The Games Are No Place For Children(Hunger Games)

Four

"Our male tribute will be Coal Mellark. Diamond and Coal." I stare at the dawdling woman, her puffy pink cotton candy hair, bright blue eyes, horrendous cotton candy theme. Elouise Trinket, Effie Trinkets daughter, laughs excitedly, searching for the two unlucky children.

My little sister bobbles up to the stage slowly. She catches a glance at me and shakes her head no. I catch Coal glaring daggers, walking to the stage defiantly. Katniss looks at Peeta worried. I smirk, they deserve to lose it all. But poor Coal.

"Volunteers?" Elouise asks. I wave my hand up without a second thought. I'm terrified but I force myself up there anyways. "And what might your name be dear?" Elouise smiles at me as Diamond screams and tries to cling my legs. I shake her off while Peacekeepers escort her off. I don't say anything, I can't.

"Her name is Porcelain Dawl." Coal announces for me. "I bet that was your sister!" Elouise squeals and it takes a lot in me not to scream for her to shut up. "Yeah." Coal announces for me.

"Well these are our tributes! Coal Mellark and Porcelain Dawl!" Elouise pushes us off the stage into the justice building.

You idiot, your dad told you not to volunteer.

I glare at Coal. He saved me but then again he embarrassed me to pieces.

"Careful there, glare too long and I might disintegrate." He smirks at me. I feel my blood boil. How this boy upsets me so easily without trying is beyond me.

"It would be wonderful if you did." I murmur.

He rolls his eyes, walking into a room, me following suit and choosing another room.

I stare at the plush leather couches and admire the fancy complexion of the room. It's twice the size of our house. I smile at the blue curtains and seafoam-green rugs. The colors of the ocean. I can practically see the waves crashing along the shore. I miss the beach from when I saw it passing through District Four.

I hear the door open and I will myself to accept the wrath of my father. I look up to see mom, dad, Ruby and Diamond. Diamond immediately crawls in my lap, sobbing uncontrollably.

"You can trust anyone, Porcelain!" My mother screeches, clutching he head, stumbling around a bit. Father's blue eyes pierce into my soul, ready to rip me in shreads.

"What was that, Porcelain?" He yells, practically screaming. I see his veins popping out through his forehead. I just shake my head and look down.

"I told you you couldn't volunteer, Porcelain!" He roars and I try not to flinch.

"I'm not going to let my little sister in the games!" I yell back, instantly regretting it. My father's hand collides with my cheek, leaving a stinging sensation. I cry out and look up to see his guilt-ridden face.

"Get out." I mutter, pointing towards the door. He sighs,

"Trust no one Porcelain."

I hug Ruby and Diamond one last time: knowing this is a 99.9% chance the last time I will ever see them before they pass as well. I'm not coming back alive, we all know that.

"I love you." I murmur to them as they walk through the big doors.

"Porcelain, time to go to the trains!" Elouise calls happily and I roll my eyes, pushing past her and to the car.

"Rude." She mutters, smoothing her shirt again. I sit beside Coal, tuning everyone out with my own thoughts.

'I won't make it back.'

'What can I expect?'

'Will I be among the first to die?'

I sigh, knowing this will be the last time I see District Twelve, so I take in every memory and detail.

I'm going to miss this dump.

--

Short and shit but for my best friend Leah-Grace.