CHAPTER 7 RAVEN
I sit in the tiny room, waiting for my three minutes with my family. I still can't believe I'm here, that I was chosen to go and fight in the Hunger Games. I think about the next couple of weeks and the tragedies they'll bring. I already know I won't survive the Games. The Careers usually win anyway, and, if not, the Tributes from the other Districts at least have some special skill. I have nothing. Except for working in a factory, but how will that even help me? In addition, I'm only twelve, meaning that I'll most likely be the youngest person in the arena. No twelve-year-old has ever won before.
The door opens and my parents rush into the room. We exchange a hug and a few words of good-bye, but the time goes by unusually fast. Two Peacekeepers come into the room and order my parents to leave. "I love you!" I scream out after them, but the door is already closed. I press up against it, sobbing. Then it opens again and Charge comes in.
He sits me down on the bench and kneels down in front of me. I look at his rugged face, into his grey eyes to find comfort. "Look, Raven. More than one can win this year. You have to team up with a group, and it has to be a strong, trustworthy group," he says. "Listen to me. During the training, it's critical that you get a good score. Show the Gamemakers your skills with wires; you're amazing. That way the other Tributes know you'll be a good addition to their team. Avoid the Careers. Don't go towards the Cornucopia. And be likable for the cameras. You won't be able to survive without Sponsors." His talk is more comforting than anything my parents had said. Charge is telling me how to survive. And that's the most important thing right now. "I wanted to volunteer for you, Raven. I really did. But last year was my last year of eligibility, you know that." I nod as the Peacekeepers come back into the room. Charge stands up. "I'll see you when you get back, Raven." And he's gone.
