The rest of the reaping went by in a blur. Mindy reaped the boy tribute, I forgot his name, something like Kristopher, I don't remember. I went numb. I shut down. I wanted this, I wanted to get away. I had the chance but, suddenly, the whole fight to the death thing, didn't sound very appealing. I wouldn't make it
out alive. I new I wouldn't. That's what made it so scary. I could feel the peacekeepers grabbing me and pushing me forward. I stumbled slightly and then I remembered the crowd. I looked at them. Most of them stared back with pity. I didn't need their pity. I squared my shoulders and managed to put one foot in front of the other. They ushered me into to the city hall building where we could say our last goodbyes to our family and friends. I didn't have any friends. I kept to myself. Whenever I tried to talk to someone they ignored me. I became invisible. But that's okay. I didn't need anymore emotional grief to take with me into the arena. The doors opened and my sister burst into the room tackling me with a hug. "Oh Finch, you said it would be okay!" she sobbed into my shoulder. I took a deep breath. "Em, it's going to be okay." I said firmly. "That's what you said, but now look what happened." she was shaking now. I pulled her to face me. "Ember. So I got reaped. If it was you, you know I would've volunteered in a heart beat. I'm going into the arena, and I'm going to win. For both of us. And when I get back you can come live with me, if you like. We can go shopping for jewelry and eat all the ice cream we can hold. Okay?" "But, but," she whimpered, "I don't want to lose you." she hugged me tight. "You won't Em, I love you." I whispered in her ear. "I love you too," she whispered back. The peacekeepers opened the door, and ushered her out. She looked back at me once more before they closed the doors again. I got up and looked around the room. It was nice, marble floors, gorgeous overstuffed chairs. I looked out the window, townspeople were milling around still in the town square. I heard the doors open and I turned around. My mother stood in front of me, standing straight and poised. My heart fluttered with hope. Maybe, she wanted to tell me she loves me heck, I'd settle with a hug. She walked up to me and stared at me square in the eyes. "I'm glad it was you," she snarled. My mouth dropped open as she turned on her heels and left. It felt like a punch in the gut. My heart shattered into a million pieces. I felt sick. I staggered over to the chair and sat. I can't believe it. No, actually I can but, it still stung. Tears poured down my face. I think I was shaking. It all hit me at once. I was going into the arena with my mother not loving me. I was going to die.I heard the click of the door open and a peacekeeper walked in. "Ms. Goldstaff?" he boomed. I looked up still shaking. "It's time to go now." he said. I got up and walked outside of the room. More peacekeepers surrounded me as we walked to the train. I kept my head held high and stared straight ahead looking at no one. I couldn't meet their eyes. I boarded the train and took a seat. The train was sleek, one of the newer models from the Capitol. With the speeds the train could go at, we'd be at the Capitol in around an hour. The other tribute boy came and sat down next to him. I scooted farther away. No way was I socializing. I needed to shut everybody out. I didn't need anyone to help me. Mindy walked onto the train and clapped her hands. She started babbling on about who knows what, I tuned her out and looked out the window. That's when i saw her, my sister. Running alongside the train. She was shouting something, her arms waving in the air. Peacekeepers quickly surrounded her and grabbed her. She tried to break free but they wouldn't let go. The eventually gave up and started crying. She collapsed, shaking with her sobs. And that was the last time I saw my sister.