Romani caught in an arena.

Chapter 1.

Ladies first. It has always been that way. Ladies, why ladies you ask? Well, I guess you cant even call us ladies...I mean, we're still girls. Girls and Boys. Not ladies and men. We're between the age of 12-18, and they think they can call us ladies? They're wrong. Well, to me they are. But I guess they have to carry on with their rules. Rules, they mean a lot to the capitol. It means they can control the nation of Panem, and this is all because they have rules. Rules, peacekeepers, and money. The peacekeepers, they're the ones dressed in white, the ones who have ruled us into the different groups that stand before us, the children, and the rest of District 8. We're all just waiting for those two names to be called. Those two names that will be become the tributes of district 8, for the 54th hunger games. This is the third year that I have stood in these different collective groups. 15, I'm only 15. I could die at 15. But then again, I could also return home, a survivor and a winner. But that's very unlikely. Well, the odds are practically against me if that happens. I mean, you have to think of the careers, they usually always win. Mind you, they train and live for the hunger games. Why wouldn't they win? It's usually only the careers that volunteer for someone in their district. Well, I guess they have a reputation to hold up.

"Romani Walters" is pounded into the square. I was too evolved in my own thoughts that I didn't notice Uvuar Green, the chaperon sent from the capitol to complete the snobby little tasks such as drawing out our names at the reaping. Oh yes, I forgot, this is called the reaping. Its when a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 are drawn from a list of names, and must compete in a battle called The Hunger Games. To be honest, this battle concludes of one rule; Kill or be killed. Not very nice it is?  But my name, my name is drawn. Again, I'm too engulfed in my thoughts that some of the other girls in the same group as me have to nudge me to notice a simple line has been created through the other children, such a simple line, that it leads straight to the stage. I force myself to put one foot in front of the other, and walk straight towards the stage. "No crying, Romani, no crying" I say to myself quietly so no one else hears. 

"Well, come along dear. Come on." Uvuar blasts into the microphone as she is eager to finish the reaping. I guess shes on a schedule, and my short steps to keep time is breaking that. Eventually, I make it up there, and I gently place my arm into Uvuar's hand, as she pulls me up. I dont hear her say the boys name. I'm too busy trying to focus on what just happened. I'm never going to return here. Never. So instead of listening to Uvuar lecture on about the boy, and how important the hunger games are, I digest every sound, sight and smell I can of my home. The place I shall never return to. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, District 8 tributes; Romani Walters and Tryst Lights". Uvuar slowly, but loudly blasts into the microphone to make sure everyone hears. Then just like that, i'm pulled away by some peacekeepers into the blue, large building behind us. Details are being thrown into my face by different peacekeepers and Uvuar. The only thing I hear is Uvuar saying

"Only 30 minutes allowed with family, and friends. 30 minutes. My schedule has been pushed enough. After that, we're on the train out of here, and on the way to the capitol. Enjoy your time, and I shall see you on the train". And like that, shes gone, whizzed away into other rooms in the building, obviously has important things to do, I guess. 

The next 30 minutes rushes by as if only 2 minutes has been since I was named one of the tributes for the 54th Hunger games. I already know I wouldn't win. The odds were already against me. I'm from district 8. Our industry is textiles...How would that benefit me, as a tribute in The Hunger Games? Oh that's right, It wouldn't. And as for skills? I'm pretty sure going to school, then helping in the factory, on the textile machines will not help me in the arena. So, I don't have a chance. The odds are simply against me. All I do is take this time to say the goodbyes to my friends and family, the ones that hurt the most are the ones for my mother, father and little brother. I wonder how life will be for them without me. 

I blank out. Return to my mind full of memories. So many wonderful memories of my family, and few friends. Oh how i wish i could return to these for just a few moments, just to return to the happiness in these memories. 

"Romani! Romani! Come along dear! Food is ready in the dining room! Come along! Chop chop!" Uvuar is stood outside my room, slightly tapping on the door, constantly stating my name. I guess have to go. She's not going to leave. I raise myself from the bed, and walk towards the door. But, I just can't stop thinking about how big this train is. How can it be this big? It's definitely a thought. 

"I'm coming, i'm coming. Just give me a chance!" I mutter as I drag myself towards the door, dreading the meal that has been planned in the dining room. I really don't want any human company at the moment.I just wish I could lock myself away, or even better, not be the tribute and return home. If only that could happen, if only. But instead, i leave my room, and walk with Uvuar to the dining room, making small talk, even though i know I'm no good at it. Small talk is definitely not my thing. 

Food, the dining room is full of food. There is a sufficient amount of food here. Way to much to be honest. Just too much, and considering the only people here are me, Uvuar, Blair Treches (our mentor), Tryst, and the avox's. There are so many avox's here actually. I don't know why. But I guess that's another thought. Also, did I mention that Tryst is only 13? Indeed, 13. I don't know if he has any skills or anything, but being only 13 can not be good. This means that this year, with us two as the tributes, district 8 is probably not going to have a victor. Not surprising. Iv'e never really spoken to Tryst. I really don't know anything about him. He's unknown to me. 

Again, as i'm stuck in my own little world in my head, thinking these thoughts, I don't notice that the conversation on the table has been withdrawn. I didn't really notice the conversation in the first place, I'm not really in the mood for talking at the moment. But I guess I don't have a choice with the words that etch out of Blair's mouth. 

"So then, you need to talk otherwise, there really is no chance of me saving you. So, is anyone going to tell me anything about their skills?" 

And just like that, Tryst talks about his time in the wilderness, and what skills he has gained from it.