Time and space are supposed to be on a continuum. Yet for a split second, time stopped, and the space around Wiress seemed to shatter. She saw the faces in the crowd in one fragment of her vision. She looked up and saw the soot-filled sky. The midmorning sun was shining on her, yet she felt cold. She couldn't hear Eustacia repeating her name, but she heard her heart beating. Wiress shook her head at her friends before letting go of their hands. Slowly made her way to the stage. Head high, shoulders back, just like we practiced at home. Her grandmother's voice reminded her. Instead of climbing the stage to receive an award, Wiress was walking to almost certain death.
"Are there any volunteers?" Eustacia asked as Wiress began climbing the stage. She paused on the stage and Eustacia's question was met with silence. "Very well then!" Wiress walked to Eustacia. Not knowing what to do, she held out her hand.
"Lovely, lovely to meet you dear!" Eustacia said shrilly shaking Wiress' hand. "Why don't you introduce yourself and tell us what you are you most excited about for this year's Hunger Games?" Wiress looked out at the crowd. Some of the younger teens were wearing their engineering academy sweaters. The academy uniform was a popular reaping outfit if a student had no other nice clothes.
"I'm Wiress Carpenter." Wiress said evenly into the microphone. "I'm excited to represent the Engineering Academy of District Three." Suddenly she saw her two friends raise their right hands in the air, palms facing out, their middle and ring-fingers forming a V. It was their district sign for goodbye and a sign of honor. Soon her other classmates at the Engineering academy were giving her the district sign followed by the whole crowd. Wiress made the sign back at the crowd. "Thank you, Engineering Academy. Thank you, District Three." She handed the microphone back to Eustacia.
"Yes! Well done!" Eustacia squealed. "Isn't this day so exciting?" She was oblivious to the glares she was getting from the crowd. She picked the boy tribute's name. "Terrance Ironsmith!" Eustacia called. A boy came out of the sixteen year old section. He looked strong but not overly built like a Career tribute. Eustacia called for volunteers but there were none. He walked to the stage in a similar manner as Wiress and shook Eustacia's hand. "What are you most excited about for this year's Hunger Games?" Eustacia asked.
"Dunno." Terrance said lightly. "I haven't exactly left the district yet, have I?" A few people chuckled. "Hm – well – I suppose with Beetee as my mentor – things might get – electrifying!" In spite of herself, Wiress laughed along with the crowd. Terrance winked and gave everyone a thumbs-up.
"Well – tributes, shake hands!" Eustacia called. Terrance and Wiress shook hands. Wiress gave Terrance a small smile. "Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor!"
No! PLEASE – FOR THE LOVE OF PANEM – NO! Beetee's mind screamed when Wiress's name was called. He was moved to tears when the students of the academy followed quickly by the whole district saluted her. He had to look strong for the camera, but inside, he was cracking. The young woman he had fallen in love with was going to die. I can't think like that. He thought. Beetee, if there was any time you don't give up on a tribute, now is the time! His brain screamed at him. She's not just 'a tribute.' The heart-broken side of his brain wailed. Yes. That's why you do not give up! He clenched his fists and took deep breaths as Eustacia finished the reapings. He wouldn't give up on Wiress. He would do whatever he could to bring her home.
A/N: I got the district sign from some other people who have used the same gesture in their D3 stories.
Also, from here, Beetee and Wiress' relationship becomes more intense. This is where elements of Breathe by NutsandVolts are adapted to the story. I figured I had to build up to it with the previous chapters.
Poor Beetee.