Not Just A Game

Chapter 12

Cheers erupt as our chariot begins to descend down the long open path in the parade. I turn to see Griffin and Harley smiling like lanterns in a dark cave.

I nudge Dustin and point to them. I guess he gets the vibe, because a fake smile is soon plastered on his handsome face.

As we move along in our little chariot that escorts me to my dark fate I call the games, I close my eyes and try to think.

I won't survive unless I'm noticed.

I won't be remembered without a show.

I open my eyes, and I lace my dainty fingers through Dustin's strong ones.

Warm and safe.

Whoops and whistles flood the area as I raise our hands high above our heads and I lean over to kiss him.

My free hand runs through his dark hair and when we break apart, his brown eyes meet my hazel ones and he gives me a small smile.

Roses are thrown from above in the stands and I catch one in my left hand. I blow kisses in the direction of the thrower and they go out of their minds.

I flinch as a cloud of yellow feathers is released from the bottom of our chariot and flies freely behind us.

If I thought the Capitol was crazy before, it's nothing compared to the deafening screams erupting now. The yells and hollers echo in the empty space.

I turn my head to watch the feathers float to the ground behind us, and catch a glimpse of Griffin staring at me hardly.

It was the kiss.

He's my best friend. How could he be mad about this? He knows I don't feel that way about him.

It almost kills my mood, but I try to mend it by giving Griffin a apologetic smile. I plead with my eyes to say what words can't.

I turn back to Dustin who's fake smile is now replaced with a genuine one.

I turn and look straight ahead for the rest of the chariot ride, dreading the moment we stop in a grand circle in front of the President's home.

President Suzanne Snow stands watching up on a high balcony above the tributes.

She begins a welcome speech.

"Welcome, tributes, and Capitol citizens, to the exciting 4th Quarter Quell, and 100th Annual Hunger Games!"

The Capitol claps wildly and cheers.

"Tributes, we honor you, for you sacrifice, bravery, and courage. We wish you all the best of luck."

I feel a thud in my stomach and I squeeze Dustin's hand.

"May the odds be ever, in your favor."

She says, staring right at me.

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Back in the penthouse, I strip out of my costume, and hang it neatly on a hanger on the closet door hanger.

I take my hair out of its trademark braid, and let it hang loose around my shoulders. It has small ripples in it from being held stiff in the plait.

The shower is calling my name when I use my hand to adjust the water on the cool surface of the buttons.

Steaming water pours down my body and I have to jump out of the way to avoid being burned.

I continuously press buttons until the water has returned to a normal temperature.

I let the warm water stream over my body, refreshing it.