District Four: Erlantz Wadstadt
Cold water poured all over me as I was jolted awake. The pealing laughter of my tormentor rang in my ears. I glared through my soaking hair at Senka as he left, still guffawing like a twit.
When I couldn't see him anymore, I sighed and moved my long red hair out of my face. My clothes and bed were soaked, great. I got up, dried myself off, and dressed into a loose violet dress with matching gloves. Today was the Reaping, the only day my bullies ever woke me up with ice water. I quickly dried my hair and brushed it out so hung down to my buttocks, then walked out into the main lobby of the orphanage.
I had been here since I was nine, when my family abandoned me because of my dressing habits. I just felt more comfortable dressing like a girl, besides; they had much prettier clothes than guys. Because I thought this way, I got picked on by the other orphans a lot. Four years later, nothing had changed.
"Erlantz, you're late. You've held us all up, now let's go." The headmistress said curtly. I heard the other kids snicker as I fell to the back of the line, sullen.
As I walked out the door, I was quickly joined by my only friend, Shesta. "Want me to beat them for you?" She asked, amber eyes blazing. My mood immediately cheered up.
"They're not worth it." I said. I broke into a smile when I heard her "tch". I seriously thought that she stole all my manliness from me when I was a baby.
"I could do it."
"I know you could. I'll meet up with you after the Reaping, k?" I told her as I saw the Justice Building.
"Ok." She hugged me. "Then we can make a plan to get them back." She said as she jogged off to the twelve year-old line.
I smiled and took my place in the thirteen year-old boy line. I did get stares, but not because they thought I was a girl in the wrong section, but because they knew I was a guy. At my first Reaping, everybody thought I was in the wrong section and, despite my protests, tried to put me with the girls until Shesta and an orphanage worker stepped in. since then, I've been one of the seven wonders of the District.
I saw the mayor appear on stage, and, before the first word left his mouth, I began braiding and unbraiding my hair in boredom. After what felt like hours, I heard the mayor introduce the escort, Mr. Red.
He was unlike his name. His head was shaved, but covered in graceful, dark blue tattoos. His eyes were a warm sapphire blue and he wore a tux the color of leaves.
"Good morning District Four! Let's get our female tribute." He reached into the desired ball, and then pulled out a slip of paper. "Bayla Fosch."
I watched as a pretty albino girl with chin length hair walked up from the fifteen year-old line. She stood silently, her face blank. She was wearing a yellow blouse and black skirt that was plain, but it somehow flattered her.
"Any volunteers?" Mr. Red asked. No one spoke up and I wondered if no one cared about her enough to save her. Or, maybe, there was someone who wanted to, but couldn't for some reason. "Let's get our male tribute then." Mr. Red continued, sounding slightly bored. He dug out a name. "Erlantz Wadstadt."
I sighed. Just my luck. I quickly put on a confident look and walked up. As I stood there, I stared the escort in the eye, daring him to say I wasn't the person he called. He dared.
"Excuse me, Miss. I'm afraid there was a mix up. I need a male tribute." He emphasized the word male. "If your name is Erlantz, then, somehow, your name got put in the wrong ball. Please return and I'll –"
"I'm your male tribute." I interrupted him. Even if I had played it off like I was a girl, the District would turn me in. They'd be glad to get rid of me.
Mr. Red stared at me for a minute.
"He's telling the truth, Sir." Bayla chimed in.
I looked at her, trying to decide whether she was also glad to see me march to my death, or just trying to back up my claim. Her face was annoyingly blank.
Finally, I heard Mr. Red grunt as he gave in and continued. "Any volunteers?" Of course there wasn't. "Bayla, Erlantz, shake hands." We did. "District Four; please welcome your tributes this year, Bayla Fosch and Erlantz Wadstadt. May the odds be ever in your favor."
After a weak round of applause, I was shown into the building behind me and led to a cozy, private room. I sat down in an armchair, waiting for my one goodbye. I didn't have to wait long.
Shesta burst in, crying. "Erlantz! I can't believe it!" She fell into my arms.
I waited until her bawling turned into sniffles, staying in her embrace the whole time, to say something. "You know you're my best friend. I'll never forget you, so, please, don't forget me." I squeezed my eyes shut as tears threatened to spill over.
I opened my eyes in confusion as I felt her push us apart. Her swollen eyes met mine as she said, "How could I ever even begin to forget you?"
Then I felt her hands pull my face to hers and we kissed. When our lips touched, I was overcome with feelings and tears exploded from my eyes. Was she actually kissing me? Wonder filled me. A girl – no – this girl really liked me? Cofusion followed. Why couldn't this have happened earlier? Regret. I'm going to miss her. Despair.
I broke our kiss as I began to bawl, and she stood there, comforting me. I must have cried awhile, because when I finally gained control of myself again, the Peacekeepers took her away.
As I was lead to the train, I hung my head as I felt a deep hole yawn in my chest.
A/N: hahaha an author's note at the end XP Anyways, I just wanted to point out how my last chapters are longer :-P
