Elsie Pengrove,14, District 9 female
I can't believe this. This…this can't be happening! I try wiping the tears around my eyes but they're only replaced by more tears as I can't even control my emotions. It's horrible seeing this happen to other people but it's when it happens to you that it hits you like a truck. In someone else's eyes, you're just 'that' person who got reaped and the worst part of it all is I'm going into the arena with that cheating bastard Harlan!
The door opens afterwards and my two best friends Weston and Nesta come in and begin comforting me.
"It's ok girl, you got this! You got this alright?" Nesta tries cheering me up.
"Yeah believe in yourself Elsie, you have a lot of talents,just stay away from Harlan though. He's nothing but trouble!" Weston advises me.
"Guys…can we just talk about something…like anything else, please." I practically beg them.
"oh…yeah uh sure. So I came up with this awesome prank I was going to play on Harlan. I was going to put a laxative in his energy drink and boy was he going to be crapping his organs out all day!" Nesta laughs and I laugh a little bit alongside her.
"That would've been hilarious…" I say trying be as jolly as her.
We start taking turns talking about all the pranks we were going to play on Harlan and it's pretty funny honestly and also satisfying cause he totally deserves it.
"Hey maybe at the capitol you can play some of these pranks on him, try the laxative one!" Weston smirks and I nod.
"Yeah…I'll think about it. Weston and Nesta…thanks so much for being my best friends." I sniff.
"Girl we are beyond best friends, were like sisters! And stop talking like we're never going to see each other again!" Nesta scolds me but I can see her eyes are starting to water.
"Just train with your slingshot, be yourself ok? You'll find a way back to us as long as you do that!" Weston encourages me, if only it were that easy…
I want them to stay for longer but they have to leave soon after as my parents and Cassidy still need to see me.
We give each other a big group hug and in the blink of an eye, they're gone…
My mom and dad enters afterwards and seeing how horrified they are makes my heart ache even more…
"W-where's Cassidy?" I ask.
"Oh…she went to visit Harlan first." my mom sits next to me, yeah figures…
"Elsie listen to me…it's not going to be easy but, you can't lose hope ok? Just…just stay close to Harlan alright? He'll keep you safe. That's what he'll do if he truly loves Cassidy." My dad manages to choke out through his sobs and I have to force myself to not roll my eyes. Harlan Harlan Harlan, why do they always just find some way to insert him into a conversation!? If only they knew what a cheating backstabbing jerk he truly was. I just can't help but think though. Cassidy has just been so wrapped up around him, she might even want him to outlive me. Just the thought of this causes me to break down even more.
"It's ok, it'll be ok. Just stay with Harlan and it'll be fine." My mom holds me in her arms as I let my emotions loose. As much as I don't want to admit this, I'll have a better chance of survival if I stick with him, but I plan on separating from him later.
"I-I'll do my best…I love you." I choke out as both of my parents hold me.
"We love you too baby girl, and we'll see you soon…"my dad kisses my forehead and they stay with me for long enough to calm myself down but they have to leave shortly afterwards.
Once they leave, that's when a teary eyed Cassidy walks in and I immediately run up into her arms and we give each other the largest embrace we've given each other in a while.
Some more tears come down my eyes, but Cassidy gently wipes them away and she has to kneel down to get on my level since I'm so much smaller than her.
"I can't even imagine how horrifying this must be for you, I can't… You're so strong though Elsie, so strong…" some tears come down her eyes but this time I wipe her tears away.
"Cassidy, i…I loved you so much, like you were the best sister ever and then you just…drifted away from me." I sniff and she gives me a guilty look.
"I'm so sorry Elsie…" she apologizes.
"I just wish we could've spent more time together." I hold my head down but she kisses me on the forehead and hugs me again.
"We will spend more time together Elsie, cause this isn't the end! I spoke to Harlan and he's going to stay with you, I know that the both of you can't come back…but one of you can." She tells me, here we go with Harlan again.
"Harlan, He-" I begin to tell her what a cheating scumbag he is but I just can't get it out of me, I don't know why!
"Hmm? Were you going to say something?" She curiously asks.
"H-he cares about you." I force out of me. I know he does care about her but I'm not convinced he loves her the way she believes he does. She smiles a little upon hearing this though.
"Yeah… he does, and that's why he's going to keep you safe, so don't leave his side, alright Elsie?" She sniffs.
"Ok…I won't." I tell her and we hug again.
"I love you." We both say in unison and she stays with me for as long as she can but I'm all alone again soon after with no one to wipe these tears away…
Harlan Ryeson,17, District 9 male
I continue sighing to myself as I realize the situation I'm in. I woke up this morning and never would I have expected things to turn out this way, and now I'm going into the arena with the only person in this district who hates with every ounce of her soul for whatever reason. I don't care if she doesn't like me though, I'll still do what I can to protect her.
The doors bursts open and it's Cassidy. Tears are streaming down her face as she immediately runs into me and starts hugging me tightly, to the point where it feels like I'm suffocating. All I can really do is hug her back though and it remains this way for a moment as she continues to sob in my clothes soaking them but she finally looks up.
"I love you…I love you so much Harlan!" She cries.
"I…I love you too Cassidy…" I tell her but I know the love we have for each other isn't the same…
"Just, just please look after Elise ok? Please! I know the both of you can't make it back but one of you needs to, so please!" She starts breaking down again.
"It's ok Cassidy, that was always the plan, so don't worry. I won't let anything happen to her." I promise her.
"Thank you…thank you so much!" She slips her beautiful silver bracelet onto my wrist.
"Just keep this on you, and I'll be close to you ok?" She wipes her eyes.
"Yeah, of course Cassidy." I nod and she presses her lips against mine as we remain this way for a little while but loud knocking on the door signifies that her time is up.
"I love you." she repeats.
"Love you too…" I respond and we give each other another quick kiss before she has to go. Cassidy…you are way too good for me.
My family comes in after. My mom is crying, my father is somber, Harley wastes no time running up to me and hugging me tightly and my two brothers just awkwardly stand around, we were never that close so I guess that's to be expected.
"Don't go, don't go please!" Harley cries and I feel my eyes begin to water seeing my little sister like this.
"I'm sorry Harley…" I hold my head down.
"Don't say sorry! Don't because you're coming back… you are!" She yells at me but my mom and dad manages to pry her off of me and calm her down as she cries profusely.
I can't even lie to them, telling them that I'm going to be ok, that I'm coming back home because my life is forfeit…
"I love you sweety, just do your best…" my mom hugs me tightly and I hug her back.
"I love you too mom." I kiss her on the cheek.
"I'm so proud of you Harlan, for everything you've done for the family, for always working hard and being a great son." my father hugs me next and I hug him back.
"Thanks dad, I'm proud of all of you as well for being the best family ever!" I manage to smile but a tear comes down my eye.
My brothers awkwardly hug me and make some pretty terrible jokes but I appreciate their effort to lighten the mood. I spend the rest of my time hugging Harley as she continues to cry.
"Just promise me…promise me you'll try!" she pleads.
"I'll try Harley….i promise." I promise her and there's loud knocking on the door afterwards so it's time for them to go.
We give each other one last hug and just like that, they're gone.
I finally have a moment to myself and that's when I let my tears flow. Forgive me everyone…
Cortez Baker,18, District 10 male
I punch the wall of this justice room in anger and it's strong enough to cause a dent. I can't control the tears that come running down my face afterwards as I cry in fear, In fear of not being there for Kayla and my unborn daughter. The door opens and I expect it to be Kayla so quickly wipe my eyes, I have to be strong around her, but it's Benny, one of my most loyal customers.
"Hey Benny, appreciate ya' comin' here." I greet him.
"It's the least I can do Cortez, just came to see you off though. It's not goodbye but a see you later, so keep your head up and you'll find your way back here." He gives me some words of wisdom.
"Thank ya' Benny, appreciate it." We give each other a respectful hug and he gives me a nod before leaving.
Next is the small boy who came by yesterday to pick up some food for his mother.
"Hey Cortez…" he greets me with a down look.
"How's it goin' buddy?" I give him a smile.
"It's ok…mom is feeling a little better, but she still can't get out of bed. She wanted me to thank you for yesterday." He nervously tells me.
"Of course, I'm always happy to help ya' guys out. I'm glad she feelin' better so just keep takin' care of her, she'll be out that bed in no time." I smile.
"Thanks Cortez…and be safe out there ok?" he asks.
"I'll do my best kid, that I can promise ya." I assure him and he smiles faintly and nods before leaving.
My mom and brother Kenny come in next and my mom is trying to hold it together but she breaks down and i immediately hold and hug her.
"It's gon' be ok mom, it is." I assure her.
"I can't lose ya' I can't lose any of my boys!" She cries.
"You won't, I promise ya' that, I'll be back." I promise her.
"Ya' odds of winning should be a solid 70% I'll bump it up to an 85% if ya' join the careers." Kenny tries to lighten the mood a little but he's serious all the time so comes off as really awkward and not very funny...
"Don't know where ya' getting' these statistics from boy. I'm curious to know though!" I joke back with him and he smirks before giving me a hug.
"Ya' stay safe out there brother, and I'll see ya' soon!" Kenny hugs me.
"Certainly will!" I hug him back and look back at my mother.
"I love you…" she hugs me again.
"I love the both of ya' and I'll see ya' soon." I tell them and we stay with each other for a little longer, but they have to leave soon after.
Next is my best friend Jimmy, who's quite the flirt around this district. Always trying to flirt with any guy he lays his eyes on. But the poor guy still hasn't found any romance yet and constantly jokes about it.
"Jimmy, how's it goin'?" I greet him.
"Well other than my best friend getting reaped and me getting rejected a dozen times on my way here, pretty good I guess." He smirks trying to lighten the mood and I laugh along with him.
"Keep ya' head up buddy, there's a man out here somewhere waitin' for ya!" I try to uplift him.
"He sure is taking his time to meet me haha, gonnna miss you though buddy!" Jimmy hugs me and I hug him back.
"I'll be ok, just check on Kayla every now and then would ya'?" I ask.
"Sure thing brother, love you!" He hugs me.
"Love ya' too Jimmy, now get goin'." I tell him and he does a faint smile before leaving.
Kayla is next and she's already in so much tears and is struggling to walk with how far along she's in her pregnancy but I immediately rush over to her to help her sit in one of the chairs and I kneel down on the floor to match her level as she continues to cry.
"Hey Kayla, look at me…please." I say as calmly as possible as I cup her hands into mine.
"I don't want you to go…I don't…" she cries.
"it'll only be temporary…Just a few weeks, Kayla I'm comin' back." I try to convince her.
"How can you be so sure? Don't promise me something and not…" she chokes between her sobs.
"Kayla look, I just need ya' to trust me alright? That's all I need from ya'. I know what it's like growin' up without a father and I promised our little girl that I will be around, and that's what I'm goin' to do." I gently clutch her belly and I can feel my little girl moving around in there, she really is just like her mom!
"I'll believe in you, I will but please don't…don't die!" she cries.
"I won't, it'll be fine…I don't care what I need to do…I won't leave you." I promise her and she gently grabs my head before we lock lips for a moment.
"Just…Keep this with you Corty." She hands me a locket with a picture of her inside and I smile.
"I'll take good care of it!" I promise her and we lock lips again for another moment but I hear her let out an uncomfortable groan and she suddenly pulls away from me as her eyes widen.
"Kayla, what's wrong?" I immediately ask but I follow her eyes that are gazing down and see the chair she's sitting in is now soaked in fluid, oh no, I immediately know what this means…
"Hey…just calm down ok? It'll be ok, I'm goin' to get some help." I tell her as calmly as possible and she's obviously panicked but does a quick nod and there's loud knocking on the door before it swings up.
"Time's up!" A peacekeeper shouts.
"No…no I can't go…my fiance, her water just broke!" I explain to the peacekeeper.
"We'll take care of it, now you got a train waiting for you!" the peacekeeper tries pushing me out the room but I barley budge.
"Get off of me! I'm not leavin'!" I shove the peacekeeper and he goes flying back, at this point Kayla is starting to scream and panic as several more peacekeepers start forcing their way into the room and two of them start tending to Kayla and it takes the other three's effort to pull me out of the room.
"Kayla! Kayla it'll be ok! I love ya!" I shout as tears run down my eyes and one of the peacekeepers slams the door in my face as I'm pulled towards the train and my emotions completely take over me…
Thea Brodecka,16, District 10 Female
Well, looks like I'm going into the arena after all. I had an ominous feeling this morning and I couldn't quite pin point it, but looks like I now got my answers. It still took me by surprise a little, but I always try to prepare myself for the worst, not that I'm a pessimist, but a realist.
Like now for example, I don't expect my family to come visit me and I'm fully prepared if they don't. It's not like we have much of a relationship anyways. All we ever do is walk by each other like complete strangers or exchange short jabs with each other. Do I wish things could've been differently? A part of me does… but there's not much I can do about that now.
The door opens and it's the only person I expected to come visit me which is Khrakia and she has a blank look on her face as she sits next to me.
"This is like…so awkward right now." She sighs.
"Well I'm not too surprised, I woke up with the mindset that this could happen so yeah…" I state.
"You're way too casual about this right now Thea, isn't this you know, scary?" She faces me.
Maybe it just hasn't hit me yet, but no I'm not feeling too much fear, probably the closest to a scary thing though is not being able to see Khrakia for a little while, if ever.
"Well a little honestly...but maybe I can find a little fun in this." I admit to her.
"Fun?" She gives me an odd glance.
"Just uncovering secrets, everyone has stuff to hide and learning their secrets, uncovering their strengths and weaknesses, I look at it in that kind of way and things seem a little better." I elaborate.
"Ah, well that's one way to go about it I guess. You do your best though Thea. I don't want to lose you." She hugs me and I can hear her beginning to cry but I wrap my arms around her, hugging her back.
"I will, but If I don't...i want you to be able to pick yourself back up. I know it won't easy but, I eventually want you to be happy again." I tell her.
"You're coming back, so don't talk like that!" She sobs into me and I only take a deep breath but continue holding her. If only it were that easy Khrakia…
She remains with me until she has to leave and when I don't get any other visitors, that's when it really starts hitting me thatnmy own family refused to visit me, I know I saw it coming but apart of me wished i could've been wrong…
Verbena Grayzer,17, District 11 female
I still hear the shot as I remember ending the life of one of my own. I'll be honest that this is affecting me more than I expected but I'm more upset that Moxie even put me in this situation to begin with. I made myself clear…so clear so why did she have to be a freaking hardhead and do as she pleased? Me and Moxie were never that close but we fought for the same cause and, it's just unfortunate things had to end this way…
Naturally no one from the seedlings suspected me of dealing the finishing blow, she simply got greepy and was murdered by one of the security before I can get to her.
"Expecting a visitor?" I hear a deep voice and I look up to see my brother...a seemingly endless amount of blood pouring out of the bullet wound in his head that I inflicted…
I try ignoring him, knowing that he's just a figment of my imagination but why is that still not enough to convince myself he's not actually here?
"Why would anyone come to visit a double back stabbing bitch such as yourself?" He scolds me but I continue ignoring him and I start tapping my nails against the handle of the chair I'm on.
"You can try to ignore me, but you know deep down, I'm actually here. A manifestation of your sub consciousness to remind you of who you are!" He yells and I stand up from my chair, take several deep breathes and stretch my arms before doing a handstand. Maybe this'll take my mind off of this for a little while.
I remain in air for a moment but do a front flip to land back on my feet. I stretch out my arms again, preparing to do another handstand but the door opens and it's my mother…
I quickly stop what I'm doing and posture up my stance, standing up right like a soldier.
Anise Grayzer, my mother. Her tall commanding figure and her shaven head which the lights in this room reflects on. She takes control of this family with an iron fist and uses her power to continue ensuring people here continue to starve while the capitol reaps all of the benefits. It's for this reason that I disdain her and nothing would make me happier than seeing her lose her power. I stay on her good side however so I can receive intel from her and warn the seedlings of any impending danger.
Me and her have no emotional connection whatsoever, sometimes I even forget she's my mother...
"Ma'am." I greet her standing upright and she only stands across from me giving me a stern look. Most parents would hug their child at this point but she doesn't, only looks at me like I'm another solider...
"Verbena you've served district 11 well through your position and this'll be just another task for you accomplish. You carry out this assignment and fulfil it for the sake of our district. Prove that we're more than just another outlier." She commands me.
"Yes ma'am." I acknowledge her and she only gives me a stern look and nods before walking out of the room. I feel like I can breath a little again but the door opens again shortly afterwards and it's Yuvee my best friend who rushes in with tears coming down her eyes. She tried to volunteer for me…but I stopped her.
I ditch my soldier like stance and hold my arms out to her and she runs into them sobbing uncontrollably.
"Verbena…" she cries.
"It's ok Yuvee." I try to cheer her up.
"N-no! It's not ok! It should've been me! I should've volunteered, you, you're just too important to lose!" she squeezes me tighter. Yuvee is also secretly a member of the seedlings but she often sits out on their "risky" operations such as the one from last night. She lacks self confidence and doesn't believe in herself. I always try to uplift her, tell her what a talented and beautiful young woman she is, how she has a heart of gold, but she can't take a compliment. She idolizes my strength but I idolize her forgiving and open heart…
I brung her to my house only once but after my mother sensed how unconfident she was, banned Yuvee from ever coming back to my place, considering her "too weak". I look at her however and I see a sister.
"Maybe, maybe I can talk to someone. It's still not too late for me to volunteer, I just have to find the escort and, and-" she sobs but I shush her.
"Listen to me Yuvee, I can take care of myself and what you need to know is you're just as capable as me if not even more. You'll be able to run things just fine during my absence but, I also want you to try and have more confidence in yourself. Realize how talented you are! We live in world where women are always looked down on, and I want women to look at you and feel empowered, to feel confident in themselves, that with some effort they can achieve anything they put their mind to so please try and do that for me ok?" I feel my eyes begin to water.
"Y-yes, ok Verbena…I'll try!" She cries and I continue hugging her and there's loud knocking on the door signifying that our time is up and we have to release our grasp on each other.
"Verbena…I almost forgot. 'He' couldn't come visit so he left me a note to give you." She reaches into her pocket and pull out a letter written by Erovyn, the leader of the seedlings. He's 10 years older than me but there's something so youthful about him and his speeches are always so moving and powerful. I don't always see things his way but he makes me want to. I may or may not have developed some feelings for him but I'll read this letter on the train. Me and Yuvee hug each other again but she leaves afterwards and that's when tears begin running down my eyes…
Kade Jackson,14, District 11 male
I refuse to sit still, If I sit still, I think, if I think I panic so…I need to keep moving. I start walking laps around the room but I still can't help but think, how I'm reaped, how I'm almost certainly going to die, but I look down on my necklace with a bullet on it, the same bullet that killed my older brother Zayde and maybe this is all just coming full circle. Maybe this is my punishment for being too much of a coward to save him…
My father and younger brother had "business" to attend to so they won't be visiting me and that's completely fine with me. I don't need to be reminded again that Zayde is only dead cause of me or how much of a forgetful moron I am. The door swings open disturbing me from my thoughts and it's my grandfather, the previous leader of our notorious gang. Unlike my father though, my grandfather is much more lighthearted and lovable. Despite being in an advanced aged, he's carried himself well. He's pretty stocky, looking like he still works out occasionally and walks like a man still in his 20's.
"Hey little man…how's is going?" He greets me and sits next to me, putting an arm around me.
"I'm ok, I guess. I'm a little scared though…" I admit.
"It's ok, it's ok to be scared little man, but you need to use that fear, turn it into strength and try to make your way back home, do that for me would you?"I hear his voice crack a little but I'm probably just mistaking, Grandpa never cries.
"Yeah Grandpa, I'll try…" I tell him and he pats my shoulder.
"Good that's all you need to do, that's all you need to do…" and he suddenly breaks down in tears which surprises me.
"Grandpa…" I worriedly ask.
"I just, I just see a lot of myself in you kid, like a lot. It's not just my grandson going away but apart of me as well." He wipes his eyes.
"Grandpa, I am going away, but I'm also coming back. There's still so much I need to do and yeah, I can't let it end like this." I confidently say. Seeing my grandfather like this, seeing him break down like this, it gives me strength!
"That's what I want to hear, that is exactly what I want to hear, you find yourself a good ally. Try talking to your district partner and see where that goes, but when the time comes, you need to be selfish. Know when it's time to move on because it's your life that matters!" he instructs me. Being selfish? I assume he means putting myself before my allies and it probably sounds easy to pull off on paper but was I actually capable of doing that?
"Yes Grandpa, I'll try." I assure him and we give each other a long embrace before he has to leave.
I stand up again for a moment and start nervously pacing the room but the door only swings open again and it's Kayla who immediately runs into my arms crying but I lose my balance and gasp, falling back into the chair and she's now resting against my torso hugging me and crying.
"Kayla…" I mumble.
"Don't die…don't, please don't!" she pounds my chest, ouch! At this point she's going to be the one that kills me!
"Kayla, I won't let you down, I promise you that." I promise her and she hugs me tighter.
"Don't break your promise, don't! Cause if you do I'll kill you!" She threatens me and I let out a light chuckle.
"Well we don't want that happening do we?" I try to lighten the mood.
"I love you Kade…" she mumbles as her face is still resting against my torso.
"Love you too Kayla, you're a good friend!" I state but she looks up at me and has a serious look on her face as tears still continuing running down.
"Kade…I love you." She repeats and that's when it starts registering to me, whoa…
"You do?" I ask like a moron, this is just all too sudden and she suddenly presses her lips against mine which further shocks me. I always wondered what it'll be like kissing a girl, how much I'll probably suck at it, but it really does all come naturally…
After our passionate kiss she rests the side of her face on my torso again sniffing and I hug her.
"I love you too Kayla, and that's why I won't let you down." I speak in a tone that only she can hear, and we remain in this position and I find it so calming, but I know It won't remain this way for long. I have a promise to fulfill though, and I don't break my promises!
Hunter Skype,18, District 12 male
I can't even contain my laughter as I sit back in this comfortable ass chair, bet the chair I'm sitting in after after I smash a bunch of skulls is going to be even more comfortable! Going into this arena is like a fucking dream come true. now I can beat the shit out of people, suffer no consequences and get paid while I'm at it. Hell the only scary thing about going into this arena is not being able to find someone who can put up a decent fight. Don't get me wrong, it's amazing beating up stupid little defenseless kids but every now and then it's good to have a challenge. For someone to step up to the plate and try to be the savior of this world only for me to smash their skull in and remind them they ain't shit! Like that dumbass from yesterday. I got suspended by the way like boo hoo, how horrible! The fucker is in the hospital dying from a brain bleed and I'm given a free pass to skip class!
The door opens and the rest of my boys waltz and we give each other a five.
"You got this Hunter. Fuck shit up!" James playfully punches me in the arm.
"Phew man, those other tributes are gonna be in a world of hurt, can't freaking wait!" Jack laughs.
"This is gonna be too easy, too damn easy. Let's hope some of those maggots actually got a pulse to fight back." I crack my knuckles standing up from my chair.
"Ha there will probably be another big guy there, so topple his ass first! You gonna join the careers?" Wyatt asks.
"Hell yeah, but once the numbers start dwindling down, oh they're not even gonna see it coming, those stupid ass bastards but it'll be fun while it lasts." I cackle. Yeah my plan is to join the careers and why not? They'll have no choice but to take in a powerhouse such as myself but when the time comes, I'll beat them to the punch, cave their heads in before they get any funny ideas.
"Now boys, don't get the wrong idea. Like I'm obviously going to win these games and come back filthy fucking rich, but that doesn't mean we're changing our ways, we'll keep doing what we doing, taking every single coin and piece of food out of the filthy hands of anyone we see! Got it?" I declare.
"Thought I was the leader haha but yeah, We're absolutely gonna keep doing what we're doing so you enjoy yourself out there and we'll see you soon!" James grins and we give each other a fist bump. We spend the rest of our time reminiscing about all the pitiful maggots we've bullied over the years and how we're all going to be living together in a big ass mansion once I return but before I know it, they have to go and here I am, bored and wanting to kick someone's ass. I get an idea though and I can already envision a devilish grin spread across my face. I wonder what that little runt bitch is up to, I should go pay her a visit!
Annabeth Gordon,13,District 12 female
I clutch my swollen and possibly broken hand as tears stream down my eyes. I'm in so much pain right now and I think of the person responsible for this pain, realize he's going into the arena with me and I feel shivers run through my body. Why does it have to be this way? Just why? I can barley move my hand as pain continues to pulse through it and I can see it starting to change color. It's almost this pain alone that's causing me to cry so much, I'm so scared and I know he's coming right after me…I just wish I was bigger, stronger and maybe then I'll stand a chance but it's hopeless. I'm already injured and most people will probably take one glance at me and see how useless I am…
This is almost an identical situation Emmet faced. We both lived a similar life, we're both going into the arena with a handicap and now…we'll likely end up dying the same way as well.
My parents and little brother Alex are the first to rush in and both my mother and father are crying and poor little Alex is crying too even though he's not able to fully grasp the situation.
I try my best to scoop up Alex with my one good hand, trying to calm him down but he sees how much I'm crying and it only scares him more.
"I know you're scared Annabeth, I know you are baby but it'll be ok, it'll be ok!" My mother hugs me tightly.
"You will be ok, you will. Just find an alliance. S-stay out of harms way and…oh god." My father breaks down also hugging me and this is just such a horrifying and traumatizing experience just me and my entire family here bawling our eyes out and barley being able to say a word to each other.
"Just…just listen to your father ok? You find an alliance, someone you can trust and learn how to make a fire, so you can keep yourself warm at night!" My mother advises me.
"J-just don't keep the fire up for too long, it can attract other tributes to your area. Just believe in yourself ok, you're so strong, so talented, you will find a way back! You will!" My father hugs me tighter.
"I don't want to die…I don't…" I squeak.
"You won't, you won't baby." My mom tries her best to comfort me but I know I'm not going to stand a chance. I always try so hard to be optimistic, to find the light in whatever darkness I'm in. This darkness though, there's no light at the end of it, the only thing waiting for me is death…
My family remain with me for as long as they can but there's loud knocking afterwards signaling our time is up.
"I give my parents and especially Alex another long hug,kiss and a peacekeeper has to practically pull them out of the room when they take too long to leave.
All I can really do at this point is continue crying but the door opens again and its Emil. He has a book wedged under his arm and I can tell he's been crying but hes trying to stay strong for me.
"Hey Annabeth…" he hugs me and accidentally leans on my hand and I wince in pain causing him to jump back.
"Are you ok." He worriedly asks.
"Y-yeah I slept on my hand last night so it's sore…" I lie and he doesn't seem fully convinced but nods anyways.
"So uhmm while you're away…maybe you can read this book." He hands me the book that was under his arm to me and I look at the cover. I remember wanting to read this too.
"I….i wanted to read this too." I tell him and he manages to do a faint smile.
"Yeah, and when you come back, you can let me know how it was and don't worry, my feelings won't be hurt if you say it sucks." He laughs a little.
"Do you think I actually have a chance Emil?" I sniff.
"Of course Annabeth, of course. Why wouldn't you?" he asks.
"I just don't know how I'm going to be able to do this…I don't." but he hugs me.
"It'll come naturally, you're so smart Annabeth and you have to do is trust yourself, trust yourself and it'll lead you to a victory." He tries to convince me.
"But please Annabeth, please trust yourself…I can't lose the both of you…I won't be able to live with that, so just promise me, promise me that you'll trust yourself." He wipes his eyes and I continue crying but manage to nod.
"I promise, I promise I'll ty…" I choke out and we give each other another hug but a loud bang outside of the door causes the both of us to jump.
"The hell was that?" Emil asks but there's several more bangs on the door and I can hear grunts, it sounds like fighting?
After several seconds a peacekeeper comes flying through the door and both me and Emil gasp aloud as the peacekeeper only lays on the floor motionless and I hear evil cackling as this giant bully enters the room, sporting a bloody lip.
"Heh, fucker was a little tougher than I expected but now that's that out of the way, what have we got here? Seems like such a touching moment I just happened to walk in on!" He grins.
I literally feel fear shock my heart as I can only stare at him like he's my worst nightmare.
"Y-you're Annabeth's district partner? What are you doing here?" Emil questions Hunter.
"What? A district partner? That's all you see me as Annabeth? My feelings are a little hurt, I go through all of this effort to see how you're doing and you only consider me a district partner?" he sarcastically say.
"Hey look, I don't want any trouble so can you please leave?" Emil asks with some irritation.
"How about you shut the fuck up little nerd, I'm not here for you!" Hunter glares me.
"What the!?" Emil jumps to his feet but I grab his hand.
"Emil, just pay him no mind, please." I have to beg Emil and Hunter is enjoying the show.
"Aww look at you, you cute little puppy. Better take your master's advice though. You can take a look at that hand of hers and get a small glimpse of what I'll do to every bone in that scrawny ass little body of yours." Hunter cracks his knuckles and Emil quickly glances at my injured hand and I try hiding it from his sight but I'm too slow.
"You hurt her, you hurt Annabeth!?" He growls.
"He's lying!" I lie and Hunter finds this hilarious as he's now clapping his hands.
"Guessing you didn't tell your little puppy what happened yesterday either, about how I made you my little bitch! Don't feel bad though, you still got more balls than this little nerd right here!" He grins at me and Emil breaks free from my grasp and punches hunter across the face with all of his might and I gasp aloud but Hunter doesn't even budge, he only grins wider.
"That tickled, want to try again!" He taunts Emil.
"Emil stop!" I cry out but Emil throws another punch at him anyways and Hunter effortlessly catches his hand and twists it, I can hear Emil's bone pop as he hollers in pain and Hunter grabs Emil's head, slams it against the metal wall of the room we're in and he lifelessly crumbles on the floor.
"Emil!" I cry out running towards Emil but Hunter smacks me across the face and its powerful enough to send me flying back against the wall and I land on the floor headfirst, disoriented and see two of Hunter as his laughs echo across the room.
"So this is the treatment I get for checking up on you? I see how it is now. I was going to give you a chance to beg me and maybe I would've let you live a little past the bloodbath, but now you'll be lucky if you even make it to the arena!" He laughs and the door opens where I see two peacekeepers rush in.
"Oh don't mind me, I was just heading out!" He casually walks past the peacekeepers and they start tending to their comrade and one of them checks for a pulse in Emil and I can see a little bit of blood forming under his head.
"E-mil…" I manage to mutter before losing consciousness.
We have made it through the goodbyes and next will be the train rides where we'll finally start seeing some interactions! i have so much planned and I'm so excited to get these wheels set in motion. Thank you everyone for your amazing reviews and I'll see you all soon, Till next time!