Chapter 2:
I've been dreaming. I can feel myself being lifted up by strong hands. I let myself breathe in the sweet aroma of his skin. I open my eyes expecting to see my lifelong crush, Levi, but all I see is the big brown eyes of my brother, Thom. A ton of bricks hits my stomach at a million miles per hour as I realise where I am and what just happened. Thom giggles as I try to regain my posture.
"And here we have it." You can hear the relief in Dawn's voice as she finally wrapped up her presentation. "The two, brave, tributes of District 9!" A couple of people cheered un-enthusiastically while the rest of the District remained silent. I may be a tribute, but I'm definitely NOT brave! I thought.
"Ok then. Um, everyone welcome... President Burke!" Again, there was a general lack of enthusiasm from the crowd. No, not President Burke. This can't be good. The president hadn't appeared at the reapings ever since the Quell concept was abolished in the 77th Hunger Games. That was over 45 years ago now; the President NEVER appeared at the reapings. Some thing's different.
"Greetings District 9. I know I'm not meant to be here, but there has been a slight difference this year. Wow, there is so many of you. Last time I..." He was cut off by an angry middle aged man yelling at him to 'get on with it'.
"Ok, fine. This year, instead of all 24 tributes killing each other off at the same time, two tributes will be sent in and will fight to the death. The winner will be safe and will not compete until half the tributes are dead, and then they will fight with those 1 of those 12 winners. If they survive once again, they will be safe until there is only another half remaining. This will continue until there are only two people remaining. They will fight, and one will be a victor." President Burke had a sly, cunning smirk on his face as he looked around and noticed all the jaws that had dropped. "That is all. Good luck, and hope that your first opponent isn't a cannibal." he joked. Peacekeepers burst onto the stage as soon as he was out of sight and rushed us out into an old farming truck. We drove the quickest route to the Peace Building. My nose crinkled at the sight. It was old and run down. It's peach coloured curtains hung by threads, and the cream coloured bricks were crumbling. The last time she had been there was to say one last goodbye to her Aunt, who had tried to escape the district to see her husband, whom she had been separated from. The Peacekeepers ushered us into a dusty, blue coloured room, in which we would say our final goodbyes. Thom flopped down onto a red couch, a cloud of dust particles exploding behind him.
"I... I don't know what to say." Thom's voice quivered as he spoke. "I just don't believe it." I just remained silent, waiting for someone to come and say goodbye and end this awkward moment. As is someone had read her mind, her mother and father came in, crying and kissing them tenderly. Thom and Audren were their only kids, and now, one, if not both, would be killed in the Governments sick show. We all whispered sweet love and encouragement into each others ears as they sat on the floor in one big group hug. There was a loud bang and we all jumped. A peace-keeper burst in and started pulling away Mother and Father.
"Dad, Mum! NO, don't let them take us! Mum, please! Do something." I screamed, hoping someone would have mercy.
"Audren, don't worry. I'll figure something out." Mother tried soothing words but you could hear the worry and hatred in her voice. The door slammed between us, and I savoured the image of my mother and father.