Chapter Two.
After I shook hands with Barley, Dyllia called out the traditional "May the odds be ever in your favour!". Barleys scowl deepens. Whoa, didn't know that was possible. I was escorted by two Peacekeepers into the Justice Building. I can't help but marvel at the luxurious interior. High, arching ceilings, huge stained-glass windows overlooking the City Square, and plush red carpet make this the nicest building I've ever been in. Well, it would be, if the circumstances had been better. If I wasn't walking to my death.
As I wait on a cushy purple armchair, my entire family files in. Little Sunny is crying. Even a one-a-half year old can tell something's wrong. Twig has tears trickling down her cheeks. Even Mother is looking like she ate something sour as she tries not to break down. Maize is the only one who isn't red eyed. He marches straight up to me, and gives me a hug. "You can do it. You can find food, and you can run. You can use a sling. And you have brains. Use them," he whispers in my ear. I nod. He releases me, and is brushed aside as Twig tackles me. "Please, please come home. Please!" she sobs into my shoulder. "I'll try. Really." I reply. Sunny reaches towards me and says, "See-see don't go!" she screams. "I have to, Sunny."
After saying goodbye, my family leaves, and my best friend, Cherry, hurries in, clutching something in her hands. "Take this," she pants, "Token." She opens he hands, revealing a woven bracelet. I nod solemnly, and take it. It fits perfectly. She sits by me until Peacekeepers escort her out. I have to win.
On the train, we meet our mentors, Millet and Poppy. Millet won the 31st Hunger Games by throwing homemade spears. Poppy won the 20th by starving the others out of their hiding spots, then setting traps. I get Poppy. She has short, greying hair, and dark skin. She just studies me for a long while. Finally, she begins speaking. Her voice is highish, and a bit raspy. "Okay, so I can tell you're a survivor," she states, gesturing at my skinny body and calloused hands. "And I know you can fend for yourself," she says, pointing at the faint scars on my arms. "But I don't know your personality. I don't know if you have the will to survive. If you can face the atrocities in the Arena with your head held high, or if you'll be an easy target for the Careers," She looks to the door now, and snaps her fingers. A blond Avox walks in, bearing a platter of sandwiches. Poppy nods her thanks, and the Avox walks out.
After lunch, I go to my room to freshen up. "Wow," is the only thing going through my head. The room is at least twice as plush as the Justice Building, and makes our three-room house look like a filthy shack. The walls are a soft, forest green, with big windows framed with deep purple curtains that fall to the floor. The carpet is beige, and so soft that is feels like I'm going to sink up to my ankles. And the bed is bigger than every bed in our house put together, and has a fluffy purple bedspread, and about ten pillows. I head to the dresser, eager to see what treasures it holds. Wow. Who would have thought that such an unassuming mahogany drawer could hold so many pairs of pants? I go to the closet, and pull out a simple, red cotton button-up shirt. The plain fabric feels soft as down against my torso. I then unfold a pair of dark jeans. The only denim we have back home is rough coveralls, bleached by the sun, and worn from use. This feels so different. Fitted until my knees, then gently flaring out to my feet. I then step into some green slippers. After brushing my hair, I step into the dining area for a strategy meeting.
A/N: Sorry for not updating! But thank you to writer girl 25 and Drewfreeze for favouriting! So please keep reading and reviewing!