Chapter 4

Please, Don't Give Up

I wonder if this is what fish feel like, just going about their day, knowing that the worst could come at any minute, but when the spear finally comes down on them it is a shock. A pain that they were not expecting. That is what I feel like. The spear has come down on me and my mind is fuzzy. I know there is no chance of me winning these games. Not with Districts One and Two and their Career Tributes. But, maybe this is my time. Maybe I have lost all hope at ever finding happiness in this world. Maybe this is best for everyone.

I walk up onto the stage and stand next to Dedra. She asks for volunteers, but no one does. I did not expect anyone to, but as I look at the crowd, I see Amber and tears are falling down her face. I give her a look that says, "Don't you dare." and she looks away as more tears come. Then, I see Boyd. I don't know what he is feeling or thinking, but he looks both shocked and almost angry. I can't look into his eyes or I might lose it.

Dedra moves over to the boys bowl, now, and pulls out a piece of paper. Again, she walks over to the microphone.

"And our boy Tribute is . . . Dominic Bardell."

I know him. He goes to my school. His father also owns a fishing supply shop. I heard his mom left when he was young, taking his younger sister with her. Now it's just the two of them. I guess that is why he is angry most of the time. He does not really have any friends and I do not think I have ever seen him smile. He spends a lot of time fishing, like me, and he is really good with a spear. He also knows how to trap, which will come in handy in the arena. That makes me feel even worse.

Dominic steps onto the stage. I have never noticed how strong he is. He has lots of muscles, probably from spearing. His brown curls fall over his forehead. He is very good looking. I had never noticed that before, either.

Dedra asks if there were any volunteers for Dominic, but again, there were none.

"I give you District Four's Tributes – Darcy Varella and Dominic Bardell." Dedra said. Then, Dominic and I had to shake hands. His hands were strong. I definitely don't have a chance against him.

We were lead away from the crowd and into the Justice Building where we we will have a chance to say a quick goodbye to our family. Gram walked in with a sympathetic look on her face. She walked right to me and gave me a hug. Then, I felt something wt on my shoulder. I looked up and saw she was crying.

"Please don't cry, Gram." I said.

"I'm sorry Darcy, I just don't want to lose you too. After your mother and father – I just couldn't do it."

"Don't worry about me. Just take care of Amber. She needs you to stay strong. Please."

"I will." she said. "But just promise me one thing. Don't give up on yourself. You are not weak, Darcy. I know you could win if you try. Please don't give up."

"I promise." I say and Gram was lead out of the room.

The next person that came in was Amber. As soon as she was let in, she ran towards me and almost tackled me with her hug. She was holding as as tight as she could, weeping.

"You can't go Darcy!" she was saying through her sobs. "You just can't!"

"Amber, everything is going to be okay. Please don't cry. I will be fine." I said, although I knew what I was saying was not the truth.

"You know you can win. I know you can! You're a great fisher, you know how to hunt, and you're great with a spear! You have a chance!"

"I know. I'll try. I promise, but I need you to promise me something." I knelt down so I could look her straight in the eye. "Amberly Varella, whatever happens, I need you to stay strong. For me. For Gram. Until I come back, you and Gram need to take good care of each other. You know how to fish. Boyd will help you hunt. The Dunsons will take good care of the both of you."

"Ok." said Amber. "I promise."

The Peacekeepers opened the door showing that it was time for her to leave. Amber gave me one last big hug and whispered, "Good luck." into my ear before walking out.

The final person to come in was Boyd. When he walked in and the doors closed behind him, all we could do was stare at each other. I don't know what he is thinking, but I bet it has something to do with Carmella. I don't want him to lost another friend to the Hunger Games. Carmella's death was so brutal and we both had to watch it. Now, he's going to have to watch the same thing happen all over again . . . to me.

"Darcy, I - "

"I know." I cut him off. "I know." All he can do then is hug me.

"I know you already think this is a lost cause, but it's not." he says as he pulls away from the hug. "I know you've told everyone else that you are going to win, but I know you. You're already thinking of the easiest way to die. You can't do this to me. You can't do this to yourself. Think of Carmella. She would want you to suck it up and win it. And I know you can."

"Times up." the Peacekeeper said. Boyd took my hand one last time, looked me in the eye, and nodded his head. I'll never know exactly what he meant by it. Maybe it was a nod of encouragement. Maybe it was a goodbye. All I know is that the nod was all I needed. As Boyd walked out of the room, leaving me all alone, I knew I had made up my mine. No matter how hard it gets, no matter how hopeless I think everything is, no matter how bad I want to let myself die, I can't. I won't. I am going to win the Hunger Games.