"Ariana Hesper."
The feeling when Yasmin calls my name sends the knot from my stomach up my throat, leaving me unable to speak, and fills me cold. The other 13 years olds shift away from me uncomfortably as Yasmin calls out,
"Ariana Hesper? Where are you dearie?"
In a daze, my eyes search for Atticus in the 15-year-old section, and there he is, staring back at me with cold eyes. We both know what to do, the Games have officially begun and it's time to start playing. I roll my shoulders back, take a deep breath, and lift my chin high as my legs slowly trudge to the aisle. My eyes are fixed in a malicious look as Atticus and I walk towards each other; our unforgiving stares burn deep into the camera. Everyone moves out of our way as we step through the crowd, balling our hands into fists like we might strike any given moment. He grabs my hand and we stride up to the stage as a pair, awarding poisonous stares to anyone and everyone whose eyes dare to flit our direction.
"I do believe there is one more Hesper, am I right? Yasmin says in her singsong voice as we firmly plant ourselves on the stage.
"No," I snap venomously. "She's only seven, too young to participate."
"Well don't try to steal all the glory from your dear sister! President Snow announced that this year age does not limit any tribute! If she is your sister, who I know she is, she will be participating. Weren't you listening, love?"
Peacekeepers carry a wide-eyed Abrielle up to the stage. I slip out of Atticus' hand and dart down the stage.
"Take her back." I demand.
"Miss Hesper- she is a trib-"
"Take her back this INSTANT, you mindless, loathsome fool!" I spit out.
Another peacekeeper comes from behind and grabs my hands behind my back and leads me back up the stage.
"She is seven bloody years old! Seven years!" I shriek.
I plow my elbow into the peacekeeper's stomach. He groans and lets go as I grab Abrielle. Tears fall from her eyes as she shouts,
"Sagey! Sagey! Take me to him, Ariana, I want to see him!"
She buries her head into my neck as I attempt to find Sage. I'm pushing past countless peacekeepers to get to him, and at last I spot him behind Atticus' section. He's running to me and I'm running to him and finally it's like no one else in the entire village square exists as we scream each other's names and I crash Abrielle into his soothing arms.
"Shhh, Abrielle it's okay! I'm here. Don't worry." He strokes her hair gently. My heart jumpstarts as I hear the peacekeeper's boots crunching on the gravel behind us, and he cruelly jerks Abrielle and I away. I feel my neck getting wet with tears as she buries her face to my neck. Everyone in the audience has their hand drawn to their mouth in utter shock. Everyone from District 5 weeps gently, silently rocking each other back and forth. They all feel so awful for me, yet not one of them volunteers. I catch myself on the screen that all of Panem will see. My glare is deep and hypnotizing, you could get lost in those stunning blue eyes. My mousy brown hair lies perfectly, but the tips are soaked from Abrielle's tears. I look unforgiving and powerful, traits that attract many sponsors. My chin is lifted high in confidence. My muscles flex as I carry Abrielle in my arms. I look like a winner.
"Now THAT'S the spirit of the Hunger Games. Absolutely spectacular," Yasmin giggles. "Now time for the gentlemen."
I see about every boy in District 5 shift uncomfortably.
"Yarrow Espinosa"
No. No no no. I know what is coming. He emerges from the 17 year olds. Strong build, but a gaunt face. He is older, but does not try to cover his panic. He slumps back to the adult crowd to find his mother; she's collapsed onto the sharp gravel huddled into a ball rocking back and forth. She clutches two little babies, one wrapped in a blue blanket and one wrapped in a pink. I don't think even the Capitol could make Yarrow's mother let go of her twins. He leans down and whispers something in her ear; she looks up at him in alarm but then nods her head and releases his brother and sister. Her hollow cries are still heard, but I can tell he is trying desperately to block them out.
"What an absolutely charming batch of tributes we have this year," announces Yasmin. "We can ensure all of us will be tuning in for the 40th Hunger Games to support you all! May the odds be ever in your favor!" Yasmin finishes.
Before the peacekeepers can lead us away I catch the rest of the crowd taking one, much needed sigh of relief before they head back to their homes, they escaped the grasp of the Capitol this time. Then peacekeepers nudge me off the stage and the images of their pitiful eyes still burn in my head.