May the odds be ever in your favour

Chapter 2

Once I enter the room, I quickly take a look at my surroundings and after a few seconds, I crash at the nearest royal-blue silk sofa and all the tears I have managed to suck in, are now pouring out. I know I must look horrible crying like that but I have every right to express my emotions. At least now that I am alone, I can let myself go and give in to despair. I continue crying for what feels like 5 minutes. Right when the tears stop, I hear a knock on the door and with a trembling voice I answer "Come in.." then, the door opens slowly revealing my parents who are holding each other for dear life as if they let each other go, they will fall apart. They both rush in my direction and we crash into a big hug. My mom can't contain herself once more and she bursts into tears. My own tears dried out so I can't cry any longer. My father holds us both in his embrace as a protector of the family does. Words needn't be said, we can understand each other perfectly.

Once my mom's tears dry out, my dad finally releases us. Then, out of the blue, my dad gets up and from the side pocket of his vest, he takes out a small box which looks like it could be from a jewellery shop. I wonder what he is doing when he speaks and answers my non-verbally expressed question "Rosy, we don't have much time... During the games, it is allowed for you to carry something of yours to be reminded of your home and your loved ones as a token" as he is speaking, my mom wraps an arm around my waist pulling me closer resting her head on my shoulder. "so...your mother and I, want you to take this with you." he continues while opening the box revealing a beautiful ring in the shape of a rose. The materials surely must be expensive since it's shining in my direction. I can't imagine how much money my parents spent on it.

"We managed to purchase it during a great trade we had done a few years back. It was the one who reminded us of you. You see, we wanted to purchase you a gift for your 19th birthday when every worry about this damn thing would be gone. But...here we are." he says with his voice cracking in the last sentence. "Dad... I don't know what to say. Thank you," I say, feeling my eyes water once more. My dad helps me put on the ring. If it wasn't for this situation, I would be jumping up and down from my excitement. That's not the case now.

Then, my dad sits right beside me once again and takes my hands to his. My mom somehow finds the courage to speak and says holding me "Rosaline, do you know why we named you like that?", "No, mom. I don't know" I say, trying to morph a small smile to comfort her. "Pedro, would you be kind enough to tell her? She must know." says my mom turning towards my dad and he nods in agreement.

"It all began when your mother and I were only eighteen. We were lucky enough for the both of us not to be chosen for any of the previous games. Back then, things were a lot stricter than they are today. I loved your mother from the first time I laid eyes on her. I knew she was special from the very first moment. I was about to propose to her, but I wanted to find a unique way to do it. So, I did something I never thought I would have done before. I went to the black market in search of something unique, something exotic, something that didn't remind me of home, district 8. I was searching for hours and I couldn't find anything. I was about to give up and return home with nothing on my hands when I passed a small vendor who had lots of greenery, and edible I assumed and I was about to leave. But, that was the moment when my eyes fell on a plant I had never seen in my life before. I was mesmerised by its beauty and it reminded me of your mother immediately. So I asked the vendor what it was and he said that it was a flower called a rose. I was so happy to have found something so unique so I asked the vendor what he would like in trade for the rose. However, instead of answering me, he questioned the reason why I wanted to take that flower so badly. I was so embarrassed while telling him the reason but after I was finished, his features softened and said "Well then, take it. It's yours! I don't want anything in return. I hope you get the girl." and then he let me take it. That night, my mother and your mother had plans to meet at the square near the fountain. Once I found her, I gave her the rose and asked her to be my wife. Of course, she said yes. After that, the rose became our symbol and we vowed that if we were to have a child after our marriage, he or she would take the name of our most beloved symbol. So, once you were born, your mother and I decided to name you Rosalia in memory of our token, and now it's yours. The rose is your token, my beloved daughter."

"Dad..." I'm about to cry once again after hearing the story behind my name and now my token. However, my dad stopped me and said "We don't have much time left..". He stands up and I quickly do the same. He opens his arms and I hug him immediately. "This is not the end Rose, we promise you this is not the end! You will live. You will come home to us," says my father and for the first time, he lets out his tears. It is my mom's turn now. As I slowly leave my dad's embrace, she quickly spins me around and gives me a big hug "I love you, Rose. You're my little girl and always will be. Please, try to win. Please come back to us. We can't lose you my precious flower." she says, letting some tears drip from her eyes "I promise mom. I will try my best." I reply, trying to reassure her. I can't be sure about anything anymore, though. I can't be sure I'll ever come back.

After that, the door opens in such a rush that almost scares me and peacekeepers rush into the room practically dragging my family out of the room. My dad snaps and starts shouting my name, trying to free himself. I know they won't let him go and that he is overpowered. I can't do anything either. That's why I just shout back "I love you! Goodbye!"