Hello there. Icepath-Snowwing's chapter again:
Oh wait, I forgot your quote:
And we know its never simple never easy
Never a clean break, no one here to save me
You're the only thing I know like the back of my hand
And I can't breathe
Without you, but I have to
Breathe
Without you, but I have to
From "Breathe" by Taylor Swift. Ari's realization that from here on out, she's left everything that she's known and is on her own.
A/N Hi! I'm back! Here's a really really short update! ;) This was actually to explain something, but I felt I had to sort of fit in some story time. The explanation will be at the end. Enjoy and please please please review. It makes me happy! And… it makes me convinced that I really need to update faster. So… lol, no, I'm not really bribing… just saying the truth! Oh, and thank you Taste the Rainbow- Or Else for reviewing! I am so so so so happy!
*** This chapter has been updated! Also, the first chapter has been changed a bit since the first time I posted something.
***** This chapter has been updated! Much longer J So sorry about that really short update earlier
I stare down at the small charm bracelet that Lina had given me in the justice building. Memories come back to me as I sit down on the velvet seats of the train.
Lina walked up to me, tears trickling down the cheeks that I had carefully worked on. Ok, fine. They were quickly done. But, anyways, you could see the tear stains. I curl up in a ball on the armchair, afraid she was going to hit me. Instead, she throws herself on me and starts sobbing. Without a word, she gets up, trying to compose herself, and me a charm bracelet. "Here," she whispered, a little choked up, "this was specially made for me." She looked away and strode out of the door, looking back only when she was at the chestnut doors. "Good luck."
I wonder why she said 'Good luck' instead of 'Goodbye.' I sigh and close my eyes, one single tear sliding down my face when I am rudely interrupted from my thoughts. I look up.
"Hey! Move!" I stand. The other tribute pushes me roughly.
I glare at him. "Just because I miss home doesn't mean I'm weak," I hiss and shove him square in the chest. He takes a step back, obviously surprised that I had some fire. I know it wasn't because I was strong. No, of course not. I'm one of the weakest 16 year olds you'll ever find. But, I might be contradicting myself right now, aren't I? I guess I meant to say that I'm not weak emotionally. Or at least I don't think so…
I glower and push past him. "I'm going to my room," I grunt. He stares after me and I ignore him. Walking into my room, I feel the sway of the train turning. I guess we're getting closer. I open my door and my jaw drops in awe of the room. Such a luscious life before the games. If only I wasn't so nervous.
I slip out of my dirty, messed up shoes before walking on the soft carpet. The carpets in the schools were nothing compared to this fluffy one. I let my feet sink into them and then wiggle my toes. I can just imagine how I looked, standing in the small room as if it's the first time I've ever seen and felt the sun. My face is radiant and I feel as if I'm almost glowing. I guess one thing that's my weak point is carpet. An odd thing, yes, but nevertheless very important to me. I treasure the soft fullness of the carpet. In fact, I can just see myself standing on a cloud of cotton candy. I suppose I'm just like a little kid. If this is what the carpet felt like, what about the bed? I mean, I would just sleep on the floor compared to my bed at home. Home. Home! I wake up.
It was weird. When I finally wake up out of my trance, I find myself spread out like an eagle on the white carpet. When did I ever decide to lie down? That's when my thoughts come back to me. I was thinking about the bed, right? I sigh contently, but get up. I inspect the bed closely and gingerly touch it. My hand sinks into it. It's not like quicksand, but like normal sand just swallowing you up. I decide to take off the covers and jump on the bed. I was quite surprised to find myself not bouncing up and down, hearing the springs, but instead I just land softly. I mean, if I had jumped into the sand, you would expect to just land their and for your rear end to start hurting really badly. But no! The bed was... like home.
I breathe a heavy sigh as I think about what I left behind in District 4. Everything at home, everyone I knew, everything I have known my whole life. Just... all gone. And it's not anyone's fault. Not really. I brought it upon myself. I mean, sure, if the capitol didn't have us participate in the Hunger Games then I wouldn't be able to volunteer, but it's not really their fault. It's mine, and now I wish that I hadn't done it. I mean, I made a fool of myself on capitol television! If I was going to participate in the Games, then I could at least look like someone who could get sponsors. But no, I have to act brave and then the next second, as everyone is looking at me, I break down. It's not total sobbing, but everyone that was looking would've been able to see that I wasn't the happiest and was actually having a slight emotional break down. So it seems as though I'm not going to get any sponsors and even if I do, it's going to be sad since almost no one from District 4 will sponsor me except maybe my parents, Lina's family although they are pretty poor, or... no, I will not think about him. It's very unlikely. Besides, he wouldn't be able to take sides, right? Why do I even ask if I'm hiding this from you anyways?
My thoughts go back to the day I volunteered. My vivid memory could see everything I did perfectly. I had actually pushed my father to the side as I dashed outside after our little talk on the porch. I used to never think that way. What has overcome me? I can tell my eyes are watering now and as a slow tear drips down my face, I can taste the salt. It's just like District 4. Little by little, the tears start to pour into a steady rhythm. I make no point in wiping them away. I just lie down slowly and feel the emotions coursing through me. I close my eyes and wish for sleep to overcome me and take over my thoughts. Just begging for a dream. Just something to take off my mind of my betrayal to my parents. My friend. My home.
I'm about to drift asleep when there's banging on my door. I take the pillow and cover my ears with it, trying to ignore my mentor. But the banging never ceases. I groan and stumble out of the bed and swing the door open. "What, Irinead?" I snap. I stare at the shocked face at the door. It's not my mentor. It's my fellow tribute. What was his name? His eyes flash and he glares at me. "Sorry," I mumble. He walks away without saying a word. I sigh and walk to the bathroom where I brush my hair.
"Ariella! Hurry up," my mentor shouts through the closed bathroom door. I ignore her. "You need to watch the recaps of the reapings! It's mandatory!" I kick the door in response. Even though I'm looking in the mirror, I barely notice that my hair is a mess and my cheeks are tear-stained with the makeup I had put on this morning. I blink and walk out the door, trying to remember what I was doing next.
Walking over to couch, I plop down on the opposite side from where my district partner sat. I don't even know his name… But whatever. It doesn't matter. I'm going to have to kill him to get back home and he is NOT going to get in my way. He doesn't bother to look and I ignore him also. Well, I guess we're not going to be allies.
I stare at the TV screen. District 2's reapings are going. I guess I missed District 1's. I watch as an 18-year-old girl volunteers for a young one. She glances at the screen and flashes a smile. Again, there's a volunteer. He looks about the same age as the girl, but burly. I look closer. "And our District 2 tributes are Mya Greys and Moliask Greys!" I raise an eyebrow. Are they related?
Next are the recaps for District 3. For the first time, I pay attention to the area their reaping is taking place. The surroundings look very techy-ish, but what do I expect? They specialize in technology! "And our tributes are Pearanya and Bermiath!" Pearanya, the girl, looks a little scared, but Bermiath looks confident. I wonder if it's fake, or he actually feels that way.
District 4… Another tear slips out of my eye and I don't wipe it away. I don't want to see the reaping. My reaping. Right before our escort announces our names, I see the camera close in on my face. My own crying face. It's all scrunched up in thought and I there is definitely fear etched in my face. I start to bawl a little. My fellow tribute glances at me weirdly and then looks back to the screen.
When District 5's reapings come around, I can't tell what the tributes look like. But, wait… are there even tributes on the stage? I clear away my eyes quickly to get a closer look. The mayor is whispering something in the escort's ear. Then they ask call out for someone… The screen goes grey and fuzzy. My eyes widen. Am I going blind? I glance over to my district partner and realize he has the same puzzled look on his face. Ok. Good. I'm not blind. If I was, I'd be SO dead. Well, I think I'll be dead anyways so what does it matter?
The screen suddenly becomes active once again. There is an apology from The Capitol about there being difficulties in District 5's reapings. They don't explain anymore. I wish they would, but they aren't. Oh well.
At District 6, my eyes begin to glaze over. These reapings are starting to get repetitive… My eyes closer for some rest.
ooOoo
My eyes jerk open as the train starts to slow down. I jump up and run to the window, eager to see outside. My first glimpse of The Capitol was impressive… and confusing. The blinking lights hurt my eyes considering I was used to District 4's nice, bright sun. The tall buildings cast shadows everywhere. I took in a deep breath. This was my first view of The Capitol. This will be the last place I'll be before my death. This is where I prepare for the arena. I may not be strong, but I am not weak. If I go down, I will take down as many as needed. I want to survive. I will not be stopped.
A/N Yes, I know it's short, but the point of this chapter was actually the for this authors note. So…
Yeah… I'm feeling kind of awkward about this even though I'm not talking to someone face to face… I guess I should just say it.
So thanks everyone! I guess you guys are my totally awesome readers, if there's anyone there… My friend and I decided to make a joint story. She will be writing one tribute's POV and I will be doing Ari's. BTW, her pen name here is Sanctuaria. She's a really good writer. You should check her stories out… Well, anyways, I hope this story turns out well because we do have different writing styles and… we both want our tribute to win. So, no, we are not sure who will win. I hope it's ok and everything goes well. Plus, we've been working hard on the arena! So sorry for this short chapter!
Oh! And please Review! Reviews make me very happy indeed!
And I also just remembered to ask what you thought about her fellow tribute!
***** Oh, and if you hadn't read Chapter Two: Etolia, then please read because she is a main character too! And, yes this is an updated author's note. Review s'il vous plait! *********************** Ugh. Chapter 2 was updated. Again. Sorry about that.
*working on Ch4* Shh, I'm writing! Leave a review!
