The Hunger Games - PRIM EDITION

Chapter 5 - Three. Two. One

The sight before me could be deemed luxurious. Designer furnisher, crystal chandeliers, and various doors heading into different rooms.

After a quick tour of the 13th floor, I am left to my own devises in a rather magnificent bedroom. I lie on the bed, and stroke the soft over throw on the bed. I miss home.

I don't really want to be thinking about home right now, because whenever I do, tears spring up in my eyes. To take my mind away from home, I watch the other district's reapings on a large television in the corner of the room. I could go and watch it with Peeta and Haymitch and Effie, but to be perfectly honest, I can't be bothered to put up with the drunken man that is Haymitch. I just want to be alone.

After what Peeta said about the careers from districts one and two, I pay extra attention to those two. In district 1, a skinny 13 year old girl's place is taken by a tall blonde 16 year old girl who goes by the name Glimmer. Then, a strong looking 17 year old called Marvel takes the place of a scrawny 14 year old boy.

In district 2, there are volunteers again. 16 year old Clove bravely steps in place for a small ginger girl. And a confident looking 15 year old boy is pushed aside by a tall athletic 18 year old called Cato.

In districts 3-10, they all seem pretty harmless, apart from a fiery red head girl from district 5. My heart breaks a little when I see the female tribute from district 11. She goes by the name of Rue, and she looks about the same age as me. She walks forward slowly, like I did, and stands quietly by the side of a short woman wearing a bright orange dress and wig. As the male tribute is selected (a strong 17 year old called Thresh) I see a single tear make its way down her face, leaving a shiny line on her dark skin. Sobs can be heard in the background, and with that, the television moves on to district 12's reaping. It's my turn.

I watch as Effie pulls my name out of the ball, and calls out for me. I watch as my petrified face turns paper white. I see Katniss' dumbstruck face in the distance, and hear my mother's sobs. I feel the back of my eyes burning, and turn the TV off quickly. I can't handle it. I'm too weak.

I curl up under the covers. The mattress is softer than anything I have ever slept on before, and after a while, I get lost in my thoughts and drift off to sleep.

I am awoken by a loud knock on the door, and the sound of Peeta's voice.

"Prim! It's time to get up! We're going down to the training room in fifteen minutes!" he calls through the door.

"Okay." I try to call back, but I'm still half asleep so it leaves my mouth as a mumble. I sit up to see that fresh clothes have been set out for me at the end of the bed; a black t-shirt with the number 12 on the back to show my district. Black skinny trousers, and a pair of black boots.

I wipe my eyes and get out of bed. The sunlight coming from the window makes me squint, but once my eyes have adjusted to the light, the view is extraordinary. The low set sun burns in a pale orange, which fades into a pale blue higher in the sky. I am higher than most of the buildings, so the sky reflects off rooftops and makes the streets below look dark.

I look across at the clock in the corner of the room. It's 10 to 7 in the morning! No wonder I'm tired! I sleepily get into the training clothes, and find that every item fits perfectly. After pinning my mocking jay to my t-shirt, I unlock the door.

Effie, Haymitch and Peeta are already sat at the dining table, tucking into breakfast. I sit to join them.

"Good morning, dear." Effie greets me with a smile.

"Morning" I reply, as I help myself to a croissant. I'm not hungry, but I feel weak, and I know I will need my energy in training today. The croissant is the only thing that looks slightly appealing to me. The silence continues for the next 5 minutes, and then Haymitch speaks up.