My head flies up from looking at the ground to looking at Prim. A circle of girls forms around her. Her mouth hangs open as she slowly looks around at her surroundings.
"Don't be shy, come on." Effie smiles. Prim starts walking. She makes it to the pathway to the stage and I let go of Kat's hand. I bolt out behind her and Kat follows me.
"I volunteer!" I scream desperately.
"What?! No! Y/N, you can't do that! I volunteer." Kat grabs my hand and pushes me behind her.
"It's fine, Kat. I said it first."
"No! I don't care!"
"Ahem. By law, the one who said it first is picked. Come here, deary." Effie beckons me forward with her hand.
I walk ahead and Prim starts screaming. I get on my knee to comfort her. Kat comes running.
"Y/N! I could've done it!" She starts tearing up. I look at Gale who is now behind them. He picks Prim up and grabs Katniss's hand.
I coldly turn my back to them. I walk up the pathway and start blinking the tears out of my eyes. I make my face emotionless. If I show I'm scared, I will look easy, weak, and vulnerable, making people target me.
I walk up next to Effie and peer out. I make eye contact with Gale and my heart breaks.
"Miss? What's your name?" Effie pushes a microphone to my face. I didn't even realize she was speaking.
"My names Y/N Matthews."
"You're district 12's first volunteer, so I have a feeling that was at least your half sister? No one would do that for a stranger here." Effie laughs.
"No. She's one of my best friends."
"Adorable. Well, onto boys." She reaches her white gloved hand in the bowl. I take this time to look around. Gale is comforting Kat and Prim, who are crying. I smile at him. "Peeta Mellark!"
Katniss's head snaps forward. Gale immediately pulls her closer. She fights his grip. Peeta is Katniss's crush. They like each other, but aren't dating yet.
YOU ARE READING
The Games We Play
FanfictionY/N was born in the District 12 of Panem. She grew up next door to the Everdeen family. She became close friends with Katniss, though she's a few years younger. Her life was going pretty good despite the peacekeepers, her family being poor, and havi...
