(Earlier version) Flowerborn Part 1: The Arena

Chapter 3: Introduction II

'I guess it's my turn now', a boy stepped forward. 'I am River Dean. I will be turning twenty-two next week. I came here with my sister.' He pointed at a girl across the room. She had darker skin and blonde dyed hair. She raised her hand: 'Willow', she said. River on the contrary had a really light skin tone and his hair was dyed blue. 'I was adopted', he added. I guess that made sense. River was quite tall and had pitch-black eyes.

'I'm next then?' said Willow. 'Like James I only had basic training. Officially. I have been training myself at home for a few years now, for what it's worth.' She stepped back. 'Oh yeah, I am 19 by the way.' She bent down to her bag and took out a lollypop. While she was taking of the plastic wrapper - with a lot of noise - a small girl stepped out of the shadow. I assumed she came in last; I didn't really notice her at first. She looked young, and it didn't help that she was small-build.

'I am Faith.' Her face turned sad. 'I am fifteen years old. As soon as I turned this age my parents send me here. They only had me because of this. They wanted me to be strong and win this, although I think they don't even want me back after this.' She sighed. 'I guess I'm just asking you to give me a shot - give me a chance to survive - because I can't do it on my own.' River, who was standing next to her, laid his hand on her shoulder. 'We will.' I didn't like that he was speaking for everyone, but I did agree. Anna scoffed, but she said nothing.

I decided it was my turn now. I didn't want to tell to much about myself, because maybe they would think I was weak. Like Faith admitted. 'Well.' I said, 'My name is Lucille, but please call me Lucy.' I thought about what I should tell them. My age? Maybe my training? 'I am 17 years old. Wo didn't have enough money for school, but my mom homeschooled me as best as she could. This means I don't even have basic training, but I will give this my all.' So, that was honest, but I still hoped they would take me seriously.

I looked around. We still had four to go.