Annie
I pull back my curtain and stare out of Cleona's bedroom window, pushing hair from my eyes. Already, workers are preparing the district for the arrival of Opal, our Capitol escort. Roped off areas being set up, the stage being swept, hedges surrounding the Justice Building being given a final trim. Sighing, I lean back and shut the window as I hear Cleo call me from downstairs, "Coming," I answer. When I enter her kitchen, she stands with her back to me, preparing breakfast. I study her for a moment, sizing her up, wondering if she will volunteer next year. Her great-uncle did win, several decades ago, but he was eighteen, I'd have thought Cleona, of all people, would've been against volunteering, after she lost her cousin to the games only four years ago.
"Morning," she smiles breathlessly, "Looking forward to later?"
"S'pose, big party, init," I try to return the smile but she suddenly pulls out a chair opposite me and sits down, her eyes bore into mine.
"What's up? Huh?"
"N-n-nothing, I-"
"You're still hung over what I said last night, aren't you?" there's no point in trying to deny it, she knows me better than anyone and can tell when I'm lying, I nod glumly.
"Don't be," She reaches out for my hand and gives me a reassuring smile, "I might not even do it." I can also tell when she's lying and I know she still has every intention of volunteering, but I push the thought out of my mind and grin back at her,
"Okay."
Two hours later, we're standing in the roped off sections assigned for fourteen year olds. Finnick stands barely meters away from me, at the front of the section, reaching through the rope to hold, my stomach plummets, Esme's hand. I chew my lip impatiently.
Opal stands. "Welcome, welcome everyone her to this wonderful occasion."
She is met with a series of woops and cheers, unlike many of the other districts, for 'appreciates' the games. We don't. None of us like the games, we just want the glory that they bring. Personally, I wouldn't say I'm too bothered. Then again, if we hadn't had so many victors, we'd be in a much worse state than we are currently. Basically- we feed off the dead children.
Opal talks us through a series of uninteresting things, before finally getting to the business of choosing the names. She needn't bother, there's always some volunteers. She goes to the male bowl first, stretching her clawed fingers and closing them sharply around a slip of paper, clearing her throat, she reads the name
"Perseus Terana"
The fifteen year old reaches the stage with a hard face, Opal asks for volunteers and there are several cries. Five or six people run to the stage, it's a battle of punching and shoving until one remains standing at the top of the steps. Floppy bronze hair, sparkling green eyes, body that must be all muscle.
Finnick.
Finnick
I laugh for the cameras, Opal asks my name, "Finnick Odair." I state, "Fourteen." There's a gasp from the crowd, then a lot of angry yelling, they don't think I could do it, they think I've lost them the games. I snatch the mic out of my escort's hands and roar, "THE VICTOR OF THE 65th HUNGER GAAAMESSS!" I rip off my shirt to show my hench body and give the camera a flashy wink.
I'm not daring to believe that I've actually done it. But I have. And I know I'm going to win.
The Capitol accent snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Cleona Herodina."
Annie
I turn frantically sideways at my best friend, but she's not there, she's halfway up those stone steps, seconds away from becoming a tribute, when suddenly…
Finnick
"I Volunteer!" the shrill voice cries, I look eagerly around, to see who I'll be facing. They're not at the front with the eighteen year olds, not slightly further back with the seventeen year olds. They're not even with the sixteens! I'm puzzled, who is it? Then I see her. Prancing up towards the platform. Fury wells up inside me, she passes my ear and I hiss,
"what the fuck do you think you're doing? You do know only one of us can win? Bloody idiot."
"Esme Carters, 15." She turns back to me and gives me a simpering smile, I retaliate with a death glare.
"Oooh, this is interesting, a fourteen and a fifteen year old, how's this going to turn out?"
"Ahem, um, we're boyfriend and girlfriend actually," Esme giggles and pouts towards the camera. I've never been so embarrassed to be alive. Though the Capitol audience is probably going mental, the rest of four are shaking their heads in disgust.
I don't show this though, giving one last wave to the cameras, I am escorted to the Justice Building.
Hm, it's short, I know, but I didn't have much time this afternoon, I assure you more will be up shortly, thanks for reading and please, please review! x
