So, a bit more time for Fourth of July weekend. I love writing about this when thinking about the American revolution. ;-) My life mantra, "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing..." (Thomas Jefferson, btw) and the Hunger Games are all about rebellion!

District 2

Last year she had been District 12's escort. What a relief to win a career this year. Atlanta slipped on her blue high heels, pleased at the sheen of sparkles on the toes.
Her thoughts drifted towards the last games, the strange happenings that had seemed to pop up throughout the Capitol. She shivered as she recalled the ghostly meeting in the Cohen victor gardens, the package she had been asked to hand over to Snider, the District Twelve mentor.

Atlanta always did what she was told, and she had handed over the bundle, too terrified of the garden ghost to ponder what was inside. Peering into the mirror, she applied another coat of silver lipstick, rubbing her lips together.

The District Mayor stepped into the room, his heavy boots clomping on the wooden floor. "This is your first time to work in our district, correct?"

Atlanta smiled, "Yes, you can't imagine how happy I am to be here. This crisp mountain air is just so refreshing."

His eyes were like fish balls, round and extremely ugly. The left one twitched as he stared at her. "You've been an escort for long?"
"Nearly seven years," She shook her curls, enjoying the silk feel of the wig brushing her bare shoulders.

He nodded, his bald head glistening with sweat. "I'm not sure I could be in your position for that long, but to each his own. What did you think of twelve?"
She rolled her blue eyes, "Twelve is nothing like your fine place, Mr. Mayor. Your district is stunning in comparison. Of course, nothing is as dazzling as the Capitol." She picked up her parasol, twirling it as she glanced once more in the mirror."

The mayor seemed to ponder a moment, "What about the attitude, the mentors, what did you think of them?"

Atlanta cocked her eyebrows, "They were kind of uptight. I'm sure Loki and Rhea are friendlier than a dozen Raquel's put together."

The mayor suppressed a chuckle at the mention of District Twelve's surly female mentor. "It's always nice to hear an opinion. Why don't we head on out to the square?" The escort was so trivial, her assessment on the mentors was rather dull. For years he had heard a sign would come from twelve, something to stir the embers. Every year he pondered the old prophecies, but he was never in close proximity with anyone from that side of Panem to even ask.

Atlanta nodded eagerly, excited knowing there were almost always volunteers for this district. It wouldn't just be another boring reaping. She practically danced to the doorway, pushing it open into the morning air.
Raising her hands, she blinked at the harsh light. The sky was perfectly blue, and the sun rays seemed to reflect off all the metal camera surfaces encircled around the square. Ignoring the fact that she was temporarily blind, she stepped forward. Her heel caught on the wooden platform, and she toppled forward.

Alexandra Rew bit back a laugh as the escort fell on her face. The woman shrieked, and a half dozen peacekeepers surrounded her. Glancing at her own set of heels, she couldn't believe the woman couldn't manage to take just a few steps in them.

"Looks like you'll be keeping company with the village idiot, Alex." Delilah snorted beside her.

Alex nodded, running her fingers through her short hair. The stage took a few moments to quiet down, as the escort pulled herself together. Characteristically, the district people remained stoic. Laughter was a waste of breath, if one was humored, you kept it to yourself.

Delilah continued to chat, "I'm not sure how you're going to put up with her. Especially if she calls you anything other than Alex."

"Simple," Alex grinned, "A few punches and she should stop annoying me."

A tap on the mic returned focus to the escort. "Welcome, Welcome, to the 101st annual Hunger Games." Alex couldn't help noticing that she sounded short of breath. Couldn't the Capitol spare someone with a brain for their district?

"As usual," the escort seemed in a hurry to get right to the point. "Ladies first." Alex didn't care who was reaped, she kept her mind focused on her appearance when she volunteered.

The escort read the name, and Alex pushed herself forward. Raising a hand in salute, she shouted. "I am your volunteer!"

Climbing the steps, Alex folded her arms, and set her lips into a thin smile. "What is your name, dear?" the mic was shoved towards her lips.

"Alexandra Rew. But don't call me anything but Alex."

The escort beamed, hoping she looked more calm than she felt. "Very good. Now for the gentlemen."

Felix sensed his family's pride as he strode to the platform. He had done what his parents had dreamed their son would do. They had spent a ton of money on his training, and now it was time to watch their investment cash in.

The escort smiled his way, and he felt himself wondering what she could be so happy about. Didn't she realize what a fool she had made of herself in front of the entire district?

"And your name?"

"Felix Marlow." He caught his father's eye. He was beaming with delight. Felix breathed deeply, cracking his knuckles. This had to be the most boring time he would have until the games started.

The escort laid a hand on his shoulder, "And now, your tributes for our 101st Games, Felix Marlow, and Alexandra Rew!"

Felix turned, just in time to see the girl knock her fists into the escort's jaw. "I told you, call me Alex!" A peacekeeper jumped forward, ready to pull her back. Alex brushed past him, marching into the justice building.

Behind him, Felix heard their mentor Loki, "Holy Smokes, that girl is nuts." The escort was shrieking, while the mayor's assistant attempted to calm the woman. The mayor spoke into the mic, dismissing the crowd.

Felix felt his stomach twist as he realized the mayor wasn't about to read the Treaty of Treason. Wasn't the reaping unfinished if that was not done?

Loki placed a hand on Felix's shoulder, propelling him inside the justice building. "You sure we're done?" Felix glanced into Loki's face.

"Yep," Loki grinned, "Think the mayor's had enough excitement for the day. Have anyone special you saying goodbye to?"

"Nah, just my family. I mean I love them, but they knew I was volunteering, so we already had our goodbyes."

Alex paced inside the tight room, knowing her parents were going to be nuts. They wouldn't understand what all she had done.

The door swung open, and Alex braced herself as her mom descended on her. "What were you thinking? You're our only daughter, and you just insulted the Capitol. They'll punish you inside the arena, mark my words."

Her dad sighed, too frustrated to speak. Alex glanced his way before answering her mother, "It's fine. It was just a show of force. Just watch, I'll win."

Her mom shook her head, angry tears filling her eyes, "I thought after Odile died, you decided it wasn't worth the risk."

Alex bit her lip, "Odile was my best friend, they killed her, and I'm going to get them back for it. I'm winning for her."

Her mom sighed, but before she could scold, the door opened. "Time's up."

Her dad gave her a quick hug, while her mom began to wail. Alex plugged her ears, annoyed that her mother was so emotional in public.

Time for your thoughts!

Questions-

1) Think punching the escort was a good idea? How do you rate Alex?

2) Felix, your opinion?