Chapter 4

As I'm cuddled up in my blanket and sleeping bag, I feel, for once, close to home. I can just imagine the sound of the TV that my Grandma would watch while I lay in bed, worrying about her, but instead, the sound is replace by birds, Mockingjays I expect, chirping high in the trees. I still can't get round my head why the Capitol puts them in the Arenas, or even let them live. Surely, because of their accidental existence, the Capitol would not want them here! We hear the story about them quite often at school; how the Jabberyjays, the Capitol's genetically made creatures, were left to die after their purpose was defeated by the rebels. But they didn't die (which is why they shame the Capitol) and they bred with Mockingbirds, to create what Panem calls Mockingjays. The beautiful birds can sing back any tune they hear, whether it's a whistle, or a hum, or a tune sung by a human. With my District specialising in Science, we learn about all sorts of creatures, and we're expected to be experts on all the natural and unnatural creatures in Panem. To be honest, I don't mind District 5. Yes, it's a hard life, but I enjoy learning about different animals and plants, but it's the altering genetics that isn't my favourite. I don't think it's fair to change these fascinating creatures in monsters and beasts, hundereds of animals are killed anyway, in the process. But what can we do? If we don't do what we're told we're in trouble. But I can get away with my crimes, they never expect people like me to steal.

My crimes started building up when I was only about 9, when my Grandmas illness was really severe. By then, her collapses were happening more and more. It was traumatising for me, to watch while by Grandma had these 'Incidents', as the doctors called them. Struggling to help her back to health, I had to resort to stealing. On my way to school, I took the long route and wrestled my way through the market, all the 'Odds Were In My Favor'. I was small, so I went unnoticed, the large crowds concealed me, and who would expect a tiny 9-year old to steal? I have to admit, I was tough at first and at times I got suspected, but never caught. I was risking my life, but also saving my Grandmas. She meant so much to me, I would never let her slip away, and that's what I promised myself. She was all I had.

The tears are streaming down my face as I roll over in my sleeping bag when I feel the sharp pain. It's not excrutiating but enough to make me exclaim. What was that? I jerk upwards to see what caused the pain when I see a mush of metal on the floor. Them little b*stards I think as I realise what I have destroyed. A Camera. The metal object filming my emotional moment, sent by the Gamemakers is a small camera controlled on four thin legs, almost like a spider. I curse again at the Gamemakers. How dare they. My one moment I thought I had privacy, they send a camera on legs to film my tears. Great! That's going to make me look tough isn't it? I through the mess out of the tent in a rage and slam my head to the ground. Like I'm going to get sleep when they've put me in this mood.