3.
Rodens smile has fallen from his face and he can only stare at me in mute horror. I am staring back. I know I should respond. I should move onto the stage before the peacekeepers come and drag me up there. But I can't move. My legs are rooted to the ground as I feel the eyes of everyone- Roden Hemi, the other boys, the girls, and my father- on me. It isn't until I hear Venture Pointe call my name again, that I finally decide to move.
The walk onto the stage reminded me of the first time on my Father's fishing boat, where the floor beneath me shifted and I thought I woud never walk in a straight line again. Step by step, I made my way up the wooden steps and onto the stahe beside Venture Pointe. I can see Kalei Jonas watching me with sharp eyes, but I don't aknowledge her existance. Instead, I turn out and stare into the lines of children.
"Are there any Volenteers?" asked Venture.
I scan the crowds, my heart leaping at my last chance. My eyes seek out Dane, but when I see his stern face I realise that the rumours of him volenteering this year really were just rumours. Moments of silence tick by and, with growing dread, I realise that I am going to have to do this. I am going to have to take part in the Hunger Games.
Venture clapped his hands together,
"I present to you, District 4, your tributes- Kalei Jonas and Finnick Odair."
As the anthem of Panem started playing, I felt a burning vile rise in my throat. I was going to throw up. Right then and there. In front of my friends. In front of my District. In front of the cameras. Infront of everyone- including my competitors and perspective sponsors. By sheer will power, I manage to hold myself together. I glared at the camera, keeping my head held high and refusing to look anywhere else, afraid that if I met the pitying eyes of my District, I really would throw up.
If that happened they might as well cut my heart out with a sickle.