--» 𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰 «--

Chapter Five

Katniss Everdeen. Why her. Out of every girl here, why her.

The world blurs back into focus as I replay what has just happened in my head.

Primrose Everdeen, a sweet 12-year-old girl who looked very different than her sister with her blue eyes and blonde hair, paced awkwardly toward the stage. She tried her best to look calm and collected, but it didn't work. Fear plastered on her face. The odds were in her favor, but that never mattered. She was halfway to the stage when a panicked voice from behind her yelled.

"I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" Katniss had said. She ran toward Prim and gave her an enormous hug, wondering if it would be her last. Katniss began to let go, and as she ascended the stairs to the stage, Prim went screaming after her. Gale wriggled out of the puddle of boys and threw her over his shoulder. She flailed her legs and reached for Katniss, tears streaming down her face. Katniss was in pain, but she knew showing it would be a huge mistake, so she stood on the stage with a blank expression.

"What's your name?" Effie questioned. Katniss hesitated but eventually answered in a slightly shaken voice.

"Katniss Everdeen."

And that's all I remember.

My heart pounds as I stomp to the stage. I can hear voices murmuring around me, but I can't make out what they're saying. I climb the steps and plant myself by Effie's side. The mayor grumbles something, but I'm lost and can't pay attention to the statement he's delivering to District 12 and all of Panem. The mayor finishes speaking and motions over at Katniss and me to shake hands. I take her hand in mine and look her in the eye, hoping that she gets the message I'm sending. 

That I'm telling her it will be okay.