Out in the Battlefield

Eight Mental Notes

Ah, this is exactly what I needed.

A comfy couch, a hot mug of coffee, and a screen playing what happened during the Opening Ceremonies.

I stared in awe at every district's chariot.

"Every one of them was truly amazing, but none of them could ever compare to ours," I proudly boasted as I saw the camera focus on our chariot. With the two of us happily smiling and waving to the audience, and the scattered leaves that were being blown away freely... It all looked perfect.

The happiness I felt earlier left me smiling like an idiot. I even giggle, like I'm drunk. But that's involuntary. The butterflies I feel in my stomach makes me want to do it all again. I still didn't feel satisfied with earlier, but at least I'm proud of it.

"Stop being so boastful," Webster chuckled from beside me as he took a bite of some weird-looking sandwich he took from the table. "You don't even know what they think of us."

"I don't care," I stated without any sign of emotion, which left him sighing to himself.

As all the chariots finally arrived at President Snow's house, he stood up and started to give his speech. This time, I paid attention to what he said.

"My dear tributes, welcome to the Capitol. You honor me with your presence and participation in the 74th annual hunger games, and may the odds be ever in your favor," he started. Then he continued with thanking and acknowledging the tributes, the mentors, and their stylists. Then onto the history of Panem, and then to the war and the rebellion. He continued until the start of the Hunger Games, just like the recorded speech during the reaping. Then he talked about the new features of the games; the arena, the training center, and more.

"Without further delay, I now officially declare the 74th annual Hunger Games, open," he announced, making the citizens roar with their cheers. "May the odds be ever in your favor..."

Then the screen showed the chariots turning around to exit, and then the screen suddenly turned black.

"What happened?" I suddenly asked no one in particular. I looked at Webster and saw him pointing the remote to the screen, all of his happiness earlier drained away from his face. "What?"

He sighed and shook his head, "They make it sound like our life is just a game."

"I know." Something about the topic made the happiness I felt earlier fade away too.

"But why?"

"I don't know either."

"If only they know what it feels like..." He mumbled to himself.

"Guys!" Someone suddenly barged in through the doors.

We both jumped up at the sudden noise and we saw Johanna standing at the door. She jogged towards us and quickly sat down on the chair on our right. I don't know what on earth got into her. I'm not used to seeing her smiling like this.

"You did great!" She grinned, giving us both a thumbs up.

Oh, so that's why.

I flashed her back a smile as my happiness came back. Johanna was obviously speechless after that, but I guess she was happy that our stylist altered the design for the usual "tree costume" of district seven. She then stood up and headed to her room after she gave some compliments on how I looked and acted.

I quickly glanced at Webster and realized that he was out of sight. He must've already gone to sleep right after Johanna gave us her thumbs-up.

"So...what are we supposed to learn?" I asked Johanna as we ate our breakfast. This caught Webster's interest. It was obvious that he also wanted to ask that.