The 73rd annual Hunger Games

Chapter ten

Oakley POV:

I wake up in the middle of the night, hot, and out of breath. My back hurts from my fall and there's a big bruise. I sit up and pull the covers back. I unruffle my shirt- which is very oversized and what i've been sleeping in- and stand up, walking over to the door. I open it slightly and look out, making sure there's no one up. Once sure I leave my room and walk across the apartment. I remember seeing the door to a balcony on my way to the elevators so I go there. I make sure no one is in the hallway before I pick up a run and run over to the door. I push the door open and walk through. The cold breeze of the night cools me down instantly. I close the door and take a deep breath. Then I take a good look around before heading back inside and up back into my bed. I fall asleep almost instantly.

I'm running across a long beach. There's voices yelling behind me. I have my axe in my hand. I look ahead and continue running. My heart is pounding in my ears. I soundly feel the sand on my face. I've fallen over. I roll over onto my back and Hudson is hunched over to me. He holds a sword high above his head, he swings and I prepare for the worst. But as he brings the sword towards me. I see a flash of something as someone pushes Hudson over and he falls over. I scramble up and see the girl from two and Felix tackling him.

I wake again, sweaty and panting. My head throbs and my throat screams for water. Slowly, I rise and head to the bathroom. I turn the tap on full blast and stick my head under, letting the cool water refresh my sweaty skin and dry throat. After what feels like forever, I take my head from under the cool water and turn the tap off. Not bothering to wipe my face, I crawl back into bed. The wind presses against the window and I find a familiar feeling of comfort. Slowly, my body begins to drift into a restless sleep.

The next morning I wake to the feeling of sun against my cheeks. The sun says it's 7:00 am. I rise and dress in the same training outfit as yesterday. The sound of footsteps outside my room calls me out. I follow the noise of footprints till I find the person whom they belong to. Hudson. He grins at me then together we walk to the breakfast table. I eat a cinnamon bun, buttered toast, red bean and avocado scones, and tea. After we finish, we head to the elevators and go down to the training centre. When they open, most of the other Districts are already there. My eyes find the District 2 girl and I see she's over with Lillian, Felix, and Wade. She wears her grave expression of indifference when talking to the boys, but whenever Lillian speaks up, her emerald green eyes flare in annoyance. She doesn't like her. I can tell. I follow Hudson to the side of the room where the outer Districts stand. After about 15 minutes Lillian waves for me to come over. I'm hesitant but when she starts to walk over I pull Hudson to meet her half way.

"Why don't you come sit with us?" She asks in her usually chirpy voice.

"Sure." I reply, pulling Hudson behind me. When we reach the other careers Lillian taps the District 2 girl on the shoulder.

"Oh my god! What?" She hisses.

"This is Oakley!" She chirps, not seeming to notice how menacing the 2 girl's voice is now.

"Relax Athena." Felix's vice comes from behind her and he lays a hand on her shoulder.

"Butt out!" She shouts at him. He looks taken aback for a moment, then composes himself.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed, ah?" He adds. Athena glares at him–if looks could kill– then turns on her heel and stalks towards the refreshments station. He rolls his eyes. I don't know what to say but luckily Lillian introduces me to the others.

"This is Wade, and well, that was Athena, she's super nice once you get to know her don't worry!" Lillian rambles on. I don't think that last part is true though. "And this is Felix!" She points to Felix.

"I think we've met." he winks at me, which causes me to blush.

"You're right. I believe we have." I answer, quick to respond.

"On the elevator right?"

"Yup." I look at my feet.

"Well, that's just wonderful!" Lillian grins, seeming extra pleased with herself. I follow her and Felix over to a table where Wade is sitting. Lillian sits across from Wade, I sit down next to her, and Felix sits down next to me, leaving Wade lots of space. But Huson sits next to Wade. I think he has a death wish. We fill our plates with food and just as we finish, Athena returns.

"Look who's back," Smirks Felix. He too, must have a death wish. Athena glares at him then sits next to me. She slides a carton of juice to Wade, but other than that she doest say anything or look up from her plate. I'm extremely grateful for Lillian, who keeps the conversation going. She talks about her clothes at District 1, and her cat Shingles, and her mothers feathered brochure. After we eat, we sit for a while, then Felix is called in for his training.

"Good luck," I smile sweetly.

"Thanks."