Jase Strat POV District 6
"Jase. Jase. Jase, honey, breakfast is ready." Mom crooned lightly brushing my hair. I smiled as I stretched.
"Something smells good." I commented sniffing the air.
"Biscuits and gravy. Your favorite." She said as she left the room. That's one of the great aspects of being an only child. I get my way a lot. I grabbed my glasses and went to the bathroom to wash up. I got a comb wet and tried to brush my untidy brown hair. It went right back to the same mess. I shrugged and washed my face. I had sharp defined features that I inherited from my dad and brown eyes I got from Mom. I also had big hands and feet even though I am short (Mom says it's a sign I'll be tall). I headed to the kitchen imagining what the world would look like if I was taller.
…
I went to my room and grabbed my dress shirt and pants. I put them on and they were a bit big. Mom and Dad say I'll grow into them but it would be nice to have something until then. I grabbed my token, a copper bracelet that will occasionally turn my skin green (not that I cared). I gave one more quick attempt at my hair than my family and I set off.
…
I stood in the thirteen-year-old section holding my breath. I watched the mayor give his speech without hearing a word. I heard our escort give his name without remembering a thing. I watched a fourteen-year-old girl get chosen without feeling a thing. The only thing that processed is the name that was shouted out next.
"Jase Strat!" I heard my dad gasp, my mother scream. Everything was going to quickly. Before I knew it I was on stage. I looked at the crowd willing someone to volunteer. I was then shoved into the City Hall where I was to wait for any visitors.
…
"No, that didn't happen, this is a nightmare, a very vivid nightmare. No, that didn't happen, this is a nightmare, a very vivid nightmare." Mom was chanting holding my hand. She was in shock. My dad on the other hand (literally he had my other hand) was ordering me to return.
"Jase! You are coming back! You hear me? You are smart! Look at me!" he shouted forcing my head towards him. "Don't you dare die! You will return home!"
The peacekeeper opened the door saying our five minutes are up.
"Don't you dare die!" My father shouted before the door closed.
"I won't. I promise."