Okay, guys, thanks to the two people that reviewed this story, I definitely appreciated that. A whole lot. I know there are a few mistakes in the previous chapter, just ignore them because I tried to fix them but it wasn't updating . Reviews make me very happy, so please review!
*DISCLAIMER- Most characters and dialogue belong to the brilliant Suzane Collins*
There must be a mistake. There must be a mistake. These words run steadily through my head to the rhythm of my quickly beating heart, but a glance at Thresh confirms that there is no hope left. Thankfully, everything has stopped spinning, and I would be able to see if not for the tears blurring my vision that are held back by willpower alone.
"Any volunteers?" Reyna chirps, the fake smile still plastered on her face. I look hopefully at the crowd, but no one volenteers. My fate is sealed. I sneak a look at my mother, who is beside herself, sobbing silently. On her lap sits my baby sister, only a year old. She doesn't understand what is going on. She waves at me, which almost causes the tears I have held back to overflow and spill down my face. But I don't want to appear weak. I close my eyes for a minute and take a deep breath. Win this for them, I think. I realize that as I was collecting my thoughts the mayor has finished the dull Treaty of Treason and looks expectantly at us. I sigh and shake Thresh's hand. He looks down at me and squeezes my hand in what I interpret as a comforting gesture.
Then it dawns on me. I can't kill him. Even though he is years older than me he has always been a close family friend, but most importantly, he has been my friend. I close my eyes and shake my head. If it comes to it, he has to kill me, because I cannot kill Thresh. Part of my reasoning is selfish. I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt. The other part is simply the thought of taking dear Thresh's life. It would be like killing my brother. I step back once we're done shaking hands and wait.
After the anthem ends, a group of Peacekeepers take us into a building and deposit us in separate rooms. I am alone with my thoughts. I take in my surroundings. With lush, thick carpet and velvet chairs, it is the fanciest room I have ever seen, let alone been aloud in. I press my hands to my face and try not to cry because the visiting hour is close approaching.
When my mother walks in I throw myself into her arms. She hugs me close to her body and whispers, "My dear Rue, I will love you forever." There is evidence that she had been crying. I study her face, sweeping my eyes over every detail. I sit down and pull my baby sister onto my lap and kiss her chubby check.
"Sissy," she says. I smile, tears in my eyes, and hug her. The rest of my sisters come over to me, one by one, until they all have given me a hug. All too soon, a Peacekeeper is at the door, telling my family that time is up. My mother hands me a bracelet that I am to wear as a token from my district. One last time, I squeeze her hand and then let go. I take in what would be my last glimpse of my family.
Sorry, guys, I know that was short, but once we get to the actual games, I promise long, detailed chapters, so hang in there. (Hint: Reviews also help) Thank you so much for reading the first two chapters!