A/N: Hey everyone. I just wanted to thank you all for reading this. If you check your messages, you will see that you have each gotten an important message from me. Check it out if you haven't seen it yet. Also, I am probably going to make a blogspot with all of the tributes, so stay tuned for that!
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This chapter is not designed to make fun of ANYBODY. The male tribute is not my own, and I wanted to make it clear that I AM NOT MAKING FUN OF ANYBODY. It's a great tribute, but it may be taken the wrong way. I am not making fun of anybody. You can be whoever you want to be. (:
IT GETS REALLY JUICY TOWARD THE REAPINGS
-Caterina Acqua-
Just one more mile, You can run one more mile before dinner!
Caterina's long, strong legs were running along the beach of District 4. She wore a sleeveless black and lime green pinny, black athletic shorts, and black sneakers. Her shoulder-length golden blonde hair was brought back into a ponytail, as usual. She could smell the lovely salty scent that could only be given by the sea. She could hear the waves peacefully crashing against the sand, perfectly in rhythm with her jogging. She could see the beautiful seashells that glistened after being brought to the shore by a wave. She could feel the utter joy that only the ocean could give her... Other than her father, twin sister, or best friend, Caylee, of course.
She may have only been thirteen years old, but many people have told her she looked sixteen. She took after her mother that way, with a mature face and attitude.
I wonder what mom was like. People say she looked and acted just like me. They say she was athletic, kind, and gentle. They say she had beautiful golden blonde hair and caramel eyes. It's comforting that we are so alike. I can't understand how the Capitol could bomb her store nine years ago, just because they felt like it. Just because they were bored. And yet, if someone were to kill a guilty man, the killer would become an Avox! And now these Hunger Games, that's just crossing the line!
Caterina was getting so annoyed at this point, just wishing she could punch a wall, but she was still running. She decided to just change the subject.
I feel bad for dad, having to deal with and support two teenage girls by himself, especially considering how poor we are. I should do something nice for him, maybe clean the house. Maybe... Ugh, when am I going to find time with all the training I have to catch up on? Wow, I am really running out of breath here. Have I finished the last mile yet? I must be getting close. Anyway, Thank God I decided to start training when they announced the Hunger Games. I wish I had started training sooner, since I've only gotten 3 months in. And I REALLY wish Rosanna decided to train with me. You can't take any chances, after all, and she's not what you would call the 'fittest' girl in District 4. In fact...
Suddenly, her watch beeped, halting both her running and her train of thoughts. She looked at it, panting.
12 miles. That's a new record, almost a half marathon! AND, it's only 8:30. I still have 2 hours to train, then I will get ready and grab a snack on the way to the reaping. Oh, Gosh. I don't want to go to the reaping.
-Pagarus Auriga-
"Zabrina, you always look fierce. You are so beautiful, but some of these clothes don't accentuate your natural beauty." Pagarus tossed a short yellow dress aimlessly to the floor. "Oi vey, what I wouldn't give to live in District 8!" He mumbled to himself, throwing his hand to his forehead. That was a lie. He was happy to live where he did. With his friends. Near water.
The opposite of fire.
That's why he could never survive in District 12. It reminded him too much of fire. When he was 4, the Capitol bombed District 4 because they were bored and it started a huge fire. He and his dad almost died. A tragic death.
Pagarus shook that memory from his head quickly.
"Zabrina! Come over here." The small, bubbly seventeen year old girl walked happily to her best friend, Pagarus. She really wanted to be popular, starting today! Pagarus looked down at the girls choice of clothing. She was wearing baggy jeans, a green striped T-Shirt, and white sneakers. "Okay, when you go to the reaping, you really want to look fierce. So, I am going to throw out your entire wardrobe, and we will go shopping for a new, improved fierce one. You have money, right?"
"Well, yes but -"
"Never mind, I will pay for you! It would be my pleasure to help you. Do you want a makeover, too? I will pay for that. Manicure? Pedicure? Whatever you want, I would be happy to help you. Though, you don't need any of that. You are fabulous and fierce either way." He said, walking out the door and almost banging his head on the frame because of his tall 6'5 structure. He turned around. "Are you coming?" He asked, swiping some of his golden blonde hair out of his brown eyes.
"Oh, yes!" Zabrina said, shaking out of her mesmerized stare at his perfectly tanned skin. "Coming!" She followed him. Zabrina was the only one that knew that he wasn't actually gay, not that there would be anything wrong with that. She so desperately wanted to be his girlfriend, but was afraid of what everyone else would think, considering almost everybody thought he was gay. For that reason, he wasn't really a serious love option.
"Okay let's hurry this up then! I still want to be able to go see Zelda, Chandra, David, Jerry, and Jazmine before the reaping, just to say goodbye. Just incase."
He allowed his head to fall down. Just the thought of being reaped, just the thought of having to hurt an innocent person, just the thought of never being able to see Zabrina again. That hit something deep inside. He really, really liked her. She's the only one that knew him. She was one of the only ones that not only knew, but believed he wasn't gay.
NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT.
She just seemed embarrassed of him, so he never pushed it any further.
"Pagarus, if you got reaped, I would cry. Literally, and truly, cry. You are my best friend."
"And if you were reaped, I wouldn't be able to live. I wouldn't even be able to volunteer for you!"
"I wouldn't let you, even if you could!"
Suddenly, they moved closer to each other. They stared into each others eyes lovingly. They grabbed one anothers hands. Their lips started moving closer. And closer. And closer. Until they were just inches away.
Suddenly, Zabrina stopped moving forward and instead, started walking back, holding her hands between them until they were at a safe distance apart. She grabbed her purse and made her way to the door. "Well, time's a wasting, isn't it? Wow, it's already 8:30. Where did the time go?" She asked, rushing out the door.
Pagarus watched her walk out the door. He was confused, hurt, and so upset. What had just happened?
"Are you coming?"
"...No. I mean, um, something just came up. And, I have to go. Maybe another day I can help you. Or give you a makeover. You look fierce anyway. Good luck at the reaping." He said, taking his bag and running out?
-Caterina Acqua-
Caterina stepped in front of the full length mirror in the room that she shared with Rosanna.
A blue necklace, and... Perfect!
She turned around to face her sister, who was currently studying for the next days test. "How does this look?" She asked, throwing her hands out to her sides to present the outfit even more. She was wearing a beautiful blue one shoulder, layered top and a blue jean skirt with blue wedges. It wasn't exactly her 'style', she would have much rather had worn a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers, but her best friend Caylee the fashionista, said that this was perfect for the reaping.
"It's not really you. But, it's pretty!" Her twin said, looking down at her book again.
"What do you mean, it's not me?" She pouted, turning to the mirror again. Was her sister hinting that she wasn't fashionable?
Rosanna put her book down and got up. "Well imagine, heaven forbid, that you DO get reaped. You want them to see your true personality. You want them to feel confident in the fact that you are strong enough to represent District 4 and actually WIN this. You can be fashionable and tough, but the plain truth of the matter is that many people will see you as fake, weak, or superficial."
Caterina hated how smart her sister was. "Well then, what do you suppose I wear?" She asked, looking in the mirror.
"Hold on a sec" Rosanna ordered, going to their closet and choosing an outfit. She pulled out blue jean shorts, a black T-Shirt, and black sneakers.
"Rosanna, I can't wear that!"
"Why?"
"Well, this is a formal event!"
"What's so formal about a competition about fighting and death?" Rosanna asked.
Caterina looked into the mirror and sighed. She loved the outfit she was wearing now. She looked beautiful with her curled hair and her makeup. Rosanna was right, though, as much as Caterina hated to admit it.
"So, what are you wearing?"
"An oversized plaid button up, shorts, suspenders, converse, nerd glasses, and a side ponytail. People will know how smart I am and if I get reaped, they will be more likely to sponsor me because they will know I am smart!"
"Or they will think you are weak!
"They'd think I was weak if I came dressed in a pink mini skirt and high heels!" Rosanna said in a high voice, tiptoeing to her bed like a girly girl. Then, she returned to her normal voice. "They may think I am weak, but if I come dressed in a dress with my blonde hair they might think of me as dumb and weak. Of course, not all blonde girly-girls are like that, but you know... Stereotypes. BUT if I came in nerd clothes they might think I am at least smart enough to set traps... And calculate and stuff."
"Yeah, I guess we're both pretty good at calculating. Do you have extra nerd glasses?"
"Sure!"
Rosanna handed her an extra pair and they walked out the door, Caterina grabbing an oversized black hoodie, and went to say goodbye to their loved ones, just incase.
-Pagarus Auriga-
Pagarus came storming in his house as he threw the bag on the floor. "What's wrong, son?" His father asked.
"Oh, nothing! NOTHING AT ALL. Just because I take after mom with my interest in fashion automatically cuts me out as a romantic option to EVERY GIRL I LIKE." He stopped quickly after saying that, realizing how embarrassing it was to say that to his father.
"Son, you're mother isn't here anymore. She died shortly after labor -"
"SO? Why do you have to bring that up? WHAT does that have to do with ANYTHING?"
"All I am saying is that there's no possible way you could actually know that she was into fashion."
"Oh my goodness, dad. You've told me countless times how she was always dressed perfectly, even when she was just going out to the store. Anyway, what does this have to do with Zabrina?"
"It's Zabrina you like?" His dad asked, smiling. He really thought Zabrina was a nice girl. "Why? What happened?"
"Forget it! I have to get ready for the reaping!" Pagarus said, storming up the staircase to his room. "WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER TRYING? MAYBE I WILL JUST VOLUNTEER FOR THE GAMES SO PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY HAVE A CHANCE AT LOVE AND WHO DO SEE THE POINT IN LIFE WON'T DIE!" He yelled up the stairs, slamming the door shut. He didn't mean that at all, and his father knew that. He would never want to be in the games. He was absolutely too nice and too gentle. Even when he started training a few months ago, the trainers were far too tough on him, and nobody liked him because he was so nice. He couldn't see himself killing anyone. Ever. It would take a lot for him to volunteer for the games.
He just needed to be alone to get ready for the reaping ceremony.
He looked in his mirror, wondering what would impress Zabrina the most. No, never mind. He was angry at her. He would dress for himself. What he liked to wear. He walked over to his dresser and found some tan pants, jeans, and black pants. He decided on the tan pants and a nice blue dress shirt with blue shoes. Nice enough so he doesn't look like a slob, but subtle enough so he doesn't look overly flamboyant. He walked to the bathroom and gelled his hair perfectly.
He looked really handsome, but not too flashy. He looked perfect for this brutal event.
Later...
"Bye, Jazmine. You are beautiful, fierce, and talented in all that you do. If either of us gets reaped, just know I am thinking of you."
"Bye, Pagarus. You are the most selfless, kind, and gentle person I have ever met. Don't worry, neither of us are getting reaped."
Hug.
"Bye, Chandra. You are so incredibly smart and beautiful. I will be thinking of you, no matter what happens."
"Don't say bye, I will see you a few hours after the reaping. You won't get picked."
Pagarus smiled."Neither will you"
Hug.
"Bye, Zelda. You are the funniest person I have ever met and if I get reaped and I can't find my way out of a depression, I will think of you and instantly smile.
"Pagarus, you are the kindest, sweetest person ever. You won't get reaped because people like you don't DESERVE to get reaped."
Hug.
"David. I will talk to you later, bro. Maybe if one of us doesn't get reaped, you can finally teach me how to play football."
"Bye, Jerry! Don't take Zabrina while I am gone." He said quietly and laughed as he pulled him in for a hug. He was one of the only ones who knew Pagarus' love for Zabrina.
Jerry laughed, because he used to have a major crush on Zabrina as well and when Jerry and Pagarus were in sixth grade, they got into a fight about it and didn't speak until the end of seventh grade. Finally, Pagarus felt bad about it and apologized and Jerry admitted that he didn't even remember what the fight was about. Now, they are best friends.
Hug.
Pagarus's watch beeped. It was now or never.
-Caterina Acqua-
Caterina walked to the town square after saying goodbye to all her loved ones. She instantly felt embarrassed by her choice of clothing. Sure, some people weren't sure what to wear and they were in sweats, but most were in beautiful dresses and jewelry. She shot Rosanna an 'I told you so!' look and Rosanna responded with a 'Shut up. I know I am right!' look. Caterina rolled her eyes and moved walked toward the line that all of the teenagers were forming. Nobody was speaking, and while she was sure it wouldn't be a big deal, she decided not to speak either. She didn't want to stand out like that. She already stood out by her choice of clothing. She could feel peacekeepers eyes on her, so she moved her hands uncomfortably to her back pockets and wondered if she should take off her nerd glasses.
And then there was Valarie. She walked up behind Rosanna and Caterina. She looked flawless in her pink knee length pick up style dress with the white belt and the white ankle boots. Her long, blonde hair was curled beautifully and it had a PERFECT white flower in it. She shot the twins a glare and she gave a loud laugh. It didn't grab the attention of many, though.
"Something FUNNY, Valerie?" Caterina asked, folding her arms.
"Do you really have to ask?" Valerie asked, looking Caterina up and down and giggling with her other plastic friend, Ashley. She had a poofy pink dress with pink heels, a pearl bracelet, and straight bleach blonde hair. "Aww, don't feel bad!" Valerie continued, though it was completely unneccesary. "You're not ALL ugly. Well, no, that's actually a lie... But look on the bright side. You MIGHT get a date for the dance next week. Oh wait, your cousin is busy that day, isn't he?" She asked, and then turned to Ashley and giggled.
I hate her. I hope she gets reaped! Caterina thought as she clenched her fists. Then, she felt a hand on her fist. She looked down to see Rosanna's hand and she relaxed. Rosanna is right. That's a terrible thought to think. Gosh, I hate this twin conversation we have. Caterina turned around and face forward in line, away from Valerie.
"You guys look absolutely awful!" Valerie commented. Caterina looked over her shoulder to see her blowing on her PERFECT nails. They were long and clear with a pink sparkly french tip. Caterina rolled her eyes and Rosanna gave her a look to tell her to calm down.
"You know, Valarie, I didn't think you would be one to talk!" Caterina commented, turning around and folding her arms in front of her. Valarie let out a laugh.
"Oh yeah, and why is that?" Valarie said nastily, touching the flower in her hair and then putting her hand on her hip, moving all of her weight, which was only about 120 pounds, to her long left leg, which was now bent while her long right leg was straight.
"CUZ YOU HAVE A BIG UGLY PIMPLE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR FLAWLESS LITTLE NOSE!" Caterina screamed, and she could instantly feel the eyes of everyone around her.
She looked to Rosanna, who tried so hard to keep from laughing. Caterina would have laughed too.
If it was Rosanna.
"WHAT?" Valarie screamed, taking out her cover up with the compact mirror.
Caterina threw her hand up to cover her own face.
Gosh, I hope that wasn't recorded.
"NEXT!" Caterina heard a Peacekeeper yell.
This was it.
What are they going to do?
Will it hurt?
A peacekeeper grabbed Caterina's wrist and held it up. He pushed the long sleeve of the hoodie down her arm and forced her pointer finger out. He held metal object up to it and...
SHOCK!
"Ow! I'm bleeding!"
"You'll live. Unless you get reaped. Next!"
Caterina waited for her sister and they walked to the 13 year old section. "What was with that pimple comment?" Rosanna asked Caterina as they walked.
"Oh, I don't know. I just hate how cocky and perfect she is and maybe jealousy got the best of me or something."
Caterina was greeted with a hug by her best friend, Caylee, but she didn't get into it. She smiled at her best friend after the hug, held her hand, and faced forward.
"Well don't worry, she eats like a pig and by the time she's 35 she -"
"WELCOME EVERYBODY TO THE REAPING OF THE VERY FIRST HUNGER GAMES." A male with green hair spiked up in a large triangle walked to center stage. "My name is Zegro Zalid and I will be your escort!"
I hated him instantly. What was with my hate today? It didn't matter. I hated him. He made this... event seem exciting and happy. Like he was excited about 23 peoples deaths!
After a long, drawn out introduction including a video and, like, 1000 speeches, he made his way to a glass bowl with plenty of papers inside. "Ladies first!" He called as he reached his hand into the bowl, mixed the paper for a few seconds, and then picked the perfect piece of paper.
He cleared his throat. "ROSANNA ACQUA!" He called. Caterina instantly turned to her sister. She looked straight forward and seemed paralyzed. Caterina could feel the eyes on her sister.
She could also feel thousands of tears leaping up into her eyes. She turned around. "STOP STARING!" She screamed, breaking her 'brave' face and just sobbing uncontrollably. "YOU CAN SEE HER ON TV LATER THIS EVENING! LEAVE HER ALONE!" She wiped some tears on her sleeve. To think, she complained about a little shock and a drip of blood. She let out a loud wail and turned to rest her hand comfortingly on her sisters shoulder, telling her it would all be alright.
Caterina wasn't even fully turned around before she could hear that freak Zegro call her sisters name again. He obviously heard Caterina. He obviously knew where Rosanna was. Caterina wanted to punch him, but she knew it would end in death.
Really, Caterina is not usually this violent. Even at the reapings, the games just change people.
Caterina went to turn herself around again to tell Rosanna that she will make sure she is safe, that she won't have to participate. That Caterina wouldn't allow the Capitol to hurt her, no matter what, but they heard a laugh and Caterina knew instantly it was Valarie. She turned to see her smiling with her PERFECTLY white and straight teeth and so she jumped at her. Valerie fell back first into the streets, and Caterina was sitting on top of her.
"Caterina, what are you doing? Get off of her!" Caylee ordered, watching in disbelief.
"APOLOGIZE!" Caterina ordered Valerie, crying uncontrollably.
"NO! GET OFF OF ME!" Valerie ordered, twisting under the athletic girls body. By this time, they could feel the crowd gathering. Caterina didn't care.
"Caterina, get off!" Caylee ordered again, trying to pull her best friend off. Caterina just pushed her away.
"APOLOGIZE TO MY SISTER!" Caterina ordered again, crying harder as she started punching Valerie.
Left cheek, right cheek. Left cheek, right cheek.
"NO! GET OFF OF ME! HELP!"
Caylee and most of the other 13 year old girls in their section were desperately trying to remove Caterina from Valerie. Some just watched. They didn't like Valerie. Caterina blocked them out.
"HOW COULD YOU BE SO CRUEL AS TO LAUGH AT MY SISTER BECAUSE SHE WAS CHOSEN TO FIGHT TO THE DEATH? DO YOU LIKE TO LAUGH AT DEATH?" Caterina asked, punching Valerie. She didn't even have the decency to answer. "ANSWER ME!" Caterina sobbed, grabbing Valerie by her dress to pull her up and then bang her body down to the ground, "ANSWER ME! DO YOU LIKE TO LAUGH AT DEATH?" Still no answer. "LET'S SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT!"
Caterina took the skin directly under her eyes in my hands and pulled them down as far as they could go with my nails, leaving red marks all down her face.
What's come over me? Why am I a monster? I am the nicest girl in school! What's come over me? The Captiol. That's whats gotten to me. The fact that my sister will be cut to death or burned in a fire. That's what's gotten into me. Valerie deserved a punch or two, sure, but not this.
"CATERINA, STOP!" Rosanna screamed. Caterina looked down at the badly injured Valerie and wanted to cry because of her actions.
She felt herself being pulled from the scene while 2 or 3 peacekeepers grabbed Valerie and pulled her away to a helicopter.
A helicopter? Am i THAT much of a monster?
Caterina looked back at her sister, who was already being taken onstage. She felt herself being pulled away from the towns square, so she started kicking and screaming.
Am I going to turn into an Avox? Am I going to die?
All eyes were on her. She started kicking and letting out bloodcurdling screams. "NO! NO! CAN'T YOU HANDLE THIS? THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL SEE IN THE ARENA! DO YOU THINK THE CAPITOL WILL ALLOW THE DEATHS OF YOUR CHILDREN TO BE QUICK AND PAINLESS? THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL SEE AT THE ARENA! THEY'RE BRUTES!"
She stopped screaming. She was right. This was exactly what they would see. And she just participated in the Hunger Games early. She just defeated another tribute, in a sense. She saw her dads sad, nervous eyes. He knew that both of his daughters, all he had, were going to die. His entire family, wife and kids, dead.
I can defeat other tributes.I am strong enough. This is what I have been training for.
"I VOLUNTEER! I AM CATERINA ACQUA AND I VOLUNTEER."
She struggled out of the peacekeepers grips and ran onstage, hugging her sister tightly.
"You don't have to do this!" Rosanna said.
"I know. Go, run. Run away from Panem. Make a boat and leave with Dad and never look back. Go run to Mawrin to Grandmas place and if I am the victor, I will come find you!" Caterina whispered.
"But - "
"Go and never come back!" She whispered again and nudged her offstage.
Immediately Caterina thought she had done the right thing.
They probably would have killed me anyway, or worse, turned me into an Avox. At least now I have a fighting chance and Dad and Rosanna can escape. If I hadn't volunteered, not only would I have died either physically or mentally, but so would Rosanna. Maybe the fight was a good thing. Maybe it will get me some more sponsors because they know I am so tough, so they will bet on me. Or maybe they all hate me now. In any case, I would have died anyway.
-Pagarus Acqua-
"Well... After that small turn of events... Let's go on to the men, shall we?" Pagarus wanted to scream no, but just held back. There were enough outbursts that day already. He admired that Caterina girl. Sure, she could of held the Valerie situation better but all of District 4 already knew Valerie had it coming to her. Pagarus could see the kindness of Caterina, how much she cared for her sister. He saw her in school sometimes and he knew she was such a nice person.
"Gentlemen, are you excited?" Zegro asked, laughing nervously into the microphone. He scratched the back of his neck when he didn't get a response. "Alrighty then." he went to the opposite glass bowl and picked the first slip he could see, it was right at the top of the pile. He quickly opened it and looked out to the audience.
"Shay Carl!" He looked out to the audience and his heart almost broke as he saw who the audience eyes were pointed out. Could this day possibly get any worse? "It's okay, Shay, you can come up. You are safe right now."
Pagarus looked over to see an innocent, nerdy 12 year old boy nervously and slowly walk up to the stage. He had thin legs, shorts, high socks, and light up sneakers. He was wearing a superhero T-Shirt and he looked like he was on the verge of tears. Pagarus noticed he wasn't very athletic. He wasn't fat, but way too thin. It didn't look like it was possible for him to ever become overweight. He looked at his mom, who had red hair was crying hysterically, but she also looked like she was about to kill someone. The dad was just crying.
"Come on up, don't worry. I won't hurt you.
Yeah, but the capitol will! Pagarus thought, shifting uncomfortably in his position. He looked at his friends with a sad expression, who looked at him in the same way. Shay Carl made his way up to the stage and nervously shook there.
"So, Shay Carl. What do you like to do?" Zegro asked, trying to lighten the looked at him and nervously opened his mouth. "I like to play with the hologram video camera and play hide and seek with my best friend Katilette!" He pointed to a beautiful little girl, who was sobbing. She has very long, brown straight hair and beautiful big eyes. "Sometimes I skateboard with my brother Casey and I like to build tree houses with my sister, Carlie." He pointed to his family. District 4 noticed his mom was holding a tiny baby. "Oh, and that's my brother Logan. He doesn't do much. He just poops." Shay explained. "And thats my mommy and my daddy,"
District 4 let out a collective 'aww!' and Zegro was in tears. "Do we have any volunteers for this handsome little man?" Zegro asked hopefully.
Nobody said a word.
"Do we have any volunteers at all?" Zegro asked again, hopeful.
Nobody said a word.
"Well then," Zegro sniffled, gathering up his composure. "Shay, do you have anything else to say?"
Shay took the microphone. "I love you, Katilette," He said. District 4 looked at the little girl, who looked surprised.
"I LOVE YOU TOO, SHAY! AND WHEN YOU GET BACK AND WE ARE OLDER WE ARE GOING TO GET MARRIED. AND BE FAMOUS HOLOGRAM VIDEO MAKERS ON THE WEBSITE TUBEYOU! AND WE WILL HAVE 4 KIDS. 2 BOYS AND 2 GIRLS. AND WE WILL GIVE THEM FAKE NAMES SO NOBODY WILL KNOW THEIR REAL NAMES. THEY WILL BE NAMED SONTARD, PRINCESSTARD, BABYTARD, AND ROCKTARD!" Katilette had obviously been thinking about this for awhile and all of District 4 was in tears. If you weren't crying, you had no heart.
Shay was crying very hard.
"Well then," Zegro sobbed. "No volunteers?" He asked again, figuring he could give it one more shot.
Nothing.
"Well, let's make our way to the Justice Building, shall we?"
Zegro walked to the Justice Building and opened the door for the teenagers, who walked up to it.
"STOP!" Pagarus screamed.
"Pagarus, what are you doing?" He heard one of his guy friends ask.
"I VOLUNTEER!" He shouted, running up. He couldn't see that cute little 12 year old die.
"PAGARUS, NO!" He heard Zabrina scream from the crowd. He looked back, but didn't see her, so he ran to Zegro. "I volunteer."
"Really?" Pagarus nodded. "WONDERFUL!" he looked at Pagarus. "I mean... I didn't mean wonderful, but..."
"I know what you mean." Pagarus interrupted. He walked into the Justice building without another word, silently crying.
-Caterina Acqua-
As soon as Caterina stepped foot into the building, she was hauled off by 2 Peacekeepers clutching her fists. She was thrown into a train. "What's going on?" She demanded, shaking out her wrists.
"You have lost the privilege to say goodbyes to your family and friends because of your attack on an innocent girl and your speaking out against the Capitol!" The Peacekeeper recited.
"Oh, but it's PERFECTLY okay to attack innocent people in the arena!" Caterina argued. The peacekeeper laughed and slammed the door. She sat there in silence, pulling her knees up to her face and crying into them.
I can't even say goodbye to Caylee or Rosanna or Dad! I hardly even gave Caylee the time of day. I won't be able to apoligize for that!
She looked at her wrist. She saw the rope friendship bracelet Rosanna had given to her when they were 5.
At least I have the perfect token.
-Pagarus Acqua-
Pagarus sat there and immediately all of his friends, including Zabrina, came in. Most of them were crying.
"Dude, you are so going to win!"
"I hope so, man!"
Hug.
"You're not going to die, because people like you don't deserve to die!"
"Thanks, Jazmine!"
Hug.
"You're going to be rich and famous, bro, don't worry!"
"Thanks, Jerr!"
Hug.
"You're amazing for volunteering for that little boy!"
"Thanks, Chandra. I felt that it was the right thing to do."
Hug.
"How dare you?" Zabrina came right up to him and slapped him across the face. He looked at her in shock, grabbing his cheek. She pulled him in for a hug and started crying in his shoulder. "How dare you leave me?" She asked, holding him tight.
She wanted to tell him she loved him, but couldn't. After all, he wasn't a serious love option.
"TIME UP!" A peacekeeper yelled, and they left without protest.
Then, came his father. "Hey, Pagarus. Good luck out there." He smiled, trying to keep a brave face. He didn't want to cry. He wanted to be brave for his son. This way, his sons mind wouldn't be preoccupied with his fathers state of being. He could just focus on winning.
"Thanks, Dad! Please fundraise for supporters and do all that you can. Everybody in District 4 loves me, anyway and -"
"Son, already got it covered." He smiled. He put his hand on his sons shoulder and tried to hold back the tears in his eyes.
His dad kneeled on the ground and pulled out a bunch of objects. He pulled out a braided bracelet, a green scarf pin, a real starfish on a bracelet, a necklace with a dove on it, and a gold metal. "These all belonged to your mother. They're what we could save after the fire. You can pick your token."
Pagarus looked at his father and then silently to the objects. He looked long and hard before quietly saying "The starfish. Mom always loved starfish, and it reminds me of home. It's fierce." He picked up the starfish and smiled.
"TIME!" A peacekeeper yelled in a heavy German accent which made the dad cringe. "I love you, son"
"I love you too, dad."