Rue (double)
My name is called out, but it still takes me a long time to react.
I step forward; the other children clear a path for me to get through. Each avoid my gaze as I look around for support.
What will become of my family? My five younger brothers and sisters? I'm not sure, but I also know it's very unlikely I'm coming back alive and unscarred. These thoughts terrify me.
The escort asks for volunteers after I finally climb the stage. Volunteers whom I know won't come forward. The people look at me. Each with pity masking their faces.
Rather you than me, their faces read.
The escort moves to the other bowl. Reaches in and plucks a name out. I listen as he calls out someone named Thresh. A huge boy from the eighteen year old section edges slowly out of the crowd, which trips over itself in an effort to make room for Thresh, who is about six and a half feet tall.
I know him. He is the one I often see carrying huge baskets of grain, one on each shoulder, almost effortlessly. Yes, if anyone has a chance in the Games, it would be him.
