As the peace keepers come to get me, I reluctantly make my way to the stage and I pass by Sally who is crying in Whitney's shoulder.
"Ohhh, I love the outfit... so vintage, so fashionable, where'd you get it a ha ha... I must know ah ha ha..., come on go hold Rodea's hand" Velina says completely oblivious to how I am feeling.
I approach Rodea who is sobbing and I try my best to stay composed as I forcefully raise Rodea's hand along with mine as Velina announces that we will have the honor of a life time to represent District 10 in the upcoming games and how she feels that one of us will make it home and bring pride to District 10 as we haven't had a winner since the 21st games.
Shortly after this, the peace keepers drag us to the train station and Rodea and I go to separate rooms as we will have a few minutes to say our goodbyes to our families before we head off to the capital. Sally runs over to me as my family walks in along with Whitney.
As I embrace Sally and my other siblings, my mother stands by the door. She is emotionless and seems like she hasn't processed what just happened. She knew I took out extra tesserae to support the family, but it hasn't hit her that the extra food has led to me being a tribute. I know for the sake of my family, I need to remain stoic even though I am hopeless in the inside.
"2 minutes until we head off to the capital..." a peacekeeper announces as my siblings hold onto me.
"I can win" - I say quiety... "I can win, I know how to use a knife, a Scythe... I know there's a chance..." - I say as I try my best not to cry.
"You can't go... I don't want to say goodbye..." Sally says as my other siblings hold onto me
Levi lets go and whispers in my ear... "I can take care of the family, no I will take care of the family, you can win... I know you can..." Levi says confidentially as my mother approaches me.
"Kobe... Kobe... I love you - " a loud knock is heard as a peacekeeper barges in and announces it is time to go.
My siblings are not letting go as Sally hands me my father's ring and collapses in Levi's arms and as my mother tries to pull back Daisy and Meadow as I reluctantly walk towards the door...
"Kobe, I'll talk to my family and see what I can do to help... " Whitney says as she sheds a small tear and I nod in agreement.
As I walk out to the sound of tears and Levi trying to comfort my family, the Mayor is outraged as Rodea is practically dragged out of the room by the Peacekeepers.
I guess this is the new reality... I must win and I can win... I hope... as the sound of the train becomes closer and Velina is chatting with Hank Fields, the victor of 21st games.