The 100th Hunger games

Chapter 5

I didn't sleep good that night, despite the comfortable bed. I was up half the night crying into my pillow and when I did manage to fall asleep I had dreams of Charity crying, Jempson hurt, and Libre furious. And it was all because I thought I could save the day. Should have I let Jempson protect her? I mean he is strong and smart. Plus he knows how much I love Libre. No. It's not his responsibility to protect her. It's mine. No matter how much I want to have a future, it just can't happen.

Hectra comes in my room and tells me to get dressed. "Hurry up you have a big day today!" I don't think I've ever seen anyone that happy.

I'm the first one to sit down for breakfast. They have more food than I could imagine at the table. It makes me drool a bit. While the stuborn side of me would refuse to eat anything the capital makes, I know that would be very stupid to do. I have a week to build up as much weight and muscle as I can. Before I can think I'm already tuffing my plate with as much food as I can possiably fit.

Ember and Cyrus walk in holding hands while smiling at each other. Cyrus seems to only be happy when with her. I wish I could have been that happy in the future. I dismiss the thought imediately.

"How are you holding up", Ember asks sitting down.

"Okay I guess." She nods in response.

Libre comes in wearing a bright pink dress with braided pig tails. She doesn't seemed too pleased about it. It's clear Hectra dressed her.

"Don't you look cute", I whisper.

"Shut up", she mutters trying to be angry but grins a little. It doesn't take her long to have her plate filled up with food. Through out the morning Cyrus and Ember talk strategy with us. "We should go watch the reapings", Hectra suggests.

It's hard to get through the clips. The people from district 1 and 2 stupidly volunteer. Others cry out when they are reaped. I can see some of them beng good allies. Too bad the only ally I'm having is Libre.

"See anyone to partner up with", Ember asks.

"Nope", I reply.

Cyrus sighs in fustration. "That's not a good idea Wren."

"Why? I don't need anyone to help take care of me and Libre."

"So you don't want any help", he raises his voice, " well fine-"

"Cyrus don't", Ember intrupts him.

"No. If the little brat doesn't want help then she won't get it from me." He storms off out of the room. Ember gets up and follows him. "Cyrus wait", she yells for him.

We sit in silence for a minute. "That was a big mistake", Hectra says, "you need to go fix this if you want to keep you and your sister alive." I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually agree with her.

I stand in front of the room to their door. I don't know how to apologize to him. He's not scary, but intimidating. I knock on the door. Hoping Ember would answer the door, I'm sadly met by Cyrus.

"Can I help you", he asks, "Oh wait silly me. You don't want my help."

"Where's Ember", I ask.

"She's in the bar car."

"Can I come in?"

He looks at me thinking about it. He slowly opens the door wider and motions for me to come in. Their room looks the same as mine. White walls, silver bed frame, and purple bed comforter.

"Look I'm-", I try to speak.

"Yeah I know your sorry. I'll help you under these conditions."

"Conditions", I ask.

"First your gonna shut your little stuborn mouth..." I clench my fists and bite my tongue.

"Second your going to do whatever me and Ember tell you. And third you are not gonna do anything stupid and dangerous. Do we have a deal?" I reluctantly nod my head.

"Good. Now-"

The door swings open as Libre runs in the room. "Wren were in the capital." I run out with her and look out the window. There are slick tall buildings everywhere. Not a run down mold-covered building in sight. We pull into the train station and there are Capital citizens standing there to greet us. It was like looking at a rainbow. There are some dressed in colors I've never seen before. "Wow", I whisper.

Cyrus walks over to the window and stands behind us. "Step one", he says, "Get them to like you."