𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐈𝐄- 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘖𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘳

One.

Arlo was the first to awake.
He wished he could sleep the rest of the day away, in hopes of avoiding the worst day known to exist. He looked over towards Ada, to see her still sleeping peacefully.

Arlo sighed, rubbing his hands over his face fighting to stay awake. He needed to get up, Ada as well, but he thought he would let her get as much rest as she could before the ceremony.

He made sure to wash properly before going to Ada. The teen made sure to get both their outfits out for the day. He wore brown dungarees and matched it with a plaid shirt and boots. The weather was warm so he didn't bother with bringing his jacket. Instead he got it out for Ada, knowing she would wear it over her dress.

Her dress, the same brown as his dungarees. Ada and Arlo had a low limited option on clothes, often wearing the same things for days on end. Money was very hard to come by in district eleven, so they had no choice but to work with what they had.

Living in an orphanage made it more difficult to provide for yourself. Money you earned would have to be enough to buy for everyone and provide the other kids. The two teens didn't mind one bit, because at the end of the day they had a roof over their heads, as well as a bed.

That was enough for them.

Like all the workers of district eleven, they got sent home early to ensure they would be home for the reaping the next day.

They couldn't complain. It saved them from having to sleep in an old shelter in the fields, during their long work shifts.

Ada had awoken the moment Arlo dropped her run down cowboy boots on the floor.
The male winced slightly, not meaning to be too loud.

"Good morning." Ada's words had been muffled by her pillow. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you." He moved to place her clothes on her bed.

"It's alright Arly." He rolled his eyes at the childish nickname, "Arlo's just find Ads."

She let out a chuckle "What time is it anyways." She asked through a yawn.

"Time to get up. We got two hours before we need to leave." He sighed, not wanting to leave the comfort of the room.

"Great, can't wait."

——

After the two teens got ready they made sure all the other kids were up and ready as well as fed for the day. Being the two eldest meant they had more responsibilities to do, which the owner was completely grateful for. They had no problem with it. At the end of the day everyone was still struggling either finances, food and clothing "there's nothing wrong with a little help." Arly would always say to the old lady who ran the home. After hearing how she felt bad for having to rely on the help of kids.

"You two stay safe out there. I'll pray that the two of you come back to us." The owner, Mary, cupped both their cheeks.

"No promises, Mary, you know that." Ada took ahold of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Her old eyes softened at her words, knowing she was right, their names had been put in more times than the other fifteen year olds. The two teens have made countless sacrifices for her and the other people of district eleven.

"I know." After a moment of silence, the two led the women out, one on either side almost guarding her from the busy crowd.

The closer they got to the queues was just another cruel reminder on how they had to part ways with their carer.

Another year, another spectator.

"I'll see you both soon." She planted a kiss on both their hands and walked off with the other adults. Not once looking back, it would make it harder to say goodbye.

Arlo and Ada looked at each other and separated into the queues speeding the process up.

"Next."

Ada moved forward and let the woman take her blood. Once she was cleared to go she moved and walked to the fifteen section. She looked towards the boys and saw Arlo looking right back at her. Sending him a smile and a nod she faced the front where the stage was.

Looking around her she saw familiar faces all of them giving her smiles and nods, as if they knew she was at a higher risk than them. She returned the favour to the other girls giving them some silent reassurance.

The two teens were known for their kindness and generosity, but those who knew them dearly, recognised the anger behind their eyes, for the capital, the games and president snow.

It wasn't the first time they both fought back.

Five agonising minutes later, district elevens escort walked out on stage with her colourful feathered dress, making her standout against the brown, blue and gray colours from district eleven.

"Welcome! Happy hunger games. And may the odds be ever in your favour." Hattie smiled happily towards the crowd of people.

The longer Ada stood there the harder her heart started pounding in her chest. She was sure Arlo was feeling the same way.

"Now, before we begin we have a very special film, brought all the way from the capital." She couldn't help but roll her eyes, having to watch the same bullshit film every year.

Hattie began talking after the film had come to an end, "Now! The time has come to select one brave young man and woman. For the honor of representing district eleven in the 68th annual hunger games."

Ada felt the girl next to her grab her hand out of nerves, but she didn't mind.

"As usual... ladies first."

The two girls held their breathe and squeezed their hands a little tighter.

"Ada Baxter!"

It felt as if all air had left her lungs. The girl beside her dropped her hand out of shock and fear for the girl. She could practically feel Arlos eyes burning through her soul.

However, she was playing their game now. She would not cry, not now. She knew the capital was watching as well as the other districts. She couldn't be seen as weak.

Without another moment to wait she moved herself from the crowd and made her way to the stage, where Hattie was waiting with a happy smile on her face.

She walked onto the stage with a face made of stone. She didn't dare look towards the other side where Arlo would be standing, knowing he was the only person who could make her break.

"Ah, yes!, beautiful!" Hattie praised her as she moved towards the microphone.

"And now, for the boys!"

The silence was tense, half the people in the crowd looked at the girl in sorrow and the other half in anger. Knowing the games once again are taking away children just to be slaughtered.

Born to die before reaching adulthood.

"Arlo Baxter!"