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I'm wearing a navy-blue sundress that I had picked the night before. I had laid an outfit out for Marina, as I knew she never wanted to dress up for these things. My hair is in wavy curls, and I braid my sister's hair before twirling into a bun. Every year, as I'm getting ready, I treat it as if it's my last time in my house; it very well could be. I walk towards the front door, Marina behind me, and our dad hugs us. "It's time." He says somberly. We walk out of our house, and I grab my sister's hand for support. We meet my uncle a few blocks down, and Marina tries to lighten the mood.
"What outrageous outfit do you think Verena will be wearing this year?" Verena Plainvale was the District 4 escort, and she was anything but her last name. It was going on her fifth year, and she looked different every time I saw her. Wigs, extravagant makeup, and ridiculous outfits were always expected with her; just as any other Capitol resident. At least she didn't dye her skin pea green like she'd seen from one of the districts. "Maybe she'll dress like a lobster." I joked, though I wouldn't put it past her.
My nerves shoot up as we reach town square. I wince as they prick my finger, and then shove it down on a piece of paper to scan the blood. They tell me I can go join the others once my name is registered. I look at my family sadly, before going to the kids my age. Marina and I were close in age, but since she was younger, she was further in the back.
I jump slightly when Verena taps on the microphone, making sure it was on. "Welcome, welcome!" She explains. People in the capitol thought it was an honor to be reaped. I would like to see how they felt if it was their children. Would it be such an honor then? As the recording made by the Capitol plays like every year, I find myself looking at Finnick, who is on stage. He looks about as excited as me. He's standing next to an older woman - I think I recognize her as Mags, a victor from the games a long time ago. I'd seen her in town, and she was always smiling. She had suffered a stroke in her older years, so she couldn't talk anymore, but the whole town loved her. "Now, for the tributes of the 66th Hunger games. May the odds be ever in your favor!"
I force myself to look at Verena, who's outfit seemed to be made out of bubbles.
"The female tribute representing District 4 is..." She moves towards the bowl containing the slips of every girl in the whole district. "Coralia Underfell!"
My heart drops to my stomach, and it feels like the world is spinning around me. I desperately waited for someone to volunteer, but those words never came. "Come, come, Coralia." I can hear my sister screaming, and out of the corner of my eye, I can see my uncle comforting my father. My feet are heavy as I walk past all of the girls, and make my way towards the peacekeepers who start to guide me to the stage. I look up to the stage, seeing Finnick lowering his head. I want to scream, but I can't make anything out.
Verena reaches for my hand, and all I can think is that I am walking straight towards my death. I finally make it on stage, seeing everyone look at me.
"The male tribute is...Griffin Grindle!" I used to sit next to him in school. Before the red-headed boy can move, someone else shouts: "I volunteer!" I would know that voice anywhere. I try to stop my lip from quivering as Blaze makes his way onto the stage, smirking at me. He tells Verena his name, and I know that he'll be the one to kill me. He would make any deal with the careers as long as he was the one to slit my throat.
"Shake hands!" Verena exclaims, and as he pulls me closer to him so he can she my hand, he whispers: "You're dead."
"Ladies and gentlemen, the tributes for the 66th annual Hunger Games; Coralia Underfell, and Blaze Keenwood! A round of applause for our brave tributes!" A few people shout Blaze's name, but I can only see my sister sobbing in the background.
I'm ushered into the Justice Building, and stuck inside of a room. Once I know that everyone is gone, I let the tears fall. My breaths become quick and uneven as I rock back and forth. I'm interrupted by the door opening. I stand up, and let my father pull me into the tightest hug I've ever felt.
"You can do this, okay?" I shake my head. "You can win. You can come home to us." My father continues, grabbing my arms. "I..." I try to make out a sentence, but am unsuccessful. He strokes my hair and quiets me, holding on for just a few more seconds. Marina almost knocks me over when she hugs me.
"Don't leave me, Lia. Please don't die." She cries. Her crying only makes me cry harder. My uncle is the last one to hug me.
"Kiddo, you've seen Finnick fight. It's his job to train you to the best of his abilities. He's good with a trident, and he can teach you. And you are the best damn swimmer I've ever seen. You move like a mermaid. You can win this." He tells me, and I nod my head, not convinced.
"Don't let them fall apart because of me. Keep them safe." I whisper in his ear, and he nods. My father pulls everyone in tightly before the peacekeepers force them to leave.
I wipe my tears, not letting Blaze see my cry as we make our way to the train.
