Storm: A Hunger Games Story {Book One of the Storm Trilogy}

Two

"OPHELIA! AARON!" The crowd roars at the sight of us. I was so taken aback I almost fell off of the chariot. I did as Anastasia said. I smiled, waved, and blew a few kisses. I couldn't tell if they actually liked us or if it was just the spirit of the games.

"Ophelia Wyatt and Aaron Duke, from District Eight! Don't they look ravishing Claudius?" I hear Caesar Flickerman say. I look up and notice myself on the screen. My brown eyes twinkled like I'd never seen them before. My skin was glowing. Ozias was right- the green shawl went well with my skin tone. My body was shaking from the heels and from being overwhelmed. Although we were still farther back on the runway, I could see President Snow's devilish eyes. He was looking at us with no emotion. He was utterly terrifying. Still, I continued to wave and blow kisses. I imagine my family watching in the tiny living room. Seeing me in beautiful clothes with my makeup and hair done, thinking this is not their Ophelia. They're right. This is not me. I don't particularly like attention. Tight clothes would never be my thing. I've never worn heels or so much makeup. We finally reach the end of the runway, where President Snow stands at the podium. The evil, powerful man glances down at us, then back at the crowd. I did not smile in his direction.

"Tributes, we welcome you. We salute your courage and your sacrifice, and we wish you a happy Hunger Games; and may the odds be ever in your favor." His words mean nothing to us tributes, but everything to the Capitol citizens. Our chariots move, and we're back on the runway. Smiling, blowing kisses, waving, trying not to vomit from all the attention. When the chariots get back to the Tribute Center, Wes helps me down. I thought I was going to be sick, but I kept my composure. I looked around at the other tributes and I saw Diamond looking at me again. I stared right back at her. She smirks and turns away.

My stomach was doing flip flops and I felt light-headed. I was so overwhelmed by the attention.

"Can we please go upstairs? I'm not feeling very well." I ask Wes.

"Of course." He takes my hand and brings me to the elevator.

"Is everyone else coming?" I ask him, not wanting to be alone with the gorgeous man. Just then, Aaron, Ozias, Anastasia, and Aaron's stylist Evangeline all cram into the elevator with us. Wes smiles at me gently. Almost telling me I'll be okay. I smile back.

When we get upstairs, I decide to take a shower and go to sleep. As I lay in the bed, I imagine what my family is doing now. Mason is probably cleaning the dishes, while my father gives my mother her medicine. That is, if they have the money to get her some. Trina probably had to close the shop early tonight so everyone could watch the Tribute Parade.

"I can't do this." I whisper to myself. I toss the covers off, put shoes on, and run to the elevator. I can hear Wes calling to me, but I ignore him. I go to the rooftop. When I stepped out of the elevator, my breathing halted. I could see the whole city from here. The lights were bright and colorful. I could hear people chanting, laughing. Cars beeping and music blaring. The city was spectacular. The city also reminded me that we barely have electricity and hot water at home. We barely have food. These people waste everything they have.

"It's incredible, right?" I turn to see Aaron.

"Incredible. But think about home." I say. He looks out at the Capitol, his eyes narrowed.

"It's unfair." He says, sounding a bit angry. He takes a seat on the bench next to me.

"I miss home." I tell him. He looks up at me and nods.

"I do too." The two of us sit in silence for a few minutes. Neither of us knowing what to say.

"How are either of us going to survive this, Ophelia?" I turn away.