Chapter 2- Cross my heart, hope to die

I tried to imagine what precious tributes had thought as they paced around this same room. They had been redecorated, and rules had been changed, but surely some of their emotions must have been the same. Surely, they must have known that they had a minimal chance of survival.

Never give up hope, the sound of Jamie's voice echoed in my head. My hand inadvertently fell down to the golden heart shaped locket around my neck. "I won't," I spoke aloud, hoping to hold on to his words forever.

When I awoke in the morning, I began wondering what it would be like to be in the games. My plan was to find a nice shelter and emerge once the others were gone. Of course, sometimes things weren't so simple.

I felt dizzy as I arrived at breakfast. Sitting down at a large table, I noticed a boy with jet-black hair and electric blue eyes. He had a scar over his right eye, although it was slightly faded. I knew that he was the other tribute from district seven. His name was Pierce Albright.

"Hello," I mumbled to fill the empty silence. He looked up at me as though we were back in classes and he felt too proud to speak to a girl like me. he nodded a response as though he felt it would make him look cool.

I could tell by the way that he slouched that once he stood he would tower over my pathetic four feet and eleven inch build. The look in his eye was distant, but I felt as though it may just be set to hide behind.

"Kiera, right?" He asked, his voice a low husky whisper.

I nodded although I knew he wasn't looking at me. "Yeah," I mumbled. He glanced up at me and smiled slightly. "Welcome to the hunger games."

Bethany Heilwood, the winner from six years previous, entered the room with a bright smile for both of us. "I assume the two of you are hungry?" she said, her voice much cheerier than I thought possible.

I nodded but Pierce didn't respond.

"Wonderful!" Bethany chirped as two people came out with trays of eggs, bacon, toast, grits, rice, pancakes, and different juices.

Bethany seated herself right next to me. She took my hand in an encouraging way. "You look like a strong girl, Kiera. I'm sure you can handle the games."

I wanted to scoff, but my aunt had taught me to be polite. If Bethany had known that my muscle all came from cleaning, I'm sure she wouldn't feel so proud or confident. I still smiled and mumbled a simple thanks in response before digging into my breakfast.

"Now," Bethany started as I picked away at my last piece of toast even though my belly was full. "I'm sure you both have been thinking deeply about what's about to happen…"

"Not much else we can do," Pierce mumbled.

"…but I would like to assure you that there is no need to fear. Of course, both of you can't win, but I'm confident one of you will prosper."

Pierce turned to me, electric blue eyes cold as ice. "May the best tribute win…"