Torn: Sequel to Ruthless

Chapter 2

Once again, this is a pretty short chapter, but it's mainly to introduce the second narrator of this book. And to introduce the next chapter...

Artemis

I am genuinely surprised. Just twenty minutes ago, I told Tavia that she wouldn't be reaped.

And when 'Octavia Meyer' is called at The Reaping today, I almost gasp out loud, but I manage to stay silent. As my best friend walks to the platform, I look down, not meeting her eyes. Not giving her the reassurance she so desperately needs. And I don't even know why! It's a simple task, just lifting my head and meeting her eyes. But, in this moment, I can't do it, I can't do the simple task to help my best friend. 

"I volunteer as tribute!" a whole chorus of girls, all between 16 and 18, yells. 

I forgot about the volunteers. 

After a brief discussion between the District 2 mentors, Mayor Braxton, and Arachne, the crowd waits in silence as a replay of the volunteering is played on the screen. 

Arachne then announces, "According to our lovely replay here," she gestures to the screen, "This young woman is representing District 2 in the Hunger Games!"

The girl that got picked cheers as she practically skips to the stage.

"What's your name and age?" Arachne asks. 

"Elsie Parker, age 17," the girl responds confidently. 

"Elsie Parker, age 17, is the female tribute representing District 2 in the Hunger Games!" Arachne cheers.

Meanwhile, Octavia is getting escorted off the stage and back to the Reaping area. 

"Now, for the boys."

Arachne struts to the other Reaping Bowl, the one with the boys' names in it. Reaching her hand to the very bottom, she grabs a handful of slips, before letting them fall through the gaps in her fingers and keeping a hold of one slip. Nodding in satisfaction, she struts back to the microphone. 

Clearing her throat, she announces, "Apollo Leigh!"

My brother. I swallow hard, trying to ignore the fact that my heart has been torn out of my chest. Trying to ignore the lump in my throat as my brother walks to the stage. Our eyes meet for a few seconds before I can't take it anymore and break eye contact with him.  

I zone out until my brother gets taken away. Walking to my parents and grabbing their hands, we follow a group of Peacekeepers to the Justice Building. After a quick elevator ride and a short walk, we arrive at the room I assume my brother is in. The Peacekeeper standing by the room holds the door open for us as we file inside. 

"You have three minutes," another Peacekeeper announces. 

The moment the door shuts, I burst into tears, releasing every single emotion I held back during the Reaping. Apollo wraps his muscular arms around my smaller frame in a fruitless attempt to comfort me. 

But nothing will comfort me. Not after my best friend was almost taken from me. Not after I found out my brother was going to be taken from me. 

"You have to come back," I hear myself say through my tears. 

"I will, don't worry," he responds lightheartedly. 

Still holding me, he moves to talk to Mom. Then Dad. Then I get pulled away from my brother.

A few hours later...

I've been crying for I don't know how long, but I don't plan on stopping until I physically can't cry anymore. After a lot of crying and considering, I call Tavia. 

She doesn't pick up. 

I call again. 

Once again, she doesn't answer. 

This happens for a grand total of eight times before I give up and storm to her house. Making my way there doesn't take long, because I live a block away from her. After I knock on her door, I only have to wait a few minutes before it swings open. Lilith opens the door. But she's not her usual, cheerful self. 

Lilith is a complete mess. Her eyes are puffy and red, as if she had also been crying. Her breaths come in short gasps, and her hair falls down her back in tangles. She has also changed out of her Reaping dress and into an oversized T-shirt. 

"What's wrong, Lil?" I inquire, concerned.

"Th-they t-took-"

I cut her off, "Tavia?" 

Lilith nods, tears running silently down her cheeks. My heart feels like it has been torn out of my chest-for the second time today. 

"May I come in?"

The young girl steps aside, letting me walk through the door. I go up the stairs and to the right, where Rowan's room is. I knock. Rowan answers it. Unlike his youngest sister, he's still wearing his outfit from the reaping, and his hair is still neatly combed. He shows no signs of sadness.  

"How may I help you?" he asks me. 

"I heard that Octavia was taken, and I'd like to know the details."

He falls silent, his face hardening. 

"Y-you don't have to answer," I stammer. "I'm sorry for asking."

Turning from the door, I scurry down the stairs and out the door. I make the short walk to my house. As I'm about to open the door, I hear Rowan's voice. 

"Wait!"

"I told you, I'm sorry for asking." 

I turn away again, grasping the door handle and turning it. 

"No, I'll tell you," he replies, easily wrenching my hand from the door handle and keeping me from opening it any further. 

I look at him expectantly. 

"After the Reaping, me, my mom, Octavia, Lilith, and Vulcan went back to our house like everyone else. About an hour later, Peacekeepers showed up at our door and told us that Octavia was to compete in the Hunger Games since the train carrying the District 2 tributes was involved in an 'unfortunate accident.' My mom tried to argue, but she got knocked out. Then they just took Octavia and left without another word."

My brother.

I gasp, "Is your mom okay?"

He nods, swallowing hard. 

"What about the people on the train? Apollo?"

"I don't know. No one does."

"I'm sorry I ever asked you," I tell him quietly. 

Then I yank my hand out of his grip, open the door, and slam the door in his face. The moment the door shuts, the reality of the past few hours hits me like a wrecking ball, and I collapse into a heap on the floor. 

Thanks for reading this chapter! Feel free to give me feedback on this. As for the pictures, the top is Artemis, our second main narrator, the middle is Apollo, and the last one is Rowan. Thanks again!