Forever in the Games- UNDER EXTREME EDITING

Chapter Two

Six years have passed since the moment that moment had occurred. I had not seen my mother in six years. I haven't been slowed to visit District Twelve without at least three Peacekeepers guarding my every move for six years.

The Capitol was my home now.

"Wake up Lucinda! Now! We have a big day ahead of us!" My escort, Effie Trinket, invades my room with her piercing voice. Groaning, I roll onto my side, holding the pillow tightly to my ears, attempting to block out the hideous noise.

"Effie?" I groan "what is so important?"

"Lucinda, I think you'll find that if you don't get out of bed this instant, it'll be the Cold Pool for you!" I bolt up. My head pounding. He Cold Pool was code name for my monthly torturing device President Snow insists is used upon me, to 'toughen myself up' for the Games. It was the torture chamber. Where I am beaten, and electrocuted.
But now, after six years of using the Cold Pool, my body has adapted to the torture. Adapted so much, that I let out a laugh, and slowly fall back into my bed.

Effie pouts her lips, and frowns at me. I shoot her a sly grin. She sighs, throws her arms up, and walks up.

"I give up with that girl" She sighs on her way out of my room. I sit up again, and stretch my arms above my head.

"Luce! Don't make me come in there!" Faster than I should move this time of a morning, I diver out of my bed, and rub my temple

"Alright! Haymitch" I yawn "I'm up"

Haymitch is my mentor. My father figure. Ever since I was taken from my home, he's been there for me. My nightmares, my sessions in the Cold Pool. He was there. But, of course, when the Games begin, Haymitch's main focus is on the Tributes, because they need all of the help they can get. I'm pretty sure he had a lonely life before I came along; his life was lonely, and used to consist of the depressing task of coaching the Tribute, and most of the time watching them die.

In the arena, I try not to kill many Tributes, only the ones I know will not survive. I save them, in a way, of fighting for a slow and painful death. Both Haymitch and Effie know how my strategy works. If anyone else found out I wasn't playing by Snow's rules, I would have my death broadcasted live across the nation.

I drag myself into the bathroom, and stare at my reflection. How the stylists manage to make me look presentable is beyond me. Sighing, I pick up my toothbrush, and do as much as I can before they arrive.

I leave my room a mess, and wander though District Twelves apartment. I spend most of my time in this apartment, when I'm not on tour for six weeks after I return from the Games

I've always hated sharing this apartment with other members of District Twelve. They take up too much space. This apartment belong to Haymitch, Effie and I. My real family.

"Praise the Lord! She's awake!" My mentor chuckles as I into the dining room.

"You're so funny Haymitch, you know that right?"

"Surprisingly, not that much" I roll my eyes, and take my seat besides him at the table, grabbing a handful of fruit to add to my plate.

"Luce, you know what day it is don't you?" Effie looks towards me, her eyes shadowed with worry. I move my gaze from Haymitch, to Effie

"It's not Cold Pool day" I declare confidently "my last session was only last week"

"No," She huffs, shaking her head gently "it's not Cold Pool day" she takes a short sip from her glass "It's time to leave the Capitol"