District 8 was a dreary district, at day or night, summer or winter, the ever constant howling wind bit though the rags of the towns people, howling out the faces of the already beaten down. Everywhere was grey, the buildings all a uniform grey a parade of soldiers blocking us in, the ground cracked grey concrete that slapped against your bare feet and bit at your toes and the sky as constant as the wind and the earth, grey. Even the people of the town seemed to turn grey and wither away. There was only one exception. One thing in the whole town that had any colour. The factory. On the outside it looked as cracked and grey and bland as any other building but inside, bright colours exploded in front of your eyes. Fabrics being loomed at an exceptional rate. Mannequins each dressed in outlandish and over the top styles. Here is the only place in the entire district that you saw people smiling. As soon as you turned 12 you started working after school doing fiddly buttons and intricate detail on the fabrics. Nora Turncoat was no exception.
A soon as the final bell went she and the torrent of other children all headed to the factory and set to work. Her long dark hair in a simple plait down her back contrasted with her bright blue eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness. She sat down at her desk and stated sowing real preserved flowers onto a simple dress. Her best friend, Pam Muscatine , set down next to her. They looked the total opposite as Nora had the complete opposite hair colour, A bright golden blonde that was kept to a short length just above the chin line. And her eyes were a pale green that seemed to shimmer and glow. Both of them were 17 and have been best friends since the day the first day of school. The companion in the silence eased the tension in both of the shoulders as they tried to relax.
The peacekeepers wandered from desk to desk observing the work telling people to hurry up. No one spoke. If you did they would take you out into the square and beat you. 4 long hours later. She wandered home with Pam by her side. They were the sort of friends that didn't have to say anything to each other and still gain comfort. But tonight they were not silent.
"how many times are you entered in there?" Pam asked Nora. A bubble of panic rose up her throat as she replied.
"37" she tried to contain her panic. And failed.
"why do you have so many? That's double than last year!" Pam's voice broke at the end of the sentence.
Nora looked down ,clearly upset by her friends outburst.
" it's the new baby twins, our family has double since last year, and mum is pregnant again." tears started rolling down her face "and…and this year is the last year that I can get a Tessera. Which means little Suzie has to get them" Suzie was twelve next month, narrowly missing this year hunger games, which is tomorrow.
" don't worry" Pam sighed as she stroked Nora's hair. "everything will be okay"
" but it won't!" Nora cried "if I get picked tomorrow…If I am chosen, my family will die!"
"That's not true" Pam whispered. "if you win everything will be sorted out, you'll have a house, plenty of food."
Nora laid awake in her plain bed which she shared with Suzie who was asleep. If she got picked, and died. Then her family would lose a pay check. But they wouldn't. As Suzie was starting work, there would be no difference. In fact it'd be better as they would lose a mouth to feed. More food for the family. If she got picked and won, everything would be so much better. They wouldn't have to pay the rent, they would get hot water and electricity. They would get enough food and water. But could she do it? Could she win the hunger games. Could she kill innocent people, strangers, children? She knew the answer.
For her family, Anything.
