We never stood a chance

Destined to Die

Chapter one

"Don't even think about it Clove. There is no way i'm losing yo

u too." she whispers brushing out my long ebony brown hair.

I sit anxiously on the stool in front of her managing to keep my expression stone hard as I twitch with fear on the inside.

"I don't care what your trainer says, your not going to volunteer." she says harshly into my ear quietly in an attempt not to frighten my two little sisters.

It's reaping day. The most anticipated day in district two. Each year the crazies fight for the spot hoping to be sent away to their potential death bed. It's all about pride and glory. Representing the fiercest district of them all, and nearly every year one comes back.

"Mom, this is what I've been training for all my life. I can do this." I breath trying to sound believable

"You know that's what Caspian said right before he volunteered to be put into that god forsaken place. And you remember exactly what happened to him." My mother hissed, her teardrops landing on my bare shoulders " He thought he was strong enough and he wasnt! That's why he's not here anymore!" her moaning shriek pulled in my thick hair making me wince.

"Well I'm not casp-"

"Cove your not even 16! Your still just a little girl! Don't even think about pulling that on me. Caspian was almost 19 years old, and the most advanced fighter in his group. He had more of a chance of making it out then you will ever have and yet he still died!"

"Stop." I whimper as she pushes me upwards off the chair and smooths my hair down the back of my blood red dress.

"I just can't loose you, I don't think I would ever be able to get along we out you." she whispers faking a small frail smile as Ember and Briar cling to my side.

Chapter Two

The twins stair at their dirt covered feet as the walk along side of me, each holding one of my hands.

"Please don't die." one whimpers knowing even at her young age that its hopeless to talk me out of volunteering. "We will be so sad without you."

"I'm not going to die, I promise." I smile quietly

My mother drags them off of me as tears start to smear down their tiny, helpless faces. Arrogant looking brats push me out of the way as they begin to line up near the capital building. Girls on one side, boys on the other.

"Welcome! Welcome, brave tributes!" a over exaggerated peppy voice Shrieks from the makeshift stage. "It is that very special time of year I know you have all been waiting for." her squeal is pounded by the screams and shouts of enthusiasm.

"As tradition" she claps her pea green hands as she prances over to the giant glass ball "ladies first!"

My heart thumps in my what use to be fearless body. Adrenalin sizzles through me like shock currents from an electric chair.

"Ceria Amberin!"

A trampy looking girl pushes her way forward into the open flipping her nasty blonde locks.

volunteers come shooting at her like blades.

One. The first volunteer pushes Ceria out of the way and the fight begins. Two. The second volunteer hurries up as I turn one last time spotting my mother. Her now unworried eyes quietly thanking me for not volunteering. Ember and briar no better though. Three. The third volunteer breaks her way into the fight as I slip my hand into my dress seeking out the hidden knives.