I hold my breath as the needle sinks into my skin, placing the tracker into my arm. The nurse continues onto the tribute sitting next to me and I quietly sigh, 'The last few minutes when the people in this carrier aren't trying to kill me...' I pull the strap of my t shirt down and examine my shoulder, it has a faint bruise but is otherwise fine. My eyes find Erin and he gives me a thumbs up, tilting his head to the side as if asking, "You alright?" I shake my head and turn away, looking over at the girl with blonde hair. I shake off waves of nostalgia and close my eyes for a second...
I could tell Jaydah had enough and, honestly, I did too. This intimidating and heartless woman was really getting on my nerves. Claiming Snow didn't want to turn us into Avox's considering our age... But instead punishing us with solitary confinement and, obviously, torture. What kind of a person would punish children, for doing something we never knew was wrong? What kind of a judge imitates their 'client'? Obviously this bit-
My thoughts are interrupted by a loud slap echoing through the large hall. I look up from my hands to see a hand print on the Judge's face, along with a smug-looking Jaydah. I stop myself from cheering-as that wouldn't help our situation-and look at Jonah, who is trembling alongside me. His eyes are focused on a pen lying on the desk, his thoughts obviously clouded by his innocent, little brother, Jordan. I reach out and clutch his hand for support, squeezing it as we watch the scene of defiance unfolding in front of us.
"You! You wont be so lucky as to have that fate!" She screams at Jaydah, who remains unphased by her shouting. I close my eyes and shut out the yells of an angry judge, focusing on waking up from this terrible nightmare. I open my eyes to find Jaydah being dragged away by peacekeepers, I didn't listen to the Judge so I don't know what is happening.
I frown confused when suddenly a pair of arms grab me and throw me to the ground. Several feet hit me in the chest, gut and legs as I lie trembling on the ground, covering my face with my arms. I notice Jonah curled up next to me, him getting abused as well. I feel a red emotion course through me, "Leave him... The hell alone," I choke out, as a peacekeeper kneels down beside me. He coldly smiles and slaps me across the face,
"You can't tell us what to do, little girl," He counters, getting to his feet, once again, and kicking me. I'm helpless.
I whimper and stare at Jaydah desperately, tears threatening to spill over. I mouth 'Help..' before a kick to my face knocks me unconscious.
Two hands grip my shoulders and I let out a scream, 'No. Not again please...'
"Carter! Hey! It's me! Erin!" He explains, holding me tight to his chest. "You're safe. It's alright... Uh, Are you okay.?" I nod my head and slump into his arms,
"Yeah, I'm sorry... Can we just forget about this, please?" I plead, he nods as I glance over a the blonde girl once again. She holds my gaze frowning before I turn my head away and get to my feet. I walk out of the carrier beside Erin, towards a group of Peacekeepers. They nod at me and take my arm, I give Erin a smile before they lead me towards my launch room.
I turn on my heel but Erin grabs onto my hand, spinning me around to face him.
"What are you-" I begin but am interrupted by him pulling me into his chest, hugging me. I stand in his arms, momentarily confused before returning the hug. Due to him being taller than me my arms are wrapped around his torso as I rest my head on his chest. I pull away and stare at him,
"Before the games." He explains, repeating what he said to me last night. He then winks before turning away and walking to his room. The peacekeepers awkwardly stand to the side, waiting for me to continue walking, which I do.
"Took you a while..." Lucius complains, pulling me in for a hug. I grin and pull away as the speaker-hidden somewhere in the tiny room-sounds. "All tributes to the starting platform. All tributes to the starting platform." A static voice calls. I gulp and play with the pin stuck to my shirt as I step into the glass cylinder. Lucius gives me a reassuring smile as the plate begins to rise, one I don't return. I bring my trembling hand up and wave goodbye. Goodbye to not only a great mentor.
But to an unlikely friend.
