THE 31st HUNGER GAMES

Chapter 2

Jackie's POV

I am ushered into the Justice building of District 10. I wait in patience for the time to say goodbye to be over. I know no one will come to say goodbye to me. My father would never let my mother come, and I hardly had any friends.

Suddenly, the door swung open. My mum ran in, gave me a hug, and passed me a bottle with a letter and a chain with a huge star attached to it. I saw scratches on her arm. Her leg seemed to be injured. She must have fought with my father to come say goodbye to me. She was crying as she said, " I love you son, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you from your father. Please come home. I can't stay for long, I'm sorry." I give her a hug while holding back tears and she runs out.

I open the bottle. The chain is just big enough to wear around my wrist. On the star it said, "Remember me". I was about to read the letter when I was rushed into the train.

Our mentor, Backerly, a 39 year old man who won the 10th hunger games at the age of 18, is no where to be seen. I sit next to Alice.

I avoid eye contact with her. This is the girl I loved since I first met her. This is the girl who whispered into my ear that she loved me. This is the girl whom I couldn't date because our fathers would never approve. This is the girl who made me feel betrayal when she told me she would not love me.

The silence between us goes on for what seems like eternity. I finally muster the courage to speak.

"You didn't mean that right?"

She didn't reply me.

"please just tell me you were joking when you said you were going to kill me. I love you!"

"Love can't overcome our current circumstance. That is all I shall say to you," she replied coldly.

I felt like I had been stabbed. I sank into my chair, my heart hurting.

Just then, Backerly, our mentor, walked out and said, "What a complicated relationship you two have. Come with me, young man, let's you and me have a nice talk. Richila, take the young lady to her room." Alice scowls at me and a pang of pain hits me in the heart. I follow Backerly to his room.

"Tell me Jackie, what's going on with the girl?"

I tell him everything. Although I don't even know him well. I need to get this off my chest.

"Well young man, I have a strategy in mind for you. "

"What is it?"

"Pretend you hate her too. Make her feel bad. Then confess to her just before the games. Shake her. This is a game of deceit."

"Ok." That's all I can say. I just want her to love me back.

I walk out of Backerly's room.

As i sit down on a sofa, Alice walks out of her room. I shoot her a cold glare. It hurts me to do this, but if Backerly says it will help, I will do it.

All of a sudden, Alice breaks down in front of me. She falls to her knees, tearing up.

I'm about to pull her into an embrace when Backerly stops me.

"Let her be. Don't be deceived by a girl's complicated heart, mind and soul."