Prim's Games Book 2

Chapter 8

When I wake up the next morning, my nose feels stuffy, my blanket and pillow are wet from all of my tears, and my eyes are wet and crusty. I groan and get out of bed to wash my face. After that, I look through my drawers and pull out a long green shirt with white leggings. Then I braid my hair and head to the dining cart.

"Are you okay, Prim?" Peeta asks when I sit down.

I just stare at him for a while, and then I look down at my plate to eat some of my fruit and yogurt. I can feel everyone's eyes on me but I ignore them. After I finish eating I walk over to the window and sit down. I stare out the window until I see the familiar town called District 12.

"Come on!" Effie says.

I run out the door and see Katniss and my mother. I give Katniss a long hug.

"Are you okay?" She asks.

I just shake my head. She looks at me carefully and feels my forehead.

"You're not sick?" I shake my head again.

She walks over to Peeta and they kiss. Then Katniss points to me and asks him what's wrong with me. He just sighs and shakes his head. After a few minutes of talking, Katniss walks back to me.

"Aw, Little Duck. I just wish that I could take away all your worries." She sighs and hugs me tightly.

Oh, how I wish you could, Katniss.

********

I barely speak a word for the next few weeks. All of my happiness is drained out of me. I never smile. I never laugh. I've lost a lot of weight. My skin has gotten paler, there are bags under my eyes, and my eyes are bloodshot. Katniss, Peeta, and my mother are very concerned about me. Peeta usually comes by 3 times a week to check up on me and make sure that I'm okay.

My life became even worse the day that the Third Quarter Quell was announced. It all started when we turned on the tv. The first thing I saw was President Snow. He smiled at the camera evilly, as usual, and his eyes bored into my soul.

"Today, we will find out what we're doing for the Third Quarter Quell. For the 25th anniversary, to remind the rebels that their children were dying because of their choice to initiate violence, every district was made to hold an election and vote on the tributes who would represent it. For the 50th anniversary, as a reminder that two rebels died for each Capitol citizen, every district was required to send twice as many victors."

Now comes the moment of truth, where he'll announce what we'll do for the 3rd Quarter Quell.

"And now, for the Third Quarter Quell," A girl with a white dress walks out with a box. It's Elizabeth. My heart drops and tears form in my eyes. President Snow takes it from her and opens the box. "On the 75th anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors. And to add a little more fun, one lucky district will have a sibling going in the arena with them. If they don't have any siblings, someone from that district will be reaped." He grins. Elizabeth just looks sad.

I hear my mother and Katniss shriek.

It's takes me a moment to figure out what's going on. And then I scream loud enough that the whole district can hear me.

********

I've been in my bed for two days. I don't eat anything; I only drink some water that Katniss forces me to drink. Katniss. She's going into the games with me. My sister. I start to cry.

"Prim." Katniss says softly.

I cry even more at the sound of her voice.

"You-you can't die." It's the first thing I've said in the past 2 days.