As soon as I volunteer I walk forward, not in my usual stalk, but in a delicate step. The whole district knows my strategy of innocence and they play along perfectly. I gently float up the stairs and stick my hand out to Latoa.
She grabs it and thrusts it into the air. Even though I am 18 and a trained volunteer, I seem so innocent to her that she treats me like some weak 12 year old. Talking down to me is one of my biggest pet peeves. However one of my greatest joys is punishing people who belittle me.
Once I can drop this charade I will make sure to punish her in an extremely painful way. When she asks my name in her ridiculous Capital accent I give it to her in my most innocent voice, making sure to bat my doe-like eyes at her, to cement the image of innocence in her frivolous mind.
"Nahla Black", Latoa's hand suddenly clamp onto mine vice-like as she hoists my hand into the air. She pushes me to the side and flits over to the boys bowl. As she pulls the name out, the designated male volunteer,Ryker Vein, a tall, dark, and handsome boy walks forward with his hand in the air.
"I volunteer as tribute", he yells. Taking long strides, he makes it to the stage much faster than I did. As he walks to the stage, Latoa begins to hyperventilate and screech into the microphone that District 2 is going to have the best chance of winning these Games.
Ryker makes his way towards our twittering escort to give her his hand and she thrusts it in the air, much like she did mine except she continues to hold onto his hand.
Ryker and I shake hands(after I rip his hand from Latoa's) and then she announces
"District 2, your tributes "Nahla Black and Ryker Vein. I know that we will win this year!," Latoa screams into the microphone. As we walk towards the ornate Justice Building, I can't help but agree.