I'm in awe. My name was only in a couple times, not nearly as much some of the other people. Lucky he called me lucky. Juniper made a face at me like I was a wounded child. I felt pats on the back. I slowly walked out of my row, and down the cobblestone sidewalk. I passed Libra. She was holding her friends hands, and had tears in her eyes. I had never thought I would be picked, I half expect Libra to run up and volunteer for me.
I climb the wide stone stairs, and stand behind Velorum. He reaches into the male's bowl.
"Catax Ivory! Where are you Catax?"
A small, caramel haired boy steps away from the front of the crowd, and looks back. The woman who owns the sweet shop is crying. They have the same hair, and I didn't know Mrs. Ivory had any kids. He looked young, only thirteen or fourteen, and he had a worried expression permanately plastered on his face. His eyes were chocolate brown, and filled with tears. I felt tears behind my eyes, but I held them in. I would not be weak. I scanned the crowd for my mother and father. My mom had a sad look on her face, but wasn't making eye contact. I couldn't find my father anywhere.
After a while, they ushered us into the Justice Building. I was taken into a fancy room, full of luxurious white furniture. The walls were painted the color of pine needles in the fall. THe floor was thick slats of dark wood, spruce I suspected. Bookshelves full of old, leather cased books covered the far wall. I sat down on the couch, it was a soft, slippery cloth.
The large brass door slowly opened, and my mom and Libra ran in. Libra fell to her kness and hugged me, but my brain dead mother, gawked at the books, a luxury we could never afford.
"Jo. Oh Johanna you can't go in!" Libra cried.
"Look, I'll be okay. I know how to throw an axe or two, you know," she smiled at that, but I could teel she was still scared for me. I ran my fingers through her golden hair. "I love you so much,"
When the peacekeepers came in, I hugged my sister, and even my mother. I inhaled the scent that used to mean security to me, but now means weakness, and sadness. They were ushered out.
I sat back down on the couch. Of all people, Cornelia Aldjoy came in next. She walked over to me, and gave me a hug.
"Make District Seven proud. We all know you of all people, could." she told me. She put a medallion of Seven's seal in my hand, and walked out. My dad hadn't come yet. Where was he? He was the only person I really wanted to see. I had the medallion in a white knuckle grip. The door burst open again, this time my dad came in with a bag full of things. He hugged me tight. I never wanted to let go. He pulled out a plaid wool quilt.
"Keep you warm in the capitol, it can get cold up there," he told me. I could feel tears in my eyes. He gave me a smaller bag with a chocolate bar in it. "It is as sweet as you," lastly he pulled off his wedding band. "I want this to be your token. Don't take it off. I love you so much,"
"Daddy," I whispered.
"No Johanna, listen to me. Act weak, don't be a target for them. I've seen you throw an axe. You are a legitimate threat. Stay extra late in training to show off your skills, if you are allowed to stay late. Put on weight with the food there," I listened closely, I had to. I was crying now. "You can win. Do not trust anyone." I hugged him before he could talk again.
"Daddy, I don't want to go. I can't win, you've seen these people!" I said between gasps.
"It's ok. I know you can. Now cry at the train station. Look scared at all times when you are around the other tributes, OK?." I nodded my head. I continued to hug him. Peacekeepers came in and dragged him away from me. And like that, he was gone.