A Message From Prim: Hey all- I know that by now, you're about to form an angry mob on us for not writing, but we're back! Now that the hectic start of school and Thanksgiving break are over, we have more time to write (well, for the most part). Since we're human, it doesn't necessarily mean that there will be updates everyday. Please understand that new chapters won't always come instantly. But I thank all of you guys for reading our story and supporting the tributes. Happy holidays to all!
Love,
Prim :)
District Nine
Granite Hall's POV
Against my will, I walk down to the reaping with Uncle Cobalt. To be honest, I'm not sure if it's possible to hate him any more than I already do. He murdered my mother. I saw it all, from behind the couch. I cringe at the thought of it.
He refuses to confess, and so does my father (who I'm convinced is officially mute or deaf by now).
I rub my forearm, which stings like hell after Cobalt slapped me this morning. As we separate into different groups- the citizens who aren't eligible and the 16 year olds- I'm thankful for the ropes seperating us and the mob of Peacekeepers. He can't hurt me this way.
As our obnoxious escort, Angie Coral, takes the stage (which is really a platform, since District 9 can't really afford much more) in her vomit green dress with a 4-foot long train, everyone claps. Except me.
Instead, I feel the urge to step on the train, making her trip. I grin at the thought.
"Hello, all! Welcome to the 176th annual Hunger Games reaping! Let's get started!" Angie chirps. She thrusts her hand in the glass ball and pulls out a single slip.
Emilliea Frost's POV
A Peacekeeper tugs my arm.
"Come on, kid. We don't have all day." I stare at him blankly. I've hated the Peacekeepers with a passion since they took away my parents. It wasn't fair- it wasn't my parents' fault we were going hungry.
I stumble to the stage, still not sure of what happened. The voice of our annoying escort wakes me as she calls out a boy's name- Granite Hall. I don't know the boy; District 9 is too big to know everyone. He attempts to shake my hand, which I don't realize until he turns away.
"Ladies and gentlemen: our tributes Emilliea Frost and Granite Hall!" The crowd cheers.
"It's Emmie," I mutter under my breath. Our escort glares.
"Nicknames don't sit well in the Capitol."
"Real names don't sit well with me," I shoot back. She grimaces. I smile.
Granite Hall's POV
The waiting room feels cold. I watch out the window and wait for the train to come.
As much as I don't want to be in the Games, I want to be away from Cobalt. He stands in front of me. We stare at each other for a while. He sighs, and whispers in my ear.
"I hope you die."
Emilliea Frost's POV
The only person who comes to say goodbye is my best friend, Metis. After my parents were taken, she invited me to live with her and her family. She hugs me for a long time and I feel tears run down my face. I can already tell she's choked up. I hear the train whistle and she lets go. We nod at each other.
"I know you can win," she says. I hug her one last time. Actions and thoughts are two different things.