The Girl Of War

Two

I was in the hovercraft, but I had no clue where my parents were. The same peacekeeper sat beside me.

"Where am I going?"

"We're taking you to the Reaping. It was held off because you weren't there."She answered.

"Why do they care if I'm there or not?"

"Because, kid. Hate to say it, but you are supposed to be chosen. Because of your parents, you're already going to be a tribute." I sighed as a tear rolled swiftly down my cheek.

"Well, where are my parents?"

"Going to the capital."

"What's gonna happen to them?"I sobbed.

"Battle, execution, becoming an Avox. Who knows?"I hate this lady.

"What!?"I stood up, almost falling over.

If anything, battle. Honestly, my parents are highly skilled. So they could do so much better than one of those Capital people. I arrived back at the town square. Everyone in District Twelve stared at me. I was pretty embarrassed. I stood with the fourteen year-old girls.

"Well, looks like we have a runaway? Any who, time to decide the female tribute."Effie sighed as she reached into the glass bowl. She eyed me closely, and read,

"Katherine Hawthorne."Everyone turned to me, but I'm sure they knew what was going on due to my escape, then being chosen.I walked up,no use in acting scared, I knew this was gonna happen. I faced the crowd and Effie frowned in sympathy for me.

"Now for the Male tribute!"

She reached in and pulled out a slip.

"Cole Taylor!"A boy, my age, stepped forward. He looked confident and headed up. He had dark hair and blue eyes.

"Well, shake hands."We turned to each other. I gripped his hand, his hands were warm. He looked me in the eyes, then to Effie. Effie mouthed the words, ' I'm sorry.".

"Ladies and Gentlemen, your tributes of the Ninety First Hunger Games! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!"I headed to a small room with velvety couches. First was Jasper.

"You can't go, Katherine!"He cried. He pulled me into a long hug.

"I don't want to, but I have to."I cried back.

"You have to?"

"Jasper. My parents are against the capital, they forced me into this. I'm so sorry!"I admitted.

"Just, win, Katherine. Win for me!"He pulled out of the hug.

"I promise, Jasper. I will win for you!"A peacekeeper came in, dragging a screaming Jasper away. Next was my violin teacher, Mrs. Manning. Then an old friend, Carry Michaels. Eventually, we were put onto the train. I sat alone near a window, silently crying.

"You alright?"I turned to see Cole taking a seat in front of me. I shook my head in response.

"I had to be reaped, and my parents are in danger at the capital."I sighed. We passed District Eleven. Millions of fruit trees, orchards everywhere.

"I know..."He mumbled.

"There you two are!"Effie trotted in.

"Who's our mentor?"I asked, I honestly couldn't remember the last victor.

"I think it's Sahara Ramirez."Effie said.

Soon, dinner came. We feasted on Pork Steaks, Salad, and rolls. With what I believe is called Raspberry Tea.

"Now, for your mentoring."Sahara came into the dining car. She was at least mid twenties. She was thin, tall, and she had black hair.

"As soon as the Gong sounds, grab the nearest thing. Head for the lake, the canteens are usually empty. Make it quick, head for the woods, mountains, etcetera. Stay there. Tip, sleep in the morning. Careers and other tributes tend to hunt at night. When the feast comes, grab your bag last. The tributes will be far off as soon as they grab a bag. Weapons, sponsors or craft your own. Possibly grabbing any leftover weapons during the feast. Don't forget about stealing from other tributes. You should be good from there."I nodded to show her I understood. Cole's eyes darted across the table at me. Then back to his plate. Soon, dessert was served. It was a creamy chocolate.

"What is this?"I asked.

"Chocolate Mousse."Effie answered. I nodded and ate up the delicious dessert fast.

"Thank you."I nodded to an Avox.

I headed to my car and sat on the bed, with a red velvety blanket. I surprisingly fell asleep fast.

I woke soon and gotten dressed quickly. Breakfast was at the table. Toast with syrup drizzled, what is that? With sausage. Then a glass of Orange Juice.

"And what is this?"I pointed to the great toast.

"French Toast."Cole had answered this time. I finished as we pulled up at the capital. Many people were cheering and waving. Then I thought about my parents, where were they? I peered out the window, searching for my family. But I couldn't find them. A small tear rolled down my cheek before I forced myself to stop crying. I need to find them...