OLD VERSION - Fangs (An Enobaria Story)

Chapter 1

I'm standing in front of the mirror, brushing Amadrya's long, dark hair. She's only 5, far too young to reaped. I turned 15 last month, and this is the year that I volunteer for the games. I quickly put on a simple dress with yellow and white stripes. My mother's dress. I walk down the road to a house very similar to mine and knock on the door.  The door is answered a few seconds later by Ashton's little sister, Iris. "Ashton, it's Enobaria!" She yells across the house.  Ashton makes his way across the room and kisses my cheek. I've been dating Ashton since I was 13, and he's the only boy I've ever loved. I have a lot of admirers here in District 2, but none of them ever made an impression on me, none like Ashton. I am pretty beautiful, with dark hair, hazelnut skin, and chocolate brown eyes. He's worried about me volunteering, I can see it in his eyes. To be perfectly honest, I am too. I'm well trained, but there's always a chance that I won't come back. "I'll be fine." I try to reassure him. Ashton is very handsome, light brown hair, cool grey eyes, pale skin. Nothing like me. We exchange a quick kiss before we hear Ashton's mother yell "Ashton, come get ready." "Well good luck." Ashton says, waving goodbye. "You too." I head back inside my house where Amadrya is already dressed. I sit down in front of the mirror where my mother brushes my hair. She leaves it down. We hear the alarms, signaling it's time. I look around at the other citizens of District 2. Our district is pretty big, one of the biggest. As I wait in line, I hear a voice behind me, "Enobaria!" It's Zemira and Annistyn, my best friends since we were little. We all exchange a hug, and then I get my finger pricked and we go stand with the other 15 year old girls. At exactly 2 o'clock, the mayor steps up to the podium and reads the Treaty of Treason, and then they play the video from the Capitol about why the games were created. They read the list of past victors, we have quite a few, being from District 2. Finally, District 2's escort, Ira Valentine, takes the stage, looking as ridiculous as ever in a full maroon ensemble. "Happy Hunger Games, And May the odds be ever in your favor! As always, ladies first." She trots over to the girls bowl and plucks a small slip of paper, reading the name to the whole district, "Emelia Hone!" I see her make her way to the front, she's pretty young looking, maybe 13 or 14, I rush forward, "I volunteer as tribute!" "Wonderful!" Ira exclaims. I take my place next to Ira. "What's your name dear?" "Enobaria Delilah." I answer back, looking emotionlessly at the crowd. I don't even pay attention to the boys name, but multiple boys volunteer. They pick a strong looking 18 year old with blonde hair and aquamarine eyes, named Hawk. We shake hands and are lead into the Justice Building, into separate rooms. My parents rush into the room with Amadrya, and she immediately runs into my arms. "I'll be back, I promise." "Will you wear this Enny?" Amadrya takes off a small golden necklace with a butterfly. "I will, I promise." She puts on me, and then sits down on the couch. I hug both my parents before the time is up and they leave. My next visitor is Zemira. "Look after her, okay?" I mean Annistyn. She lost her little sister last year to the games. Nobody volunteered for her. She was killed on the first day. "I will."  "Good luck." She whispers while hugging me. Annistyn comes in next. Her russet brown eyes stained with tears. "Promise me you'll return." She says, her voice shaky with tears. "I will." "For Liv?" I'm shocked. She never talks about her sister. I hug her "For Liv." A peacekeeper shouts that time is up and Annistyn leaves. The last I see of her is her messy red braid, swaying in the wind. Ashton enters the room. I throw my arms around him and we engage in a kiss, neither of us wanting to let go. "Please come back." He pleads with me. "I promise." I kiss him again, before a peacekeeper yells, and he leaves. I know that's not the last time I'll see them, so why does it feel that way? I barely notice the short car ride to the train, but I can't help but notice how beautiful everything is. A huge bed in the middle of my room.  A closet full of clothes tailored
to my exact size, and a shower with a panel full of buttons.  I just sit on my bed, toying with the necklace Amadrya gave me.   Soon Ira is calling me for dinner. It's the most food I've seen in my life. We've now met our mentors, Brutus and Zenobia.  During dinner we talk tactics, about training, and other stuff concerning the games. "We father in the sitting room to watch the other reapings at 7:30, but you can do whatever you'd like until then." Ira says before hurrying off. I go back to my room and decide to shower. It takes a while but I figure it out eventually. I select a soap that smells like primrose. I ruefully think about home. I miss my family. But I trained my whole life for this. I'll make it out. For Amadrya. For Ashton. For Zemira and Annistyn. For my parents. For Liv. I suddenly think of Liv. She was only 12, no one volunteered, she was not a killer, and you could tell that by just looking at her.  I never want that for Amadrya. Sweet, innocent,  Amadrya. I do everything I can to protect her. I guess I got lost in my own thoughts because soon Ira is calling me to watch the reapings. In District 1, a girl with creamy blonde hair and amber eyes volunteers, named Pearl. The boy is also a volunteer, with orange hair and chocolate brown eyes, named Silk. Next is District 2, I now pay attention to the boys name "Hugo Hood" and then Hawk volunteers, Hawk Hood. He volunteered for his brother. Hugo is in my year at school. He's one of the many admirers I have. In District 4, the two tributes look extremely alike, like they could be cousins. The girl, Vanadey, has coffee brown hair and baby blue eyes. The boy, Maverick, has chocolate brown hair and tropical blue eyes. One district stands out, District 9, where a pair of twins, with brown hair and marble gray eyes, named Prescott and Florence. Can't imagine how painful it is for their parents. Knowing only one kid at most will survive. They're older, about 17.  I lay in my bed, wondering what my family is doing.  I finally manage to shut my mind off and fall into a dreamless sleep.

Name meanings
Amadrya: Tree Nymph
Annistyn: Ressurection
Vanadey: Forest Goddess
Zemira: A Song