The tiny projector in our living room only comes on when there’s an announcement made, so today, the projection of the Capitol logo is projected on the wall. Not knowing what to expect, but expecting something bad, I sit in between my mother and Britt on the old, worn out leather couch, as dad sits slumped down in an equally outworn comforter chair, tired from working in the mines all day. I’d happily begin working in the mines, to relieve him from the hard task of taking care of mom, Britt and me all by himself, but seventeen years of age, I’m a year too young. Besides, dad’s too proud to let me help him.
I look at him, the older and wiser version of me, though I’m more likely the younger and naiver version of him, but quickly divert my attention to the projection as the anthem begins to play- a familiar tune I’ve come to hate. We all sit up a little straighter, focussed on the projection in anticipation of the announcement.
The Capitol emblem fades away, and our very own President Elliot Jenkins comes into view. Standing on the stage in front of the justice building, he waits for the frantic cheering of the crowd to die out before beginning his speech, "It's been nearly a year since Panem took the drastic measures to end the rebellion. One year since one district chose the fate of their citizens, one year since Panem was forced to send firebombs to District Thirteen. Now, to remind us all that the power and glory of Panem cannot come without a cost, it has been decreed that each of the remaining twelve districts must offer up one young man and woman to make the ultimate sacrifice. The rebellion of the districts nearly destroyed our great nation. So, now as a reminder, on the anniversary of the end of the rebellion, a new tradition shall begin. The Hunger Games will commence, winning will mean fame and fortune and losing will mean certain death."
My eyes meet my dad’s, and I look at him questioningly, but his expression tells me that he’s just as confused as I am. After a whole year of cleaning up the mess the rebellion left behind, and slowly moving on, I guess I’ve started to believe there wouldn’t be any consequences for the Dark Days- oh how naive I’ve been.
Of course there would be punishment, of course the Capitol would never let us forget who’s boss. Of course the destruction of Thirteen and the countless deaths aren’t punishment enough. But this just doesn’t make sense...
I turn my attention back to the projection, hoping for some clarification, but Jenkins is already exiting the stage.
As soon as he’s out of sight, the projector turns off. The room is dead silent as we all try to make sense of the announcement, try being the keyword here. I look down at Britt, her dark hair in two braids and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Each of the remaining twelve districts must offer up one young man and woman to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Twelve years of age, Britt thinks of herself as a young lady, but she’s only a little girl. Surely she’s safe from this so called ‘Hunger Games’... Right?
I’m not though.
With this realisation, I get up, mumble a quick goodbye and head out to my favorite spot in Two.
Apart from a couple of peacekeepers, the streets are practically deserted. Since watching the announcement was mandatory, everyone is probably still sitting in front of their projectors, confused and waiting for some more information.
“Hey, are you okay?”
I look up at an unfamiliar blonde, a little surprised she spoke to me, and confused by her question. I quickly scan my surroundings, and when I come to the conclusion that it was me she was talking to, I say, “Uhh, yeah, I’m fine.”
I’ve never been too good at holding a proper conversation.with strangers, and now, in my confused state, it’s even harder,but I manage to ask, “You?”
“The name is Jasmin.” she introduces herself, offering a hand, obviously better at etiquette than I am, “And I’m alright, just a little surprised.”
After a brief moment of looking at her outstretched hand, I decide to take it, and mutter, “Alec.”
The introduction feels awkward and formal, but that’s probably to blame on my lack of social skills. Realizing that I’m still holding her hand, I quickly let go, and drop my arm to my side.
“Well it was nice meeting you Alec. Hope to see you around sometime!” she states, flashing a smile. Before I can come up with a proper reply, she has already turned around and started walking away, probably trying to escape from my awkwardness as quickly as possible- I can’t blame her.
I watch her leave, then shrug and continue my way towards my little sanctuary; the big, old oak. I climb up with relative ease, having done it so many times before. I’ve grown a lot since I first discovered the tree, but the branches are thick enough to support my weight.
Being up here, excluded from the daily routine usually helps me make sense of the world below, but at the same time, it makes me forget about it completely. Not today though, today my mind is too jumbled.
I hear a rustling below me, and when I look down, I see Britt climbing up. I smile, and scoot over once she’s reached me, “Remind me again why I told you about my favorite hideout?” I tease her.
“Because you love me.” she replies, chuckling softly. She lets out a deep sigh and asks, “Did you want to be alone?”
“Well, that’s why I came here for,” I reply a little sarcastically, “But you can stay.” I add quickly.
She’s quiet for a moment, and as she glances up at me, she asks, “Are you afraid it’s going to be you?”
I don’t know quite know what to be afraid of, I have no idea what exactly this Hunger Games entails, but I know that it’s going to be bad- the ‘losing will mean certain death’ part didn’t sound particularly nice.
“I guess,” I admit honestly, “But I doubt it will be, though.” I add confidently, trying to assure both her and myself. Admittedly though, I have an uneasy feeling that it is going to be.
