Torn: Sequel to Ruthless

Chapter 2

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

Artemis

I'm genuinely surprised. Just twenty minutes ago, I told Tavia she wouldn't be reaped. But when 'Octavia Meyer' is called at The Reaping, I almost gasp out loud. I manage to swallow the sound, but it's a struggle. As my best friend walks to the platform, I look down, not meeting her eyes. Not offering the reassurance she so desperately needs. And I don't even know why. It's a simple task—just lift my head and meet her eyes. But in this moment, I can't do it. I can't help her with something so simple.

"I volunteer as tribute!" 

A chorus of girls, all between 16 and 18, erupts. I'd forgotten about the volunteers. After a brief exchange between the District 2 mentors, Mayor Braxton, and Arachne, the crowd falls into a heavy silence. A replay of the volunteering is shown on the screen.

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

The girl, a stranger to me, cheers as she practically skips to the stage.

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

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

"Elsie Parker, age 17, is the female tribute representing District 2 in the Hunger Games!" Arachne announces, her voice full of forced excitement.

Meanwhile, Octavia is escorted off the stage, back toward the Reaping area.

"And now, for the boys."

Arachne struts over to the second Reaping Bowl, the one with the boys' names in it. She reaches to the very bottom, grabs a handful of slips, and lets them slip through her fingers, holding onto one. Nodding in satisfaction, she strides back to the microphone.

She clears her throat again and announces, "Apollo Leigh!"

My heart stops. My brother. I swallow hard, ignoring the burning in my chest. I try not to notice the lump rising in my throat as Apollo walks toward the stage. Our eyes meet for a fleeting moment, and then I can't stand it anymore. I break eye contact, unable to hold his gaze.

I zone out as he takes his place. I feel as though the world has gone completely numb. After a while, my legs carry me mechanically toward my parents. We follow a group of Peacekeepers to the Justice Building. After a quick elevator ride and a short walk, we arrive at a small room. The Peacekeeper stationed by the door opens it for us.

"You have three minutes," another Peacekeeper announces, his voice clipped.

The moment the door shuts, I break. I burst into tears, the floodgates open. Everything I'd held in during the Reaping rushes out. Apollo's muscular arms wrap around me in a futile attempt to comfort me. But it's no use. Nothing can comfort me now. Not after my best friend was almost taken from me. Not after learning my brother was going to be ripped away too.

"You have to come back," I choke through the tears.

"I will. Don't worry." His voice is light, but I can hear the unspoken promise in it.

Still holding me, he moves to talk to Mom. Then Dad. And then, before I know it, I'm pulled away.

A few hours later...

I don't know how long I've been crying, but I don't intend to stop until I physically can't cry anymore. After what feels like an eternity, I decide to call Tavia.

She doesn't pick up.

I try again.

No answer.

Eight calls later, I finally give up and storm to her house. It doesn't take long because I live a block away. I knock on her door, and within a few minutes, it swings open. But it's not Tavia who answers. It's Lilith. She's not herself. Her usual cheerful demeanor is gone. Lilith's eyes are swollen and red, her breaths shallow, and her hair is a tangled mess. She's swapped her Reaping dress for an oversized T-shirt.

"What's wrong, Lil?" I ask, my voice trembling with concern.

"T-they t-took—"

"Tavia?" I cut her off, already knowing the answer.

Lilith nods, tears falling freely down her cheeks. My heart shatters all over again.

"Can I come in?"

She steps aside, and I enter. We walk up the stairs to the right, to Rowan's room. I knock. He answers the door. He's the complete opposite of Lilith—still in his Reaping outfit, his hair perfectly combed, and there's no trace of sadness on his face.

"How may I help you?" he asks in a cold, polite tone.

"I heard Octavia was taken. Can you tell me what happened?"

He hesitates, his face hardening.

"You don't have to answer," I stammer. "I'm sorry for asking."

I turn to leave, but before I reach the door, Rowan's voice calls after me.

"Wait!"

"I told you, I'm sorry for asking," I murmur, reaching for the door handle.

He grabs my hand and pulls me back.

"No, I'll tell you," he says, his voice softer now. He pulls me further inside.

"After the Reaping, we all went back home like usual. About an hour later, Peacekeepers showed up and told us Octavia was to compete in the Hunger Games because the train carrying the District 2 tributes was involved in an 'unfortunate accident.' My mom tried to argue, but they knocked her out. Then they just took Octavia without saying another word."

I gasp. "Is your mom okay?"

Rowan nods, swallowing hard. "She's fine. I think."

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

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

"I'm sorry I asked," I whisper.

I pull my hand away from his grip and yank the door open. The moment it slams shut, the full weight of everything that's happened crashes over me like a wrecking ball. I crumble to the floor, unable to hold myself up any longer.

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