Surviving The Game (ON HOLD)

Carter, I'm Sorry

The very next morning all six of us were seated at the table, Carter called us all in, saying he had an announcement to make.

"We all know that tomorrow at the square the volunteering will be taking place." We all nodded. Carter continued, "Well, I decided that...I am going to volunteer."

Right after the words let Carter's mouth the entire kitchen erupted into an uproar of protests, I however stayed silent already aware of how I'd be fighting in a losing battle. Timmy was slightly confused because he thought The Game was only a TV show and thought people only pretended to be dead, but he joined his other two brothers in protest.

Our mother raised her hand instantly silencing the three, "If you don't mind I would like to talk to Carter alone."

We nodded and left the room, as soon as we were out of the room Robert and Johnny turned on me!

"Why were you so quiet in there? Huh?!" Robert asked me. Before I had the chance to answer Johnny was talking, "I bet you are the one who told him to volunteer this year! isn't that right!?" They kept yelling at me not letting me speak once.

So what did I do? The only thing in the world that I'm actually good at, I ran.

I ran out the front door, down the street, past town square, all the way to the only place I feel at home, halfway up the tall pine tree in the small woods. It's were I go when I need to think or when I'm upset. Right now it's both. I'm upset that they actually think that I would tell him to volunteer. And I'm thinking about all the reason why I need to volunteer in place of  Carter. First of all, the most important reason, so Carter doesn't have to be in the game.

I need to prove to everyone and myself that I can do this, I can survive The Game. And I need to do this for my dad, because 25 years ago he was a contestant in the game, he survived. He died from cancer two year ago, but before he did he told me to stay strong, don't let anything get in my way and don't be a quitter, if it's difficult not to go down without one hell of a fight. My dad was and always will be my hero.

I just sat in the tree until it got really dark and I figured everyone would've went to bed by now. I slowly walked home, when I got home everyone was asleep as I predicted, I went to my room, set up my bed and went to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up a eight the next morning. Everyone has to be at the square at noon. I changed into a plain black t-shirt and some knee length jean shorts. I cooked breakfast for everyone, pancakes and syrup. I nibbles on a small pancake as everyone else grabbed a few large ones. Everyone was avoiding the topic of The Game knowing it was practically impossible to change Carter's mind. Well Carter I'm just as stubborn and I'm not going down without a fight.

We got to the square, Carter and I going to our designated area for eligible players, Robert, Johnny, Timmy, and our mother going to the family area. From now until The Game is over everything will be recorded and broadcast throughout the entire country Zasburg. The mayor stood on the stage that was built for today, there were 8 empty chairs on the stage for the contestants, One of those chairs that I will be sitting on in moments soon to come.

"Welcome all to the 50th volunteering of The Game, you all know the rules, to volunteer you must state your name then say volunteers. As you all know when there are no more volunteers some of you lucky children will be chosen at random to join us in The Game. Seeing as this is the 50th annual Game there will be 8 players from our town instead of 4. Let the volunteering..Begin!"

We were met with silence, Carter opened his mouth to speak but I tugged on his sleeve cutting him off, he looked down at me in question.

"Carter...I'm sorry..I really am but..." I trailed off. "What is it Spence?" He asked me quietly with concern clear on his face. "I can't let you do this." I grabbed both of his hands so he wouldn't be able to stop what was about to come out of my mouth. I closed my eyes.

As fast and loud as I possibly could before anyone could stop me I shouted, "Spencer Ash volunteers!"

There is no turning back now.