REDEEM | one direction. [H]

Bitter Beginnings.

-Louis-

I woke up, a horrifying scream filling the air. I immediately swung my legs out of the bed and stood up, running down the stairs just to see my girlfriend, Eleanor, crying.

I walked up to her, her features become more prominent.

There were bags under her brown bloodshot eyes. Her forhead was scrunched up, and her lips were quivering while she rocked back and forth on her bed, her arms wrapped around legs.

I sat down beside her and enveloped her in a warm hug, while I lay my chin on her head, stroking her brown wavy hair.

"Shh. El, i'm here. Alright? No need to worry." I whispered.

"T-They picked me, Lou. They took me away from you.." she sobbed into my white shirt.

"No, El. It's all just a dream," I said, cupping her face in my hands. "Alright? I'm still here. You're still here. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." She sniffled, letting her gaze fall to the ground. Then she nodded.

"Good. Now, go back to sleep." I said, my voice filled concern. It was a safe bet that she wouldn't and couldn't even go back to sleep. I couldn't blame her. Today was the reaping, and no one was safe up until the two tributes have been picked from those two glass balls.

I always told her that i'd do whatever it takes to keep her safe, because apparetly, ever since she was 12 and required to join the reaping, she'd been having these occurring dreams about her being picked, but years have past, and that moment has yet to come.

I'm pretty nervous too, if I say so myself. I hardly got any sleep last nighy due to my nervousness and the loud pitter patter of the rain on my blurred window.

I looked back at Eleanor, who was now lightly snoring, her body curled up because of the slightly cold weather, and her choice of clothing. She was wearing a loose shirt, and a pair of cargo shorts which were already worn out and very thin.

I sighed and quietly stood up from her bed, and going upstairs again. I took my black leather jacket from the coat stand and wore it, and also put on my boots, which I bought from the Hob in exchange for two dead rabbits.

I clearly remember that time. Those 2 rabbits were my first kill, and I had directly shot them in the eye. I had planned on exchanging it for clothes, but I exchanged it for boots instead, since I had no footwear yet.

I took my bow and sheath of arrows from my drawer and headed down the stairs.

I made sure no one was still awake, not even Lottie, Fizz, Daisy, Phoebe, El, or my mum.

I quietly slipped out of the door and walked to the forest.

-Harry-

"I wish we'd both be safe later.." Marjoleine suddenly said to break the silence.

I had the sudden urge to roll my eyes at her. Why was she being like this? Does she not understand that I just use her for pleasure?

Well, of course she wouldn't. She's too dumb to figure it out by herself. She needs another dumbo to fix it for her.

"Yeah." I mumbled, looking out to the village where I was living.

District 1, home of the Victors. We were living in a big house, a luxury that none of the other districts of Panem could ever afford. I mean, that's what District 1 specializes in. Luxury. And besides all that, we've been trained to fight, and to help us get ready for The Hunger Games.