A/N: Okay, chapter two! I am SO SO sorry about the wait. We went on a trip where I didn't have access to my document. I promise, this won't be a recurring problem. I'll try and get a chapter out every week. Without further ado, Venie and Taurus!
Venie Hadley, District 2 Female
Insecurity. That word has very quickly become the bane of my existence. You know why? Because it sums up me.
Insecure because I have a sister for a victor. Insecure because I'm never good enough. There's a reason why I've struggled with eating disorders sense I was thirteen years old. In a world where everything stems from my insecurity, my inability to make a decision and stick with it, my hatred and self-loathing, it felt good to be in control. But I wasn't. And I'm better now. I think.
Jupiter and Dream see nothing beyond their daily problems. My parents are trapped in a box, and sometimes I wish to be trapped with them. Diana sees more, as I do. I love her, and that's a reason why, but I resent her. Diana went into the games, and she won. She doesn't struggle with insecurity and hesitation. Wouldn't it be nice if I were more like Diana?
Well, I would be, once I entered the arena.
Jupiter and Dream discussed the economy over breakfast. I simply stare at my eggs, feeling both queasy and determined. One thing's for sure- I can't eat. Diana casts me a searching glance. I instantly know what she's thinking- "it'sbacki'mlosingherrightinfrontofmyeyesagainshe'llwasteawayandshrivelupohgodit'sback-" And I know, because I thought the same thing when she was practically dying from infection in the arena. I shoot across the table instantly, aiming to comfort her. I don't want her ever to go through the pain again. "It's okay." I reassure her, eyes wide. Pleading. "I'm just nervous, Di." Diana huffs. "Why are you comforting me? I didn't say anything, Vee." I fall back, not bothering to explain. She knows what I'm thinking. She just doesn't want to admit her worry aloud. Jupiter glances up briefly, then turns to Dream again.
I call them by their names because they aren't really parental figures. They're more like an aunt and uncle- caring, but lacking of the important parental instincts in order to actually be parents.
I push away from the table, stomach heaving. "The reaping, guys!" I announce loudly. "Let's go, shall we?" Jupiter blinks. "Sweetheart, I'm not done y-" "Let's go, shall we!?"
Taurus Black, District 2 Male
Emotions. Emotions are weakness. Emotion has no place in the hunger games. Anyone who feels even the slightest pang of emotion instantly falls to blurring blades. That is another thing I like about the games, other then the ability to make the arena run red with blood without fear of punishment. Brutality is needed there, so I will be a natural. I will not need to adapt.
I do not eat. I do not sleep. I cleanse myself when waiting for the games. Hunger and tiredness prepare me for the upcoming test of strength. While I have no doubt that I will be the winner, I want to be as strong as I possibly can.
Beatrix walks beside me, her steps nervous and flighty. Silly woman. I do not kill here- my punishment would be severe. But if this were the games, or another universe where I had full reign over all…
I would be laughing over her mutilated corpse.
Our escort is grinning foolishly as she dips her hand into the female bowl. She barely begins to read a feminine name before a high-pitched voice screeched "I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" A pale, ugly girl with greasy black hair and dull blue eyes runs up to the stage. Judging by my ability to count all her ribs, she is Bloodbath fodder for sure.
Venie Hadley, District 2 Female
I can't stop grinning. I did it! I volunteered! I watch, bouncing on the pads of my feet, as a male volunteers. My confidence dips instantly once I get a good look at him. He's enormous and muscular, with tattoos and scars. But it's not the rippling muscles, sword tattoos, or gruesome pink scars that scare me. No, it's the look in his cold, brooding eyes.
There is none.
He is completely emotionless. Utterly insane. And he makes me terrified for my life.