(Star Melody's P.O.V [District ten])
I glance around the same room rubbing my mother's ring. I glance down at the familiar words. Star in the sky, star oh so high. My mother always believed that when someone died they took their place in the stars and watched over us from there.
The song had been in our family for years and it was supposed to speak of the loved ones we lost watching over us and helping us cope with their death. Telling us that even though we had to say our last goodbye they were still here, we just couldn't see them.
I wonder how long before I take my place in the stars. It is fitting after all. My mom named me Star after the stars. She is up there now and soon I may be. This thought almost starts a fresh wave of tears but I blink them back biting my lip.
I have to be strong for Anabelle. Speaking of which where is she? The door open but instead of Anabelle its Stella, she looks as pale as a ghost and is in hysterics, from the way she's asking you would think it was her who was reaped not me.
"Oh my god!" she squeals and I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "I can't believe you were reaped!" Tears start rolling down her face even faster.
"Well maybe I can make it home." I say trying to calm her down.
"Maybe. You have to try!" she replies still sobbing.
"But if I don't can you please take care of Anabelle?"
She nods. "Of course my parents won't mind."
"Thank you." I reply and hug her.
"Goodbye Star I'll miss you." She chokes out then leaves.
"Bye Stella." I think I'll miss her to. In her own weird way she is always there for me.
Then comes the worse goodbye. After a few moments the door is pushed open and Anabelle runs in. She jumps up and wraps her arms around my neck. I gently support her weight carrying her like I did when she was really little.
She cries quietly into my shoulder her whole body shaking. Gently stroking her hair I try to comfort her. "Shhh. It's going to be okay. Stella and her family will take care of you."
She sniffles into my shoulder. "I don't like Stella. She's too loud."
Playing one of my more desperate cards I ask, "Would you rather go to the community home?"
Feeling her whole body stiffen I regret my choice of words. From the way she's holding herself right now I can tell she's remembering the kids from the home. Their clothes hang off their bodies because they are worn and way too big for them. Whenever they speak it's in quite voices while staring at the ground, as if terrified that if they speak out you will hurt them.
Her head bumps my shoulder as she shakes her head sobbing even louder. "N-No. I-I want you to come home and take care of me!" Another wail splits her throat.
Tears start to form in my own eyes. It's killing me to see her this upset. "Okay. I promise I'll try. Okay Anabelle?"
She nods and suddenly, too soon, the door opens and powerful arms are dragging her from the room. She screams one last word before the door slams. "Goodbye!"
I sink to the floor in front of the door. Now my last time at home truly is up. I will not return. Who was I trying to kid? There will be dogs in the arena. I freeze up whenever I see one. Yes, I truly am doomed.
(James Carter's P.O.V [District ten])
Sneering, I pace the room full of Capitol fineries. It's disgusting they leave us to starve and waste money on trinkets like these? I suppose I always knew they were evil but this proves it further. But soon I will have my revenge. A grin splits my face.
Soon everyone will see. Everyone will be left wondering how bad the games must really be to drive a tribute to this point.
Before I can continue plotting the door opens and my father and Rosey run in. They both look honestly concerned. I'm betting they think I'm insane. Everyone else does, but that doesn't matter. The only reason that people think so is because they don't understand me.
Rosey wraps me in a big hug and I can tell she is more worried than anything. "Oh James, if I had known that you were so deep in grief over mom that you wanted to die then I wouldn't have left you alone. I would have made sure that someone kept you from volunteering." She rambles on and on with a big speech that I don't bother to listen to. Hurry it up, come on I have to tell you guys my plan.
I rub the wedding ring around my neck and tap my foot impatiently. Dad stands there silently, seeming at a loss for words. When Rosey finally shut up I start to speak.
"Don't worry it's not your fault. I'm planning on showing the Capitol how wrong they are so you may want to lay low for a while."
They both seem to be in complete shock. Then seeming to realize that time is up they both turn to leave. My father says the first thing he has said today and the last thing I will hear from him. "Goodbye son."
Rosey glances back. "Good bye James." Quietly she adds, "Be careful."
Once they finally leave I glance around the room. Only then do I notice my German Shepard, Chip, in a corner of the room. He will only get in the way but oh well. I have to lay low for a while first. I tap my finger on the window pane as I stare out of it. Come on. I have been waiting a year. Let's get this show on the road.
(Ash Andrew's P.O.V [District eleven])
I stroke Luna, my silent guardian, as I examine the room. It's beautiful, by far the nicest room I've ever been in. The couch is some material that looks like velvet. I sit down on it and rub my hands across the materiel. If I have to go down, I can take out some other tributes with me.
Luna's ears shoot up and a spilt second later the door opens very, very slowly. Jake enters the room and clutches me to him. His is body warm and pressed against mine.
"You're going to be okay." His voice weaves into my head and I can't help but feel a bit comforted.
"Well of course. I bet the other tributes will be sniveling brats." I try for a bit of humor in order to convince him that I really am fine. It's just an act but I should reassure him.
Pulling back he leans down and looks me in the eyes. "Ash… Don't try that okay? Don't try to trick me; it's the other tributes you have to worry about."
Well he obviously figured out that I was acting. That one stings a little but I shake it off. "I know. They have to think that I am perfectly okay with this; even happy with it."
A look of pure relief appears in his eyes. He won't have to explain it to me, now he can say his goodbye's uninterrupted. Suddenly he leans in his breath tickling my lips. "You have to win. Okay Ash? Come home to me."
All am I aware of is how close he is. I find myself imagining his lips pressed to mine. Suddenly that is what I want; that is all I want. I nod slowly being careful not to move away. "I'll do my best okay Jake?"
If anything he seems to move closer almost taunting me. But the strange longing for a kiss leaves me slightly as it becomes clear that I may not get one. "Good. You have an advantage with Luna. She can track the other tributes dogs probably won't be able to."
I nod again. "I know. Don't worry. I will come home. I have to."
Laughing slightly Jake attempts to lighten the mood; "Uh oh. When you put your mind to something you're as stubborn as an ox so the other tributes better watch out."
Intending to punch him in the arm I take a swing for him. In a matter that seems impossibly fast he dodges my swing and takes me in his arms. We're staring each other down and I think I'm about to get that kiss when the door opens.
"Alright time's up." A peacekeeper grunts and grabs his arms.
Jake looks frantic; "Goodbye Ash! I'll see you soon!" His words come out a shriek.
Running to the door I press myself against it and whisper. "Goodbye." Coming up behind me, Luna nudges my hand. I silently lean down and kiss her head fighting back tears. Here goes nothing.
(Tasi Merkava's P.O.V [District eleven])
I shuffle awkwardly in the room. Quite frankly I'm too big for it. Clearly tributes my size are uncommon. The couch would probably collapse under my weight so I settle for sitting awkwardly on the floor. Suddenly rage at the injustice of this entire thing courses through me.
I don't deserve this! Going into an arena that I will never come out of! I will die with twenty two others. We do not deserve this.
I want to go on a rampage destroying everything I see. My fists clench and unclench at my sides as I take slow deep breathes. I will not lose myself to rage like I used to.
This is the only time that my gentle side is overcome. When injustice gets to me that is when I wish to just lose it. But I will not. Taking slow deep breathes I count to ten then rub the scruff of Hope's neck gently. My hand catches on her collar and I realize that I won't be allowed to take it with me.
Oh well, I need a token anyhow. I clip off her tag and slip it in my pocket. Then I await Haloti's arrival.
Squeaking the door opens and he walks in. He was never much for talking so he just hugs me instead. He was always more of a strong and silent kinda guy and I didn't mind that. When I'm in a room with too many people I feel awkward and most want to run from me.
So it surprises me when he clears his throat and starts to speak. "I will miss you Tasi. You gave me something to do besides just work. I enjoyed teaching you the trade very much. You were my son. I don't care what the other people said."
Tears prick at my vision. He really thinks that. I had hoped but had never dared to ask. "T-Thank you. I-I will miss you to."
He turns to leave the room giving me one last pleasant surprise. "I love you." He pauses here. "Son."
A single tear slides down my cheek. "I love you to. Dad."
After the door closes I sink to the floor and allow the tears to come quickly.
Why me? Why me? Why oh why did it have to be me?
(Anna Lawren's P.O.V [District twelve])
I wait nervously in the room my head still spinning. This whole thing seems like a dream. Maybe it is a dream. That would explain why the room seems to be moving in circles.
Sitting down I pinch myself to test my theory. A small yelp escapes me. The room stops spinning but this is definitely not a dream. My legs suddenly grow weak and I sink to the ground hugging my knees.
I'm going to die, I'm going to die, I'm going to die. This thought sticks in my head and won't leave. Slowly I rock back and forth clutching the ring mom gave me. Both the cold metal biting into my hand and Pip gently gnawing on my foot brings me back to reality.
I force myself to stand up and let an icy calm settle over me. Come on Anna. Put up your shield. Maybe you can do this.
The door slowly creaks open and dad steps in still in a suit. It's clear that he just came from the office. I plan on saying something to reassure him but my mouth has other plans. "You weren't at the reapings."
"I know sweetie. I couldn't make it until they were drawing the names. I just had so much stuff at work. I'm sorry I couldn't talk to you beforehand."
Unusual rage bubbles up in my chest. "It's always something at the office! You care more about your job than me! I bet that when I finally die on that screen you'll be too busy at the office to watch until the recaps!"
Sympathy shines in his eyes and he hugs me. "Oh sweetie… I never knew you felt that way."
I blink back the tears pooling in my eyes. "Well now you do."
"I'll be watching from the office every day. Remember I'll be rooting for my baby girl."
I sniff into his shoulder. "Promise?"
He nods and pulls away. "I promise. I have leave now but I love you Anna."
"I love you to."
He gives one last goodbye before he leaves me alone in the room. I settle down on the fancy couch wanting to be able to enjoy it before I die.
(Storm Nightfall's P.O.V. [District twelve])
I beat on the door with my fists trying to get them to open them and let me go. It was a mistake. A horrible mistake that will cost me my life, finally accepting that they won't let me go I lean against the wall.
A peacekeeper walks in and is closely followed by my brothers. For once in their lives they aren't sneering at me or teasing me. In fact they actually look sad.
Then they hug me as I try to keep myself from fainting. "I'll miss ya little bro." Regan says calmly.
"What makes you think I'm going to die?" I reply annoyed that they automatically assume that.
The pity on Nomads face only serves to further annoy me. "Little bro, we all know that you can't face the tributes in the arena. They'll be bigger than you and well, strong"
Anger pools in my mind. It was exactly what I was thinking but they didn't have to say it! Taking deep breathes I make myself calm down. Don't spend your last moments with them arguing. Then I realize that something, rather someone is missing. "Where are mom and dad?"
They both shuffle awkwardly and stare at their feet. Finally Regan starts to speak. "Mom and Dad… Aren't coming."
"What?! Why?!"
"T-They said they were too busy." He stares at ground.
I sink into the couch in utter shock. I knew they didn't care but I thought they would at least show up. But no they were too busy to see their son one last time before he died.
"Okay." I take another deep breath. "Okay. Tell them I said goodbye."
"We will. Bye Storm."
"Bye Nomad."
"Bye Storm."
"Goodbye Regan."
The door closes on my last visitors and I sit down trying to keep calm.
Hey guys! I hope you liked this chapter! So this next question has no right or wrong answer but I want your opinion on it so you will still get sponsor points for it. I have a tumblr for character drawings and would you like me to draw the tributes and post it on there then give you the link in the story?
Wolfgirlhatestwilight: 45 points
Truth be told I'm lying: 35 points
Bad Apple430: 15 points
Spunky Fun: 20 points
Martyliz 101: 15 points
Hikari darkness: 15 points
Xxxthe-girl-who-was-on-firexxx: 125 points
CatosGirl23 30 points
Leboo7949 15 points
Steyse 210 points
Rock Solid 70 points
Katniss Everdeen District twelve: 110 points