I'm so happy right now, I'm almost bouncing off the walls. Exams are over, school is out, and Christmas is on the way. So here's a chapter while I'm not feeling lazy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hunger Games.
I nervously sat on a dusty couch somewhere in the Justice Building. I was trying to sit as still as possible, but it wasn't working. I kept fidgeting and every few seconds a silent tear would slip down my cheek.
The door burst open and my mother, father, and brother poured in. Mom ran over and gathered me up in her arms. I held onto her as hard as I could.
"You'll be fine, you'll be fine," she whispered over and over. I just nodded. I couldn't get my tongue to move and form words.
My Dad's hand cupped my cheek, and I looked up at him. "You can win," he said. "Come home." I could tell he didn't believe it, he was just saying it to keep my hopes up. Asher was the only one who stood a chance, not me. Not some scrawny, mangled girl.
Mom finally let go and Asher grabbed my hand. "You have to be strong," he said firmly. "Don't let them see your weakness. Don't cry." I nodded furiously and clamped my teeth on my lip, trying to stop the tears.
"Find out the other tributes' secrets. Look for their weaknesses, habits, anything that may help. You can do it." Asher's eyes were so confident and earnest, I almost believed him.
All too soon, a peacekeeper walked in and started sweeping my family out.
"Remember: secrets!" Asher shouted as his hand slipped out of mine.
I flopped back down on the couch and squeezed my arm to keep from crying.
I don't really know what to think about this chapter. It's really short. While I was writing it, I almost decided to leave it out, but then I thought that I should probably put Alona's family in somewhere and this was sort of the last chance until the very end.