A Pact To Keep, A Game To Win

2

My nausea has returned; worse than before. I whip my head around to where I know Gale is standing (we had made eye contact earlier and shared a reassuring smile). The smile was gone, replaced by a hard look. I have seen Gale mad before, when he rants about the Capitol in our woods but this time he is furious. I could tell his brain was reeling trying to figure out what to do. The thing he so despises and worked so hard to keep his little brother protected from is about to win once again.What were the odds of Rory getting chosen, his name was only in there once. This is the second time today they have claimed someone against all odds!

Being right in front with the other 12-year-olds, Rory did not have far to go. He stepped up and Effie guided him to his place at her right. He looked like a miniature version of his older brother- wearing that same steely look. "Any volunteers?"Volunteers? Volunteers! I had forgotten that; probably because no one in District 12 ever volunteers. I had been too stunned to remember that part when Madge's name was called. Is that what that pleading look had been about? Had Madge wanted me to take her place? After all what would I have had to lose compared to her? A girl from the Seam with her name in so many times would have been at least prepared to hear her name, half expecting it really. I do not want to believe Madge would be that heartless- even though she was well off and the mayor's daughter, she was not a snob. I realize, though her world was sheltered she was not completely delusional.

Madge understood how this worked, she learned about it right along every other child in Panem growing up, no matter how unfair. She knows the rules could not be changed for her, so there was only one other option open to her. A volunteer. But she had no siblings. No. That look was the pleading look anyone would have given had they been called to fight to the death. For some reason I cannot shake the feeling that I had been her last hope. That one thing to cling to that could mean her survival. But I failed her."I volunteer!" The familiar male voice called out, causing my heart to plummet to my stomach.Family devotion only goes so far on reaping day, Gale stepping up was radical. I knew that no matter how much he despises the Games and the Capitol, he loves his brother more. I would have done the same for Prim.Gale is escorted up to the stage where he clasps Rory's shoulder gently shoving him back down the stairs. The mayor croaks out the Treaty of Treason as is his duty, the two tributes shake hands, the anthem of Panem plays and then they are swept off into the Justice Building. The heavy metal door bangs closed behind them.Just like that it's over. The 74th Hunger Games have begun, and there are still a great number of steps before they actually enter the arena. It is suppose to be a great honour but few view it as one.I push forward frantically through the throngs of teenagers going in the opposite direction, calling out my sister's name. "Prim? Prim!"I then catch a glimpse of her, blond braids and duck tail sticking out the back of her skirt, standing meekly next to the young boy who looks so much like Gale.My feet flying until I'm right in front of the pair. My eyes connect with Prim's, which show such a heavy sadness for a girl of her young age. I give her a look, to gage how she is handling the news, but all she can do is look at the boy with sympathy."Rory?" I say, noticing he is studying the ground. "Rory, please look at me." It was not meant to be a harsh command but I say it with enough force that he instantly complies. Slowly he lifts his head and I can see the tears ready to spill over while he is trying so hard to stay brave. I understand his inner misery too acutely and reach for him, pulling him into an embrace. He does not attempt to shuck me off and as I pat his head I can feel all the tension slip out of his body. "It's going to be ok. It's going to be ok." Though I'm not sure if I believe those words myself, maybe if I say it enough times I will.Setting him away from me, hands on his shoulders, I can see he has allowed himself to cry. Seeing tears on a face so similar to my best friend's seems strange, I have never seen Gale cry.

Sniffing, Rory wipes the back of his hand across his nose and take a deep fortifying breath."Come on. Let's go find your family." We walk to the exit, Prim's hand in mine, Rory marching beside me, chin up, standing tall; his previous weakness gone. Which is probably for the best, with Gale now in the Games Rory will be the oldest boy, taking on the responsibility of caring for his mother and two younger siblings. He has grown up in an instant. It is a good thing he cried in front of me and not his mother. He must now be the strong one, Vick and Posy will be looking to him now.My mother is already with Hazelle and the kids when we approach. Hazelle gathers her son in her arms and weeps. He hugs her back to, comforting her as best he can.

I suppose now it is time to say good-bye.

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