Hey, everyone!

So, I'm really glad you've clicked on Chapter 3 of my Hunger Games story! Please make sure your safe from all the flying ninja hippos. They look like regular hippos, but they have rainbow colored eyes and they can fly! That's how you know! Have a nice day! ;)

I'm just kidding, I'm not crazy!

Enjoy!

Chapter 3

Saying Goodbye

"You have three minutes," I heard the Peacekeeper say, and Journey came in.

"Journey?" I asked. "I didn't expect you to be here."

She ran up to me so suddenly and gave me a hug.

Her tears stained my dress as she cried, and I hugged her and ran my hand through her hair.

She pulled her head away to look at me and choked out, "The-this is f-from your br-brother…"

I held my tears in for Journey's sake, then whispered, "Thank you."

"He al-also said h-he wouldn't w-win i-if it m-meant killing y-you," she whimpered.

"Journey, why are you so sad?" I asked gently.

"B-because you d-don't d-d-deserve this!" she buried her face back in my dress. I knew the sparkles must be hurting her face, but she didn't pull away.

I wanted to make her feel better. I wanted to reassure her that we'd both be fine, but I couldn't.

I was going to die in the arena, and I wasn't going to tell Journey otherwise.

And no matter what I said, no matter what I did, there was no way I could stop Journey's horrible shaking.

"Journey, would you do me a favor?" I whispered in here ear.

"Anything," she sobbed weakly.

"Would you ask my mom why she didn't come visit me?"

Journey whispered, "She didn't come?"

"No," I whispered.

Journey took a couple deep breaths. She backed away from me slowly. She seemed to have stopped stuttering. "That's horrible!"

"Journey, it's not that bad," I reassured her. "I got used to it."

"But your going to a place where you could die, and this may be the last chance she gets to speak with you, and she's not even going to show up?!"

"Journey-"

"How are you not crying? How are you not falling apart inside? How can you be there for me, now, when I should be here for you, because you need it!"

"I usually have my brother," I whispered, "to remind her that I exist in more than just context. But he can't remind her…and I bet you she went to see him."

"She was leaving when I came in. She was crying into her hands. I heard her say, 'I just want to get home,'" Journey wiped a tear off her cheek. "I thought she'd already visited you."

I shook my head. "Well, I hope you'll tell her that I wished she'd notice me, won't you? And tell her that I hope she misses me when I die on camera. And ask her not to cry too hard."

Journey looked a little troubled by what I was asking her to say, but I needed my mother to know.

Then she nodded. "Anything."

"The city will take care of you, Journey," I whispered.

The Peacekeeper opened the door and said, "Time's up."

Journey left, muttering, "I wish you'd noticed me…hope you miss me when I die on camera…don't cry to hard…"

The door closed with a hard clunk behind her, and I stood and waited. I just waited for the Peacekeepers to take me to Daphnia so I could ride in the car with my brother and know someone in my family cared about me.

Dad left…Mom neglected me…Jeremy is the only parent/role model I have.

And now we're both going to die.

Or, more than likely, I'm going to die.

He's smart. He'll live. He's brave. He'll live.

I'm stupid. I'll die. I'm cowardly. I'll die.

Right there, on camera, in front of my mom.

But how much do you want to bet she'll be getting a snack or using the bathroom when the cameras aren't on Jeremy?

It's a safe bet.

The doors opened and two Peacekeepers stepped in. They lead me out of the room, and down to where the car was waiting for me.

They opened the door and I crawled in. The seats were yellow velvet that looked awful against the black interior of the car.

I sat down next to Daphnia.

Her skirt took up most of the floor space, but I tried not to show my discomfort and waited for my brother.

"Dear," Daphnia whispered, and I realized she was talking to me.

Actually talking and looking at me.

"Yes?" I asked.

"I hope you know how much of an honor this is. Even with the circumstances, and your brother and all, I just…I do hope you know how honorable this is."

I sighed. "I don't see the honor in dying for sport."

"You can't think like that and expect to live!" Daphnia squeaked. "You're strategy is going to save your life. Winning will bring so much glory to your District!"

I'll just let my brother do that, I thought. He's been the honorable one in the family anyway, right? Just ask my mom. She's probably answer with a simple, "Dylila who?"

The car door on the other side of Daphnia opened and my brother crawled in.

"Hello, Daphnia," Jeremy said curtly as the car started.

"Hello, young man," Daphnia said. "I do hope you're not dreading the Games as much as your sister."

Jeremy eyed me from over Daphnia. I shrugged.

He looked back over at Daphnia, smiled, and looked at the wall.

I looked out the window of my door and stared at the passing streets and buildings and docks and waters.

Just let my brother do that…I thought.

Oh, please, whoever's listening, please let my brother go home.

How come I always end my chapters with thoughts? With The House of Hades and with Bloody Water...:-/?

Anyway, aw, why does she feel like she's going to die? Only time will tell! And I can't believe her mother didn't say goodbye...:'(

Thanks for Reading!