The Odds Aren't In My Favor

Reaping

As she stared at the card, I wondered why I was so nervous...Then I wondered what was taking so long.

"Our female tribute from District Four will be...." She took a long dramatic pause, which I hated by the way. "Feather Amaris Albany."

I was stunned...Frozen...Dead to the world.

The name rang through my ears and when I slowly looked up, Finnick was standing, his eyes wide and mouth agape.

Mags was trying to get him to sit back down and calm down, but I could tell he couldn't

Annie looked at me crying. She never thought that I'd be the one that was chosen...Of course, I didn't either!

As I stayed in my position, I hoped that maybe, I could pretend like I wasn't her and then escape later on...But that would only lead to more trouble and a even crueler death for me.

As I stepped out into the isle, the peacekeepers surrounded me, taking me to the steps, which I walked up.

I went to stand by Skyra who looked as if she'd fall apart any minute now.

Skyra and I were friends...We knew each other from the trading market in town. We always went on the same days.

As I stood beside her, she left to go pick a name from the boys' glass bowl.

Finnick, I knew, was behind me wondering how this happened...How I was connected to bad things.

I honestly wish I knew, because right now, I was hoping and praying this was just a nightmare and that I was going to wake up any minute now.

As she came back and I listened closely, she called my partners name...Caleb Anarchy.

Caleb was a jerk who trained as a career.

He proudly walked upon the stage and smirked at me.

Not wanting to know what was going through his mind, I completely ignored the smirk.

Later on, we were led inside the building and locked in rooms.

No one would visit me...Unless Annie had calmed down a bit.

Although, a knock on the door indicated that someone was here.

Adeline ran into my arms, crying her little heart out.

Her father was standing near the door.

I looked down at her.

"Please don't die Feather, you can make it I know you can." She says.

I lean down and look into her eyes. "Listen to me Adeline, don't ever worry about being in the reaping. You'll be ok and safe, trust me. I will always make sure of that."

"How?" She asks.

"Because if I come back alive, I'll still volunteer for you even if I've already been in the hunger games once." I say.

Her little blue eyes sparkled with sadness and she hugged me tightly.

"I love you Feather, please don't leave me big sister." She said.

My heart almost melted in my chest and I pulled her close. "I won't ever leave you my love."

A few minutes later a guard came in and escorted Adeline and her father out.

"Bye Feather!!! Come back!!! Fight for me!!!!" She yelled.

Fight for her...I'd have to live up to her request now.

After about ten minutes, Annie came to visit.

She hugged me instantly. "Feather, I'm so sorry. I wish that it was me."

"I would've volunteered for you if it were you. I know how much you hate the games and everything." I say as she pulls away.

She nods. "I will always be cheering for you and you alone, that's what best friends do."

"If I die---"

"Don't talk like that!" She says.

"But if I do Annie, I want you to take care of Adeline for me." I say.

She nods. "I'll make sure that she has someone."

"Thank you." I say smiling a little.

A few seconds later the guards come in and escort her out.

I'm left alone...No more visitors or anything.