As the Ocean Runs Red

Chapter 1

District 4 is definitely not your typical right-outside-of-Capitol hotspot. In fact, right now, it's about as boiling as a volcano preparing to erupt. The humidity is rising, and the rank scent of fish doesn't improve the situation. My ancient professor drones on about the science of the ocean's currents as I fiddle with my pencil. Out the window, I discern the bustling harbor: men with nets gathered about the dock, geared up for their brief expedition on the sea. Suddenly, thank God, the dismissal bell chimes, interrupting Dr. Inovery's lecture. Finally. The varying friend groups assemble in the hallway and immediately spit out the latest gossip they'd been stifling the entire class. I exit the building after fetching my backpack, unaccompanied. It would be so easy. There's so many of us, so few of them. I could do it. The Capitol is not as powerful as they think. A harsh, but playful, shove hurls me forward, awakening me from my daze.

"What'd I tell you about leaving school with out us, Buttercup?" Finnick questions, smirking.

"Hali, you know it's dangerous to walk through the Ally alone after school, we've been over this," my sister corresponds, a tad more sternly.

"Sorry, guys. After Bill's lesson on currents, I had to get out of there as soon as possible," I reply.

Finnick chuckles and grabs Annie's hand.

"Eh, it's your birthday - we'll give you a pass. Right, my little seastar?" he asks his confidential girlfriend, grinning ear-to-ear.

After pecking Finn lightly on the cheek, Annie glances at her watch, concerned.

"Oh, yeah! It's fine. We really need to get home anyway!"

"What? Why?" I look back and forth between the teenagers, puzzled.

"Don't worry about it, kid," Finnick answers, ruffling my hair.

Soon enough, we arrive at my pastel yellow home, directly off the water. Annie pulls the key from her pocket and unlocks the tattered front door.

"SURPRISE!"

Scared stiff, I spring back into Finnick's waiting arms.

"You people just scared the bejesus out of me! My God!" I exclaim.

"Happy twelfth, Buttercup. We love you," Finn whispers in my ear as I scan the beaming faces surrounding me.

My father hoists me up into the air, where he spins me around, my eyes twinkling.

"You are my special mermaid - always have been, always will be," he explains, setting me down.

Always have been. Ever since I was born. Ever since she was no more. I faintly recall the day my father made me aware of what truly happened to my dear mother. My birth was her death. It's my fault she's not here with us today.

"Hali? Hello? Are you okay?" Annie cuts in on my thoughts.

"Oh, yeah! Fine! Thanks for all of this, everyone!" I reply clearing my mind.

"Well, let's get to the gifts!" my father's insane assistant fisherman, Leny, exclaims.

"And let us not forget the best present of all."

"Oh yeah? And what's that, Finnick?" Annie asks him, keeping a reasonable distance.

"Little Hali's name is now entered once into the Reaping! Happy 65th Hunger Games, Buttercup!" my best friend jokes sarcastically.

Shit.