Blood and Glory

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

   "Ladies first." The titanium blond woman walked towards the female's reaping bowl, her ridiculously high heels clicking on the stage. Just as she was about to put her hand into the bowl to draw a name, my hand shot up and I yelled, "I volunteer!"

Two hours ago

   I stopped short outside my parents' room when I heard voices and crying coming from inside. I pressed my ear gently against the worn wood, hoping to catch what they were saying. I strained my ear but all I could hear were soft mumblings and a little sniffling. I was about to give up when my mom screamed, "You can't let her go! She'll get killed." At the word kill, her voice broke and she whispered, "I've lost one daughter. I can't lose another one."

   I felt a stab of pain when mom mentioned Kaitlin. She shouldn't have brought it up. Kaitlin was part of the past -- a painful memory that we all tried to forget and every time mom brought it up, the pain and sorrow felt as fresh as ever.

   "Katherine," My dad's voice came out gentle, though laced with annoyance. I could picture him putting a hand on mom's shoulder while speaking. "Khara has been waiting for this for a long time. She's already sixteen. You can't stop her from volunteering anymore. As for Kaitlin, it was an accident."

   "But --" Dad cut her off. "Just let her be. She might even have a chance to win."

   A chance. They thought that I had onlya chance to win. A small percentage of winning, a high possibility of dying. That's what they thought of me. Mom still thought I was her little baby who needed protecting. She was wrong. I had outgrown those pretty little dresses and dolls. I was a career from district two and I would prove them wrong. I will win.

   Finally, mom sighed. "Fine." Her voice came out strained and hoarse.

   I heard them move towards the door and I scooted away, running back to my room. I pretended to look occupied when mom opened my door.

   "Darling." I looked up and mom looked worse than I thought. Her eyes were puffy and face pale. "You should get changed. We're leaving soon." Then she left my room without another word. I felt bad for making her so sad. Though I hated her sappiness and over-protectiveness, I still loved her as my mom.

   With a sigh, I pushed myself off from the bed and picked up the outfit that my parents chose for me. The mention of Kaitlin made me feel raw and vulnerable and tired, like always. I didn't feel like arguing even though the clothing my parents picked out was a dress, something I hated wearing.

------------------------------------------------------------

   By the time I headed downstairs, my parents were ready and waiting at the door. Dad looked sad, mom looked devastated and even my dog, Jade, looked  upset, as if she knew I wouldn't be coming home for a long time. Maybe even never.

   Don't think of it like that! I scolded myself mentally. You are going to win this year's games, you got it?

   With that thought, I patted and kissed Jade on the head, said a goodbye and left the house, my parents trailing behind.

   "Khara." I turned around at my dad's voice. "You're volunteering, aren't you?" I nodded and he sighed, "Kaitlin loves the games, doesn't she? Entering and winning it is her ambition."

   "Stop mentioning Kaitlin!" I snapped, angry at the mention of her name and they jumped a little. "She's gone for good so stop talking like she's still here."

   "Honey." It was mom's turn to speak.

   "Don't 'honey' me." I hissed furiously, cutting her off in mid sentence. "She's gone, so face it. She's never, ever coming back. She'll never see me in the games or be able to cheer for me. Blame the fucking Capitol and President Snow." My voice cracked a little.