Conquered (previously known as Veni Vidi Vici)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

    At the train, Rika was hugging her parents good bye. Terrence was a different story though. His parents were doing everything they could not to look at him and Gage was just staring at him. Ali, on the other hand, was crying her eyes out. Terrence decided that he really did love his sister. She was as sweet and well behaved as his mom said.

    "Ali, don't worry about me. I'll be back okay?" That was Terrence's good bye "speech". Then he boarded the train.

    Rika and Terrence sat silently at the table. There was plenty of food, but neither of them ate. Rebecky was the one to break the silence.

    "Let's introduce ourselves." She looked at Rika, and Rika wiped her eyes, and smiled a little.

    "I'm Rika Valen. I'm 16 years old. I guess I volunteered so no one would have to be betrayed by their district."

Rebecky smiled at her. She was clearly touched. Then she nodded at Terrence.

    "I'm Terrence Everdeen. I'm 16, too." Terrence didn't want to sound stupid, so he twisted his reasons a bit, "I volunteered so my friends’ families can stay together for another year."

    "Well," said Rebecky, “you two have very touching stories. I'll leave you so you can get to know each other."  When Rebecky left, Rika found it a good time to talk.

    "You want your friend's families to stay together? That's touching and all, but what about your own?"

    "Let's just put it this way," said Terrence, "My family hates me. My brother tried to kill me… twice, my sister is "miss perfect", and my parents think I'm only good for the dogs."

    "Seriously?"

    "Yeah, volunteering was the best I could do." Terrence and Rika didn't really communicate the rest of the train ride. Rika felt a little guilty. Terrence opened her eyes to knowing that not everyone had a family as perfect as hers. She wished she hadn't volunteered so she could stay with them.

    Later, Terrence and Rika rushed to the window. Right outside, Terrence saw an amazing city with people yelling and waving to welcome them. So this is the Capitol, Terrence thought, maybe this won't be so bad.