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

Chapter VI - The Garden

I was terrified. Trying to sleep was a challenge, my eyes became so tired I couldn't even sleep. But I think that's a good thing, at least I will be able to watch the door. Each time I would hear a noise my heart will drop and I will stay quiet holding my covers over my face with clammy hands. I've never been this scared at night except the night of my first reaping. That was a sleepless night for sure.

I finally shut my eyes, hoping that I will be able to go in a everlasting sleep. Well it didn't last long, what only felt like a minute later when I heard banging behind my door.

"Bailey?! Get up! It's almost time for the parade!" Amelie hissed a yell.

I opened my weak eyes. "Yeah?" I said rubbing my sore eyes.

I heard scratches of paper getting pulled out from behind the door. "Now, we are getting you all cleaned up and looking fabulous for the parade today!" Amelie squealed. "Come out when you are ready."

I rolled off my bed, not ready to start the day. I pulled on a yellow shirt and didn't bother to but on some pants. I drowsily walked to my door and twisted the doorknob open to see a bright light shining from the hallway. I peeked out my door, checking if anyone is in the hallway. Looks like it's clear.

I walked down the hall and when I got to the end of it I heard two voices whispering. Out of curiosity I peeked my head around the corner to see Amelie and Slade whispering.

"They're useless! They have no experience with a weapon! They are just another pair of tributes who I will let die! " Slade said in a harsh whisper.

"I know, can you atleast try to be a good mentor? Anywhos, where's Ace?" Amelie said in a much louder whisper.

"Shh- I don't know where the boy is." Slade shushed.

If I stay any longer then surely they will see me. I swiftly pass them to the next hall. I really need time to myself. I walked into the elevator and pressed the button that said "roof". The doors closed behind me and I gripped onto the bars behind me. The floor raised and jolted into a stop. The doors open again, this time I see a light and a smell of fresh flowers filled up my nose.

From the looks of it, the sun is just starting to rise. I glanced around my area and checked out the garden. All I saw was white roses slowly dying. Even though they were dying, the smell was still sweet. It could probably block out any horrid smell.

I turned my head over my shoulder and notice a boy standing at the end of the roof. Was he going to jump? It's impossible to jump off here, isn't? My heart dropped, isn't it even beating anymore? No way I wanted to watch this, I brought my hands up and over my eyes. That's when; without control I started to run. Why am I running towards the boy? This is a bad idea. I kept repeating to myself. I noticed the boy's head shoot back and look at me. Before I could look who it was myself I had wrapped my arms around the boys waist and pulled him off the edge. He toppled over me and we both fell onto the ground.

"What the hell were you thinking!?" The boy yelled in anger. Anger? Didn't I just save his life? Wow, so grateful.

"I'm sorry I wasn't trying to save your life or anything!" I shot back in annoyance and a bit of sassy.

"What's the point to live, we are going to die anyways." The boy muttered.

I took this moment to look at the boy, dark eyes and dark hair. Wait this is Ace!

"Ace?" I shrieked.

"What?!"

"Well I never thought it would be you that I will save!" I hissed. "And I'm sorry that I saved your life." I made the I linger on my time and made it sound more important then it is.

"I have no life! Don't you see? WE ARE ALREADY DEAD BAILEY!" Tears streamed down his face. His voice raised; it's like a competition, who can yell the loudest.

"MAYBE IF YOU DID NOT JUMP; YOU'LL HAVE A CHANCE AT LIVING!" I yelled back.

"I HAVE NO CHANCE! WE ARE ALREADY DEAD BAILEY! EVER SINCE WE WERE BORN IN PANEM WE HAVE BEEN TRAPPED AND BEEN NEVER GIVEN THE CHANCE TO LIVE! Think about it Bailey" His voice soften, after that it was silence.

Every Word he just spoken, was the truth. We never got the chance to live normally for sure. Well, what even is normal living. It must be nice to go to a big school, eat food everyday, able to travel to wherever you want to. Sound lovely.

In school we have learned about amazing things. In the past there was countries. They were huge. My favorite countries was France; apparently they had amazing bread. Bigger than 6 ft.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you." Ace finally said."I'm sorry too." I responed.

Ace pushed himself up and stretched out his arm to me. "How many times do you need to give me your hand?" I looked up at him and smiled at little.

"Who knows." He chuckled. I grabbed onto his arm and pulled myself up.

"Please don't die." I quickly darted my eyes to the ground to avoid eye contact. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw him nod.

It was akward moment of silence. I finally brought my eyes up to his. "You better not die either, not before me. You hear?" I nodded in a response.

We both out of instinct brought out our hands for a handshake. I took his and he took mine and we shaked our hands. "Deal." I said.

"We should get going." Ace said and looked at the sun; fully up in the sky.

Me and Ace walked into the elevator and the door closed behind us.