Iron Clad

Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

     By the time I reach the large, outdoor amphitheater, the other seventeen year olds have congregated loosely in their social circles, mostly chatting quietly. Because District 2 has Career Tributes, Reaping Day is never stressful for my people. This year’s planned tribute, Gaius, is being especially obnoxious today, though. I can hear him from the opposite side of Group 17, lauding himself for being so brave and powerful. Normally I would want to see someone like him knocked down a few pegs, but the District that wins the Hunger Games always receives extra food rations for the rest of the year. Whether Gaius lives or dies, I foresee a happy Hunger Games this year. We’ve gone to school together since we were around five, and I’ve always ended up in a class with him. From the day we met, Gaius and I have never appreciated each other’s company, to put it nicely. Even back then, I made an extra effort to remind him that he’s not as awesome as he believes himself to be.

     I’ve been so buried in my thoughts that I haven’t even realized that someone is trying to get my attention. It’s Julius, the closest thing I have to a friend. I have acquaintances, but he’s my only true friend, I suppose. He’s wearing the characteristically goofy grin that indicates he’s up to no good.

     “I don’t like that look. What have you done?” I ask him, but Julius just shakes his head, stifling laughter.

     “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You know that you’re the troublemaker.” Liar. I’m just the one that gets caught. He’s sneakier and faster than I am, so whenever I get wrapped up in his adventures, I’m the one that has to pay the price.

     “You know what I’m talking about,” I continue, “so don’t think I’m taking my eyes off of you.” Now he’s completely lost all will to hide his mischievousness. Through his laughter I can just make out:

     “It’s too late now, Beryl.  Sit back and enjoy a laugh!” I sigh and rub my eyes with my fingers. Julius never means for me to get in trouble, but he manages to do so anyway. I shake my head in disapproval just in time to hear a girlish shriek. It’s coming from the Careers, and I notice their group has dispersed somewhat. However, Gaius is furiously stomping on a bag—the bag he normally keeps his training equipment in. His face is flushed, and Julius is beside himself in laughter. I’d be more concerned, but the rest of District 2 seems to follow suit. Gaius stomps the bag a few more times before retreating a few feet away, behind Quintus, another Career. A few more seconds pass before Gaius finally regains his composure.

     “Who the hell put a snake in my bag?” He demands angrily. The laughter stops. It stops from everyone, save Julius. Gaius is dumb, but not dumb enough to miss the signals. He storms over to Julius and lifts him up by the collar of his shirt. “So, funny guy, you thought that was funny?” He asks. Then I make the most ridiculous decision of my life.

     “Of course he thought it was funny. Would he be laughing otherwise?” I say, dumbfounded that the words came out of my mouth. Gaius has realized that the entire District is watching by now and drops Julius, but he’s still focused on me, now. Without a word, he effortlessly sweeps my legs out from under my body, and I land face first in the rocky earth of District 2. I watch Gaius from the ground to see if he’ll do anything else: Kick me, throw dirt in my face, do the same to my friend, but he just walks away and kicks his bag as far as he can manage. The dead snake goes with it.

     I’m helped to my feet by Julius, and I can taste blood, but I know that all eyes are on me now, waiting to see what I’ll do next. I murmur that I’m fine and cross my arms, hoping that I don’t look too pitiful. District 2’s mayor, Mr. Geotte, steps up the microphone after an excruciatingly long silence. He begins the Reaping like the tradition says to: He reads the Treaty of Treason—The reason the Hunger Games take place. Several hundred years ago, Panem was once called the United Sates of America, but eventually it fell when giant glaciers far off in the north began to melt. The flooding caused so much chaos that the country killed itself. Over several hundred years, Panem arose as thirteen Districts. However, the Districts attempted to overthrow the Capitol because of the despotism it ruled over its citizens with. That plan failed miserably, and 13 was eradicated by some sort of uranium-based bombs. The Capitol swore that it would end the war if the Treaty of Treason was signed. The treaty demanded that the citizens of Panem—aside from those in the Capitol—were to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen who would fight to the death for the Capitol’s enjoyment. To add on to the humiliation, the Districts are forced to celebrate it like some grand holiday: Reaping Day. The victors are lauded as heroes by President Snow, and they live lives of luxury in a special part of their home districts. However, Mayor Geotte’s version of the story drones on for an hour longer than necessary, without fail.

     Finally, District 2’s escort to the Capitol, Fillet Mignon, steps to the podium. He’s a strange one, he is. He looks to be around forty years of age, but has had extensive amounts of surgery performed to keep himself looking as young as possible. His hair is pulled forward in a lavender-dyed pompadour, and the make up on his eye lids, lips, and cheeks keeps the color scheme together. He always wears a loud, violet jacket with oversized sleeves and a pair of immaculate, white pants. This is all too common in Capitol citizens, even including his purple high heels. What’s worse is his name. Apparently he’s named after a cut of meat from a country that existed a long time ago called France. Normally, France’s people wouldn’t pronounce the final consonant in a word, but he demands that everyone does.

     “Hello there, District 2, I am Fillet Mignon,” He exclaims in his effeminate, overly excited manner of speech. “Are we ready for another happy Hunger Games?” Several people groan, ready to carry on with their holiday.  Fillet looks displeased. “Fine, then. Geotte, the names?” The mayor brings out two glass bowls, each filled with slips of paper that have a name written on them. One for the boys, and one for the girls. “Let’s pick our lucky lady this year, shall we?” Fillet dramatically covers his eyes with one hand as he digs around in the bowl with the other. He settles on one slip before carefully removing it and unfurling it. “Dianne Ameth?” He doesn’t even blink when a different girl, one of the Careers, raises her hand.

     “I volunteer to take her place.” She calls, promptly climbing the stone hewn steps next to the stage.

     “Oh, how unexpected,” Fillet feigns surprise unconvincingly. “And what is your name, young lady?”

     “Terra. Terra Centurius.” She doesn’t even look like she’s making an effort to seem awesome.  Not another word and she takes a seat in the chair next to Enobaria, last year’s victor, also from District 2.

     “Well, okay then! Looks like we’ve got another toughie this year. Let’s see who our boy will be.” Fillet digs around in the other bowl. He pulls the same act he did with the girls’ drawing for a good 30 seconds before the crowd grows irate. Rolling his eyes, Fillet unfolds a slip of paper and reads it to the audience.

     “Beryl Damascus.”

     My heart skips a beat, maybe more, but I calm down when I see Gaius. He’ll be volunteering any second now. Another second passes. Another. He doesn’t say a word. Gaius turns to face me and waves slowly, mouthing the words “Bye-bye.” I completely lose it. Taking off into the crowd, I desperately search for my parents, my brother, Lapis, anyone. My mother reaches me first, wrapping me in her arms, tears streaming down her face already. She turns to my father.

     “Don’t you let them take my baby!” She’s as frantic as I am. Lapis has a hold of my left arm, and I think I can hear her crying. Past my mother, I can see my father and brother, looking conflicted and solemn. They start to approach me, but as my brother reaches out for me, I know what the plan is. They’re Peacekeepers, sworn to uphold the law. They can’t lift a finger in my defense. I back away from mother and Lapis when someone yanks my arms behind my back. The tall figure over me is Gaius.

     “I’ve got him right here, guys. You know the rules, Beryl,” He chuckles a little, and I begin to flail wildly. Gaius merely tightens his grip on my arms and I yelp a little. I eventually resign and the other Peacekeepers take me to the stage and carry me into the building of justice that sits right behind the stage. I turn my head and see my parents, my siblings, and think about how powerless and foolish I am. I catch a glimpse of Julius looking sadly at me. He could have helped me. Julius could have volunteered in my place. This is all his fault! If he could have been good for one day, I wouldn’t have to be carried away by Peacekeepers. I could be with my family. I realize now that I hate my only friend more than my worst enemy. This is his fault.