My breaths get begin to get heavier as the anticipation grows. I look to my side to see a panicked look on my sister’s young, innocent face. Approaching the table ahead, I see Her get more and more panicked. I have to try and slow my breaths down because I know I have to be strong for her, now, in this moment.
“Prim it’s okay. They’re just going to prick your finger, just to take a little blood. It won’t hurt much just a little,” I say rubbing her arms, in an attempt to calm her. “Go stand with the little kids, I’ll find you later.”
Together we walk up to the table; I see Her hand the Peacekeeper her frail, little finger. Her blood is drawn and I see her walk over to the ‘kid’s section’. I release my finger from the fist it was just in and allow my blood to be drawn. Being trough this five times, I’m used to the short pang of hurt. My eyes never leave Her, I can easily spot her because of the back of her shirt- sticking out like a little duck, my little duck.
Making my way to where I am forced to stand, I search the crowd for those grey Seam eyes. To my luck, his were searching for mine as well. Gale’s eyes are locked on mine.
“You okay,” I see him mouth. I just shake my head. I turn my head away even though his eyes are still on me.
I then try and find the crystal blue eyes and the blond hair that can only belong to Peeta, my dandelion in the spring. His eyes scream with terror; yet he is still only concerned about me. But then again, when isn’t he?
I would search around for others, but my sister, Gale, and Peeta are the only people who I actually care about in Twelve. I would search for Madge, but since she is the Governor’s daughter, she doesn’t have dread Reaping Day.
Worst case scenario, my sister and best friend or my boyfriend are reaped. I don’t even want to think about that. I know Gale would protect Her, but if it came down to the two of them…
A light pink haired lady, Effie, make her way to the microphone, “Happy Hunger Games, and May the Odds be ever in your Favor. You are in for a treat, we have a very special gift brought to you all the way from the Capitol,” as the video starts I see Gale mouth, “War a terrible war…”
“I just love that,” Effie says with too much enthusiasm, “Now the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District Twelve in the 74th annual Hunger Games. As usual, ladies first.” Effie walks over to the bowl and moves her hand in such a way as if it’s taunting all of us. After what seems like an eternity, she selects a name, “Primrose Everdeen.”
I am unable to speak. I am unable to move. I am unable to process. All I hear is Effie’s voice in the background of my thoughts.
“I volunteer,” I whisper, but it’s too late, they won’t let me.. No it can’t be.
Fuck worst case scenarios.
~
Effie begins again, “And now for the boys.” Her hand seems like it is shoved to pick one of the boy’s names, “Peeta Mellark.”
~
My eyes are ripped open awake by my nightmare and my face is tear-stained. Peeta’s arms automatically make their way around me, and his soothing words reach my ears, “Let me guess, a bad dream?”My head just makes its way onto Peeta’s shoulder, and I just let out my tears.
“Ya know, we don’t necessarily have to sleep tonight.” I know he is being a smart ass; I don’t appreciate it, so I take advantage of that.
Wiping my dry tears, “Okay good,” I say. I get out of the bed and pull on Peeta’s hands, “You can make me some feel good food.”
