Just A Game

I'm not afraid.

Early the next morning, we roll into the Capitol and despite my deep hatred for the freaks, I'm amazed by their city. It's truly beautiful, blocked off from the districts by what were once called the Rocky Mountains.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Cedric mutters from next to me and I nod. Taking a breath, he asks, "Why do you want to be coached seprately?"

"Cedric," I say quietly. His young mind should understand why, but it doesn't. "Twenty four go in. One comes out. I don't want it to come down to us."

It's silent after that. What else is there to say?

We're soon rushed off the train and pushed through the Capitol train station. We're taken to the tallest building in the Capitol, the Training Center. As we walk in, I catch a glimpse of some tributes. A blonde girl wearing a dress that looks like it was worth more than the whole of District Twelve. A redhead girl with a sly, elusive face. A huge, muscular boy with golden brown eyes that looks like he could crush me, or anyone, with his little finger.

But I'm not afraid. I can't be.

Effie pushes us onto the elevator and daintily presses the '12' button.

"You lucky ducks! You get the Penthouse!" she says excitedly, but I can't care less. We're being sent to our deaths and she dares to call us lucky, of all things?!

The elevator doors open and my eyes widen at the stunning apartment. She shows us to our rooms and I look around mine curiously. I press a button and suddenly, one wall turns to a floor to ceiling screen, showing the Capitol streets.

Whoa.

These people look like idiots.

Neon hair, ridiculous clothes, ugly faces that appear attractive to them. When will they realize that none of it is normal?! They spend their days carelessly throwing money away on stupid, hideous clothing while we struggle to survive. Are they completely oblivious to our suffering? If not, do they even care?

Disgusted, I punch the button, turning the screen off. Ugh. These people.

-----

A few hours later, Effie calls us to watch the Reapings.

A skinny, tall boy from One. From Five, the girl I saw earlier whose features resemble a fox. And a tiny twelve year old girl from Eleven. I watch my own Reaping and am proud to say that the look in my eyes shows no fear. It is purely a murderous glare.

But something about the boy from Two, they say his name is Cato Hadley, makes me unable to move my thoughts from him.

Something makes the boy unforgettable.

-----

Once we're done watching, Effie sees the time and gasps.

"Goodness! Your stylists will be here any second to prep you for the Opening Cerimonies!" she squeals.

"Perfect," I mutter. Haymitch gives me a look.

"Remember our deal, sweetheart," he casually reminds.

"I know," I say.

I go back to my room to wait for my prep team. Minutes later, they burst in.

After being prepped, my stylist walks in. He's fairly normal-looking.

"Hello, Violet. I'm Cinna," he smiles.

"I've never seen you before," I state.

"No, this is my first year as a stylist," he reply.

"So you got District Twelve," I nod, understanding. They always give Twelve to the new stylists.

"I asked for District Twelve," he corrects and I'd be lying if I said I'm not shocked. "You aren't afraid of fire, are you, Violet?"

-----

Now I see why he asked me that. He lit me on fire during the Tribute Parade.

We sit in the main room and after we watch the Parade, Cinna stands and makes a toast.

"To Violet Ashcrest, the girl who was on fire!"