Willow's Game

by emmaagraace

Katniss and Peeta finally had their peace. Everyone thought that the Hunger Games had died along with President Snow. They had two kids, Willow and Rye and in later years would expect another daughter. But, they both knew that all good things must come to an end. They didn't expect those things to end so soon.

3. 2

No. There's no way. Iris only has her name in once. I know girls who have their name in 50 times. This can't be happening.

"Where are you?" Safa asks into the crowd. My body feels frozen in place. I can't turn around to look at her, but I can hear the footsteps of the other girls moving out of the way. "There she is!" Safa exclaims. "Well, hurry up on here!"

I can barely breathe, my throat feels like it's closing up, and my tongue feels like sand. I don't know if I want to scream, cry, or pass out. I hear Peacekeepers march down the center aisle. Through the corner of my eye, I can see two guiding Iris's frail body towards the stage. I turn my head slightly and see all of the happiness sucked right out of her body. She's lost all of her light.

"Iris!" I push my way to where she is, where my little sister is about to walk into death. Three Peacekeepers grab my arms. "No! Iris!" I push them off me because I know what I have to do now. Sorry, Mom. "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" There are gasps all through the square. "Well! I believe we have a volunteer!" Safa exclaims happily. Iris runs to me and wraps her arms around my waist tightly. "Willow, no! You can't go!" She sobs.

"Iris, it's okay. Go find Mom and Dad now, it's going to be okay." She still won't let go of me no matter how hard I try to pry her off. "Iris! Let go and find Dad!" Her arms leave my waist, but her screams still continue. I turn around and see Rye holding Iris in his arms. "Go," He tells me before walking away. The Peacekeepers grab my arms and pull me to the right side of the stage. "District 12's first volunteer in over 30 years!" Safa exclaims before walking to the right side of the stage. She grabs my arm and leads me to the front of the stage next to her microphone.

"Now," Her voice echoes through the square. "What's your name?"

"Willow Mellark," I choke out. "Mellark! The daughter of not one, but two victors!" She exclaims, emphasizing the word two. "And I'll bet my liver that was your little sister, wasn't it?"

"Yes," I reply.

My eyes shift up from the ground, and I see my family. The sight of my Mom practically rips my heart into two. Broken, terrified, and defeated. The once Mockingjay, symbol of hope, has met her match. Dad has the same look of defeat in his eyes. He can try all he wants to remain strong for everyone else, but I know inside he's fighting off too many flashbacks to hide how he's feeling. Iris is just getting over her sobs, clinging onto Dad for dear life. Rye is maintaining his strength better than Dad, though. He has an arm around them, trying his best to help.

"Exciting things happening today!" Safa exclaims. "Now, onto the men!"

Oh, no, it can't be Rye. I can practically see the Capitol headline. "The children of Katniss and Peeta Mellark to go into the Hunger Games! Who will win?!"

The image makes me nauseous. Safa walks to the left of the stage and grabs a pape, then walks back to where I am. "Xavier Reed!" She announces. A sigh of relief nearly escapes my lips before I realize that I know him. He's the same age as me, so we have some classes in school together. Like many other kids my age in District 12, I don't know him well, but I did grow up with him.

I watch as he walks towards the right part of the stage. His brown eyes are wide as he walks up the steps. I haven't seen him around much lately, so he looks a bit different than I last saw him. He's taller now, and much more muscular since joining the wrestling team. His brown hair is slicked back with gel, which is different from his usual messy hair, and he wears a white button-down with grey trousers. "Now, here are your tributes from District 12!" She says, trying to show our frightened faces off to the cameras.

"Come on, you two, shake hands," She tells us. We both turn to each other and shake hands. His hand is tough and strong from his exercises, mine are probably similar from hunting. We turn back to the crowd as Safa smiles like a maniac. "Happy Hunger Games! And, may the odds be ever in your favor!" She finishes.

"Come on, now," She says, turning us around towards the justice building. When the doors close behind us, one Peacekeeper grabs my arm, and another grabs Xavier's. They guide us into separate rooms, time to say goodbye. The room I'm put in has red and gold wallpaper, a bookshelf up against the wall filled with Hunger Games Archives, and a red velvet couch. I sit and wait for my family to come.

It takes only a few minutes for the door to open. "You have 20 minutes," The Peacekeeper tells us. Mom, Dad, Rye, and Iris walk into the room. Iris is the first to run up to me and sit in my lap. I wrap my arms around her like I have many times before. "Iris," I say. "You're going to be okay. It's all going to be okay."

"Willow," Mom says as she sits next to us. "We only have 20 minutes to give you as much information as possible, so listen carefully."

Dad sits on the other side of me. "First, do not run straight to the cornucopia," She says. "You don't want to get caught up in the bloodbath."

"But, try and grab one of the backpacks located farther from the cornucopia," Dad adds in. "They may not have much, but they have enough to get by for a day or two."

"Your first mission should be to find water, clean water. I've already taught you how to make sure the water is clean to drink," Mom says.

"And, make alliances, but don't get too close to anyone," Dad says. "They're just going to die in the end."

They both tell me their different pieces of advice from their past games. From different combat strategies, which Districts are most likely to be trusted, and how to deal with varying types of Mutts and gamemaker traps. I guess it's been about 15 minutes once they are done speaking. "Any last advice?" I ask them.

"Stay alive," Dad replies. "Iris," I say, setting her on the ground and off my lap. "We have to say goodbye now."

"No," She starts. "Listen, Iris," I try to keep her from throwing a fit. "Everything will be the same, just like I'm still here, I promise."

"No, it won't be, you'll be gone," She says. "I won't be gone for long, I promise," I reply.

Iris reaches into her pocket and pulls out the Mockingjay pin. "Here," She says. "To protect you."

She places the pin in my hand, and I quickly close it into a fist. "Thank you. I promise I'll find a way to wear it in the arena," I say. Tribute tokens were banned in the arena once the games started again. They say it's because of Glimmer and her poison ring, but we all know the real reason why. I put it in my pocket and hug her again. I stand up and walk over to Rye, who has remained silent this entire time. He wraps me in a hug first.

"You try your best to win, Willow," He says. "Show Rose he can't bring our family down, that we're stronger than ever."

"I will," I reply.

"Willow, I mean it. You better come home." I'm taken back slightly by the sudden tone of anger in his voice. "I will, I promise," I reply. He lets me go, and I walk over to my parents. That's when the tears start to appear. My parents have been through so much already; it hurts me to put them through more. I hug my Mom first, and she doesn't try to stop her sobs.

"Mom," I say. "It's going to be okay."

"I know," She replies doubtfully.

The door opens, and I see the Peacekeeper. "One minute."

"I love you, Mom." I don't tell her this enough. "I love you more, Willow. Try your best to survive," She replies. With tears in my eyes I nod, then go over to Dad, who's trying to keep the cries in. I hug him and sob into his chest. "I love you, Willow," He cries. "I love you more, Dad," I reply with my tears fading.

The Peacekeeper walks back into the room. "It's time," He says sternly. "Willow, no!" Iris cries while clinging to my waist. Rye grabs her as she screams and they all start to leave the room. "I love you guys!" I yell just before the door slams closed. I sit back on the couch and wait to see if anyone else will stop by.

A few moments later, the door opens, and Eliza walks into the room. "You have 5 minutes," The Peacekeeper says.

"Eliza," I say. She opens her arms for me, and I start to tear up again. "It's okay to cry, Willow," She tells me. I let her wrap her arms around me and comfort me. "Please help my family if I die, Mom and Dad can't quit on Rye and Iris," I plead.

"I promise I will make sure they're okay," She responds. "Thank you." She wipes the tears from my face for me. She's always been the kindest to all of us and treated us like family when we needed family the most. "Thank you for everything you do for us, Eliza."

"Honey, it's my pleasure to help you after all you guys do to help me. You're my family." Make sure you spend some time learning about the different plants, I don't want to see you die from eating a coy-leaf salad," She jokes while trying to lighten my mood. I remember when I was about 7, I grabbed dozens of coy-leaves and brought them to Eliza and Mom. Coy-leaves are extremely poisonous to consume, but I hadn't known this at the time. "I don't think I'm that stupid," I joke back.

"Alright," She says. "I'm going to go now, I expect to see you back in a few months."

q"I'll try my best," I respond. We embrace one last time before she walks out the door. I'm stuck with myself now. I've never had many friends, and all of my parent's old friends were killed, so I can't think of anyone who'd want to visit me. About ten minutes later, the Peacekeeper enters the room and escorts me outside to the truck, which will take us to the train station. There, I meet up with Xavier and Safa.

"Alright, children, we're going to the train station," She says, in her Capitol accent. "I expect both of you to be on your best behavior. I had absolutely horrid children last year."

We all step into the truck and start to drive towards the train station. Safa is currently on a small phone, fussing to her friends about how I am one of the tributes and how she finally had something interesting happen in District 12. It takes us only five minutes to reach the station, Xavier and I quiet the whole time. We step out, then Peacekeepers escort us to the train platform.

My Dad said that when I was a baby, we went on the train to visit Annie Odair in District 4. But, neither of us remember that trip very well. The train comes to a sudden halt in front of us, and the doors slide open. Inside is the most luxurious place I've ever seen. Even the Justice Building isn't this nice. I've never been to the Capitol, I've only seen pictures in school and from my parent's memory book. If the train looks like this, what will the Capitol look like in person? My jaw drops slightly, and I see Xavier's is the same.

"I know," Safa says brightly. "I know, isn't this just wonderful! Just wait until you see your cabins." She guides Xavier and I to a different train car. There's a hallway between two doors, she shows Xavier into the one on the left, and me to the right. "You have a wide variety of clothing here, Willow," Safa says. "Get showered and ready for dinner in one hour."

She walks out of the cabin and shuts the door behind her. The room is plain with white furniture, but the shower is the best part. There are so many buttons with options of what your shower experience will be. I click on a random one, because I'm overwhelmed with the number of choices, and step into the shower. Different types of soaps shoot into my hair, then some sort of conditioner, and after that, a body soap that smells of fresh flowers.

Once I'm done, I step out only to be met with air dryers all around me. In a matter of seconds, my body and hair are completely dry. I step into the closet and pick out a pair of black stretchy pants and a black shirt. I walk out into the dining cabin to see Xavier, Safa, and the back of someone else's head. "Sorry, I'm a little late," I apologize. "I got a little distracted by the shower."

Xavier laughs at my attempt to make a joke, and Safa just smiles at me. "Well, come, sit down. It's time to meet your mentor," She says. I sit next to Xavier, who is in front of Safa and the mystery man I can now identify as Daton Fields. Daton is the one and only victor from District 12. He won the 2nd annual games by hiding out until the other tributes died of natural causes. So, according to the Capitol, not an exciting year. He's still in his 20's, like many of the other victors, but you can tell the games have left a toll on him. His hair is cut short but very messy, and his beard has been reduced to a 5 o'clock shadow. He has dark bags under his brown eyes and currently has some form of booze in his hand. Not to mention, he's gained lots of weight since the games.

"So," He says. "You volunteered, how sweet of you." He sets down the drink, which he had only taken a few sips of. "I mean, how stupid of you to walk right into death," He adds. "Thanks," I say sarcastically. Attendants place platters of food in front of us, which I have to stop myself from inhaling in one go. Instead, I take small bites, as Mom has always taught me, so I can savor the food I'm given. This must be some kind of cow meat that I've never tried before, it's tender and full of flavorful juices. It is covered in a thick garlic sauce which coats the rice on the side of the plate. I've always loved my Dad's cooking, but this tops anything he could make.

"So," Xavier says. "Can you, like, give us any advice?"

"Advice? What advice can I give you, you're both going to die anyway," Daton replies, taking a sip of his drink. "Daton, you have to give us advice, you're our mentor," Xavier says, more demanding. "I'm not going to let you stuff your face with food and watch us die."

Daton glares at Xavier's remark then picks up his plate. "I don't feel like being judged while I eat, I'm going to my room." And, he walks off into the other train car. "What did I say about manners!" Safa says. "The one person you want on your side is your mentor!"

"Sorry..." Xavier trails off. "Tomorrow at breakfast, you'll apologize to Daton," Safa says. She takes a minute to fix her composure, then flashes a bright smile again. "Why don't we watch a recap of the Reapings," She suggests. Well, we don't really get a say so as she walks over to grab the television remote. The television turns on, she clicks a few buttons, and the Capitol symbol shows up on the screen.

Then, the two hosts of the Hunger Games, Roseclear Price, and Maxwell Voldaren pop up on the screen. Roseclear sports his trademark red suit and gold hair. He has red makeup on his eyelids and lips to match the look. Maxwell wears a black and blue suit with matching hair and makeup. The black and blue blended together make him look like he's been beaten and left with dark bruises. "Hello everyone," Roseclear says. "I am your host, Roseclear Price!"

"And I am your co-host," Maxwell says. "Maxwell Voldaren. This year we have a very special Reaping!"

"Ah, yes, we have some exciting news from District 12 that we will get to later," Roseclear responds. It's pretty obvious they're talking about me. "Let's start with District 1, Brian, and Camilla." The two teenagers' faces show on the screen, along with their name and age. Brian, is large and muscular. He has blonde hair and hazel eyes. Camilla is darker than the other girls in the District with brown curly hair and brown eyes.

"District 2, Jerry and Bella," Maxwell announces. Jerry is tall with dark hair and eyes. Bella is small and has blonde, almost white hair and dark eyes. I didn't know the Districts had access to hair dyes. The two kids from District 3 are small and frail, probably won't survive past the bloodbath.

"District 4, Jay and Isla," Roseclear announces. Jay is extremely tall, even taller than the boy from 1, with dark hair and hazel eyes. He's muscular with tan skin, and overall doesn't match the District 4 look. Isla, on the other hand, embodies District 4. She has golden hair and sea-green eyes along with tan skin. District 5 goes on, then 6, 7, 8, and 9. I zone out until 10 catches my eye. "District 10, Jaden and Ramona,"

Jaden catches my eye immediately. He's only 12, like Iris, and tiny compared to all the other boys who were reaped. Ramona, in contrast, is at least six feet tall and has more muscle than Brian. The look on her face says she's ready to kill someone right off the bat.

"Next, is District 11 with Ty and Lily," Maxwell says. Ty is tall, but slender and has the same dark skin everyone in 11 has. Lily is only 13, but is around the same height as me一 not too tall and not too short. She fits the District 11 look just as well as Ty does.

"And now, the one you've all been waiting for, District 12," Our faces flash on the screen. "Xavier and, get this, Willow Mellark, the daughter of the star crossed lovers!" I see myself desperately trying to save Iris by volunteering for her, then a close up of my frightened face.

"As you can see, she most definitely takes after her mother. Willow Mellark volunteered for her own little sister," Roseclear speaks with a terrifying smile. Great, they're already comparing me to my Mom.

"So folks, that's all we have for today."

"Yes, it has been a very exciting day too!" Maxwell adds in. "We will be keeping you updated on the latest tribute news. Enjoy the rest of your day, Panem," Roseclear signs off. "So," Safa says, turning the television off. "What do we think about these tributes?" Xavier and I turn to each other.

"Well," Safa doesn't wait for us to reply. "I think District 4 will be one to look out for. Jay and Isla seem like a perfect pair. Oh! What about District 1!"

"I don't really want to think about them," Xavier says. "We're just going to have to kill them."

"Lighten up, that's the fun part!" She exclaims before sighing. "Alright, children, we have a big day tomorrow. I'm going to bed now. You should too."

She stomps her way out of the train cart and into the next one over. "So," Xavier says. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," I reply. "No, you're not. I know how your family is, is your Mom doing okay?" He asks.

"Why do you care?" I ask back. "Because your family has been through so much," He responds. "I feel bad."

"Don't feel bad," I say. "We're stronger than most people think."

"What do you think about these tributes?" He switches the conversation. "Districts 1 and 2 will be the worst, but we knew that already," I say. "Yeah, District 4 seems pretty tough, too," He adds. "And don't even get me started on how scary that girl from 10 is."

"What about the boy?" I say. "Jaden? The little one from 10?" He asks. "Yeah. He's so… fragile," I respond. "Yeah, why do you ask?" He says. "It's unfair that anyone that young goes into the games up against someone who's 18 like Brian," I respond. "You mean kids Iris's age?" He asks. "Yes," I say. "That's why you volunteered for her," He realizes. I nod in response. Last year, there was this little girl from District 7 that was beaten to death by someone of Brian's stature, an image I'll never be able to shake from my head.

"Alright, Willow, I'm heading to bed." He gets up from his seat. "Goodnight Xavier," I say. "Goodnight, Willow," He responds.

I rewatch the Reapings and take note of each of the various tributes before heading back to my cabin. I change into a pair of soft shorts and keep on the same shirt before crawling into the plush bed.

I'm emotionally exhausted from the day's events, so the soft pillow and blankets relax my body. My mind, however, is still filled with never-ending thoughts.

How will I make it out of these games? Do I really want to survive them? Did President Rose do this on purpose? What's my family doing right now? Are they thinking of me? Why was Iris reaped out of all of them?

What does Rose have planned for me?