Three Worlds Collide

Meeting Marnie (District Twelve)

Kaden came in Jumping up and down on my bed

'WAKE UP MARNIE!!!! WAKE UP!!!!!!!' Kaden kept jumping up and down on my bed not knowing that I actually wasn't asleep. I was actually awake and hiding in my wardrobe. He started to look around then I jumped out of my wardrobe and grabbed him from behind and he screamed, not in fear but in laughter. Dad rushed in not knowing what had happened.

'What the hell do you think you're doing?' Dad yelled towards us. 'It's six in the morning and everyone will still be asleep seeing it is reaping day and the mines are closed.'

My dad is the head miner here in District twelve. We live in the seam so we don't have the luxuries like some others in the district have liked the Mellark's. The stupid Mellark's. The family that owns the bakery in town and with the son Peeta who has a crush on Katniss Everdeen. Hm Katniss Everdeen. The little miss perfect of our school. According to my Dad Peeta's dad was in love with Katniss' Mum but she went for the guy who could make the birds fall silent by opening his mouth. After I got changed into some clean clothes there was a knock on our front door. I opened it to find my best and only friend, Ryan standing before me. I invited him in and we sat and talked about what the rules were for the Quarter Quell.

'Who knew that there were islands off the coast?' Ryan broke the silence.

'I actually had no idea that they could change them that much. It seems as though instead of it being made hundred years ago it was written last week. Do you feel that way too?'

This question must have taken him by shock. He was zoned out which is weird that usually only happens when I go to school. Ever since Mum died three months ago, I hardly go out of the house let alone to school. If dad makes me go I go and sit in the woods until school finishes. I just don't like being around people. Ryan is an exception we have grown up together, so he is more like a brother than a best friend.

'Yeah, Yeah.' He replied. He looked up at the time. 'I better get going see you after the reaping.' And he gave me a hug. After he left I bathed Kaden and got him dressed though he only was going to be standing with Dad he should still be dressed nicely. Then I had my shower and put on my light mauve reaping dress and pulled my hair back into a reasonable looking bun. My hair doesn't really like being tamed.

Dad, Kaden and I all walked to the reaping together. I went and signed in watching Miss Perfect worrying about her sister. I walked over and stood at the back of the fourteen-year-old girl's area. Just then Effie Trinket, Our transportation helper stepped out onto the stage and tapped the microphone.

'Hello District Twelve. Should we start with the ladies as usual? First Primrose Everdeen.' And as I suspected Miss Perfect stepped out and volunteered for her and as I suspected her sister made a big song and dance about it. 'So what's your name dear?' Effie asked Miss Perfect.

'Katniss Everdeen.' She mumbled.

'I bet my buttons that was your sister. Ok well now for the boys we'll leave the other girl till last.' She pulled out a piece of paper. 'Peeta Mellark.' Peeta stepped out and onto the stage. 'And for the next boy, Ryan Hawke.'

No. Not Ryan. He doesn't deserve to be up there. Before he could step out an eighteen year old boy stepped out and shouted 'I volunteer!' In his thunderous deep voice which I realised was Gale Hawthorn. The only reason I knew him was because our parent were all best friends until his father died in a mine explosion and it didn't kill my father so his Mum got really angry and on the five year anniversary my mother got sick. Gale had always looked out for me weather his mother liked it or not. He is one of the kindest people I know. But he likes Miss Perfect so he only volunteered to save her. I think?

'Ok what is your name young man?' Effie asked him.

'Gale Hawthorn'

'Hm well last but not least we have our second girl. Marnie Hyde.' I stepped out and strode up confidently not trying to show my sadness in front of everyone. I stood up on the stage and scanned the crowd and found Ryan. I saw he was on the brink of tears seeing me up there. 'So these are your Tributes for the Hundredth Hunger Games. A round of applause.' Effie began clapping but no-one joined in, instead they took their two fingers, put them to their mouths kissing them then lifting it off in our direction. It is a sign of respect.

The peacekeepers lead us each into separate rooms and gave us a half hour to say our goodbyes. Dad and Kaden came in first and I held Kaden in a tight embrace and Dad wrapped his arms around us. He let go and talked to me about strategies and all not to get killed. But I didn't pay any attention because I was wondering whether Ryan would come and visit me or not. The peacekeepers came and took Dad and Kaden away. Then once the peacekeepers left another person came into my room.

'RYAN!' I yelled flinging my arms around his neck. I don't think he was expecting it so he stumbled back before hugging me back crying.

'Listen to me Marnie. You are better than them. You may not be as skilled as Princess Perfect or Gale but you could easily beat Bread Boy. Just promise me something?'

'What?' I said between me crying.

'Please return, I love you Marnie as more than a sister so just promise me you will return.'

'I will Ryan.' Time was up so just before the peacekeepers came in I kissed him on the cheek and he did the same.

After he left the peacekeepers came and ushered me to the train where the other three were waiting for me. Gale opened his arms and pulled me into a comforting hug. He may not have been Ryan but he was just a good replacement.

'Gale.' I whispered.

'Yeah?'

'Thank you!'

'What for?' he asked curiously.

'For volunteering for Ryan'

He smiled back comfortingly and I felt safe. It seemed that there was no turning back. I had to go into the arena and come out as a victor of the hundredth Hunger Games. I will be the first female victor of District twelve and I will, I will be back for Ryan.