Steven Carter POV
I grumble as I head down the damp, dimly-lit hallway to Room 153. Inside awaits the rather snooty Rosaline Snow; I hate dealing with her. She's a bratty snob. But I am a security guard, and dealing with her is my job. I have to collect her and bring her to the new Capitol for the Hunger Games. She'll probably die in there, and then I won't have to see her anymore. However, for these final hours, I am stuck with her. As my hand encloses around the cold metal doorknob, I steel myself for the cursing, yelling, and icy stares I will surely receive from Rosaline.
When the door creaks open, I am shocked at what I see. Rosaline is collapsed on her cot. Her white-blonde hair is splayed messily on her pillow, and tears trickle down the spidery, intricate silver tattoos on her pale cheeks. Her eyes are shut, and you can see the tiny, starry diamonds implanted behind her eyelashes. This is odd. Normally every strand of her hair would be styled perfectly. Normally her emerald eyes would be fixated on me, glowing with sullen rebellion. This is not a normal situation though. "Rosaline, get up. We have to take you to the Capitol." I say gruffly. Rosaline'e eyes flutter open. She looks at me with tears in her eyes.
"What? For the Hunger Games?" She asks, her voice choked by tears. I nod. "Why me? It was my grandfather's fault! I never did anything! It's not my fault! Please don't take me there...to the cruel, cruel Capitol." She pleads, the tears now running freely down her cheeks. Her emerald eyes widen and her ruby lips quiver slightly. She looks to be the very picture of innocence. I know better; what thoughts lie beneath those big, innocent green eyes.
"Don't play these games with me, Rosaline. You know I won't fall for your puppy-dog act. " I tell her roughly. She blinks, and those emerald eyes harden into shards of ice. Okay. Take me to the Capitol for these Games. Just let me get my token." Rosaline replies coldly, getting to her feet and raking her spindly fingers through her silvery-blonde tresses.
"Token?" I echo, confused and suspicious. "Yes, token, you beefy idiot. Every tribute gets one." She answers snarkily. "Rosaline, if you're planning something, remember. The board will carefully screen each token and can take it away at any time. " I caution. She's not listening. She's already searching for her token.
Rosaline returns in a few minutes, an enigmatic smile playing on her full, ruby-red lips. "I have my token." She says, her eyes glinting triumphantly.
"What is it?" I inquire, genuinely curious to what the little she-devil has decided on. Is it a ring hiding a toxic spike? A vial of poison? In answer, she holds out a too-perfect white rose.
A/N: Sorry! I know these chapters are really short, but this is kind of just a prologue. Once we get into the games, I promise, the chapters will be a lot longer. Thank you to Arrowson for the very kind review. It really brightened up my day! :) Please remember to review! Reviews are like sweet, creamy hot chocolate on a cold winter's day!