Chapter 3
Why did I even have to volunteer? No, don't look back at this decision. Don't regret it. In District 4 I have no one other than Janice and her family. Even they will forget me after a time. So why do I have a gut clenching feeling of remorse for having to leave?
I gather my thoughts for the end of the speech our mayor gives. I never bothered to learn his name, it never seemed important before. Now I find it extremely important, but apparently he has no name tag. They really should get name tags on those guys…
We are now supposed to shake hands with our dstrictmate, but when our hands meet, I can't help but pull him close and go into his arms. Thankfully, he doesn't push me away. Is it because he feels as broken and unstable as I do right now, or is this a part of his strategy? I honestly don't care right now, but I'm sure that Breeze Climpf feels the exact opposite about this hug that I do.
A group of white-uniformed peacekeepers comes to spoil the moment. They take us to the Justice Building to say what might very well be our final goodbyes. Time to make sure that I won't have anything to look forward to if I win. Even with my friends, they can't cancel out the negativity of my family. Nobody can. Throughout all of my goodbyes I am a total bitch to everyone. It hurts them all, but I can't think of a better way of doing it. If I were to tell them that I was going to die in that arena, then they would mourn me. I can't stand seeing the people I love being sad, so if they hate me then they won't be saddened by my death.
Faces flash by. Friends. 'Family'. Acquaintances. All betting that I am going to win, more for their sake than my own. That is, until I play out my plan. It's not like I ever stood a chance of winning anyways, right?
Well, there always is a chance of me winning. But at what price?, I think ruefully.
Then an unexpected face shows up. It's Breeze, but her usual entourage of friends is missing. I saved your life by volunteering for you. You're welcome. Now leave.
"You know, what you did back there…." She begins. I don't let her finish though.
"Save it." I snap. "I don't want your pity, your gratitude, or anything from you. I did this for me. So I could come home to a life of leisure and luxury."
She looks absolutely stunned by my outbreak. Her mouth is hanging open, but she wisely closes it. Without a word, she gets up and walks out of the room, knocking her chair over in the process.
Good riddance. Besides, I can't really blame her. Looks like I went a bit overboard on bitch mode though… Not my problem.
There aren't any more visitors after her that I can really remember. My mind is a complete and utter mess. All of this was too much to handle, and the next thing I know I'm getting out of the car at the train station.
I plaster on a fake, but dazzling, smile for the cameras. If I'm going to play these Games then I'm going to want to have sponsors. After all, they will be the people that pay for all of the gifts that could easily save my life in that arena.
The past 2 weeks in school have basically been Hunger Games orientation. Instead of regular lessons, we learned the rules of the game.
When I see the 2 people designated to be our mentors I almost ask Ademia if this is a joke or something. It obviously isn't.
When I finally realize that this is a cruel trick from the Capitol's part meant to unnerve us, I almost faint. Everyone believed them dead, especially me. Furlow Calvarez and Mary Lafray are my 2 mentors.
They aren't that extraordinary. Well, that is, except for the fact that they are 2 of District 4's own rebel leaders.
Sorry it's short. .
I'm just glad that I'm updating more often… (:
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