The 25th Annual Hunger Games

Chapter 5 - Cole or Will Protect Me?

Chapter 5

Cole or Will Protect Me?

[RECAP]

I paused before walking out. I turned to him looked at him strong.

"What's the catch?"

"No catch, but a condition. Once I help you, you shall compete in the 25th Annual Hunger Games," he sad sternly.

I nodded slowly and wobbled out. Then I heard his cracked voice say, "I don't make exceptions, Ms. Schore. Don't try to pull anything on me. All you have are excuses and excuses."

[NOW]

I sighed and limped out the door. What did he mean by help? What if my leg is still broken...? And he forces me into the games. I am just dead scared. Then I realized the date. It was February 14th. I gasped. It's Valentines day. Also it's 3 days away from the reaping. I was away so long from the world, on the trip.

I went shopping to buy some flowers and chocolates for friends and family. As I walked to the cashier I encountered someone I had flowers and chocolates especially for. Cole. I paused what I was doing and tried I speak. Only croaks came out if my mouth. Cole laughed and handed me some gold flowers. I smiled and hugged them.

"You haven't paid for those yet..." the cashier said in a stuffy voice.

I made a shaky sigh and gave them to her. She grinned and scanned them. She told Cole the price. He didn't give her any money. He paused and looked at her dead serious.

"21 coins? That much money? No it's 7 coins," he insisted.

"On this holiday we have to raise the prices. I am sorry sir," she said shyly.

I blushed trying to stay out of it but thy kept going back and forth. And every time it was Cole's his voice got louder and louder. I couldn't help myself. I threw 21 coins on the counter. Cole glared at me and mouthed, "No." I nodded my head and then paid for my stuff. I handed my flowers and smiled. He handed his to me.

"Happy Valentines Day."

~*~*~*~*~*~

I felt the sweat roll down my forehead and my palms were even more sweaty. I began crying as I heard the name twice now, "Leena Schore." Today was reaping day. I slowly walked towards the stage my legs quivering like they did the day I was reaped. Tears fell from faces and I looked straight ahead.

Penetra made a frown then made a fake smile. She dipped her hand in the bowl for the 2nd girl. She pulled out the slip and read it. Penetra paused then opened her mouth to speak.

"Paris Spelter," she said slowly.

I heard a scream. Then I heard running footsteps. I saw a tall skinny girl with light brown hair and hazel eyes sprinting to the stage. She had a huge smile and began laughing.

"Yes!!!" she yelled.

Penetra stood there in shock and just continued on. She picked a boy's name and read it. She paused and said, "Will Troies." A around 5 foot 8 boy walked down the stoney path slowly. He looked as if he had a scar on his eye. Besides that, he had redish, blackish hair and big hands. His eyes we're emerald green and he was breath taking.

Then I remembered. Will wasn't the only one. Another boy was being reaped. Not Cole, anyone but Cole... Then she scooped the small piece of paper. She paused and said.

"Cole Bakster."

I froze where I was. Maybe it was another guy named Cole... I crossed my fingers and closed my eyes. Then I heard foot steps on the stage. I opened them and gasped.

"Cole."