CHAPTER.3

"Luna!" Spark screeched, running into the small room. We were allowed to have visits from close friends and relatives before our departure on the train, transporting us to the capitol. "Spark, don't worry. You'll be alright…" I brought my voice down to a whisper. "Sonic told me that a good friend of his is can take care of you. Just head to the woods from here alright? She'll be waiting for you."

Spark nodded his head and looked up at me with pleading eyes. "Y-you'll be back right?" I couldn't help but frown. That's the question I hoped he wouldn't ask… "I'll… I'll try…"

"L-Luna, I need you!" Spark squeaked. A small whimper rose in his throat. "You've gott'a win. You've just gott'a…" His hands were in his fists, his arms at his sides. A tear ran down his eye. "Spark, don't… don't cry." I wiped the tear away with my scarf. "Stay strong. I'll come back for you." I looked him over head to toe. This can't be the last time I see him… It won't be.

"LUNA, IT IS TIME FOR SPARK TO LEAVE." The guard paced at the door. I gave Spark one last hug. The feeling of the familiar soft warm fur calmed me down a bit. "Good bye Luna." he murmured. I felt a teardrop land on my shoulder. Don't worry… Everything will work out. You'll see…

"Good bye Spark."

I watched silently as Spark left the room. I felt as if my heart left with him. Can he make it without me? I've already lost him once…

"MRS. P IS WAITING FOR YOU ON THE TRAIN." sounded the guard's robotic voice. "ORDERS ARE YOU MEET HER THERE." I didn't speak, just nodded my head and fallowed him out of the room. I say we went down at least two flights of stairs before we reached the train station. I couldn't help but notice the bright colors of the train itself. Red and yellow… I'm not surprised. "Right there, that's perfect." said a voice. I turned around to see- Flash!

I staggered backwards a little bit, my head reeling. I blinked and suddenly everything was back to normal. Crowds were surrounding me on every side. "Luna, let me have your autograph!" squeaked a voice. "Move over! I need to get a picture!" exclaimed another. I looked around frantically. Where'd all these Mobians come from?! Where's my escort?! "Ah, Luna, Hello darling!" came Mrs. P's happy call. She rushed over from out of nowhere and grabbed me by the arm. "Give the lady some space!" she ordered. To my relief the crowd split apart to reveal the train, lights still flashing from the crowd. "Come on in, come on in." she soothed, once in the train. Supper is ready."

I cautiously boarded the train. The doors slammed behind me and I spun around to find that the train just left the station. They must be in a hurry to get us to the capitol. I wonder where- I turned around to see Sonic sitting at the table. He was staring blankly at a glass of water that lay in front of him. They probably had to sneak him in here to avoid the crowd.

Walking over to the table, I found an empty seat next to him. He glanced at me for a moment but turned away as a tall, serious grey- wolf entered the room. "This is Talon." Mrs. P introduced. "He'll be your mentor." Talon… Talon the merciless, they would call him. I remember… He won the games a couple of years ago…

"Now to see what's holding up that stew…"Mrs. P muttered, walking away. I watched as Talon trailed his gaze to Sonic. "Ah, Sonic, Sonic the hedgehog, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Sonic looked up to see Talon. I thought I saw a flash of respect yet uncertainty in their gaze. Do these two know each other from somewhere? "Um… thank you…" Sonic answered uneasily. Talon then looked at me. "So, you're the Luna they've all been talking about." I slowly nodded my head. "That's me…"

"That was very brave of you; standing up to Eggman. I wish I had a chance to do something like that…" "Wait." I couldn't help but say, "You mean you don't like Eggman?"

"What, did you think I did? Who'd like that fat ambitious creep?"

"I just thought…"

"Don't worry," Talon soothed. "That's what everyone thinks. But remember, I didn't choose to enter the games. I didn't mean to win for that matter… All in all, that doesn't get me any closer to liking the Doctor."

I felt Talon bristle beside me as a knock sounded at the door. "Right this way, right this way." sounded a familiar voice. I relaxed as Talon let his fur lie flat. Mrs. P entered the room flanked by two robots, each carrying trays of food. She turned to look at us as the robots set the delicacies out on the table. I couldn't believe how much food there was. I've never seen so much in my life! "Now that you're through introducing yourselves, I'd like to talk with you about how you should behave in the capitol. First," Mrs. P continued. "You need manners." She beckoned to Sonic. "Sit up straight."

It felt like hours before we were finally dismissed but at least Sonic made it out alive. "I'm glad that's over." Sonic muttered jokingly. I couldn't help but smile. It had been the first thing he had said to me since the reaping.

We found our way to a couch away from Mrs. P and Talon and find that they are announcing the 24 tributes on T.V. I quickly recognize district 1 for the types of Mobians it contains. District 1, the district of wolves. I watched as they called the female tribute, a tall silver wolf with a lithe figure. A muscular male appeared beside her with an ash-grey pelt. I catch their names… Kyra and Jag.

The next District is number 2. I watched as a purple she-cat is ushered toward the front. She looked very young, 7 or so. The cameras defiantly caught her bright turquoise eyes as she screamed for help. I heard a voice from somewhere in the crowd. "My baby! Dodge, do something!" That same moment, a male tabby stepped forward to volunteer as tribute. Their names… Blight and Dodge.

And so the list continued… Sapphire and Duke, chameleons from district 3. Mag and Stark, foxes from district 4. Galina and Zander, echidnas from district 5. Jewel and Derek, Falcons from district 6. And there's us, Sonic and me, standing on the stage in front of the district 7 crowd. They show the fight and everything! I'd expected them to cut it out but now that I think of it, Eggman is the type who loves to strike fear in the hearts of others. Catching Sonic made everyone worry and therefore making them fear the doctor more.

After us, comes district 8, two black bats with large wings. Their names were Raja and Crypto. Two district 9 lions stepped forward, pelts shimmering with sunlight. Their names were Savannah and Marth. Holly and Ranger, weasels from district 10. River and Blade, chipmunks from district 11. And last of all, Kelly and Erik, Hares from district 12.

Once it's over, I notice Sonic looking out the window. "Wow…" I whisper, following his gaze. The track disappeared in seconds, the ground below turning into a blur. "The speed is incredible… 250 miles per hour I hear." Sonic gave me a funny look. "Pretty slow don't you think?"

"That's not…" I stopped talking as Sonic stood up and opened the window. "Try this." He urged, poking his head out the window. "I'm not sure that's safe…" I say, walking over to the blue hedgehog. He peered back into the train. "Well, come on. What are you waiting for?" I walked cautiously over to the window and peered out, the wind taking my breath away. "It feels amazing, doesn't it?" I heard Sonic ask. I turned around to find his warm green eyes boring into mine. Those eyes… there's no doubt about it…

I smile and look back at the track, letting the cool, flowing breeze overwhelm me. "Yes," I breathed. "Yes it does."

Did you guys just so happen to wonder in why Talon the wolf was in district 7(the hedgehog district)? XD I love to keep you guys guessing!