Under the Willow

Chapter 2

    "It's a mockingjay pin," added Katniss while I stared down at the unfamiliar bird. The bird stood for the rebellion against the Capital. At school last year, they taught my class all about the Hunger Games, like why we have them, who made them, and the rebellion. One hundred fifty years ago, there was war. The earth was full with lands so big, they used to be called continents, and there were seven of them. Each of the continents went to war with one another. Our continent, North America as I've heard, was the only continent left. Many people died from the destruction of the nuclear bombs, but some people had survived. They lived in rubble for at least twenty years, but then a man named Clericale changed the world forever. He separated the remaining land into thirteen districts, but the thirteenth was a bit far upland. "Why thirteen districts?", some of you may question.

I don't know, maybe thirteen was his lucky number.

    Anyway, Clericale had each of the Districts do a job so we could all " support " each other. It is actually a pretty good idea. For example, District 12 had an abundance of coal, so that's what District 12 did to supply the other districts. This was a very unique system, and everyone appreciated it and weren't treated so bad while working.

But of course, happiness like this doesn't last long.

Clericale knew how much power he had. He started having one of the districts make fine luxury items. Now, this would have been ok, but at the time, our country was struggling to survive, and the last thing we needed was a bejeweled hair clip. But we had a surplus in all the districts, so sadly, we agreed.

The districts suffered greatly after that.

     They had wigs of vibrant colors made, drinks, lace fabrics, diamonds, you name it.  Clericale built a mansion for him, and it still remains the biggest building in the country. Our districts were put into hard laborer, and then we were all classified by numbers, from richest to poorest. The people who could get out of this by their wealth were able to live in a safe haven place called the Capital. The Capital embraced the riches as well, and did no hard labor what so ever. Clericale said everyone would be able to join the Capital someday, but they were all just lies to make us work harder. So, that came the rebellion. All thirteen districts fought well and hard, but sadly, were defeated. And this is why we have the Hunger Games. Two children, a boy and a girl,  from ages twelve to eighteen from every district are sent to an area to fight till the death until one victor remained. This is to represent that every Capital person that died, that two rebels were killed. This has been going on for 73 years, and this year will be the 74th. And our president, President Snow, says it's a very important event. Some people say they are even honored to fight in the Hunger Games. And then it all came to me.

   I could die. The thought brought tears to my eyes, and before I knew it, I was crying like a three year old. Katniss came over and hugged me. We just hugged each other, in silence for awhile, but when we broke apart, the mockingjay pin was clipped on my shirt. Katniss just kneeled by me and smiled.

" For protection".

Sorry this book is taking sooooooo long everyone. Don't worry, the action will be picking up soon, and I am already starting chapter 3. Please do tell your friends that like the hunger games about this book if you already haven't.

I apologize for any grammar issues though out the book, we all make mistakes here and there :)