Broken (A Hunger Games Fanfic)

Chapter 8

The Hunger Games begin today. I have only an hour, so I'm going to explain everything I can.

Adrian was excellent at training me. He taught me to shoot an arrow. I am going to do the same; when you aim, use your dominant eye to shoot the arrow, and aim with your other arm. Before you shoot, hold the arrow lightly with three fingers. To release, relax your fingers.

I know it's short, but it's the best I can explain into words.

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My hair smells of golden apples when I step out of the shower. The long red tresses curl around my tan skin. I brush through it silkily, braiding in the white flowers I found in the den. Searching through the closet, I pull out a soft white dress and the gold flats. It's simple; but as it being one of my last days, I shouldn't pretend to be someone I'm not.

The dining hall is quiet; Fable is missing, but Calypse is chatting away with Mina and Adrian. The homey smell of bacon and eggs wafts over to me, and my mouth waters.

"Morning," I greet them.

Mina smiles warmly, but then I remember the experience on the roof. Her eyes have a glint in them, something I didn't realize; dangerous, savage.

Hungry.

I try to ignore it as I pile food onto my plate, snatching a few bits of bacon on the way to the table. Calypse scowls at me when I act so immature.

"What?" I say, "I can't be myself for a day?"

Fable finally appears, not saying anything as he grabs his food. Calypse pushes us to get done fast. Adrian stands up, gesturing Fable and me to follow. We take the elevator, scrolling down to a room underground. Tributes are sitting on plush cushions, laughing with each other.

Gemma and Nico are sitting alone in a corner, far from socialization. I notice a younger girl, only about thirteen, sitting beside them on the floor. Her pretty violet eyes stand out along with her spun sugar hair, delicately braided.

I sit beside them.

"Hi," I say, "Who's this?"

"Her name's Summer. She's part of the alliance," Gemma responds.

I can see why Gemma would let Summer be in the alliance. In the way I know her, Gemma would never let a child like her die so horribly.

"Which district?" I ask Summer.

"Five," She answers.

I nod.

"We need to discuss the arena," Nico says.

"Of course," I agree.

"Well, what are we going to do?" Summer asks.

 "Nico's the strongest," Gemma says, "He and I will go to the Cornucopia and grab as many supplies we can snatch. Annabelle, you'll take Summer away from the bloodbath to the outskirts."

Summer sighes beside me with annoyance, "Just because I'm the youngest doesn't mean I'm the weakest,"

I smile. She seems vulnerable on the outside, but inside she has a core of steel. A perfect technique. I can tell she's a survivor.

"I know since I'm young, I'll probably slow you guys down. If that happens, I'll kill myself on the spot, no questions asked," Summer declares. "You don't have to hurt yourselves to protect me."

We all gap at her.

"Summer!" Gemma exclaims.

"No," Summer protests, "Don't. I'd rather die in the arena than go back to District 5. You don't know what it is like to smell a nuclear power plant everyday. It pains you, makes you weaker."