Slowly, I walk up to stage. In shock. But, then suddenly something clicks inside me. And the gears start turning. I begin smiling. Then nodding to people in the crowd. I even laugh. Though I was crying, and screaming inside. The act was on. I was now a tribute in the Hunger Games, and if I wanted sponsors I had to act like a real Capitol star. Finally I made it to the stage.
I couldn't see Mom or Jesse in the audience. Gerald looked like he just got smacked. Hard. Sydney was on her knees, crying. My smile slightly faltered at the sight. Once I was next to Conley, he resumed, "What a nice young man." I nodded to him, grinning even wider. "Thank you Mr. Meek. It's an honor to participate this year! I am so glad I get to represent my District in such a large event!" I lied. But it was believable, and very convincing. "Wow. Such enthusiasm..." Conley trailed.
Then his attention turned back to my District. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Skye Locksmith, and Melissa Jennings, tributes from District 6!" Conley boomed into the microphone. I cried in my mind.
We were taken to the Justic Building to say our final goodbyes. I plopped down in a ratty wooden chair against the wall. Could I win? The thought just occurred to me. Is it possible that if I keep acting, train hard, and make friends, could I win the Games? My reaction was, no. I'm just an ordinary 16 year old from 6, that happened to be reaped. I'll probably die the first day. The thoughts that went through my head after that were scary. Tributes beheading me. Tributes drowning me. Careers chasing me. I was startled when the door finally swung open. My first visitor.
It was Jesse. Tears streaming down his face. He sat in the chair across from me, in silence. Eventually I asked, "Where's Mom?" Jesse shook his head and muttered, "She fainted when they called your name. We had to carry her home. Then I ran as fast as I could to see you." I raised my eyebrows and a small tear in both eyes began to form. "She-she fainted?" I blubbered. Jesse nodded. Then he jumped up and hugged me. Possibly for the last time. "Skye, Skye, Skye..." Jesse sobbed into my shoulder. Then he pulled away and looked at me, face to face. "Tell me that you'll win," Jesse demanded. "W-what?" I sounded like an idiot. "Just tell me everything's gonna be okay, and you are gonna win," little Jesse replied softer this time. I nodded and gave him an encouraging smile as I said confidently, "Everything will be okay, and I'm going to win." Jesse's face brightened. "Okay," he smiled. Then a Peacekeeper escorted him out. That had been acting too.
My next visitor was Conley Meek! "I would just like to say, you are doing it right Skye." Conley nervously looked up at the ceiling. Then he leaned closer, "They're always watching. But keep up your act, and you'll do fantastic," Conley whispered it so softly I could barely hear! "Congratulations," he finished loudly, then left.
My third visitor was Gerald. Alone. "Hey, Skye." We sat in silence for at least two minutes. "You can do this. Do it for your District. Do it for your friends. Do it for Jesse. Do it for your mother," Gerald encouraged. He actually meant it. Then I turned to face him. Real hope finally boiling inside me. "I will, Gerald. I will," I answered. Then Gerald sat back relieved. Then I got serious again. "But Gerald." "Yes?" "You have to take care of my Mom. And Jesse. He loves you anyways. Gerald, be the big brother for Jesse, that I won't be," I looked down as I said it. But Gerald was happy to accept the offer. It was very emotional. Then he was taken away.
My final visitor, well I wouldn't call it a visitor, but, a Peacekeeper walked in with a brown package in hand. He handed it to me, and left the way he had come. I stared at the brown package. It was addressed to Skye Locksmith. But it was from "Anonymous." This was getting weird. Finally I tore open the paper. I saw a flash of silver. Then I pulled out the contents. It was a shiny silver belt with two crossed railroad tracks on the buckle. It was a District token! I suddenly had a very strong desire to know who "Anonymous" was. I looped it through my jeans and looked at myself. I actually looked pretty good with it. It was really good with my blond hair and light blue eyes. Then my "goodbye time" was over.
Conley guided Melissa and I to the train that would take us to the Capitol. Melissa's eyes were red and puffy. Her goodbyes must have been awful. One of my good traits was crying. I only cried when I wanted to things like saying goodbye to Jesse, makes me want to cry, but I don't have if I don't want to. That'll also play to my advantage in my little Capitol game.
We boarded the train and there were dishes strewn about full of insane foods I had never seen. It was beautiful. I was just about to stuff my face, when Melissa broke down crying. I rolled my eyes. I don't think it would help me in the Games to befriend this softy. Then a woman walked into the room. I noticed her from somewhere. Then it hit me, she had won the 19th Hunger Games! This was my mentor. Her name was...then I got it, Tammy.
Tammy the Victor smiled at me. Then she said, "Hi, I'm Tammy your mentor. Congratulations."