Macha Callaghan
District 2 Female
78 HG
They came for her in the middle of the night, much earlier than expected. They got her out of bed and gave her a shirt and some loose pants to change into until she was given here proper outfit when they reached the arena. They didn't allow her to wear shoes, apparently because someone decided to use them as a projectile a couple of years back.
That was fine by Macha. She had walked on worse while barefoot during her training. They placed her on the hovercraft with the other tributes who were wearing similar attire. She looked around at the other tributes and couldn't help the smile that started to creep up onto her face. She was really here, in the hovercraft, on her way to the arena. It was hard to believe.
Years of training prepared her for the very moment that was now only hours away. She was allowed to be a little excited.
Of course, not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Safira and Caden looked pleased with themselves, but her other allies not so much. That was fine. She had started to grow used to their ... unique personalities by now.
She looked to Zhenya, who kept his eyes firmly on the floor. Macha gave him a pat on the shoulder, and he looked up. She tapped the bottom of her chin, and he gave her a shaky smile before looking straight ahead. Better. They were Twos after all. They had to at least look confident.
The minutes began to stretch, and Macha felt her anticipation begin to rise, as well as her dread.
"No, stop it," she told herself. "You're going to win, you're going to be a victor, and you're going to go home and take your place as District Two's top spy. You're a Callaghan! Start acting like one."
But ... what did that mean exactly?
All those faces Macha spent her time wearing had made her doubt which one was hers.
They said the arena brought out your true self, but what was Macha's?
The unknown answer to that question scared her more than anything else. She really hoped she didn't bring shame upon the family name. If she did, win or lose, her father would never forgive her.
She refused to be a family embarrassment.
Her entire life had been spent preparing for this. She was made for this. She would be just fine.
There was no time for guilt or second thoughts now.
Blood before all.
Macha had no idea how much time passed before the windows darkened, signifying that they were close to the arena. It couldn't have been that long though; it was still dark out. Still, it felt like a lifetime.
The hovercraft landed and Macha took a deep breath. It was time.
"I'm proud to be here representing District Two and the Callaghan family. I will make you all proud in turn."
xxi. what I was made for
I can't believe I've made 21 of these. Goodness me.
See you tomorrow!