2

Gasps came from everywhere. I stood, frozen, listening to people say in amazement "How on earth could he volunteer?" "Doesn't he know that he'll have to watch his best friend die?" My eyes try to meet Tsubasa's, but I just can't do it. I watch him run up onto the stage. I stare down at my hand, and he grabs it, warming me; but I honestly doubt he knows the trouble he's just created for us. Scanning the crowd, I have to hold back a scream.

Livia has watched this all, next to my mother.

"Let's give our tribute and volunteer tribute a round of applause!" Effie Trinket yells. Silence ensues; people are shocked that we're going to watch our deaths even though we are our only companion to each other. They then press three fingers to their lips and hold them hand out at us.

This is extremely sweet of the people in District 12. What they just did was show that we will be missed terribly, or at least they think we will. I know the people in the village loved hearing me play the violin around town, and I know Tsubasa was liked around the District.

Then we're forced to listen to the Treaty of Treason. It's a long speech given every year, but now I can barely hear it. My thoughts are a mess and I just can't believe that out of all the girls, I got picked for the female tribute. I mean sure I had extra to make up for Livia's seven lost, but that shouldn't have to compare to the other girls who have over 50 slips in there…shouldn't it? Even worse, now I'll have to go either die in front of my best friend or watch his death because he volunteered. That's what is irritating me most. There has to be another reason he volunteered. There is no way he just volunteered because he couldn't watch his friend die without being there. On reaping days, friendships only go so far, and family love is at a minimum. I can only imagine he thinks that if we both go there's a good chance on of us will come out, which actually might be true, but still, one of us has to die if we want to have a winner between the two of us. I only can hope that, because usually the winner is from Districts 1, 2, or 4, where they've been trained their whole lives for this.

I stop gripping his hand. I just think that it's kind of unnecessary. I wait and wait, hoping that I'll think of something good that came out of this. Nope, I can think of nothing. I sigh, and I get some pitied looks at me. I smile gratefully to the crowd, because at least they don't want me to die. I see some of my classmates in the crowd-Madge, the mayor's daughter, Peeta Mellark, the baker's son, Katniss Everdeen, the daughter of the local healer we take Livia to, and more.

Then I'm reminded of a horrid truth-I'll probably be in the games during my 16th birthday. That is, if I'm alive by then. That in and of itself, is gruesome. Having to be in a bloody battle during one of your special days? How bad can this get? I'm sure someone else has noticed this. Maybe I'll get a sponsor to give me a birthday cake while I'm fighting. Heh.

When it ends, we're shoved into the Justice Building to a white room. I go into the door on the right and Tsubasa to the left. Then after a few minutes of waiting in silent meditation on what's to come, Effie comes in, puts her arm around my shoulder and assures "Honey, everything will be alright. Now some people have come to say goodbye to you. Just tell me when you're ready."

Well, at least she isn't a complete idiot. "I'm ready." I promise.

Gingerly, she closes the door. Then after a few seconds, Tsubasa's parents come in. His mother looks indifferent. His father just looks determined. Determined to do what?

His mother speaks before I can apologize for what Tsubasa did. "He's such a fool, that boy. Never thinks of the effects of his actions. Worthless child" Sure, she may not like him, but this is appalling. Her own son might die, and she doesn't care. At loss for words, I say nothing. I would love to kill this woman any second now.

Effie comes in to escort her out. After the door closes, Tsubasa's father begins to verbalize "She might not get him, but I clearly understand Tsubasa and why he's doing this."

"Because I'm his friend?"

"Sure. But on to other matters. Keep him alive. Keep yourself alive. Find some way to come home together. I know for a fact you can survive, outlast, and outsmart the others. The only problem is convincing the capitol to keep you both alive and announce you both winners." He declares. "Well, stay alive and good luck."

He leaves, and there's a moment of stillness for me to analyze what he just said. Outsmarting the others is something I can do? It dawns on me just as the door opens and none other than Ms. Everdeen and her daughters come in. I just know they're going to tell me that Livia will be okay; but she won't. Sleepless nights for her will be common now that I'm gone. It's unbearable to think how that one slip of paper with my name that just happened to get picked will affect her.

I notice that her daughter Katniss is with her. Katniss is around my age, and completely fearless. She's a master at the bow and arrow, like her friend Gale. Her bravery has gotten her to end up hunting in forbidden forests just because her family needs food. She's also very comely, and it always seemed like Tsubasa had a crush on her. Her blackish-brown hair is in its single braid like it always is, but she's wearing a blue dress that compliments her perfectly.

Her little sister Prim, who looks nothing like her, with her blond hair and blue eyes, starts to whimper watching me and knowing that I'm going to die soon. "I promise mom and I will keep your sister Livia safe!" she blubbers. I feel terrible, knowing that this girl has to go through this. I pat her head and thank her for working so hard for me.

Katniss adds "Also, since you were a hard worker for your family, if they run low on food, Gale and I will give the portion of our kill when we hunt."

"You don't have to…" I stutter.

She smiles, reminding me of why she is in eternal debt to me.

They walk out, and then the moment I wished would never have to come happens. Livia comes in, and the tears are just drenching her face. I can't stand to watch it. It's painful. She wails "You have to win! Otherwise, I can't go on in life without you." Despite how it seems immature, I know it's just Livia wishing for our time to be eternally happy. For things to go the same way forever, that's her dream all right. I wish that too, but I know there has to be conflict for a life to be enjoyable.

I kiss her forehead "I'll try my best." Wiping her tears away with my hand, I feel like the older sister now. Then Effie comes to usher her out, and that's when the tears start rolling down my cheeks. My parents come in, sobbing as well, wishing me luck, and my dad winks at me, and I hug them for what was probably five minutes, but felt like three seconds.

Then, Tsubasa and I were shoved on a luxury train headed in one direction-to the capitol. I finally looked in the eyes of the boy I met in 1st grade. I remember being the first one to like his name. Tsubasa the boy who has mastered the sword, the one who's name was what made him an outcast to the other boys. I don't think I'll be able to watch him die. Actually, I'm sure that if I win, the memories will be too painful.

We go into a dining car to have the most extravagant meal of my life. Rolls, salads, a thick stew, and ice cream for dessert. Afterwards, Effie shows us our rooms. Then, when she runs off, I lie on my bed, and sob. I cry for hours, but then again my sense of time is distorted. Then, I remember-my violin. I never got to play my violin one last time before I die. This just reignites blubbering because my violin is a huge part of my life. I was the best violinist in District 12, and I hoped to become famous someday.

When Effie calls for dinner, I don't respond. I simply wait for the tears on my face to fall. Then Tsubasa comes in. He doesn't say anything at all; he knows that nothing will help me now. We've lost everything but each other, and even now we'll have to lose each other. He then places his hand on my face. It's so comforting in a time like this. I surprisingly have never felt his hand on my face. It's warm-especially against my cold skin. I wish I could stay here, like this, forever. No arena to go to, no blood to be shed, no death, nothing. Just our happy friendship.

Then Haymitch bursts down the door, booze in hand. "Sorry, but you two will be coached separately. So don't count on seeing him much at all, Aelius"

"My name is RIN. Aelius, while it is a cool name, it's my middle name, and it's a male name." I say sternly.

"Whatever you say sweetheart." He assures.

"Why are you coaching us separately?" Tsubasa shouts.

"Friendship shows weakness. You know only on person's coming out of the games." Haymitch's voice rises. "Allies are okay, but friendships are a fantasy in the games! Use your head for once! You know you're just going to get depressed at the other's death and you won't be able to go on! So suck it up, and get over yourselves!" He screams at us. "And that's an order!"

"Okay, but…" Tsubasa starts to speak when Haymitch drags him out.

Now it dawns on me. When I go into the arena, I will be alone.