Chapter 2

My only visitors were Mathilda, her parents and my caretaker. Her mother was so hysterical that she barely made out a "thank you" through her closed throat. Instead Mathilda and her father thanked me and gave me their best wishes, although they were empty words since my chance of survival was two out of thirty-six, they still were kind enough to give me something, empty or not. Next my caretaker came to sort out my belongings. I left all of my clothes and food and what little money I had in her hands but took the one token from my parents for the Games. A worn pink ribbon that I kept in a box. I took the box and waited for the Peacekeepers to come in and take me to the train. During that time I began to think of ways I could keep myself alive. I had to stand out, which was going to be difficult to outshine thirty-five others. The only skills I had that I could think of were my legs, which were toned from all of my running as well as my arms from all the chores and jobs I did in the orphanage to feed myself and have clothes on my back. I also had a skill with climbing. Be it banisters, trees, buildings well maybe not buildings, but I could climb. But I had no idea how to use a weapon. Be it a sword, spear, axe, knife, slingshot of sickle, I had no idea how to use them. That was what I would have to work on. The door opened revealing the spotless white uniforms of the Peacekeepers, coming to escort me to the train. Once on it, scenery began to go by. I was now going to the Capital, to my certain death.

My time was up.