"Saleah Barnette, winner of the 72nd Hunger Games,.known as the Butterfly in the Capitol for her gentleness, and her love for the winged creatures. She won her games at 18 and then proceeded to live in both the Capitol and District 11."
"She doesn't...
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SALEAH LEFT THE CAPITOL A MONTH AGO, and she still had not heard from Snow. That was definitely not good.
Her time back in Eleven was filled with joy, she loved being back with her family, but at the same time she was anxious. Saleah was constantly worried, her nightmares still continued. She had come to terms with the fact that she'll never be able to get rid of her memories from the games. They would haunt her and follow her all throughout the rest of her life.
She could block them out though, when she was with her loved ones. The memories still lingered through.
The reaping was tomorrow, and Saleah was worried. Rue was twelve now, her name would be in the bowl this year.
Saleah had a gut feeling that something was going to happen. Snow had been quiet, too quiet. There was no way he would just let Saleah leave without any consequences, Saleah knew that for sure. She just had no idea what the consequences would be. She did not want to find out.
-
"Look at you! You look beautiful Rue!" Saleah smiled as her younger sister spun around.
Rue smiled, "Thank you!"
Saleah nodded and the two sisters were quiet for a minute.
"Do you think they'll call my name...?" Rue asked softly.
Saleah opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again. The truth was, she didn't know. "I really hope not Rue." She said, squeezing her sister tightly.
"You girls ready to go? Your dad's waiting on you both." Aunt Willow questioned.
"Yeah we're ready." Saleah grabbed Rue's hand and they both left the house.
Their dad was waiting outside, "You both look gorgeous! Let's go shall we?"
The three of them headed towards the square. Once they got there, Saleah crouched down in front of Rue. "Listen, they'll prick your finger and that's it. Once they do that you go stand with the other kids your age okay? It's that simple." She explained.
"Okay, got it." Rue nodded.
"I love you." Saleah said, embracing Rue.
"Love you too!" Rue let go and gave her father a quick hug as well, then she headed off.
Saleah and her father watched the young girl. "She doesn't seem scared?"
"That's good I guess?" Saleah sighed, "I've gotta head to the stage...they're expecting me to be there."
Her father nodded, "Okay, love you sweetheart."
Saleah gave her father a hug, "Love you papa." She waved goodbye and headed to the Justice building.
"Well hello there!" Eddy, the male mentor greeted Saleah as she entered the building.
"Hi Eddy." Saleah smiled.
The two sat on one of the couches and waited to be called out to the stage.
A peacekeeper escorted them out of the building, and onto the big stage where District Eleven's escort, Crystal Payne stood in front of a mic.
The two victors each stood on opposite sides of the stage as the reaping began.
"Welcome! Ladies and Gentlemen, to the Seventy Fourth annual reaping!" Crystal clapped excitedly. She continued to give a small speech, then everyone was instructed to watch the video on the screens.
Saleah rolled her eyes as the clipped began, "War, terrible war." She mimicked Snow in her head as the video started.
Once it was over, Crystal let out a joyful sigh. "Now! Let's began shall we?" She walked over to the bowl of female names. "Ladies first, as always." She stuck her hand in the bowl, fishing out a small slip of paper.
Saleah looked out at the crowd, the parents and children all standing in front of her. Each one ready for the possibility of being sent to death in the arena.
"The female tribute this year is..."
Saleah held her breath, silently praying.
Crystal unfolded the paper gently and cleared her throat, "Rue Barnette!"
Saleah's heart stopped.
For a second, she thought she'd misheard, that maybe she'd finally lost it, and that she'd imagined it, but then the cameras focused on Rue, tiny Rue who was shaking as she made her way to the stage.
"No..." She whispered, her voice cracking. Her vision blurred as she watched Rue come up to the stage. She just stood there, unmoving.
She desperately wanted to lash out, to grab her sister and run as far as she could from this wretched place, but she was smarter than that.
Saleah knew this was her fault. How could she be so stupid? She should've just stayed in the Capitol, but no, she had to disobey Snow and now her sister was paying for her actions.
Rue, her Rue had just been sentenced to death, and it was all her fault.
