Into the Flames [Watty Awards 2012]

Chapter 10

As I sat down on the couch, Trout scooted up next to me and laid her head on my shoulder. I put my arm around her and watched the TV as the first chariot appeared. The tributes wore one of the normal outfits of jewels. The second chariot held two peacekeepers as normal and the third, silver robots. As the fourth chariot came into view, a cheer arose from the crowd. The boy cast his fishing line at Waterlily who was covered in water and fish. The boy caught the hook right in the mouth of a fish. He slightly jerked the rod and the fish detached from Waterlily. He pulled the hook out of its mouth and threw it into a crate at the back of the chariot. The camera focused on her chariot as the little play continued on. As the fish on Waterlily’s costume started running out, the camera panned the remaining chariots. The other districts held the normal costumes, lumber jacks, cowboys, farmers, and miners. At last, the chariots came to a stop in front of President Snow. His icy eyes looked down upon the tributes as he said his speech. His bright red rose stood out on his white shirt. After his speech the screen of the TV blackened.

“I loved Waterlily’s outfit! It was so cool!”

I nodded. “Yeah, it was really cool. Maybe she can tell us about it when she gets back.”

“You think she’ll come back?” Trout’s big blue eyes focused up on me hope, sorrow, and doubt covering them.

“I know she will Trout. How else would she be such a good leader? She knows how to survive and lead others. As long as she puts together a good team, she will make it to the end.” The corners of Trout’s lips turned upward.

“I hope she comes home. I want her back.”                                                                                              

“I want her back too Trout, I want her back too.”

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I shut the door behind me and walked through the dark house to the room Waterlily and I shared. I turned on a lamp inside the room and suddenly I could see. This room was one of the few that survived the hurricane. Most of the rooms had to be redone. I pulled on a soft pair of shorts and a t-shirt and slid into bed. My stomach rumbled, but I paid no attention. The only way the rebellion had a chance to continue was if I could get enough money to keep Waterlily alive. Without her, the rebellion would be a hopeless cause.