Chapter 2

Joridyn Laine

District 12 – Reaping Day

I awoke sunrise, but I was still late.

Laying in the small hut I had built a year back, I stretched out on my bed of leaves and let out a loud sigh. I could already hear the rustle and bustle of early morning in district 12, even from my home beyond the fence. Rolling off my bed, I stood and stretched again, feeling my joints crack as they shifted after another chilly night. The ashes of the fire lit the night before are cold and scattered, after I stirred around midnight to the distant rumbling of a hovercraft. Fortunately the fire was already long dead, but I had scattered the ashes anyway out of fear that they might get a peek through the leaves and see the bed of coals.

I was confident that my little 'hut' was completely hidden, as it hadn't been seen so far, and I'd painted it so that from above it looked like nothing but a ruin. Which wasn't saying much as all it was was a few dead branches holding a few large leaves up on top of the remnants of an old house.

Yet, it was home. I'd run away from home some years previously after my father had almost broken my arm in one of his beatings, and my mother had stood to one side, just watching with slightly crossed, unfocussed eyes.

He'd been drunk, and she'd been high on Morphling. It was as I had run from the house that I ran into the Peacekeeper. He didn't tell me his name, only grabbed me by the scruff of my coat and marched me away from the house. At the time, I was petrified, thinking he was going to beat me too, or worse. I had a small knife I kept hidden under my baggy jumper, so I was sure I could defend myself for at least a moment, but if I pulled a knife on a Peacekeeper that would surely mean death.

He had marched me to a small empty building near the outskirts of district 12, and growled at me to stay put, before leaving. I sat on a small semi-rotten chair for hours, shivering in the cold of the evening, before falling asleep. Sometime later he returned with a small but bulging bag, and he had changed out of his Peacekeeper's uniform. He gently lifted my chin so that my grey eyes met his blue, and he tutted quietly at the large bruise that was already darkening around my eye. Grabbing a small tub out of the bag, he applied some on the various bruises and cuts on my body, and as the glittery gel touched each of the sore spots, the pain began to ebb away, leaving a nice warm feeling in its place.

"Use this sparingly" he grumbled, before putting it back in the bag. He then looked at me again, before gently grasping my arm and leading me out of the hut. I had to almost run to keep up with his long strides as he lead me quickly and quietly towards the edge district, and towards the fence that was the marker for the end of district 12. Looking around him quickly, he climbed through the gap in the fence, right beside the sign that said 'BEWARE ELECTRIC FENCE, 50,000 VOLTS', and instructed me to follow him. Swallowing carefully, I had clambered through the fence after him, and followed silently as he lead me through the forest that surrounded district 12.

We walked for what felt like hours before he stopped beside the ruin of a small building. He laid down the bag and turned to me again. I was panting heavily and swaying from near-exhaustion, and he reached out with one hand to steady me. Looking at me with a tenderness I had never seen before, he quickly instructed me on how to survive out in the wild. Out of the bad he pulled a blanket and wrapped it around me as he continued speaking, showing me a tinderbox and a small knife that were at the bottom of the bag, beneath a few new sets of clothing. He showed me how to light a fire, with both the tinderbox and without, then helped me construct a small shelter before he told me he had to leave and that he would return when he could. He looked for a moment like he wanted to say more, but then turned on his heel and began to jog away from the ruined hut.

He hadn't returned for another two days, but when he did, he carried a large ball of string, a bundle of food, and another large blanket. He then spent the rest of that night teaching me what berries I could and couldn't eat, how to build a shelter by myself, and then he taught me to hunt. He taught me how to make snares, and after killing a rabbit by throwing his small dagger at it, showed me how to skin and cook it. He promised to return once more, to teach me to craft a weapon and how to use it, but didn't tell me what it would be. I remember nodding silently, overwhelmed and confused as to why a Peacekeeper was helping me to survive in an area that was strictly forbidden, before he again turned and left.

It was almost a week before he returned again, and I had found a bunch of blackberry bushes nearby that was keeping me fed, along with the rabbit that I had caught in my snare a day before. This time he was carrying a bow and a small quiver of arrows, and spent the day teaching me how to make arrows, and how to use the bow. It took me a while, but just as the sun was starting to set I was able to hit one of the targets he had set up. With a soft smile, he then instructed me to only return to the district when I desperately needed something I couldn't make or survive without, and to avoid my parents at all costs.

I remember the look of anguish that crossed his face as he took a deep breath and told me that I would still have to return to the district for the reaping ceremonies, as otherwise the 'others' would investigate my disappearance. I wanted to ask him who these 'others' were, but his look suggested it would be pointless.

Forcing a smile, he looked at me again with the expression that told me he desperately wanted to say something, but he forced it down and bid me farewell, and told me not to expect to see him again. He wrapped me in a quick but tender hug then turned and ran away.

Smiling softly, I quietly offered up a prayer of thanks to whoever had brought him to me, as I wrapped up my blanket and gently placed it in the oilskin bag she had bought at the Hob about a year ago for 2 rabbits. I wasn't the only one trading in rabbits and other kills, a girl called Katniss and her friend Gale had been there too, but I had steered clear of everyone I could, scared that someone would recognise me or ask where I had gotten the rabbits.

Placing the oilskin bag in a hollowed out tree, I turned back to my hut and began to clear it of all my belongings. Last night was the last night I ever intend to stay at this hut, as after today I had decided that I would try to make my way south to the remnants of district 13. I had heard whispers at the Hob that there were still people there, and that they offered sanctuary to any who survived the journey. Mentally shrugging, I once again thought to myself "Can't be any worse than this"

This was my last year I would have my name in that cursed bowl. I had watched 7 other girls have their names called, and had seen three of them killed when I had returned briefly to the Hob for supplies. District 12 still only had one victor, an old drunk called Haymitch Abernathy, and no-one expected there would ever be another. District 12 never won anything.

Taking one last, almost wistful look around the place that had been my home for the last year, before picking up the small bag at my feet which contained a change of clothes, my tinderbox that the Peacekeeper had given me, and the wooden toys I had crafted when I first came out into the woods. Smiling at myself and my sentimentality, I turned and walked out of the small clearing, leaving it all behind. I would return after the reaping for my bow, arrows and bag with my blanket in it, but for now, I would keep this bag with me.

Breaking into a run as I reached the familiar stretch of forest that lead towards the fence, I allowed myself to simply enjoy the feeling of the wind in my hair, and the exhilaration of sprinting through the trees. Laughing loudly, I found myself grinning without knowing why, as I neared the fence. Only to suddenly skid to a halt as I reached the edge of the treeline.

There was a line of Peacekeepers walking along the length of the fence, peering through it into the trees beyond. Forcing myself to stand completely still, I stood like a statue, almost holding my breath as dozens of Peacekeepers passed within a few meters of me. No sign of MY Peacekeeper, but that didn't surprise me, there were always loads of different Peacekeepers that flew in for the Reaping ceremony.

I stood there for 10 minutes after the last of the Peacekeepers walked past, disappearing out of sight as they crested the hill and moved to check on a different section of the fence. Sighing with relief, I quickly raced across the gap between me and the fence, crawled through it, and sprinted for the cover of the empty buildings on the other side.

Once I had reached those, I allowed myself to stop for a moment, holding my arms above my head as I panted heavily as the adrenaline began to fade, and my brain scolded me for my carelessness. If I hadn't slowed down fast enough, I would have run straight into full view of a dozen Peacekeepers and have been shot dead before I could even say 'Hello'.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a long line of children and teenagers filing solemnly towards the centre of town, and I quickly stashed my backpack in a nearby empty house, before joining the line. I liked knowing my gear was close by, but knew I'd be questioned about it if I brought it any further. Smoothing down my shirt and wiping some of the dirt off of my shorts I straightened and joined the throng of nervous people around me.

Moving into one of the lines, I quickly found myself at the front, and being gestured forward by a peaky looking woman in fancy, clean clothing. Thrusting my finger towards her I quietly told her my name, low enough for her to hear, but no-one else, before moving off to the 18 year old section. On my way, I passed lots of young 12 year olds crying as they left their parents to go stand with the others, and one in particular caught my eye. A small, tiny in fact, girl in a faded pink dress. Her blonde hair was tied up in two pigtails either side of her head, and her eyes were massive and filled with fear as she stood by herself in the middle of the throng. Not knowing why, I walked over to her and knelt down so I could look her in the eye.

Fearfully, she jumped when I reached out with one hand and straightened up the shoulder of her dress, then pushed a strand of hair out of her eye "What is your name little Dove?"

"E-Emerald" stammered the girl, and her bright green eyes stared at me, softening slightly as I smiled gently at her.

"Emerald, that's a lovely name. I'm Joridyn"

"Hello Joridyn" she muttered, almost too quietly for me to hear

"Are you lost sweet one?" I asked her gently, still unsure of why I felt so protective of this small child. She nodded at me, and raised a finger to show me the blood from where she had been pricked. I smiled gently again and raised my own finger "I know, I had to be pricked too. How old are you Emerald?"

"Twelve" she breathed, and I had to bite back a curse. This was her first year, and she had no-one here to support her. No-one else had stopped to check on her, in fact I was getting strange looks as others walked by, some growling that I was kneeling in their way. I shot them filthy looks, before returning my attention to Emerald. She was shaking in terror as people filed past, though not as many, as nearly everyone was now standing in their places in front of the Justice Building. I sighed, and gently took her hand, marvelling at how small her hands were, but at the strength of the grip as she held on as if for dear life.

Quietly I lead her towards the 12 year old section, before I knelt down again and brushed another lock of hair from her face. She was crying quietly now, staring up at the bowls on their stools. Gently I turned her so she was looking at me and spoke to her in a gentle but firm voice "Emerald, I want you to listen to me now Dove" Her eyes raked my face, looking desperately for comfort, and I had to swallow past the lump in my throat "It's only your first year, they won't pick you. You'll be safe I promise. Just be brave and stand strong, and everything will be alright" She shakily nodded, seeming to believe me, and a small smile lifted the corner of her lips and I forced a smile back at her. Not knowing why I repeated "I promise" as I pulled her into a gentle hug. She clung to me tightly, before I heard someone clear their throat behind us. Looking around, I saw everyone was almost in their places, and I pulled away and smiled at her again as I gently pushed her towards the 12 year olds. She waved shyly as she attached herself to the end of the line, and I waved back as I turned and walked back to the 18 year olds. The Peacekeeper who had cleared his throat gently patted me on the shoulder as I passed, and I nodded at him, struggling to push my fear for the girl out of my head. After promising her her safety, I cursed myself quietly and wrung my hands in front of me as I too filed into my place in line. Looking up, I saw the Mayor enter, followed by Haymitch, then the escort Effie. The Mayor delivered his usual speech, and after a slightly awkward silence, Effie walked up to the microphone. She tried to direct our attention to the film, but I just stared at her, wanting this afternoon over with so I could leave district 12 forever.

The film ended quickly, the usual Capitol Propaganda, trying to justify the need for a Hunger Games. Smothering a scowl I watched as Effie smiled and clapped the end of the film, before approaching the microphone and reaching towards the bowl "Ladies first" she chirped happily as my stomach felt like a rock in my chest.

After swirling around a couple of times, her fingers brushed against the slip of paper at the top, and she picked it up gently, before flicking it open and reading out the name in a sing-song voice

"Emerald Mayson"

"No" I found myself mutter. No way, I must have heard her wrong. MAYSON? The Mayor's DAUGHTER?! One look at the Mayor's face confirmed it, as his mouth formed a perfect 'o' and a tear fell down his cheek. "No, No No" I repeated. One of the girls beside me turned to stare at me, telling me silently to shut up, but I ignored her as the camera found little Emerald and I saw the look of sheer terror as she stood still as a statue, tears pouring down her face.

Anger suddenly filled me like fire, and I growled a feral, beastlike growl and began to walk forward. I had PROMISED her she would be safe. Like hell the stupid Capitol would make a lair out of me. She wouldn't last five seconds in the games. One of the Peacekeepers gripped my shoulder as I tried to stalk past him, but I shoved him and began to stalk towards the 12 year old Emerald, who was beginning to approach the stairs. The same Peacekeeper that had patted my shoulder a few seconds ago grabbed me around the waist, stopping me from getting any closer to Emerald as she reached the foot of the stairs. Not knowing what caused me to do it, I yelled "I VOLUNTEER" as her foot raised to mount the stairs to her death.

My voiced echoed through the silence of the courtyard, and I felt the arms around me loosen slightly, but not completely. Hissing with frustration, I yelled it again before he released me. Looking up at the stage, I saw Effie with her eyes wide, and a smile of surprise on her face, Haymitch was seemingly asleep in his chair, and the Mayor was standing stock still, staring me with a look of astonished disbelief. I wrenched my eyes away from him as I strode towards where Emerald was standing at the base of the stairs, looking at me, tears still pouring down her face. I stopped for a moment when I got to her, and gave her a quick, gentle hug before giving her a quick kiss on her forehead. Turning, I climbed the stairs and stood up beside Effie, the silence in the courtyard like a heavy blanket.

Effie let out a small cough before regaining her composure enough to turn to me and smile "Well well. District 12's very first volunteer! What's your name dear?" I whispered it to her, but she seemed not to hear it, "What was that dear?"

"Joridyn, Joridyn Laine"

From somewhere in the crowd there was a surprised gasp, and I raised my eyes from the floor to quickly scan the crowd. Seeing no-one familiar, I looked over the top of the crowd, where from my spot on the stage I could just see the top of the trees at the outskirts of the district in the distance. I held back a sigh as it hit me exactly what I had done, and I suddenly felt numb. My plan to lie low then hike to district 13 was impossible now. Possibly it had been the whole time. Probably.

I took a step backwards and barely listened as Effie called forth another name from the boys bowl. Some guy called 'Fredrick Escot'. I didn't turn my head to look at him as he walked onstage, and only wrenched my eyes away from the distant tree-tops on the horizon when Effie muttered to us "Shake hands you two"

I turned on my heel and looked at Fredrick from head to toe before I robotically extended a hand, suddenly embarrassed by the dirt on it, and under my nails. A 16 year old boy stood before me, about the same height as me, with brown hair and brown eyes. Slightly round faced and looking just as numb as I felt. His grip on my hand was tight and his hand was callused as we shook, then separated.

Effie walked between us, taking hold of each of our shoulders as she steered us towards the doors of the Justice Building. I looked up at the sign above the door, having seen it so many times from afar, but suddenly filled with a mix of terror and bizarre excitement as my feet carried me across the threshold.

I stood shivering in a room of the Justice Building, not out of cold, in fact it was rather warm in the building, but out of shock. The more time I had to think about it, the more I couldn't believe I had really just volunteered to die for a total stranger. Before today I'd never set eyes on little Emerald Mayson, but just minutes ago I had all but traded my life for hers. Was I suicidal?!

I sat on the arm of the sofa, and put my head in my hands, suddenly needing to focus on breathing. In. Out. In. Out.

I heard a faint knock on the door, and nearly jumped out of my skin. I wasn't expecting a visitor. Who would come visit me?! After a second, it became obvious the knocker was waiting for permission to come in, so I grunted out 'Enter', and I watched as the door opened to admit none other than the Mayor of district 12.

I stood up with a start, only to then silently curse myself as I stood up too quickly and felt dizzy for a second. Blinking furiously I raised my eyes to meet his, I saw possibly the most confused mix of emotions I had ever seen on a human face before. Fear, Disbelief, Anger, Awe and more heart-wrenchingly, Pride. I'd never had anyone look at me with such pride before, and I was confused as to how to react. Shifting my weight from foot to foot, I simply stared at him as he opened and closed his mouth a few times, struggling to find the words to express what I had seen in his face.

In the silence, I studied his face, burning it into my memory. Unlike many of those with wealth and standing, he hadn't surgically altered his appearance at all, which surprised me, but coming from District 12 means that even what wealth he does possess is miniscule compared to those in the Capitol. His short brown hair was cropped short around his head, and other than well-trimmed sideburns he sported no facial hair. Suddenly the familiar burning anger filled my stomach again as I looked into his eyes again and with what felt like an electric shock, recognised the stunning green that I had seen only an hour or so ago in his beautiful daughter. Except HER eyes had been filled with terror, and she had had no-one to comfort her before I stopped to check on her.

I stalked over to him, standing directly in front of him, my face only a hand width from his own, and growled "Why? Why did you leave her alone?"

Shock passed over his face as he opened his mouth once, before wetting his lips and answering me with a soft croak "I had to. I had orders"

I frowned, that wasn't the answer I'd been expecting. In fact I had no idea WHAT I'd been expecting. Him to yell at me? To ignore me? Shaking my head, I was tempted to step away, but stayed rooted to the spot, still furious at this man. He had left his terrified young daughter in a crowd of strangers, while he entertained the visitors from the Capitol.