Songs & Seas | Hunger Games

VII.

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THE DREADED DAY HAD ARRIVED. It was game day and Maria was on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. Naturally she got no sleep the night before. She imagined this is what death row prisoners must feel like. Going to sleep not knowing if tomorrow is going to be their final day on earth. She didn't even get to choose her last meal.

Maria road down in the elevator with Rhett at her side. She imagined Archer was doing the same with Cecelia. There was a tense silence before one of them spoke.

"Now, there will be a pile of crap right in front," Rhett said suddenly. "Don't go for it. It's a bloodbath. They're just trying to lure you into it. You run the other way and put those climbing skills to good use. And be sure to look for water but don't immediately drink it. Try pouring it on a plant first."

Maria's brows furrowed. "Why?"

"A couple of years ago..." He stopped himself not wanting to scare her more than she already was. "Uh, better not get into it. Just trust me. And make sure to stay on the pedestal until the canon goes or you'll be blown sky high."

The elevator doors open to reveal the plane that will be taking them to the arena. The pair walk out the doors into the sunlight of the helipad. "Maria," Rhett said softly taking hold of her arm to stop her movement. "You can do this."

After a moment of silence, he shockingly pulled her into a hug. He kissed the top of her head. Maria smiled up at him with tears in her eyes. "Thanks, for everything."

And with that, she walked off with the Peacekeepers following behind her to ensure she didn't make a run for it. Not that it would be much use as there was nowhere to go. On the jet, someone directed her to her seat which was marked F8. Clodagh from 9 was seated beside her. She was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Give me your arm." A lady said holding out her hand for the District 9 girl but she was unresponsive. Two peacekeepers came over and forcibly held out her arm despite her screams. The lady moved onto Maria and put out her arm before being told after seeing what they did to Clodagh.

Once they landed Maria was escorted to a dreary gray room with tile walls and cement floors. Nessa was waiting for her. When the door shut Maria nearly collapsed into the woman's arms who comfortingly held her tightly.

"Here," Nessa took the coat off the rack and helped Maria into it. It was heavy. Possibly the heaviest thing she'd ever worn. She knows people back home who would love to have a jacket like this one. But it's tainted now. "And I managed to get this by the review board."

Nessa held up Colton's bracelet. Maria nearly burst into tears at the sight of it. The older woman slipped it onto the girl's wrist. "The perfect token."

"Thank you," Maria said with tears in her eyes.

"30 seconds." A robotic voice said over the intercom.

Maria was shaking. Nessa wrapped her arms around her once again. "Judging by the heavy clothes given I'd say the arena isn't tropical so expect cold climates. Your boots have gripes built so possibly mountains or rocky areas. My guess is a forest of some kind or possibly a mountain range. With the way these things go it could very well be both."

"20 seconds." The voice said once again.

"Stay alive," Nessa kissed the girl's head.

Maria nodded taking a breath before entering the small glass platform that would close behind her. She turned around to give one final wave to Nessa who blew a kiss. The platform rose up startling her slightly. Maria started to think about all the things she'd miss. Her friends, her grandmother, rose petals, singing songs. Now meeting Nessa and getting to know Rhett she was going to miss them too.