Irrational

Allies

I sat on a plush, red velvet armchair. I waited for the family that never came. I waited for the friends that I never had.

I sighed and leaned back into the chair. The door burst open and Melodia entered the room.

“You need to come with me; the train will be leaving soon.” Melodia chirped. I stood up and smoothed my shirt.

I followed Melodia through the hallways of the Justice Building and out into the courtyard. Xander was already waiting there with three Peacekeepers and our mentors; Katelyn James and Julius Kelters. All of us walked in silence to the train yard.

“So, I’m sure that you will love the Capitol!” Melodia sang, attempting to make conversation. I avoided eye contact with her and instead glanced over at Xander. He was looking at me, his eyes showing no emotion at all.

“What?” I hissed at him, he gave me a blank stare. “Why are you staring at me?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Xander stated firmly. I rolled my eyes and walked away from him.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” I muttered.

I climbed the steps onto the train and lithely crossed into the elegant dining car. I curled up daintily on an armchair and rested my chin on my knees.

“Children, the reapings will be shown live in ten minutes, the viewing room is the third door to the right down this hall.” Melodia announced and she led our mentors out of the room.

“So Thalia, what can you do?” Xander asked a bit harshly. I glared at him.

“You’ll just have to wait and see.” I growled at him. He didn’t even blink at my outburst.

“Ok then.” He said calmly, his voice deep and slow. I stood up and started walking towards the door. Then I stopped and turned back to look at Xander.

“I’m going to go to the viewing room now. Are you coming?” I was hoping he’d say no but unfortunately he stood up and walked over to me. He opened the door and gestured to it. I walked out ahead of him, stepping into a long hallway.

I headed down the hallway, not waiting for him. I heard his footsteps behind me, surprisingly light for someone so large. I spotted the door to the viewing room, it was slightly ajar and the glowing light from the television screen was shining out into the hallway.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Julius, Katelyn and Melodia were already all inside, situated on the three empty chairs, leaving me and Xander to sit on the loveseat. Joy.

I sat down at the very edge of the small couch and Xander sat down next to me. He leaned back, looking completely at ease, like he didn’t have a care in the world. An easy smirk was gracing his lips and I couldn’t help but stare.

I tore my eyes away from Xander just as Caesar Flickerman began announcing the beginning of the reapings. I trained my eyes on the large screen as the District 1 reaping began.

Surprisingly, I wasn’t very impressed with the District 1 reaping, a small girl named Diamond and a tall boy named Wyatt were reaped. I didn’t think that I wanted either of them as allies.

District 2 rolled around and I watched with a small smile as I volunteered and Xander was reaped. We both looked strong, confident, deadly.

The reapings all blurred together, one after another. Only a few people stood out to me; Lana from District 5, Sam from District 7 and Isaac from District 9.

District 12 finally started and I sighed, they hadn’t had a Victor in years and their tributes were always soft, weak, dying in the bloodbath. But I watched in terrified fascination as a boy named Jace volunteered. He stalked up to the stage with a calm smirk on his face. I liked him, he was confident. I wanted him.

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I hope I'm doing everyone justice :)

CT