The 250th Hunger Games.

Chapter 6.

I've never been graced enough to be able to first hand witness the inside of the Justice building, but now i'm enclosed in its walls I understand what all the fuss is about. It's like a palace. The walls are consumed with rich purple felt adorned with many artistic pictures across the whole of the hallway, giving me the impression that I am being watched as I am lead down to where the hallway ends by two peacekeepers on either side of me. The carpet beneath my feet is laced with gold colours and many beautiful patterns woven in and around each other and I almost feel as though i'm dirtying it by stomping all over in in my flats, even though I had tried my best to clean them. I feel so out of place and out of my comfort zone, I would never be able to live in such a house as it would never be a home to me; it's way too posh and snobby, much like a museum with it's precious artifacts that could never be handled.

Once we reach the end, I am greeted by my opposition, Benjamin, with a brief handshake and we both properly introduce ourselves.

"Hi, my name is Benjamin; Benjamin Hazel."

"Ember; Ember Miller."

We both stand in front of each other awkwardly, neither of us wanting to get too friendly. I decide to get a proper look at him and try to deduce him whilst I have the chance.

About 5'7, no; 5'8 with broad shoulders which implies that he's active. Judging by the mud the front of his trousers, he plays sports and the fact that he played sports on the day of the reaping suggests that he's very determined to do what he wants to do, rather than what others tell him to do. Could be a very useful characteristic, or a very dangerous one. His hands have callouses on them, suggesting that he works in the plant, handling the nuclear material which means that he could be very useful when trying to survive as he has a knowledge of how things work and how to manipulate things to his advantage. Very useful, very useful indeed.

At this point, I decide that he would be a pragmatic ally to have in the arena. But to have him as an ally, I need to gain his trust and get close to him.

"So, how's your day been so far?"

He looks at me as though I'm stupid or as though i've been oblivious to the fact that we've been chosen to be tributes in the Hunger Games.

"Kidding..." I crack a smile and hold my hands up in defense, knowing how idiotic I must of sounded. Jokes really aren't my strong point. He chooses to look up at me and let out a little laugh, but I doubt he found it very humorous.

Before I can charm him anymore, the mayor enters the building and triumphantly walks towards us, as though he has just won some sort of prize in trade for our freedom. I instantly freeze and remember what I had just done, the regret seeping through my body as soon as I met his eye. Him catching my eye was a warning as to what would come of my little act and I was about to get what was coming for me. Once he reaches us, he stops and observes us both, judging whether he will have another victor for District 5 this year. Then, he stands up close to my face and whispers close enough to my ear so only I can hear: "A very daring and courageous tribute... something we've not had in a while." I let out a sigh of relief, truly believing that I was going to receive a promise to be brutally murdered in the arena for being so outspoken and speaking out of my own desire, but I was gladly mistaken. I let myself relax as he flounces away, back down the hallway. Benjamin eyes me suspiciously but I shake it off, indicating to him not to ask about it as I'm still trying to figure it out myself. They must've known what I was implying so why aren't I being asked to clearify my intentions? Why aren't I taken away for investigation? Why am I being praised for taking on the Capitol?

Hiya guys! I hope you're all enjoying my book so far but I can't judge as to whether you are or not unless you leave me comments, so please keep on reading, voting and commenting! The next chapter is the one where everything starts coming together as the main plot is going to be revealed- so stay tuned! Thanks for reading! ~K_caffyn (: