The Elevators

Chapter 4 - The Choosing Ceremony

11:30

I closed my eyes. Praying and hoping. I take a deep breath and open my eyes. I'm wearing the same black dress that I wore last year for the same choosing ceremony.

I come downstairs and found Mary and Dany quiet. It's not very usual finding Mary very quiet. She looked very meloncholy that it kind of worries me.

"Have you eaten already?" I asked to lighten the mood but they just nodded silently. Okay.

"Alright, let's go."

We stepped outside and found a lot of people already heading to the National Stadium.

I lock the door and take a long look at my dad's old house. Suddenly Mary interuptted me.

"Bree,"

"What's wrong? You've been really quiet." A tear slipped through her stunning emarald green eyes. I wipped it away and hugged her immediately.

"I've told you this before; if I do go to the Fight building and I don't come out.."

I looked at them both with pleading eyes.

"I want the both of you to move on and be strong. Promise me that."

"IF you do." Dany said while crossing his arms, I couldn't help but crack a smile and so did Mary too.

Mary's friend came and dragged her to go to the stadium, leaving me and Dany alone.

"Dany-"

"I'll watch over her. Don't worry." Dany said assuring me. Even though Dany is younger than Mary, he is more mature for his age; always constantly looking out for Mary and me. I could always trust him. I don't know what I do without him. I'd be a total wreck.

.....

12:00

16 to 18 year olds Civies and Milis have to line up in the middle of the stadium. The people of Falconholt came and filled up the seats. We were all waiting for the arrival of the Champions and of course the Supreme Commander.

When the Champions came onto the red-carpet, everyone applauded and cheered for them. They came in their military uniforms. Champion James McAdams received the loudest welcome. People are still in awe on how he succeeded the Elevators which made him the people's favourite.

I saw Caleb coming in, also in his uniform. It was breathtaking. He smiled at the crowd, waving at them. Our eyes meet and he gave this sad, apologetic smile at me. "It's okay" I mouthed. He nodded and moved on. The 15 remaining Champions stood infront of their seats waiting for Supreme Commander West.

A voice boomed over the stadium asking the crowd to stand up for the arrival of Supreme Commander West.

The whole stadium went quiet when he walked in from the main entrance. He was also wearing his military uniform. His hair is black as night and his eyes can pierce through anything. He walked in with pride and confidence leaving girls swooning in his trail. He walked up onto a higher platform where the champions were, he also stood infront of his seat. After the national anthem had been sung. He took a seat along with the champions and the crowd.

Suddenly out came out Simon Richardson. The one and only host for the Elevators, every year.

"Welcome one and all! To the annual Elevator programme." I've heard his voice a million times and it's getting very nauseating.

He says the same thing every choosing ceremony that nobody pays attention, even Commander West as well.

"Without further a do, I will now announce the lucky contestants." He took out a list and read aloud.

"Henry Vaughn!" Other Milis clapped, cheered for him and pat his back very roughly. He came up at a lower platform where Simon stood just below where the Champions and Commander West are.

"Rose Clarke!"

"Leo Mendoza!"

"Carrie Truman!"

Then Simon gasps. "What's this?" He looked puzzled.

"Harry Vaughn! Brother to Henry Vaughn!" Harry ran up to the platform and hugged Henry. They both looked up to the Commander, a way of saying thanks. The commander nodded at them and listened back to Simon again.

"Now the moment you have all been waiting for-" he boomed across the stadium after he announced 29 Milis.

"The Civilian who will get a chance to join these 29 men and women into the Elevators."

"17 years old," My heart pumped madly.

"Female," My breathing, faster.

"Bree Hartman." And I froze.

My ears were ringing, he said my name. People looked at me. My legs moved on its own. They walked out of the line and onto the red-carpet. "BREE!" I turned around to the sound of Mary's voice. Guards tried to stop her but she broke free and ran to me. I got down on both knees and hugged her.

"Bree, no." She wept. I looked at her.

"You have to go." I ordered her.

"NO!" she replied. Dany came and pulled Mary away but Mary threw a fit. Out of the blue someone grabbed my shoulder.

"Go." Caleb whispered to me and he picked Mary up. "NO! BREE!"

I stopped my tears from coming out my eyes. My heart ached it felt like I had betrayed Mary. I continued onward to the platform where Simon was waiting.

"Well ladies and gentlemen, your contestants for the 30th annual Elevator Programme!"