Ooh, first chapter of the sequel! I'm practically starting again!

Quick note, if you haven't read my story "Take The Plunge : The 100th Hunger Games, then you should probably read it first, as you'll probably have no idea what's going on.

For those who have read it, sorry for leaving you on a cliffhanger! I had to! It was my plan from the very start.

Anyway, here is the start of our new story.

I would really appreciate a review it'll help me get back into the routine of things. Feedback really helps me and motivates me.

PS, Lana Del Ray's music is what I have been listening to while writing recently. You'll see how it fits in to the story later on.

I'll be uploading a little less, as school is getting crazy again.

Chapter One - Heartache

I hear my own name, whispered a million times in my head, over and over again. I don't know how long this has gone on for. Too long.

I'm in a dreamless sleep, caught up in the darkness, unable to set myself free.

I just want to die, is that too much to ask for? To be at peace after all these years of pain and loss? Apparently so.

I jolt awake, opening my eyes suddenly. Light floods through the dark prison of my own mind, setting me free from the shadows that held me so tightly.

I can only see bright light for a while, it's such a shock to be able to see again. My eyes slowly begin to focus.

I'm in a hospital room, quite obviously. In the Capitol. I'm surrounded by balloons, cards, and stuffed animals, with mixed messages.

"Happy Birthday" and "Get well soon."

Oh yeah. I forgot it was my birthday. Wait, my birthday?

How long have I been asleep for?

I try to work it out, counting backwards, but it's just too much for me to handle. I look to my fingers for help, and realise there is about three tubes stuck in my hand. Ugh. I would pull them out, but I guess they're keeping me alive.

I can hear clearly now, well, clearer than before anyway. There's an annoying beeping noise, I guess they're monitoring my heartrate, and the quiet buzz of a TV. I can't quite hear it, so I reach for the remote to turn it up. When I do, I get a shock.

On the screen, I as picture of me, in a dress, seemingly glowing, made of water. Flashes of memories seem to come back to me, but I can't piece together the puzzle. What happened to me? How did I get here?

The screen then shows crowds of people outside of a tall building, crying, even screaming.

That's unusual. People in the Capitol are usually very, very happy. Almost too happy.

Then, a voice is played over the sounds of the crying.

"Phoenix Victoria, victor of the 100th annual Hunger Games is thought to be dead after she sacrificed herself for her sister, Raven. Phoenix, her best friend and ally Hunter, and her brother Ryan got to Raven just in time to see the remaining tributes including Grace and Pike, about to kill Raven. While Hunter killed Grace and Ryan killed the others, Phoenix took a knife for Raven.

Phoenix is in the training centre building, where she has been for at least a week now. Officials have not said anything yet, but our experts say that it's not looking good. Interviews have been put off..."

I immedietly reach for the remote, turning off the TV. I was in the Hunger Games. It's all coming back now. Everything. From the first to the final moments.

It's terrifying.

I stay frozen for at least a few minutes, trying to get over the sheer horror of what I have just re-lived.

Then, I realise. Raven. Ryan. Hunter. Where are they?

I throw myself out of bed, stumbling across the room, a stabbing pain in my side. That'll be where the knife hit me.

I collapse onto the floor, taking everything that is attached to my arm with me. I'm still determined to get to that door.

I use my arms to pull myself along the floor, before reaching for the door handle and using all of my body weight to pull it down.

It doesn't even move in the slightest.

It's locked.

I feel like screaming, but I know that won't do any good. There's no point.

I just need to wait until someone figures out I'm awake, and opens the door from the other side. It shouldn't take that long.

So, I just have to wait.

Accepting defeat, I crawl back to my bed, pulling myself up and turning the radio on. Of course, there's no good music on.

I sigh and turn it off again, turning over, when something catches my eye amongst the piles of gifts and cards.

A tiny package, wrapped in tissue paper.

I reach for it, causing myself even more pain in the process. They could've at least given me some more morphlig.

I unwrap it slowly, pulling out the delicate bracelet. It's beautiful, the colour of the ocean back home.

When I read the label attatched to it, I find myself in pain again. It's not physical though.

I'm so sorry Phoenix. I should have listened to you. If you ever wake up, please, please, please don't hate me. Because I don't hate you. I love you. More than anything in the world. You're my best friend. You're my sister. You saved me. And I couldn't be more grateful...

Raven.

Woo! First official chapter! Yes, they will get longer, I'm just building things up. Thank you to anyone who has read my previous story, and is starting to read this one!

BethanyDee x x