Let The Games Begin

Chapter 3

I stand still, tense as people gather around me. They give me cautious looks, and kids eyes are lit up, remebering the time when their parents gave them a speech of who I was. How I saved their lives.

An old lady comes up to me, she has green eyes and is slouched over like her back does not work anymore. Her wrinkled face looks worn, and every bit of her looks as if it will collapse, but yet she holds a basket of apples in one hand.

"You must leave, before it's too late." She leans in, whispering. Her voice breaks, and I raise my eyebrows, not knowing if I can get another answer from her.

"They're coming, they will take you away from us. We...don't...want...you...dead." She speaks slowly, clearing her throat about ten times. I hold her arm for some sort of support.

"What are you talking about?" I whisper, leaning down to her level.

"Snow." Is all she can get out.

"Don't worry," I understand, "I'm going to stop her, I'm going to stop her and make sure you're safe. I will help you all." I speak to everyone that surrounds me now, turning towards them.

"But I need help, if I am to this, I will need a horse. I need one so I can get to District 2 with Peeta. We're going to save you all, but we need this. It's the first step to freedom; for good." I say, my voice shaking.

It takes a while, but finally someone steps forward. It's a man, brown flat hair and dirty face. He looks at his hands before speaking hesitantly.

"I can get you one. But how can we be sure you'll succeed?" He asks, and everyone nods, agreeing. I take a deep breath, unsure.

"Because I've done it before. And I know it was hard for you, and it took a long time to feel happy. But we're here now, and I'm not going to let one person change it. I'm going to destroy Violet Snow's orders, give her no chance of change. I'm going to break every single plan of The Captiol's. And, lastly, I'm going to come back here with Violet, so you all have her for yourself, if you can help me with this, then I will make sure you get her. She may give you money, slavery, death. Your wish is HER command." I say, every world coursing through me.

It's quiet for a little while, everyone considering this. Then the man turns to me, nodding his head.

"We accept. Just be sure of yourself, Katniss. And we will be too." Then without another word, he trudges off, going to a small barn, and walking out with a reign holding a brown, behaved horse. It trots behind him, and occasionally flips the black hair that hangs from it's head. I've never seen a horse before, apart from at the carriages, but they weren't as large as this one. It towers over me, and I'm amazed. I've never actually rode on a horse, but it can't be that hard, can it?

I step slowly towards the horse, my eyes watching it's eyes. It's eyes watching my eyes. Everyone notices this gesture and stays silent as the man hands me the reign. I take it but he holds it also for a moment, and I look at him.

"Good luck, Katniss. Just know," He pauses, looking back at all the people watching, "we're always here, cheering you on. We never really got to see you in the Games...but after Rue, all the work we did was for you."

I look at him, admiration for Rue and for District 11. I am glad I was able to help them in some way.

"Thank you." Is all I say, because there is nothing else I can think of. He releases the reign and I give the people one last glance, all of them returning it. I guide the horse back to the courtyard. I notice Peeta at a small Bakery Stand. He laughs as people surround him, asking for his opinion of their cooking. He answers every last question with passion, and I watch him for a moment, just until he notices me.