Deep in the meadow

Picked

I could see the fence that kept me here, only wire and sparks held me back. I've always wanted to escape, this mere metal fence has more control over me than anyone else. It torments me with the thought of freedom, the thought of leaving this place, freedom...

Something that I can never have but can always dream of, the only way I will get out means almost certain death. The games, THE GAMES. I have to get ready, the reaping is in a matter of hours.

Hours...

Minutes...

I step up to the table, I feel the cold, sharp prick of the needle in my skin, soon forgotten with the feel of the hot blood dripping down my skin. I join the rest of the girls my age and remember what my mother said to me " Keep a calm face, stay calm and make sure your dress always stays neat. It won't be you darling I promise. No-body gets picked on their first time." I keep on repeating my mothers words under my breath.

People are starting to turn.

No-body gets picked on their first time.

They are staring at me.

No-body gets picked on their first time.

Heart racing, breathing heavily, sweat dripping down my forehead, head pounding.

No-body gets picked on their first time.

My hands start to grab at the material of my dress but then I remember. Slowly I start to stumble though the people, who slowly part to let me through. They all look sad, disappointed, dead. Sunken eyes,pale faces, prominent bone structures...

DEAD!

The last thing I remember is the look in my mothers eyes as she was dragged out of the room screaming, desperate.