Chapter 4: A heartbreaking goodbye
Greg Hawthorne knew all about his father's hatred and disgust for the Capitol. Greg was clearly aware of all the destruction and misery the Capitol had brought upon the districts. Greg shared his father's dislike and resentment of the Capitol. When the reaping in District 12 was taking place, Greg didn't want any of the cameras to show his fear or anxiety. Greg wanted to show his hostility and coldness to the brain-dead citizens of the Capitol that had such disrespect for the deceased tributes from the Districts.
So, when Greg's name was the last to be reaped, Greg did not show any nervous behavior. Greg had a feeling that sooner or later he or any of his siblings would be chosen to fight in any of the Hunger Games that were hosted, since Greg's mother had won the 74th Hunger Games. Greg wanted to show his anger, but Greg was secretly shocked, since his name had only been put in the reaping bowl once, since Greg was only 12 years old.
Meanwhile…
Gale Hawthorne felt like he had been punched in the stomach. Gale could hardly believe what was occurring before his eyes. Gale's youngest son would be one of the 12 tributes from District 12 to fight in the 100th Hunger Games. Gale watched in secret rage as Greg hurriedly approached the stage, his anger blazing.
Effie Trinket seemed surprised too, but quickly regained her composure. After Greg made it to the stage, Effie asked if anyone would volunteer for Greg, but no one stepped forward. Andrew Hawthorne probably would have volunteered if it weren't for Katniss's orders.
"The twelve tributes from District 12. Lizzy Warden, Sasha Drabek, Ruth Healy, Heather Hope, Hannah Marsh, Carol Walsh, Jonah Johnson, Clayton Carbon, Jerry Cowley, Nigel Blackbird, Heat Flameson, and Greg Hawthorne", said Effie Trinket.
Greg shook hands with the other 11 tributes from District 12. They all looked very frightened, unlike Greg.
In District 1
Owen Cox shook hands with the other 11 District 1 tributes with a wide smirk on his face, knowing the amount of opportunities and fun he would have in eliminating the many tributes that would participate in the 100th Hunger Games.
In District 4
Wyatt Springs shook hands with his fellow tributes from District 4. Wyatt knew that even though he would be a member of the large Career pack this year, it would be very difficult to win against the 108 tributes that were non-Careers. Wyatt knew that once there were at least only 45 tributes left, the Careers would turn against each other. The District 4 tributes were seen as the weakest Careers and would often be the first to be snuffed out of the Career pack. Wyatt knew he would have to be cautious. Wyatt was not fond of killing people, but Wyatt knew that it had to be done if he was going to live. In any case, it was not Wyatt's fault. The Capitol was forcing them to do these horrendous acts of violence.
In District 12
Katniss Everdeen felt a tear stream down her cheek. Katniss couldn't believe that her youngest son, only 12 years old, would be forced to be one of the tributes in the 100th Hunger Games. Katniss knew that there was almost no hope for Greg. Greg would have to fight against 143 other tributes. There was no guarantee that Greg would even survive the bloodbath. No tribute from District 12 had survived the bloodbath since the 91st Hunger Games.
Katniss knew that since Greg's name had entered the reaping bowl once, the chances of Greg being chosen had been very low. It reminded Katniss of when Primrose had been chosen as a tribute in the 74th Hunger Games. Prim was now 38 years old.
Haymitch Abernathy put his hand on Katniss's shoulder to comfort her.
Meanwhile…
Greg and the other tributes were taken into custody in the Justice Building. Greg sat in his room for at least five hours, with a lot of hatred being filled in his heart. Then a Peacekeeper opened the door, and Gale Hawthorne walked into the room with Andrew, Brett, and Peetel.
Gale hugged Greg tightly. Gale tried to keep the emotion out of his voice as he said, "Greg, you're going to be fine. Remember what I taught you. You should talk with your fellow tributes and form an alliance. You should then team up with the District 11 tributes as well. Katniss did that in her Games."
Greg nodded. "I will", he said.
Andrew, Brett, and Peetel also embraced Greg.
The Peacekeeper that had escorted Gale to Greg's room then knocked on the door. "Time's up", the Peacekeeper said.
Gale then hugged Greg again and said, "I love you buddy. I'll see you again soon."
Gale then wiped tears off of his own face as he walked out of the Justice Building with Andrew, Brett, and Peetel.
When everyone else had left the room, Greg sat back on his bed, thinking about Gale's words and how he wanted to show the Capitol that he could win their Games.
