The First Hunger Games

Chapter 4

We were soon rushed into the building behind us.

I had never been in the mayor's house but it was just as I imagined it would be.

A huge shiny, crystal chandelier above the door. A velvet carpet covered the giant room. A plethora of expensive glass stairs lead up to more rooms. Directly across the room was a red carpet leading up to a door.

It's okay, Dawson mouths.

I know, I mouth back. Nikki Parker opens the door and steps back. "Go on," Dawson steps through the door. "Go on." I carefully step through the door.

"Here," she opens a door toward the left of the door. "Amity? Right?"

"Yep," I walk into a room with a glass table side and a leather couch. "Just make yourself at home." She calls after her as she closes the door.

I sit on the couch and wait for seconds until the door opens. My mother walks in the room.

"Amity." She says with a sparkle in here eye. I look up at her. "I taught you well." She smiles but then her face turns all serious.

"Amity, you can't be yourself in that arena. You have to do exactly what they tell you to do. Don't protest. Don't say anything bad about the Capitol, the people there will kill you for any little comment."

"Mom," I said. "I have to keep Dawson alive, I owe Lacey that much."

My mom didn't get mad or sad, she just remained the same. "Amity, promise me, you'll listen to the capital people."

I stand up and hug my mom. "I promise." Peacekeepers walk into the room. "Mrs. Roadside," they point to the door. "Be brave." With that she left the room.

A few minutes pasted before the door opened again. Lacey ran into the room, sobbing. I grabbed her into a hug.

"I... can't... lose both of... both of... you." She sobs miserably. "No... No... No..."

"You're not going to lose both of us." She steps backwards.

"Wh-what?"

"I'll make sure Dawson lives. I promise."

She eyes me suspiciously. "How?"

"It quite simple, he lives, I die."

The door opens. Lacey throws herself at me. "Amity, do be careful. I love you." I hug her as I push her out the door.

It was at least 15 more minutes before the door opened again. It was Nikki Parker. "Come on, Amity, we're going to the train."