Into the Flames [Watty Awards 2012]

Chapter 31

A lump formed in my thought. The way Ceaser was looking at me, started to scare me. His eyes almost looked a little suspicious, yet, how could he know? I took a breath, “No, not really. Nothing special happens normally. I’m excited to see my sister and friends, but nothing special.”

Ceaser nodded the look of suspicion still on his face. “So, what is your best weapon?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out,” I smiled. If he was going to be suspicious towards me, I would be suspicious too.

He laughed as the timer beeped. I stood and left the stage wishing River luck as he went up.

“Welcome River! How are you?”

River shrugged, “As good as I can be.”

“That’s good. Can you tell us a little about yourself?”

“My name is River Lange, I’m from district four. I have a little brother named Thomas and I had a job for only one day, the day of the hurricane, before the reaping. I am thirteen.”

“Wonderful, tell us about your brother.”

“My brother is as sweet as can be. He looks exactly like me and he is the joy of my life. I was actually kind of sad to leave him and work.”

“I understand. Do you have anyone special back at home? Any girls?”

River didn’t say anything for a moment, “None that like me, so I guess not.”

I took a breath, I am pretty sure he was just talking about me!

Soon, River left the stage as well, taking a seat next to me, but he never looked at me.  The next tributes went, but I didn’t listen much, except for my friends.  I wasn’t able to learn anything from the people I listened to, but I was still kind of fun hearing about the other districts. After what seemed like hours, the boy from twelve finally walked off the stage. Ceaser talked for a bit, but we finally got to go back to our rooms. I left for floor seven after I had talked to my mentors.

As I stood on the elevator, I couldn’t help but think about if it was against any rules to go to another floor, but I didn’t really care, I needed to talk to them. When the elevator stopped, I stepped out and looked for Willow’s room. I walked down the hallway, I was starting to wonder if they were even there since the hall was so quiet. I passed by the escort’s room, the mentors’ rooms, and Woody’s room before I got to Willows. I knocked on the door, but she didn’t answer. “Willow, you there?” I called in, but no one answered. I opened the door and found an empty room. It looked like she had never even been there, everything was placed perfectly. I backed out, closing the door then went to Woody’s room. He immediately answered the door, “I’m looking for Willow.”

“Willow isn’t here.”

“What do you mean? She has to be here.”

“She likes to disappear, but I think I may know where she is. Follow me,” Woody exited his room and went straight for the elevator. I followed him inside and he pressed a button, ‘13’.  Why would there be a floor 13? There is no district 13.

When the doors opened, all I could see was sky. There were some plants and a huddled body, but everything else was the blue-gray sky.  “Willow!” I called out. I jogged toward her, placing my hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong Willow?”

“I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to die. I’m too young to die. Why did it have to be me?” A glint of a tear streaked down her face.

 I wrapped her in my arms, “I don’t know Willow. I don’t know why I’m here either. None of us deserve to be here. None of us want to be here, with the exception of Ethelreda.” Willow took in a breath. “Plus, I don’t have much more of a chance at surviving than you.”

“What do you mean? You’re much stronger than I am!”

“Maybe, but I still have the same chance. You may not be as good at fighting, but you have many more stratagies and you are much better with first aid.”

“I guess…”

I pulled her closer to me, then let go. “I need to talk to you about something.” I looked around the roof,” There’s no one else up here right?” Willow shook her head so I continued, “I want to ally with you.”

Willow looked at me, shocked, “But you can’t! You have to stay with the careers. That’s why you wouldn’t train with me.”

“Yes, but I’m going to leave them, either the first or second night.  I just wanted to let you know so you were prepared. I will try and bring some supplies with me.”

“Well, I guess you can.”

“Good. Don’t let Ethelreda find out or I won’t make it through the bloodbath.”

“I won’t. I’ll tell the rest of the alliance once we are out.”

“Where should I look for you?”

“Probably the opposite direction from where you go. If we decide otherwise I’ll give you a little motion on the plates. OR just watch for Woody, he’s the leader of the group.”

“Thank you Willow.”

“You’re welcome. Good luck tomorrow.”

“Good luck to you too. I’ll see you in a day or so,” I stood up and walked toward the elevator. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Willow smiling.

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A/N:

Sorry for the delay.  I forgot the post a few chapters earlier. Don't forget to nominate my cover for the best cover if you like it! I'll try to update soon!

~Ella Rosewood