Turning Tables

Breathing

The peacekeeper pricked my finger, dropping the blood onto a book.
"Victoria Hamilton. Go through."
I walked into my line. I looked over to Jeremy, who was talking to the boy next to him nervously, glancing at his sisters who both stood stock still. Suddenly there was silence, as the doors to the mayor's house opened.
The Capitol's representative for our district ambled out. I noticed Courtney, Fatima and Lucy swoon and giggle as he flashed a winning smile.
"Hello again district 12!" A few girls squealed. Throx became the representative last year, taking over from the last lady, who had aged beyond what was acceptable. His hair flips down one side of his head, and always wears a different styled suit. I must admit- he was attractive, but there isn't much room for a Hunger Games supporter in my life.
"Now, as always, I'll get you excited for the 149th Hunger Games with the Reminder!"
A big hologram appeared behind him. The movie was the same- an old film about the dangers of war, then suddenly it burns out with a symbol of a mockingjay with an arrow. Silent images of children dying and Capitol people watching in enjoyment. I don't understand it. It just shows that the Hunger Games are awful. They seem to want to remind us of that.
"Alright!! Now the reminder is over, ladies first!"
I began to shiver. The breeze suddenly became cool. We could hear the ruffling of paper as he dug his hand into the orb.
With delicate fingers he plucked it out.
With delicate fingers he prized it open.
With a delicate voice he called,
"Indigo Wellington."
There was a collective gasp. Everyone who knew Indigo loved her. My eyes instantly flicked to Jer. He was grasping his chest. His eyes searched wildly. Then-
"No!!!" He screamed, "INDY! Don't you dare go out there!" I tried to tell Jer to shut up. Ruby was crying loudly, and Indy looked like a deer in a headlight. Everyone else was silent.
"Don't go!! I won't let-" his voice cracked, "I WONT let you take her!!" The air seemed vacuum.
"You can't do that to her!! She's twelve for GOD'S SAKE!" He pushed his way into the line, punching a peacekeeper. The peacekeeper raised his stun gun.
"No!" I looked around, trying to find where the words came from.
"I volunteer! I volunteer for Indigo!" I craned my neck, searching for the one who had said it, then realised.
It was me.
Jer was panting, on the ground, staring up into the gun. I'd saved him.
I walked silently up the line. I saw Indigo crying, still in shock. I'd saved her.
I heard Throx speaking.
"What's your name beautiful?" I looked out over the district.
"Victoria Hamilton."
I noticed Lucy's face had fallen.
"Well, now to see the male tribute."
A flood of thoughts drowned my mind.
Indy had so much to live for. I only had Papa. I could still make it. Jer would be happy. Papa would be proud of me. Ruby and Mary would have a sister. Jer would be happy. My mother would be proud of me.
Jer would be happy.
"Brandon Millner."
I searched the crowd for the sixteen year old who had dated Lucy. Already, my thoughts were brutal, and I realised I wouldn't find it too hard to kill him.
Then came the twist.
"I volunteer."
"I volunteer." Jer had two peacekeepers holding him. His eyes were determined, the exact look he gives when he's got ten metres to go up a cliff and he's physically done. It's a look of pure thought.
I couldn't even move. He'd given it up for me.
Jesus, Jeremiah.
"And what- uh," Throx looked a little disgusted as Jer stumbled up the stairs- now sweaty and dirty, "what's your name?"
"Jeremiah Wellington."
"Indigo's brother?"
Jer threw him a death stare.
"Yeah."
"Alrighty then! What an eventful reaping! Thank you once again district 2, happy hunger games, and may the odds be ever in your favour."
I saw Jer's thoughtful eyes and surly posture one more time before they ushered us into separate rooms in the mayor's house.
My breath started to come in sharp bursts. I'm a tribute now, I'm going to be filmed, I'm going to die.
I've never really feared the Hunger Games- I've been frightened by them- but never the agonising fear that Jer felt about his sisters being pulled out. I've had no one to worry about, and the chances of me being pulled out are extremely slim. We've all been told stories of districts that used to train, and want to be in the Hunger Games, but they're likely old wive's tales, invented to inspire kids to be fit when the Games come around. And we are fit. The mentors provide a ten week long fitness and training course every year for all the reaping children. It's called 'Just get fit'.
They mean 'Just in case'.
Jer and I usually slack off from these, and go climbing in abandoned quarries, or swimming in the water hole cut into the rock under the waterfall.
We're still fit.
I tried to even my breathing.