The 48th Hunger Games {Editing} ( #Wattys2017 )

Chapter III - Last Goodbyes

I stood there in shock. I try to remind myself how to breathe but it doesn't work. All I do is gasp for breath. Ace looked in shock as well. I got pushed and shoved into the Justice building by a peacekeeper, I do not question it. I sit down on a bench and wait. I can't cry, even If I try so hard. What's keeping me from crying?

Instead of trying to figure out what's happening, I try to think about other things. Ace Francis. I've never seen him in my school. But why would I care? He's just another person who will die with me. How will I got about the Hunger Games? All I know how to do is darts and darts is hard to get in the Hunger Games. The games may not even have darts.

I slumped on the bench, my heart's still racing, delaying me from thinking properly. I buried my head in my hand but right after I did that I heard someone walking into the room. I glanced up to Liza and Louis. I stood up and made sure I had no tears in my eyes.

Liza gave me and hug and Louis was trying his best not to cry. Liza was crying and wet tears landed on my shoulder. I let one tear escape and blinked back the rest.

I broke the embrace with saying "Protect them, You know I won't make it back." I quietly said, by 'them' I am referring to my parents.

I'm worried that they won't get enough food to eat, or they will even be too depressed to do anything.

"No! You will! Don't doubt yourself! Please!" Liza screamed through her tears. "I can't lose another."

I couldn't understand the pain she is in right now but I understand her words loud and clear. Well maybe not so clear but I understood word by word.

"You better not die." Louis mumbled under his breath, but I heard him.

How can I promise them I won't die? If I die, they will be fine? Well isn't dying better than living?

Louis walked over and pulled Liza off my body. Just to think, I've know them for six years and I'm leaving them so soon. Louis walked in front of me and let his sister cry on his shoulder. He gave off this stone cold look, but I knew, the inside was crying.

"You heard what I said? No way in hell you are going to die." Louis said in a louder voice.

I stared at him, tears swelled in my eyes. My lips were parted open in awe, tears started to run down my face. Why couldn't I stop it? Louis put his hands on my shoulders. Then, Louis kissed one of the tears running down my cheek.. His lips were chapped but I didn't mind. I was more in awe. When he pulled back, tears runned down his face.

"You better not die!" He screamed, like Liza. I guess they are more alike than I thought. Liza and Louis hugged me at once. Liza was having the loud cry while Louis and I was having a silent cry, a cry where tears runned down your face but you make no noise.

"We will come to check on your parents when the game is on. If they need a new house they can always come live with us, we will make room." Louis quietly said then let go. He grabbed on to Liza's arm and started to walk to the door.

"No no! Bailey! Promise You will Come Ho-" I heard Liza yell then the door slammed. Leaving me alone once more.

I wiped away the tears trying to stay strong. Then the thought occurred to me. Did Louis kiss me? Maybe like a sister, yeah that's why he kissed me. I've never thought about having a boyfriend since my last breakup.

The door opened up to reveal my parents. My mom rushed in and gave me a tight hug.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." She kept mumbling in my ear.

"I will be fine mom.." I said and let go from the hug. That's not a promise.

"I carry this wherever I go. Your.. uh brother gave it to me to remember him just before he left." Mom let more tears run down her face when she gave me the box.

It was a small leather box. Didn't look special but when I opened it I saw a sliver ring lying in the box. On the ring a word was carved out. 

'Hope'

Hope? But there is no hope. Even though I picked up the ring and gazed at it.

"Please this make this your district token? Please, please for me." Mom plead and closed my hands over the ring. 

I nodded and gave my dad a hug.

"I will miss you.. but you are strong." My dad said and let go from the hug. He wiped his watery eyes.

"Times up." A peacekeeper said strictly.

"No! No!" I screamed.

"Honey, We love you!" Mom yelled then got pulled out with dad.

I was alone... Once again. I clutched my heart, feeling it weeping. I sat on the bench and curled over lying in the fetal position. I cried my eyes out feeling horrible.

"Why! Why!" I tried to scream out those words.

So this is the Hunger Games huh? A game of suffering and lost hope. A game which is Kill or be killed.

I don't want to die, I really don't. But what chance do I have?

After a few minutes I pulled myself together and sat up straight. I can't cry. If I cry, I look like I'm weak. My hands stayed in a tight fist. I opened them up to see the ring. Why the word hope? I slipped the ring on my thumb so it will stay. Any Other finger it will slip off.

Amelie walked into the room. "We are going to go to the train now. Come along."

I stood up, it surprised me to see how short Amelie is. Or am I just tall?

I went into the car and we went to the train. Ace was silent, but he looks like he has being crying as well.

"You should wipe your tears," I mumbled. "We are on TV."  

  What Amelie looks like ^-^  

What Lisa and Louis looks like ^-^