling blue eyes dart to me and a bitter sweet grin appears on her face as she scans my costume. She flips her blonde hair over her shoulder and nudges Dazzle.
He follows Jewel's gaze and his eyes land on me. Though he frowns at me. And soon enough, I realize that the usual Career alliance has been formed since District 1, 2, and 4 all look towards me.
They all wear a matching look of disgust on their face.
Except for the District 2 boy, Talon. He stares at me blankly, unlike the others who resort to glaring at me. Or smirking.
He's a lot more intimidating in person. He stands probably at 6'4 with bulging muscles that involuntarily flex with each move he makes.
And though I tell myself that's it's silly to think so, he's actually very handsome with brown hair and striking deep blue eyes.
Then again, every Career tribute this year was just as striking in their own way.
"District nine, huh?" The District 4 girl muses, a smirk twitching at her lips. Her eyes scan my clothing, just like Jewel had done. "Nice costume."
I don't say anything. I'm afraid if I do; it'll be something utterly rude and just make them angry in the end, inevitably making me a target. Though I guess I already am one since their all giving me a death glare.
When the District 4 girl notices I'm not going to reply, she quickly says, "The whole 'huntress' look is great. Is that what you did back in your district, you know, hunt?"
I don't know what she's getting at exactly. If she's trying to get me to reveal any personal secrets of such. My weakness or whatever.
I do what Ace says and don't say a word. It 'causes the girl to laugh, "Are you mute or something, nine?"
Her District partner laughs as well and nudges her in the side, "Didn't your parents ever teach you to not play with your food, Kai?"
Not to play with your food?
Were they referring to me as their food? I suppose. Probably in their eyes I was just another weak tribute. But if I was, why were they going through such lengths to intimidate me?
"You're right, Maris. Where are my manners?" She grins and her eyes flicker over to me. "Good luck, nine." And then she turns and boards her own chariot. Her District partner, Maris, follows.
Soon enough, they're all boarding their own chariots. Not sparing me another glance.
"Come on, the parade should be starting any moment." Chandi appears by my side and she rests a hand on the small of my back, giving me a slight push that I so desperately need. "Remember to wave. Even try smiling; you know how to do that, right?"
"Smiling? I've never heard of it," I mutter sarcastically. Chandi gives me a flat look and I clear my throat quickly, "Sorry."
"I bet you are," She grumbles and grabs Carden, thrusting him right into the chariot too.
"Make sure to wave and all that stuff, this is going to help you get sponsors." Ace voices. Carden and I both mutter something along the lines of, "okay" and then they're gone. Leaving us be.
I sigh and keep my gaze directed forward. When three minutes pass, I begin to squirm uncomfortably. Now I'm really feeling the effect of this stupid corset.
"Are you nervous?" Carden whispers, causing me to look at him. "I am. Especially because of that District two guy. He scares me the most."
I furrow my eyebrows at him and glance towards District two's chariot. "You're scared of Talon?"
"You know their names?"
"Well yeah," I say. "You can't exactly miss that. They're the biggest competition here."
"No doubt," Carden mutters and leans back. "I heard what that District four girl was saying. You know she's just trying to get under your skin, right?"
I shake my head softly. "I don't get why; I'm just another bloodbath tribute."
"Not in her eyes," He says slowly. "She sees you as a threat."
"Why do you think that?"
"Because of the effort she made to anger you. She was hoping for some kind of outburst from you, obviously. Or that you would show fear. When you didn't, she knew something was off about you. She already sees you as a threat; my advice is to not anger her."
I stare appalled at Carden. How did he get all of that just from a small conversation that consisted of four sentences?
And instead of shaking like he usually was, he was perfectly composed. Leaning back against the seat and staring forward. Was the crying and shaking an act?
Was he purposely playing weak?
Just like most of these tributes were trying to play tough? That was an act too, wasn't it? I swallow roughly, I don't know.
I don't know anything clearly. I knew the games weren't all about strength, but smarts too. Carden didn't even look capable to kill an animal. He was never in the woods. I never saw him hunt or anything. Then again, I only saw Carden around once or twice.
The realization hits me hard. The games have already begun.
Sure, we're not in the arena yet, but everyone was playing their angles perfectly. They were already trying to get into the minds of others.
Maybe Carden was just playing me. Maybe he was just trying to make me fear Kai on purpose and he was just feeding me lies, hoping I'd make the wrong move.
I had underestimated Carden, and that possibly the stupidest move you could do. This was the Hunger Games. I needed to start thinking not with my fist, but my mind.
A sudden jolt brings me out of my thoughts and I notice that we're moving. I draw in a breath and compose myself quickly and I'm grateful because the next second, we're out in the open, surrounded by numerous Capitol folks who scream madly, chanting my name.
At first, all I does is numbly stare at them all, unable to process my jumbled thoughts. What do I do?
Wave. Ace said to wave.
I raise my arm slowly and wave slowly. But I don't smile. I just can't bring myself to.
I glance at Carden for a moment. He wears a sheepish smile while he shyly waves at everyone.
I turn away from him and focus on the crowd, continuing to wave slowly at them. They scream my name louder, nearly rupturing my ear drum.
It all goes by quickly.
We take another lap around before we disappear back into the building. Once we've firmly stopped, I jump off in an instance. Wanting nothing more to just curl up and sleep my worries all away.
Cecelia and Ace have different plans, though. Since they grin like mad and pat Carden and I on the back. "Great job! People were raving over you guys!"
I can't help but feel bitter. What were they really cheering for? Me or the fact I'm just going to die in a matter of four days?
"It was amazing," Carden marvels, grinning wide like a moron and falls into a conversation with Cecelia and Ace.
I look around, seeing everyone else also in deep conversation with their mentors. Somehow, my eyes find their way back to Monarch and Talon.
Monarch doesn't realize I'm staring, but Talon does. Since he glances over at me. Instead of watching me blankly like he did earlier, he smirks this time around. Almost evilly.
I avert my eyes, just thinking about how he could so easily snap my neck. And he probably would the moment the games started.
Or Kai would kill me. Most likely her.
Finally, we're dismissed and lead to our new place that we will call home for the rest of the days that we are in the Capitol.
I shed myself of my costume; bathe myself in one the Capitol's odd showers, and then I go to sleep. Where I dream of being home, back in District 9, with Warrick and Sloane. Cyrene too.
I miss you guys so much, I think faintly, gripping my pillow tight. I'll miss you even more when I'm dead, that's for sure.