The One Survivor (Hunger Games)

Chapter One

I screamed. I was being chased by a boy with a large sword in his hand. My heavy breaths weren't helping, just making me more and more tired. I knew I couldn't keep running for long, I would die of exhaustion. I slowed down, I couldn't run any more. I felt a strong jolt on my shoulder- I struggled as I knew it was the end. I winced, waiting for my death to come. Wait- what's happening? He didn't hurt me. I looked over at the boy in the midst of him stabbing me. I screamed and jumped up, still screaming. I looked around to just see my plain room, that had dark blue walls, a creaky wooden floor, and a few accessories other than my bed. My fists clenched onto the small white sheets, still a bit scared. I knew the only reason I was having a dream like this was because it was my first ever reaping today. I also knew that if I was picked, I would be killed instantly with no dignity; just another pawn in their games.

I slowly got out of bed, my face wet with tears from the nightmare. I quickly gathered the small dress that I prepared last night; a silky floral dress that went down to my knees. I put it on and looked in the mirror. I looked pretty good. I looked older. I smiled. It would have reminded Mom of our old garden, and Dad would say that I looked too grown up and gave me one of his jokingly scowls. I smiled at the memories. But I quickly felt my eyes begin to burn. No. I could not think of that day. Not today. Today was already bad, I couldn't make it worse. I inhaled deeply and decided to put a braid in my hair for reaping. I always felt that doing my hair was soothing; I braided my hair for everything that I was scared about; my talent show, my first day of school, my parent's funeral...
Before I looked at myself, I applied a layer of makeup on my face, that consisted of lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and a little blush. I stepped away from the mirror to look at myself fully. There stood a pretty girl, much prettier than little old me. I would be shocked to find out that that was me, Vera Jennings, the anti social girl with only 3 friends. I don't know if I was happy with this or not. Before I could make that decision, I ran to get socks and dress shoes. As I pulled them on, they were extremely uncomfortable. But, I had to deal through the pain. Mom always said, "There is always pain in beauty," I rolled my eyes at the thought. Who in their right mind would have pain just so they look decent? Not me. As I stared at myself in the mirror, shifting my weight side to side, I heard a small creaking sound near my door.

Axel, my brother, popped his head right into my room and peered over at me. "Oh, I see that you are awake," He barely glanced in my direction. I knew that this was hurting him more than me. I mean, he is 18, the oldest age to be in the games, and now his baby sister is being eligible for the games, AND his best friend, Bunker went into the games exactly 2 years ago, and died the next week. Too many people wanted to say goodbye to Bunker, that Axel never got a chance to say goodbye. "Ya, couldn't sleep, you?" He finally looked over at me and gasped, "Vera, you look incredible!" I smiled and curtsied, "Thank you, it was all my pleasure," We both chuckled. I glanced over to see Axel in a suit, that he has owned for years. He has always called it lucky since he wore it to every reaping and never got picked. He always had his dark brown hair gelled down. He looked very handsome and sophisticated. I sighed. I wish I liked as good as him. He looked like a combination of both of our parents. My mom's soft facial feature, and her thick hair, while he got dad's green eyes, dimples, and broad body. And then there's me. Thin, with dark brown hair, brown eyes, and pale skin. I inhaled a deep breath and sighed. "I guess it's time to go to reaping," I tried to look brave since Axel was already having such a hard time, but I couldn't. I ran over into Axel's arm and gave him a huge hug, while holding him tightly. I wanted to never let go, to stay wrapped in his tight grip. I wanted to be hidden from everything, except Axel. My only family. He let go after a few minutes. He looked me deep in the eyes. " You're right, I guess it's time to go. I huffed. I wish I didn't have to go, but this was my "deed for Panem," I follwed Axel out of my room and started walking to the circle, where my whole world will be changed forever.