Scars That Never Fade- A New Generation of Hunger Games

Chapter 4

We both refrained from any hysterics, because there was really nothing we could do. I sat on a boulder, and Theo on another nearby.

"Theo," I said, "I really think you should go with your family. It isn't safe here anymore, and you know it. You shouldn't worry about me, I don't need protection. You need to get out and stay with your mom and dad."

He looked down, as if acknowledging the truth in my statement.

"You're right. I mean, what am I going to do here anyways? Where would I stay? Not in my house, they'd find me there." He paused. "Fern, I don't know."

"Well, decide soon because once you do, I won't be able to stop you. I know you don't want to leave, but is it really worth it?" I asked him.

He thought really long and hard. "Maybe." The classic Theo grin appeared again. I rolled my eyes.

He came over and sat by me. We both just sat there, staring at birds arranging themselves on a telephone wire. Theo tugged the braid that was draped over my shoulder. I gave him a slightly amused, but mainly annoyed look. But he seemed really intrigued.

"Why do you always do your hair like this, Fern?" He asked me.

I shrugged, a little stumped. "I've always done it like this, for as long as I can remember. My dad... He did it for me when I was little, and when I asked him why, he told me it reminded him of someone special. I never knew what he meant, but I always like to do it like this, anyways. Why'd you ask?"

Theo tilted his head to one side. "Just wondering." He actually looked a little dumbfounded.

We continued to sit there silently, few words exchanged.

"Look, I have to go..." I told him. He nodded.

"Fern," he began, "I might leave tonight, I might not. All I know is that, you shouldn't worry. You're tough and you can run if you need to. And... it might be tonight, or tomorrow or ten years... But, we'll see each other again." I smiled half-heartedly at him, and began to walk away. I expected him to stop me, but he didn't. Maybe it was better that way.

I spent the rest of the day lounging around at home.

"Honey, what's wrong with you today? You never want to hang around inside!" said my grandmother. I just told her I didn't feel very well. Well, I wasn't lying. I was uneasy, restless and worried to death. My grandmother simply nodded sympathetically and left me alone.

As it got dark, the tension grew worse and worse. I desperately hoped that the Mellarks would be able to leave Panem safely, and whether Theo decided to stay or leave, well, that was up to him. The sky grew dark and gloomy, and I heard the gentle hum of the hovercraft, growing louder and louder. I couldn't help it, I sped outside and climbed to the roof of my house, where I could easily see the woods. I saw the large silhouette of the hovercraft float peacefully above the trees. After several minutes of indistinguishable silence and minor movements, the hovercraft turned itself around. It slowly flew off, gaining momentum as it went. Moments after it left, I heard the sound of crackling radios and shouting. Below me, Peacekeepers ran in the direction of the woods.

I could only distinguish a few words clearly.

"We lost them."

I was terrified. The Peacekeepers continued to race down the streets, and soon enough lined them. I scrambled behind the chimney atop my house and hugged it tightly. A sound rivaling a sonic boom erupted from many loudspeakers that ran through District 12. There was a voice behind it too.

"Citizens of Panem, we have a very vital, important announcement for you. We have recently come to a decision to reinstate the annual Hunger Games. Reaping for the Games will commence tomorrow here in District 12, at 10 am. You must meet in the Town Square. All children, ages 12-18 will be required to enter their names in the reaping. All citizens who do not enter their names in the reaping will be punished accordingly. Attendance at this event is mandatory, I repeat, attendance is mandatory. Good night."

I shuddered. I would have to enter, and even sooner than I expected. The thought of it made me hurt inside. Some poor, innocent kids who I might have even known would get thrown into a ruthless game, fighting to the death. It could even be me. Though I doubted it, it still made me nervous.

I saw the Peacekeepers leave my street, and I climbed down and re entered my house. My grandmother was in the kitchen. She looked solemnly at me and beckoned me over to her.

"I remember when your father attended the reapings. He was never chosen, and his name was in the bowl several times. He entered it extra times to get more food for me, and your aunt and uncles," she told me, "I don't think they'll draw your name."

"I hope not," I told her, biting my lip. "I can't help but think of Mrs. Mellark's sister. What was her name? It was only in there once...and she got picked. It could happen to me."

"You'll be okay, child," she said in a comforting tone, "I need you to go get some rest for tomorrow, alright?" I nodded.

I washed up and climbed into bed. I just couldn't stop thinking about my father, chancing being in the Games for his family. That's real courage, I thought to myself. I wish I had real courage.