Shattering Secrets [2]

Ten

   I feel eyes on me from every direction. The towns people stare through me, their eyes leaving sensations on my body that I want to scratch away.

   Today, the reaping will be held announcing which two previous winners of the hunger games, would be going back into the arena. My hands shake when I think about my name being called, which in my heart, I already know it's going to be.

   I make my way to the stage, to a roped off section where Mags, and Annie are. Finnick has his own place.

   The crowd looks sad, disapproval and hatred written all over their faces. Some were crying, some yelling profanities at the guards. I've never seen such anger in the faces of my mothers and fathers friends.

   When Alessandra walked onto the stage, nearing the two glass bowls, one with a single piece of paper, meant for Finnick, and the other with three, meant for myself, Annie, and Mags, Everyone became silent and stiff. The only thing I could hear was the jagged breathing of Annie besides me. She's playing with her hands, a nervous habit that has lived with her since her arena days.

   There is no introduction, no video of the history of Panem. "May the odds be ever in your favor" Alessandra says softly into the microphone in front of her. I can see tears streaming down her face, leaving lines in her makeup. "Let's start with the boys". Her slim hand reaches and grabs the paper gently. "Finnick"

   He nods his head, and crosses his arms across his chest. Knowing that I would be going back into the arena with him is a bittersweet feeling. I didn't want to be near him, but I know that he would protect me if I was in danger. He would risk his life for me, and in all honesty, I would do the same for him.

   "Now onto the girls" Alessandra's voice had become shaky, and so does her hands. Grabbing a piece of paper out of the bowl, and holding it in front of her, she takes a deep breath. Her face relaxes, and when she says the name, her voice is almost joyful. "Mags".

   Finnick also drops his shoulders, and looks extremely relived, the crowd let out a sigh of relief that sounded like a sharp wind gust. For a moment, I was also revived and happy.

   Fear and regret set in quickly. She would easily and quickly die in the arena, and I couldn't let that happen. She looked after my brother when I was reaped the first time around, and I needed to pay her back in some way.

   "I volunteer for tribute!" I yell, stepping forward.

   Alessandra's face falls, her eyes full of shock. "No" she whispers, and it echoes across the town square. Her reaction mirrors everyone else's except for the guards. "What have you done?"