A Cosmic Joke

a cosmic joke We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way Pixie . district 4 . career.

[pixiefalstad]

4+4=44 | Archery | Pixie & Roman

[roman-palmroy-blog]

Her first shot was good. Potentially lethal too, since it pierced an area close to a fatal human body part. Could it just be beginners luck? Seems Pixie had skills I wasn’t aware of. I wonder what other capabilities she had. “Wow… ever had experience with the weapon?” I asked her. “A normal tribute wouldn’t have shot so decently…” I explained.

Yes. I’ve landed another ally, and with my own District Partner too. Not that I didn’t want to work with her in the first place. It’s just that I had to make sure Pixie would agree. “So you’re in? Great!” I exclaimed, giving her a playfully tight embrace. I released her and laughed a little. “Yeah, so far you, me and the boy from One. I’m leaning towards on getting the pair from Two and the girl from One. Care to help me?”

[pixiefalstad]

I could tell just by the look on his face that he was surprised at my archery skills, it suddenly dawned on me that Roman didn't actually know that I attended the same Academy as him and did the same training he did. Just not as intense, and mainly for self defence in the District. "I did go to the Academy, I went everyday, just not for the same reasons you did." he'd no doubt ask me what I meant by that, and I didn't mind telling him, if I was going to trust this boy with my life, we might as well have a good relationship.

"Definitely." he seemed genuinely happy and I loved that, I hugged him back and turned away to shoot a few more arrows, all landing relatively close to the middle. Archery wasn't exactly good for much in District Four, but it was good for distracting yourself. "Um, I can speak to the girl from One, and the boy from Two?"

[pixiefalstad]

4+4=44 | Archery | Pixie & Roman

[roman-palmroy-blog]

My relationship with Pixie is strengthening as we spend more time together. I’m happy she’s here with me during my time in the Capitol. I honestly could never ask for a better District Partner. We started bumpy at first, especially because she didn’t want to be here in the first place, but as time progresses we got to know each other better and actually get along. “Stop it,” I ordered politely. “No need for apologies. I was freezing, and I bet you were too,” I stated in reason. 

I nodded. “Yeah, the Academy made me focus and call it my favoured weapon.” I shrugged and tried to recall how things went after the parade. “More or less…” I claimed. “I landed my first ally with the boy from One,” I stated. “The two of us thought of starting a Career Pack. I told him I wanted you in it,” I explained. “Any thoughts on joining us?” I asked, making sure to see what she could do with the bow and arrow.

[pixiefalstad]

My outfit was horribly degrading, revealing and I had no idea how anyone could possibly like it, but that was just me. "I really was." I offered him another smile before loading the arrow. It was nice that I was actually starting to get along with Roman more, I'd admit I was closed off and cold at first but he only wants the best for District Four, and that's for us to bring another Victor home.

"Ah okay." I didn't like archery that much, it wouldn't exactly help me for the reason why I attended the academy. I pulled back the bowstring and shot the arrow, the second inner ring, not bad, not bad. "Oh okay, that's really nice of you actually." I wasn't exactly a typical Career, but I did have training and I was strong. "So would it just be us three? I'm totally down for it of course, strength in numbers right."

[pixiefalstad]

4+4=44 | Archery | Pixie & Roman

[roman-palmroy-blog]

After my time with North in the Spear Station, I thought I moved on to a weapon I’m more comfortable and used to. Archery, the same skill I showed to my teacher in the Academy to give me such high grades. Maybe the Game Makers watching us will do the same thing once they see what I have to offer. I need a high score, and to make allies. Showing my abilities should guarantee me both. 

I picked up a bow and wore the quiver over my shoulder. I then grabbed an arrow, positioned it, and focused on a target. I released the string, hitting a bullsye. Doing this with four more shots, I never missed once. I prepared to shoot another one until I heard a voice behind me that brought a smile to my face. My District Partner. “That’s alright,” I assured her. “I understand. But this is part in the Capitol is what matters most. Show them what you got,” I told her.

Motioning her to another bow and quiver filled with arrows on her left, I grinned and urged Pixie to join me.  

[pixiefalstad]

Roman really did have a nice smile, I smiled back at him and brushed my hair behind my ear as he spoke, he was so polite and kind, I would never understand why he'd want to risk his life to be here when he could so easily and happily leave in peace back home. "No... it was bad, I shouldn't have just left like that." but I decided to just leave it at that.

"Did you have fun though? After the Parade you didn't come back up to the suite for a while." he was probably out making friends and networking with other Careers for potential allies. I picked up a bow, and a quiver full of arrows and stood next to Roman before speaking again."You like archery?"

[calin-andersond3-blog]

My Kind Of Training || Calin & Pixie || Pool

[calin-andersond3-blog]

Pixies…what are pixies…they’re…friendly? Nice? I think? I don’t know…I wasn’t really good with the whole ancient creatures thing. I know stuff about old world Greece and Rome from way back in the days and Olympians, minotaurs, and such…but Pixies? I really got nothing on them. I think they fly..they fly right? Ya.

"But Pixies fly, not swim." I said, casually swimming circles around her since she decided to stay in place. "So I would guess what you like, but since you’re in the water you already threw me off completely. So instead you should tell me what Pixies are like…maybe I’ll even get an understanding of you." 

[pixiefalstad]

I could tell that what I'd just said had caught him off guard, why? I wasn't sure but it was definitely lifting my mood. "Well, I don't really know much about pixie's but what I do know is that they're mythical creatures and they're said to be super mischievous but it is a very bohemian name. I mean come on, have you ever met someone called Pixie?" but I'd never met anyone called Calin either.

"I guess I'm just a special kind of Pixie then aren't I?" I started to swim in a little circle, like Calin so I was doing something as well instead of just standing there like an idiot. "I'm quite boring though, nothing really special about me." 

[pixiefalstad]

4+4=44 | Archery | Pixie & Roman

It quickly dawned on me that the training centre was exactly like the Academy, just fancier and without all the drama and the competition. After speaking to Calin I thought about going to a weapons station, as I walked towards one, I spotted Roman already practising his archery and I head over there straight away.

As soon as the Parade was over, I just left without saying anything to him and went to my room for the night, and that was rude of me. "I'm so sorry that I left the Parade straight after it was finished, I just hated my costume and felt so uncomfortable and exposed. I'm sorry."

[calin-andersond3-blog]

My Kind Of Training || Calin & Pixie || Pool

[calin-andersond3-blog]

Well she was awfully kind…or at least for the time being. I would have though a career district would have been repulsed to just be seen with outer districts. She swam towards me and I couldn’t help but admire her body, but I instantly made sure I was making eye contact. I didn’t want to be like those other horny dogs that chased girls.

"Calin. Calin Anderson" I responded with a smile, floating in the same spot. "I would offer to shake your hand, but as you can see…I kind of need it." I joked, diving under the water, I swarm around her and appeared behind her, brushing the water from my eyes once more I shook my head as if I was a wet dog, the water flying from my hair. "So what’s with the hair? I’m not trying to say it’s bad, in fact it’s the opposite. I mean you really rock the look." Rock the look? Smooth Calin. Smooth.

[pixiefalstad]

Water was practically where I felt at home, as stereotypical as it sounded, I absolutely loved it. "Calin... that's a nice name." I went to shake his hand but then he made the comment and I nodded, it was understandable, but he would be perfectly fine using one hand - but whatever made him comfortable of course. "You won't drown, don't worry." I reassured him and kind of stayed where I was a little awkwardly not really knowing what to do with myself.

"Oh." I touched my hair, today is was a mix of red, pink, orange and yellow. I was kind of touched that he actually liked it, a lot of people didn't. It was my way of expressing my personality I suppose. "Well thank you, I don't know I guess I just think it looks cool. With a name like Pixie, you can pretty much guess what I'm like."

[calin-andersond3-blog]

My Kind Of Training || Calin & Pixie || Pool

[calin-andersond3-blog]

With one eye opened I continued to float in the pool and checked the girl out. She was the girl from four no doubt. There was no way I was going to forget that colourful hair. I haven’t really talked to girls in a while…or ever really. Well, every once in a while, but they would be older and I would be asking for directions or what’s on the lunch menu at school.

Still though, it didn’t really frighten or startle me; it was just…different. A good different. “It’s relaxing.” I responded with a smile on my face. Getting off my back, I swam to the edge of the pool, floating right under the girls legs while looking up. “You should come in. You’re a girl from four I’m sure you’d enjoy it.” 

[pixiefalstad]

I watched him as he looked up and down at me, and a small part of me wanted to know what was running through his mind. Did he not want to talk to me? Did he want me to go away? But the warm smile on his face was inviting enough and it made me want to stay. I nodded my head a little and brushed my hands through my hair before diving into the pool next to the boy.

And he was right, it was relaxing, just having the water surrounding me was perhaps the most comforting feeling in the whole entire world and a part of me just wanted to cry. I turned to the boy and swam towards him and gave him a little smile. "Thank you, you're right it's nice. What's your name? I'm Pixie."

[calin-andersond3-blog]

My Kind Of Training || Calin & Pixie || Pool

After being done in the gravity room, I felt like I just needed to relax a little more. I could make it look like I’m doing something, but really what’s the point. I had nowhere else to go, and though half of these stations were designed to teach us how to kill it wouldn’t be all that bad to use them in another way. Remembering there was a pool area, I quickly left the training center and shot up to the elevator, going up and changing into my bathing suit and getting a towel, I ran back down to the pool area and placed my towel onto one of the chairs there. There weren’t that many pools in district 3, I only got a few chances to swim in them, though I’m not a nation athlete of a swimmer I’m still pretty good.

Except today, I just wanted to relax in the pool, so I decided to jump in, cannon ball and everything and diving underneath. It felt relaxing, the whole feeling of it. Surfacing, I wiped the water from my face and began to lie on my back, just casually floating around on the water with my eyes closed and relaxing. Finally a voice called out to me and I opened a single eye to find a girl just standing by the side of the pool next to me.  

[pixiefalstad]

I'd decided against sitting in my room and sulking for the short amount of time that I was going to be here after a quick conversation with Logan. He was a good man, and an even better Mentor and I should respect him. With all the weapons being things I'm well trained in already, I thought it'd be better if I stayed away from those for the time being. But it was really the pool that was calling my name.

There was already someone inside of it, a boy, from District Three if I remembered correctly. He was behind me in the Tribute Parade and was looking really funky in the outfit they put him in. I wasn't exactly sure what I was doing, but being friendly wasn't exactly going to kill me, right?

"How's the water?" I called out with a little smile on my face.

[kornxlove-deactivated20150206]

[roman-palmroy-blog]

♒ Train Ride Introductions || ℜoman ☼ ℘ixie ♒

[roman-palmroy-blog]

I’m not sure how Pixie would react to what I’m about to say next, but I thought it was best to finally be truthful with her. Trust was still needed between the two of us. “She’s… um,” I hesitated for a moment and sighed. “Keela is my boyfriend’s sister. Troy Wellard, another Victor,” I informed her. I glanced around the room. Hopefully I didn’t shock everyone too much with my scandalous relationship. Vanilla looks like she was about to faint. I turned completely red and walked back to my chair and took a seat. 

So that’s why there was no volunteer. God, hormones can ruin just about anything. “She’s three months pregnant but she insisted in still volunteering. Said she could use that to get sponsors…” Keela said. I rolled my eyes. I guess my supposed Career Partner wouldn’t have been useful either.

"Let’s just get started," Logan suggested. "No more sexual confessions or sob stories about not having a volunteer. It is what is." I got even redder. I somewhat regret admitting what I said earlier. 

Keela shrugged and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Fine. We start with separate sessions. I get Roman. Pixie, is it? You go with Logan. Is that alright? Or would you prefer us sticking to the same gender?”

[pixiefalstad]

When he told me about his boyfriend I smiled appreciating the fact that he told me something that obviously meant a lot to him. His sexuality didn't bother me in the slightest but I knew that in District Four and with the unnecessary stigma that was there it must have been hard for him. "Oh really? That makes sense." I played it off like it was nothing, because it was, he was lucky to have someone special in his life.

The fact that the girl that was going to Volunteer was going to use her unborn baby as Sponsor bait just made me feel sick. "Euah." I rolled my eyes and sat back down on the chair, Logan's next outburtst followed by Roman's blushing made me smile and I responded with a nonchalant. "Fine by me."

I listened to Keela speaking and nodded my head at her suggestion, might as well train separately, I doubted we'd be going into the Arena together, I was after all dead weight, he'd be able to form a pack in no time."No, considering the established relationship that the two of you already have, I think it'd be better if you and Roman train together."

[roman-palmroy-blog]

♒ Train Ride Introductions || ℜoman ☼ ℘ixie ♒

[roman-palmroy-blog]

"At least they’ll be safe, I see no point in them being angry about it. There wasn’t much they can do, and they’re not the ones going to the Arena." I remember walking pass an eighteen year old applicant a few days ago. His eyes told me he wanted me dead, but he’ll leave that to the Games. Too bad I’m gonna have to prove him wrong. "That surprised me too… I heard gossip about a girl, I wonder what happened to her…" 

Pixie had a point. I just was worried that it’ll get shut down. It still had a purpose, and that was to keep the District’s tributes alive. “I guess so…” I just gave her a smile. “Keela…” I answered, and before I know it, the woman herself walked into the room along with Logan and Vanilla. 

I just had to grin. I got up and wrapped my arms around her. Keela wasn’t Troy, but she’s good enough for now. “Nice to see again too, Roman.” she said. I sat back down and waited for what she had to say next.

Keela turned her head to Pixie. “I’m so sorry,” she apologized. “The female volunteer this year… got into an accident,” she informed us.

"By accident, do you mean seducing one of my boys and getting pregnant?" Logan remarked.

[pixiefalstad]

I had no idea why there was so much competition to want to go to the Games, District Four hadn't had a Victor in a good number of years. It was like a cosmic joke, we send in two Tributes who think that this year will be District Four's year, and year after year we're disappointed but people continue to have this sickening hope. It's alright for some I suppose.

"How do you know Keela? Is she a family friend? Do you have mutual friends?" Victors were always some sort of enigma to me, however Roman seemed like a sound guy so I carried on trying to converse with him nicely. I stood up when our mentors and Vanilla walked into the room and watched Keela and Roman embrace and I quite quickly assumed that she would be the one that tried to bring him to Victor. I turned to Logan and shook his hand, it was strong and firm - I had to admit it made me blush a little. I'd be so very okay with him. I turned to face Keela and brushed off her apology, there was nothing her weak sorry could do for me.

"It's not okay, but I appreciate the apology." Logan's remark brought a little smile to my face, the first genuine one I'd had all day. I felt like Logan and I were going to get along well.

[roman-palmroy-blog]

♒ Train Ride Introductions || ℜoman ☼ ℘ixie ♒

[roman-palmroy-blog]

Laughs escaped my lips as I shake my head. She knows who I am. I hate to admit it, but she’s right. I didn’t really have the nicest group of friends. Nothing but spoiled brats who took everything for granted. In a way I was like them, but never would I consider myself as bad. I unfortunately had my lusty moments with them, but I’d rather not reveal that to Pixie just yet. That part of my reputation is best for her not to know. “They’re there for me, but I’m certain they wouldn’t be hadn’t it be for the wealth my family owns,” I stated. 

I shrugged and let out a heavy sigh. “I’m just excited to get it over with, I guess. Another year isn’t that much time. And besides, the Academy considers me more fit than the eighteen year old applicants,” I explained to her. They weren’t so happy when I volunteered. I still remember their death glares from the Reaping. I stole their shot at glory, but in a way I saved their asses from the Games. 

Her comment about Vanilla made me snort. My father told me to revere the Capitol’s Government, but not exactly their outrageous citizens. “Definitely,” I claimed. “I wonder if the Capitol hair products seep through their skull and into their brains sometimes.” 

At the mention of the Academy, I began to get a little uneasy. I know the Academy is well known throughout the District, but people are often silent about it due to the cause it had. “D-don’t talk so loud about the Academy… it’s still an illegal facility,” I informed her. “Peacekeepers think it’s just some fancy school in an island. If they hear about it, they’ll shut it down so please keep quiet,” I pleaded with her.

"Yeah…" I replied. I had to be honest with her, as to build trust. "I’m close to one of them. The other, I’m not sure about. Their names are Keela and Logan, by the way. They’re both Career Victors, that’s why the District wanted them to mentor this year."

[pixiefalstad]

I was glad when he didn't argue with me, because in reality, he couldn't argue with me because they were. It was an even bigger surprise to me when he actually admitted that people were probably friends with him purely because he was rich as well. As much as I wanted to have a better life, I kind of didn't want to live the kind of one that he did. We were two completely different people.

"I see it as you saved their lives, but hey, that's just me. I just wish there were a few good female applicants this year." it was too late for me to still be bitter about this. His little joke did make me snort, her white blonde hair wasn't real at all so it was probably seeping down into her brain. 

Roman's fear over the 'secrecy' of the Academy's made me laugh, "Roman, honey. everyone knows about the Academy's there is no point keeping it a secret." I patted his shoulder before getting comfortable. "Which one are you close to?"

[roman-palmroy-blog]

♒ Train Ride Introductions || ℜoman ☼ ℘ixie ♒

[roman-palmroy-blog]

I’m glad Pixie and I are finally getting along. Her apologize didn’t hurt either. I don’t blame her for her comment, though. I often overhear students in the Career Academy who talk down on people who aren’t advantaged with money as they are. Even my own mother view the poor as worthless. Luckily for me I don’t agree with them. At least not with everything. “That’s okay… I would feel the same way if I was in a similar situation,” I informed her.

My eyes glanced down on Pixie’s hand on mine. I gave her a smile and replied. “Seventeen, too.” Same age, that should lead to a good start as well.

Vanilla cleared her throat to get our attention. “Thank goodness you two are getting along. I’ll be right back, I’m going to get your mentors,” she told us. For once she put her makeup down. Then she disappeared into another section of the train through a sliding door. 

I already know who our mentors are. I got to spend a lot of time with Keela when I was with Troy. Logan, on the other hand, I’m not so sure of. Hopefully he’ll give me some useful tips as well. 

[pixiefalstad]

I breathed a little sigh of relief when Roman accepted my apology, I wasn't myself right now and I didn't want him to think at all that I was a bad person. "Thank you for understanding. You have to admit though, you hang around with assholes." because he does. I recognised him from the Academy as one of the 'golden boys', he was strong, talented, beautiful and a sure contender for the Games.

It surprised me a little when he said he was 17, I never really understood 17 year old Volunteers, "How come you didn't wait another year? You know, train a bit more, get some more experience" but before he could answer my question are ridiculous escort spoke about our mentors, I almost forget they were a thing. "She's a joke, isn't she?" I sighed a little before sitting in the nice expensive chair.

"Do you know any of the mentors? I know they come into the Academy some times but I never actually speak to them though... Didn't think it was beneficial, you know?"

[roman-palmroy-blog]

♒ Train Ride Introductions || ℜoman ☼ ℘ixie ♒

[roman-palmroy-blog]

Of course. She shut me up just like that. I knew Pixie and I wouldn’t get along. Despite being from the same district, we’re from different world’s. Whilst I never had to work for anything in my life, the fact that she wasn’t a volunteer made me know that Pixie didn’t have such a lavish lifestyle. If I would have been paired up with a girl from the Career Academy, we’d be all over each other by now, but with Pixie, I’m having a hard time even trying to talk to her. Common problems with the rich hating the poor and vice versa, nothing surprising.

What did surprise me was that she apologized. I thought she hated my kind, guess she’s willing to give some effort in getting along. “It’s fine,” I assured her. “I guess they are…” I replied. I’ve never seen her near the areas where I lived, so never in a million years could we ever stumble upon one another. A sigh escaped my lips. Never has socializing been so hard for me. I just really didn’t want to say anything that would offend her. “So… how old are you?” I asked, trying again.

[pixiefalstad]

I could tell straight away that Roman wasn't like the people that I'd pegged him with and I felt bad straight away. I hadn't even given him a chance before I judged him and that wasn't who I was, and I wasn't okay with that. I shook my head, "No it's not fine. I'd spent my whole entire life surrounded by people with the same kind of upbringing as you and practically all of them were assholes and I've just tarred you with the same brush and that's not okay." I brushed my hand through my newly blue hair and sighed. I kind of wanted to start again but I couldn't exactly do that.

"Let's sit!" I held onto his hand and sat down. "I'm 17, almost 18. How old are you?"

[roman-palmroy-blog]

♒ Train Ride Introductions || ℜoman ☼ ℘ixie ♒

The journey to the train station was depressing, to say the least. I’m missing my family and Troy already. In addition to that was us passing by the areas in my District were poverty was common. I’ve tried so hard to avoid places like this when I was little, and now I had to view them before getting into the ride to the Capitol.

Then there’s Vanilla who sat in between us. It’s like she just couldn’t stop babbling about the splendors that await Pixie and I nor could she put down her makeup and lipstick. I can assume she had about fifty layers on her face by now. I guess the Capitol only believes in artificial beauty and tries to hide their natural appearances as much as possible. I wonder what Vanilla would look like if she washed everything away.

The thought kept me from paying anymore attention to the slum-houses we pass by where my mom said the peasants and rebels punished by the Capitol lived. God, if only District Four was a complete tropical paradise instead of having a small portion housing the privileged families. I thought the rich areas were I lived were big. They are nothing compared to the size of the rest of my District.  

Finally we reached the train station. A large, technically advanced vehicle, with the Capitol insignia and our District’s logo painted on its walls, awaited us. Vanilla led us in, with me walking alongside Pixie.

Once we were inside, my eyes glanced at everything. The Capitol furniture was beautiful. Chairs, tables, television screens, chandeliers. All made me envy the Utopian-like city of Panem even more. My mom often buys such luxurious house decorations made in the Capitol, but the amount at our house is nothing compared to the ones in the train. 

I poured myself a pink-coloured beverage and sat down at one of the chairs. I took a sip which tasted divine. Never have I drank something so delicious. As I grabbed the bottle for a second drink, Vanilla stopped me.

"That’s the last bottle of that wine, darling. Save some for the rest of us," she ordered politely. 

I sat my glass down and sighed. I turned my attention to my District Partner, which I haven’t spoken to nor have I interacted with since that handshake from earlier. “It’s… nice to meet you,” I said, trying to get a conversation started. 

[pixiefalstad]

I hated this. I hated all of this. Now that sadness had left my system it was filled with anger and hatred towards the general population of District Four. Our escort, Vanilla coated in make-up was yapping away and Roman the Volunteer was looking as confident as ever. People like him just made me feel so sick, you could practically smell the privilege on him, he wreaked of it. The journey from the Justice Building to the train station was a long one, ridiculously long and it was almost like a kick in the teeth that I had to pass home. I looked over at Roman and I could see how visibly uncomfortable he was, the disdain on his face was obvious and it repulsed me. It must be so okay for him.

Making our way onto the Capitol train, the whole elegance of it kind of threw me off. I was expecting glamour but not of this level. Roman was sitting so very comfortably in the chair, drinking the expensive drink. He looked so in his element, I was like a fish out of water in my old shirt and boots. I hadn't expected him at all to pay any attention to me but when he spoke to me I was genuinely surprised. "I wish I could say the same, however the circumstances for me aren't as good for me as they are to you." as soon as the words left my mouth I instinctively regretted them and just face palmed a little.

"I'm sorry, that was rude. It's nice to meet you, I just wish it wasn't here. But the odds of us actually running into each other home are practically next to nothing."

[pixiefalstad]

Survival Of The Fittest | Goodbyes

As soon as I got into the room I was supposed to have my goodbyes in tears that were slowly pouring down my face started to pour and soon I was sobbing. I didn’t deserve this. I was a good person, I’d dedicated my whole entire life to helping other people, I had kids that looked up to me and they needed me, so many of the kids that lived here have been Reaped and I was just another one, one that didn’t matter. Someone could have Volunteered. I sat in the corner of the room and rested my head on my knees before hugging myself. I used to do the same thing when I was a kid if I had nightmares. This is a nightmare, the worst thing imaginable. I’m going to die.

I was surprised to see that eight kids plus two adults could fit into the tiny room, but they did and before I could get up and wipe my tears, they were all in here looking as distraught as I was. The three youngest came running towards me, smothering me in kisses and hugs and it just made me sob even harder. I couldn’t be strong right now, not even for them. Elia, our main carer pulled me up from the ground and I pulled her into a hug. There weren’t many things I asked from her, actually there was nothing I asked from her but I did have one thing. “Please don’t let them watch this year.” I whispered into her ear and she nodded, I didn’t think she was going to let them watch anyway.

There wasn’t enough time in the world for me to prepare for this, I’d never see any of their faces ever again and I didn’t think I’d be able to deal with that but I just had to for them. I may not be trained, or ruthless, or vicious but I did have something worth fighting for and I just hoped to whoever was up there that it would be enough.

[pixiefalstad]

This Isn't Fair | Reaping

I felt a sudden sense of relief when I woke up, despite the bruise on my arm and the fact that I probably smelt really bad I was for once - in a very long time actually happy. Morning were always chaotic in the house, there were eight children running around everywhere, all of them nervous and scared but only three of them having due cause to be scared. Zoey, Philla and I were the only ones eligible to be Reaped, however no one us would actually ever have to participate in the Games because District Four almost always had a Volunteer, I knew that the male Volunteer was a rich boy from the nicer part of District Four, I wasn’t sure about the female though but in all honesty, I never really interacted with any of the girls so I wouldn’t know anyway. So, my morning was perhaps a lot better than the likes of people from the poorer Districts, even though I couldn’t see why ours was considered one of the richest. It made me wonder how bad everywhere else was.

I held on to the younger ones’ hands as we casually walked to the Justice Building which sat by the pier. The sun was beating down on our necks, birds were squawking from all directions and the place was filled to the brim of people, wondering and waiting if the young people willing to risk their life all for the sake of pride would be victorious. Stupid. And the one thing that was even stupider than the the whole culture of Careers were the stupid escorts they send over from the Capitol. I looked at ours, Vanilla she called herself and just wanted to bash my brains out. I didn’t understand why and when she thought that it was a good idea.

Vanilla, the escort that was, dipped her hand into the large bowl and obnoxiously swirled it around before pulling out a name. 

“Pixie Falstad!” I snorted, and all the girls around me just turned to look at me. What a cosmic joke. I waited for someone to Volunteer - someone who actually wanted to die - but the seconds ticked on and on and there was no sound apart from the birds. And that’s when it hit me. The reason why I hadn’t heard anything about a female Volunteer this year was because there was no female Volunteer this year. “Pixie! Darling! Come on up!” my feet felt like they were made out of concrete, and I wanted vomit but I had to hold it in because I was pretty much screwed. When I mounted the stage I couldn’t look at the people, there were so many other girls more capable of doing this, I wasn’t as strong as some of them, as trained but it seemed I was just going to have to make due with what I had. The male Tribute, Roman, was a popular boy, good looking and a sure contender to win. When we shook hands I gave him a little smile before waving and turning around to walk into the Justice Building. And that’s when the first tear fell.