Lentil's Tears (234th Hunger Games)

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3 chapters will be uploaded every Saturday.

Chapter 1, The Reaping

My eyes jolt open from my sleep. Rye, my little brother, is shaking me with tears flooding his eyes.

“Rye!” I shove my brother off of me, “What the hell are you doing!?”

“I don’t wanna die! I don’t wanna go!” he screams.

I notice my mom walk over and drag Rye away. She then looks at me with a gentle expression. “How about you go to the market? See if you can find anything nice.”

I begin to object, but my mother interrupts me. “We have some cash, don’t worry, my sweet Lentil. Now go get your reaping dress on. Come back here at one forty-five.”

Oh right, I think, It’s the reaping. I bite my lip as I push myself off of the couch and throw on my reaping dress in the bathroom. When I come out of the lavatory, I’m greeted by my brother wearing a striped sky blue and snow white shirt with black shorts. I narrow my eyes. The shirt Rye’s wearing right now is my favourite piece of clothing! Why does Rye have to always get everything he wants? And more importantly, get the things that I want?

My mom places a purse sewn out of wheat into my hand. I then snatch Rye’s arm with my other hand and drag him out of the door.

Outside, the wind blows on my face, as well on the fields of wheat surrounding me. Good morning District 9! I take a big breath in and then walk towards the market section of the district.

It takes Rye and me thirty minutes to arrive at the market, otherwise known as the wealthiest section in District 9. Here, you can find homes made out of bricks, stands made out of wood, and lights that are powered by the Capitol and District 5. Basically, it’s one of the only representable places you can find here.

I shove my brother towards the market and take some coins before I slap the purse into his hands. “Go find something you like and buy it. Come back at one fifteen.” He nods his head and runs away. Finally! I have some time to myself!

I wander through the market, glancing at the goods each stand has to offer. My mouth waters at cakes with vivid colours that look like they come from the Capitol. And I have to plug my nose at a bunch of dead and rotting animals. Soon, something catches my eye. It’s a necklace with a yellow and orange sun as a charm. I decide to buy it, thinking it would go nicely on my yellow outfit and my mom would approve of it. After all, the sun is a symbol of my mom’s religion.

As I was looking at a couple of meat skewers, somebody grapples behind me. I look behind, and I see my best friend Barely who has a smile that reaches ear from ear.

“Barely!” I turn around and hug Barely as if it was the end of the world.

“Hey Lentil!”

Soon, Barely lets go of me and grabs me by the hand. We begin to walk down the market. “How’s life?” she asks.

“Everything’s fine,” I reply, “Except for my bro.”

“Annoying you again?” My best friend asks.

“Yeah.”

Barely chuckles. “I have it worse. My mom just had her baby. Now I have three siblings!”

“WHAT!? NO WAY!”

The two of us gossip and giggle for who knows how long. Barley then dares me to look at the sun. I roll my eyes and do it. Suddenly, I panic.

“I need to go back! It’s like almost one fifteen!” I take off, leaving a confused Barely behind.

When I arrive at my brother’s and my meeting spot, Rye is crouching on the ground clutching something white and furry in his hand. “What is that?” I ask as I approach him, “Is it a dead rabbit?”

Rye shakes his head. “Teddy bear,” he answers in a hurried voice. He stands up and grabs my arm with the power that could crush metal into a ball.

“Everything alright?” I ask as we begin to head back home.

“Reaping…” He mutters, “I don’t wanna die.”

“Your name is only in four time. You should be fine!” I sheepishly smile at him, hoping it’ll brighten up the mood. Because let’s face it, I can’t bear the tension any longer.

I notice Rye bite his lip. He then looks at me right into my eyes. “What about you? Your name is in 24 times!”

“People have their names in much more times. You know the neighbour’s oldest kid? He has his name in 68 times!”

My brother shakes his head. He doesn’t say a word when we arrive back home.

My mom is waiting for us outside. I notice my dad just arriving from tending the crops. We all exchange polite greetings and hugs, and then we head for the town square.

It takes my whole family fifteen minutes when we reach the square. In the square, a platinum and black stage has been set up. I wave goodbye to my mom, dad, and Rye before I head near to the front and join the crowd of seventeen-year-olds.

In five minutes, a bald man with a gray beard that almost touches the ground arrives onto the stage. That’s Mayor Pitchfork. He recites the whole history of Panem, including all three rebellions. He also throws in some Capitol propoganda while he talks, such as when he says that the Capitol has taken care of each district like children.

When Mayor Pitchfork finishes his speech, a man with fiery orange and red hair and wearing a sunshine yellow suit steps onto his stage. This man’s name is Pontius. His light purple skin seem to shimmer in the sunlight as he announces, “Hello District 9! May I welcome you the 234th Hunger Games! And may the odds ever be in your favour!” He flashes his pearly whites before shouting, “Girls first!” He then quite leaps over to a glass ball and snatches a white piece of paper.

I feel sweat pour down my face as I grit my teeth. The slip Pontius is holding doesn’t have my name on it, right? My whole body clenches as Pontius approaches the microphone.

“And the female tribute for District 9 is....” The whole world around me goes silent except for the sound for my heart beat thumping louder and louder by the seconds.

“Lentil Dal!”

Everyone turns to face me. I force myself to keep the tears in as I step out of my place. I approach the stage. Behind me, I can hear my father waiting for me as my mom attempts to comfort him.

When I come onto the stage, Pontius pats me on the back. “May everyone give an applause to Miss Dal!” The whole district stays silent, with a sullen silence falling upon the crowd.

Soon, Pontius says with an awkward tone in his voice, “Time for the male tribute!” He hops towards the other glass ball. He lowers his hand into the ball until something stops him.

“I VOLUNTEER! I VOLUNTEER!” A boy with dirty blond hair runs into the middle of the crowd. Peacekeepers run towards him as the child struggles against them. It’s Rye.

“NO! RYE! NO!” I begin to rush off of the stage, but Peacekeepers restrain me. “YOU IDIOT! YOU GODDAMN IDIOT!”

The tears begin to stream down my face as Pontius talks into the mic. “What a turn of events…” He says in a quivering voice. Pontius has no clue what to do in this situation.

Suddenly, a radio turns on, and muffled voices come out. The peacekeepers haul me away from the stage and into the backstage area. I scream and kick, and even bite, but to no avail.

Soon, the peacekeepers heave me to a place full of podiums, concrete, and cameras. It’s the train station.

“I GET TO SAY GOODBYE!” I shout after realizing where I am, “LET ME SAY GOODBYE!” The peacekeepers say nothing but keep dragging me towards a train. The doors of the vehicle open and they shove me inside.

I soon see Rye being hauled to the train by peacekeepers as well. The peacekeepers toss my brother into the train.

“YOU IDIOT!” I grab Rye by the shoulders. “WHY DID YOU DO IT!? WHY!?”

Rye stays silent.

“DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH?! HUH?”

Pointius walks into the train. “That’s enough, children. Settle down, settle down.” He says in his Capitol accent.

“SHUT UP, YOU MUTT!” I glare at my district’s escort and then return screaming at my brother.

Soon, I feel hands wrap around my arms. “GET AWAY FROM ME!” I screech as two peacekeepers drag me away from my brother. As I get hauled away, I notice cameras peeking in through the train’s door. I grit my teeth. How can the Capitol watch children’s emotions get toyed with before they’re sent to their deaths?

The peacekeepers throw me into my bedroom and lock the door. I walk up to my bed and begin to scratch and pull on it, ripping holes everywhere. I shout swears and insults towards my brother and at the Capitol.

And I keep at my destruction before I get tired and slip into my bed. I then cry myself to sleep.

Chapter 2, The Capitol

I wake up to the sound of knocking on the door. "Later!" I shout as I pull the blanket over my head.

"Lentil, dear," A gentle voice that belongs to a man talks, "We're at the Capitol now. You must come out."

I groan and then push myself off of my bed. When I exit my bedroom, I see a man with a leather eyepatch. It's Plow, one of two victors of District 9 that are still alive.

Plow lends out his hand, and I consider slapping it aside and retreating back into my bedroom. I decide against it though and grab his hand.

He leads me towards the entrance of the train. There stands there other District 9 Victor, Gristel, Pontius, Rye, and two peacekeepers. When Pontius notices Plow and me, he waves to the door and says, "Everyone's here! Now let's go! Hurry up!"

The train doors swing open. Outside are seas of Capitol citizens as well as a thunderous applause and many loud roars. Pontius and the peacekeepers escort everybody else through the crowd until we reach a tower that looks like it reaches the clouds.

"May I present you to the training centre!" Pontius points to the skyscraper and takes a bow.

Plow then opens the door for everyone, and I'm the third to enter, with Pontius and Gristel waking inside first. I notice Rye hesitate before coming in. I can't help myself but think about how he'll handle his current situation.

 

 

It's been a week since I've arrived in the Capitol. The citizens seemed to love my outfit at the chariot ride. And I've achieved a 7 as a training score. Today, I'm waiting in line with the other tributes to be interviewed.

I think about the tip Plow has given me as I watch the other kids get interviewed. "Act as if your talking to your best friend," he told me, "And nevertheless, answer all questions honestly. You want the Capitol to sympathize with you."

Soon, an avox walks towards the line I'm in. She gestures towards the stage, meaning it's my time to go up. I nod and approach the spotlight.

When I walk on, I'm greeted with a huge roar and applause. The neon purple lights blind my eyes as the host, Nero Domitius, screams to the crowd "PLEASE WELCOME LENTIL DAL!" I smile and give a kiss to the audience, which makes them go wild.

Nero calms down the Capitol citizens as I take a seat in one of the chairs that have been placed on the stage. The two of us then exchange kind words and a couple of jokes.

After I make a pun, a grim expression grows on Nero's face. "But on a more serious level," he says in a deeper voice, "What about your brother? What do you feel about him being sent to the games?"

"Oh," I begin to fidget with my fingers, "I-I'm not sure. I guess it's anger or sadness. Maybe hopelessness too. There can only be one victor, and that means if we do survive to the end, one of us needs to die." I feel a tear blurring my vision in my right eye.

Nero nods. He then takes a glance at his watch. "Oh! My lads! That's time up for today! Give a round of applause to Miss Dal!"

The crowd stands up, clapping as loud as a thunderstorm. I take it as my cue to leave, walking to the back of the stage. When I arrive, I find a chair to sit on and watch the rest of the interviews.

My little brother is next. He walks up to the stage and takes a seat. He and Nero joke around before he gets with the juicy topic. "So, Mr.Dal," Nero begins in a grim tone, "Why'd you volunteer? Especially when you know there can only be one victor?"

I notice Rye look at the ground and begin to caress his right hand with his left arm. He mumbles something.

"Excuse me?" Nero points his microphone close to Rye.

"I just wanna protect her," Rye whispers.

"Why?"

"It's just that I really love her. And mom and dad really love her. Everybody in District 9 loves her."

I feel a tear run down my face. What is Rye talking about? I guess he's right about the part about my parents loving me. My mom's overprotective, and my dad is the one who works the most out of my family. But everyone in District 9? My neighbours shoot me glares when I carry a whole loaf of bread to my house from the market, probably because my family is more well-fed than them.

Nero nods his head. He then stands up, "Everyone! Times up! May you give Mr.Dal a round of applause!"

The audience claps as Rye exits the stage. When he arrives at the backstage, I keep my eyes lowered to the ground. Rye decides to take the seat farthest away from me, which is in the corner. I then watch the other tributes' interviews as I try and figure out what I should feel about this situation.

Should I feel miserable because I'm going to die soon? Or should I be angry at Rye for joining me to my adventure to my grave? Maybe I should be feeling both furious and sad, or perhaps I should be terrified. Who knows? I won't have time to think about my emotions since the games are tomorrow.

Chapter 3, The Cornucopia

Today’s the beginning of the Hunger Games. I’m sitting in a helicopter with Plow and a couple of peacekeepers. Plow holds my hand tightly and stays silent in an attempt to comfort me. However, I bite my tongue and keep my gaze on the floor. I don’t know what to feel right now.

I’m wearing in a silver suit with faint gold lines that go around my arms, stomach, and legs. It feels uncomfortable, yet I can move freely in it. My outfit comes along with silver boots that have nine buckles on them. I believe each tribute has the same number of buckles on their boot as their district number. It’s because I saw a tribute from District 7 waiting for a helicopter with seven buckles on his shoes.

Soon, the helicopter lands in front of a tiny metal circle. I feel my hands begin to sweat as the Peacekeepers escort Plow and I towards the ring. The Peacekeepers then open the plate, which reveals a thin tunnel with a rusty ladder. My throat tightens as I take a step back.

I whisper to Plow, “No way I’m going in there!” I feel my heart begin to beat out of my chest, “I could fall! And I could suffocate! And who knows? The walls could close on us!”

Plow’s grasp on my hand tightens as he speaks me in a soothing tone, “You’re with me. Don’t worry.” He gives me a small smile.

I feel myself freeze in place as Plow places his foot on the ladder’s first rung. Then I let out a shriek. A peacekeeper kicked me towards the tunnel. I attempt to run away, but the other peacekeepers begin to force me into the tube. Soon, the circle shuts above me as everything turns pitch black. I’m in the tunnel.

My hands shake as I tell myself to climb one rung at a time. But I don’t move, as if my body has disconnected to my brain. I then hear Plow yelling, “Think of something that makes you feel happy as you climb down!”

I close my eyes and think of Barely’s house. The faint smell of freshly baked bread and the faces of her and her adorable siblings flood my mind. Although it doesn’t help me ignore my trembling muscles and the constant feeling that I’m going to die, it helps me reach the bottom.

Plow grasps my hand when I arrive. I thank him for his advice with a small smile. Soon, I look around. The only thing I can see is a metal plate that has multiple light blue lights shining towards it.

Plow leads me towards the plate and gestures me to stand on it. When I step onto the metal circle, his grasp on my hand becomes bone-crushing tighter. But I don’t mind, it actually comforts me. We stand like that for a couple of minutes without saying a word.

Soon, a robotic female voice echos throughout the room, “All plates will rise in 10 seconds. Please get your tributes ready.”

Right after the announcement, Plow wraps his arms around me. I’m reminded of my mother and how’d she hug me when I return from school. She’d always tell me that she loved me and was still scared to let me go to school alone.

The tears begin to flood my eyes as Plow lets go of me. He then he puts his hand in his pocket and retrieve a necklace. It’s yellow and orange sun!

“Where did you get that?” I snatch the jewlery from Plow and put it around my head.

“It was on your bedside table,” he replies, and then a soft smile appears on his face.

Suddenly, a glass tube comes down from the ceiling and surrounds me. I feel the plate below me begin to rise.

Goodbye, I mouth as Plow begins to escape my sight.

Soon, I find myself surrounded by metallic towers and bright lights. The Cornucopia shines in the sun with the flag of Panem on it. And then it hits me. The arena is made to look like the Capitol.

I then focus on the Cornucopia and scout out any items I could use. There’s a couple of throwing knives leaning on a box, but I might get killed by a Career if I go and grab them. Then I notice a white backpack near the edge of the Cornucopia. My eyes focus on the pack as I bend my knees. I’m going to get that knapsack.

The countdown is now counting down from ten. Suddenly, I remember someone. Rye! Where is he? I scan the Cornucopia, but I can’t find him. Maybe he’s on the opposite side of the Cornucopia.

Then the horn sounds. My attention immediately turns back onto the white backpack, and I dash towards it. I grab hold of the bag when a tribute knocks me onto the ground.

I kick, scream, and punch, but the tribute keeps scratching at me. Soon, I throw the pack at the girl, and she becomes distracted. It gives me time to run away from her.

I sprint away from the Cornucopia. The buildings flash around me. After half of a minute of running, I slow down to a jog, and then to a brisk walk. Soon, I find a hiding spot near a wall of a building and fall down to my knees. Sweat has poured down my face, and my breath is going out of control.

I scan my area. There seems to be no doors to any of the buildings around me. The sky looks to have the sun missing as well.

Then I feel the ground tremble below me. I take that as a sign I should start moving, and I leave my hiding spot and swiftly walk down the arena again. Soon, the ground shakes harder this time. I bite my lip as I hurry up.

Suddenly, I hear something cackle. I glance behind, and I see the ground beginning to fall apart! I force myself to run faster.

My breath goes haywire as my heartbeat gets out of control. But no matter how fast I run, the falling ground is catching up. Soon, I see something grassy up ahead. I push myself to run quicker. Just as I was about to set foot on the fields, I feel myself fall.

I let out a shriek as I grasp onto the edge of the field. My feet kick around as I attempt to push myself up. I can feel every beat of my heart right now as I finally lift myself up onto the field.

I then dash as far away I can away from where I fell from. Soon, I begin to slow down and fall to my knees. My legs feel like noodles, and my head feels like its an ocean full of sweat. I begin to scan the area around me.

There seems to be multiple stacks of hay and hay bales stacked on top of each other. There’s also an absence of trees and loads of wooden fences. Suddenly, I gag. There’s a faint smell of poop here. Welp, that’s unlucky for my sensitive nose.

After a few minutes of laying down, I managed to catch my breath. And soon, I’m able to stand up again. First, I look at a plant with seven leaves. I just want something to ration for later because who knows when I’ll need some food?

I decide to take the seven-leaved plant. Then I look at another shrub, and then another. When night finally falls, I have retrieved around five plants. It isn’t much considering that all of the herbs are as big as my thumb, but it should be good for breakfast or lunch tomorrow.

Soon, the Panem anthem plays and the fallen tributes’ faces play in the sky. I clench my fist and bite my lips as I focus on the dead kids’ faces. Luckily, Rye is n’ part of the eleven dead children I count.

A wave of relief washes over me as my body unclenches. I then stand up and look for somewhere to settle for the night.

I decide to sleep in a stack of hay. It isn’t the most comfortable, but it provides heat, shelter, and camouflage. I attempt to limit my movements as much as I can just so other tributes won’t see the haystack moving and suspect someone is in there. However, the hay makes my skin so itchy I can’t help but turn and twist around! And what felt like an hour or two, I finally drifted off.

Chapter 3, The Berries

Today’s the beginning of the Hunger Games. I’m sitting in a helicopter with Plow and a couple of peacekeepers. Plow holds my hand tightly and stays silent in an attempt to comfort me. However, I bite my tongue and keep my gaze on the floor. I don’t know what to feel right now.

I’m wearing in a silver suit with faint gold lines that go around my arms, stomach, and legs. It feels uncomfortable, yet I can move freely in it. My outfit comes along with silver boots that have nine buckles on them. I believe each tribute has the same number of buckles on their boot as their district number. It’s because I saw a tribute from District 7 waiting for a helicopter with seven buckles on his shoes.

Soon, the helicopter lands in front of a tiny metal circle. I feel my hands begin to sweat as the Peacekeepers escort Plow and I towards the ring. The Peacekeepers then open the plate, which reveals a thin tunnel with a rusty ladder. My throat tightens as I take a step back.

I whisper to Plow, “No way I’m going in there!” I feel my heart begin to beat out of my chest, “I could fall! And I could suffocate! And who knows? The walls could close on us!”

Plow’s grasp on my hand tightens as he speaks me in a soothing tone, “You’re with me. Don’t worry.” He gives me a small smile.

I feel myself freeze in place as Plow places his foot on the ladder first rung. Then I let out a shriek. A peacekeeper kicked me towards the tunnel. I attempt to run away, but the other peacekeepers begin to force me into the tube. Soon, the circle shuts above me as everything turns pitch black. I’m in the tunnel.

My hands shake as I tell myself to climb one rung at a time. But I don’t move, as if my body has disconnected to my brain. I then hear Plow yelling, “Think of something that makes you feel happy as you climb down!”

I close my eyes and think of Barely’s house. The faint smell of freshly baked bread and the faces of her and her adorable siblings flood my mind. Although it doesn’t help me ignore my trembling muscles and the constant feeling that I’m going to die, it helps me reach the bottom.

Plow grasps my hand when I arrive. I thank him for his advice with a small smile. Soon, I look around. The only thing I can see is a metal plate that has multiple light blue lights shining towards it.

Plow leads me towards the plate and gestures me to stand on it. When I step onto the metal circle, his grasp on my hand becomes bone-crushing tighter. But I don’t mind, it actually comforts me. We stand like that for a couple of minutes without saying a word.

Soon, a robotic female voice echoes throughout the room, “All plates will rise in 10 seconds. Please get your tributes ready.”

Right after the announcement, Plow wraps his arms around me. I’m reminded of my mother and how’d she hug me when I return from school. She’d always tell me that she loved me and was still scared to let me go to school alone.

The tears begin to flood my eyes as Plow lets go of me. He then he puts his hand in his pocket and retrieve a necklace. It’s yellow and orange sun!

“Where did you get that?” I snatch the jewelry from Plow and put it around my head.

“It was on your bedside table,” he replies, and then a soft smile appears on his face.

Suddenly, a glass tube comes down from the ceiling and surrounds me. I feel the plate below me begin to rise.

Goodbye, I mouth as Plow begins to escape my sight.

Soon, I find myself surrounded by metallic towers and bright lights. The Cornucopia shines in the sun with the flag of Panem on it. And then it hits me. The arena is made to look like the Capitol.

I then focus on the Cornucopia and scout out any items I could use. There’s a couple of throwing knives leaning on a box, but I might get killed by a Career if I go and grab them. Then I notice a white backpack near the edge of the Cornucopia. My eyes focus on the pack as I bend my knees. I’m going to get that knapsack.

The countdown is now counting down from ten. Suddenly, I remember someone. Rye! Where is he? I scan the Cornucopia, but I can’t find him. Maybe he’s on the opposite side of the Cornucopia.

Then the horn sounds. My attention immediately turns back onto the white backpack, and I dash towards it. I grab hold of the bag when a tribute knocks me onto the ground.

I kick, scream, and punch, but the tribute keeps scratching at me. Soon, I throw the pack at the girl, and she becomes distracted. It gives me time to run away from her.

I sprint away from the Cornucopia. The buildings flash around me. After half of a minute of running, I slow down to a jog, and then to a brisk walk. Soon, I find a hiding spot near a wall of a building and fall down to my knees. Sweat has poured down my face, and my breath is going out of control.

I scan my area. There seems to be no doors to any of the buildings around me. The sky looks to have the sun missing as well.

Then I feel the ground tremble below me. I take that as a sign I should start moving, and I leave my hiding spot and swiftly walk down the arena again. Soon, the ground shakes harder this time. I bite my lip as I hurry up.

Suddenly, I hear something cackle. I glance behind, and I see the ground beginning to fall apart! I force myself to run faster.

My breath goes haywire as my heartbeat gets out of control. But no matter how fast I run, the falling ground is catching up. Soon, I see something grassy up ahead. I push myself to run quicker. Just as I was about to set foot on the fields, I feel myself fall.

I let out a shriek as I grasp onto the edge of the field. My feet kick around as I attempt to push myself up. I can feel every beat of my heart right now as I finally lift myself up onto the field.

I then dash as far away I can away from where I fell from. Soon, I begin to slow down and fall to my knees. My legs feel like noodles, and my head feels like it's an ocean full of sweat. I begin to scan the area around me.

There seems to be multiple stacks of hay and hay bales stacked on top of each other. There’s also an absence of trees and loads of wooden fences. Suddenly, I gag. There’s a faint smell of poop here. Welp, that’s unlucky for my sensitive nose.

After a few minutes of laying down, I managed to catch my breath. And soon, I’m able to stand up again. First, I look at a plant with seven leaves. I just want something to ration for later because who knows when I’ll need some food?

I decide to take the seven-leaved plant. Then I look at another shrub, and then another. When night finally falls, I have retrieved around five plants. It isn’t much considering that all of the herbs are as big as my thumb, but it should be good for breakfast or lunch tomorrow.

Soon, the Panem anthem plays and the fallen tributes’ faces play in the sky. I clench my fist and bite my lips as I focus on the dead kids’ faces. Luckily, Rye is n’ part of the eleven dead children I count.

A wave of relief washes over me as my body unclenches. I then stand up and look for somewhere to settle for the night.

I decide to sleep in a stack of hay. It isn’t the most comfortable, but it provides heat, shelter, and camouflage. I attempt to limit my movements as much as I can just so other tributes won’t see the haystack moving and suspect someone is in there. However, the hay makes my skin so itchy I can’t help but turn and twist around! And what felt like an hour or two, I finally drifted off.

Chapter 4, The Chase

I awake to an itchy back and something poking my eye. It’s because of that haystack I was sleeping in! Ugh! I push the grass out of my face and leave the stack of hay. Soon, I see the sun barely peeking through the horizon with its glistening rays.

I begin to walk forward, deciding it would be best if I explore the arena. Who knows? There could be a great food supply waiting for me somewhere!

I pass by shrubs that suspiciously look like poisonous plants I learn about back in the training centre. Then in the corner of my eye, I see a tiny lime green herb shining in the sunlight. I recall a trainer telling me to not eat brightly coloured plants as they may be lethal. Soon, I come across a bush with dark blue berries hanging on it. I approach the plant and take a closer look at the fruits. These berries look similar to blueberries, but they could be nightlock!

I then remember in another Hunger Games, a tribute from District 11 secretly placed nightlock in the career alliance's food. Most of the careers died, and the tribute lived on until she was chowed down on by a mutt.

I decide to keep hold onto the nightlock with my other plants. It could be useful in the future.

I keep trekking on forwards towards the sunlight. What feels like hours later, the sun is fully above the horizon. And in the distance, I can see silhouettes of what? Definitely not tributes, the contours are too small! My instinct tells me to go forward to investigate, but stay hidden in the process.

I scan the area and see a couple of haystacks, fences, and bushes nearby. I pace towards a haystack. I run towards the haystack and peer at the creatures from behind it. It looks like the silhouettes haven’t noticed me, so I crawl towards the next nearest thing, an olive green bush. I continue rushing and rolling to the nearest objects for the next ten minutes, until I’m close enough to observe the creatures.

Most of the animals have white feathers, orange beaks, and two feet, while the others have brown skin and white spots, as well as having four legs. Chickens and cows! However, my intuition gives me a feeling that something terrible is going to happen if I approach those creatures.

But on the other hand, another hunch is telling me to build a trap to kill those animals. And then make a fire and eat them. I decide to stay put, not risking going near the animals. That’s when another thought hits me. I only have a couple of plants, and that won’t last me two days! Who knows when I’ll come across more food?

I stay put, thinking about my dilemma. I bite my lip as I attempt to find the pros and cons of both choices, but to be honest, I’m not good at things that require intellect. After ten minutes, I decide to go with my first gut feeling. I already fried my brain with all the thinking I’ve done, and I don’t feel like burning it any further.

I begin to crawl away from the animals in the direction I came from. The animals might spot me if I continue going forward. And I can’t go sideways because there isn’t much hiding places in that direction. And who knows when I’ll need to hide from another tribute! None of the creatures seemed to notice me, until a cannon shot is heard in the distance.

The animals turn to towards the source of the sound. Suddenly, the creatures begin to charge at something. And that something is me!

I freeze in place. Where do I run to? Nothing around me will protect me from these creatures! Suddenly, I feel a chicken pounces on me.

I manage to kick off the mutt since it's so small. Before the other monsters can knock me to the ground, I run away as fast as possible. But a cow catches up to me and headbutts me in the leg. It knocks me down onto the ground, but I make a quick recovery by kicking one of the cow’s legs, making it go unbalanced, and running away.

Soon, I see a forest in the distance being blocked by short fences. I force myself to pick up the pace and reach the jungles. Maybe the trees will provide me with shelter from these monsters.

Suddenly, I shriek. A sharp pain erupts from my leg as chicken chomps onto it. I fall down onto the ground. Then, another ache bursts on my hand as I feel the blood trickle out. I realize my arm landed on a sharp rock.

Instinctively, I grasp the stone as the mutts begin to surround and get ready to chow down on me. I jab it into the chicken that’s biting down on my leg. Then I force myself to stand up, even though I wince in pain.

There seem to be about five monsters around me. Three of them are chickens, the others are cows. I stab my rock into the nearest animal to me.

I then hurl the stone at a chicken, causing the animal’s blood to spurt all over the grass. Then I force myself to rush over to where my rock landed, and before another chicken could bite me, I throw it at the animal.

I fall down next to the mutt I just killed and snatch my rock again. A cow bolts towards me and I fire my weapon at it in its face. Blood splatters everywhere as the cow falls to the ground, either dead or unconscious.

As I run to collect my weapon again, a chicken sinks its teeth into my leg again. I holler as I fall down to the ground. I try and grab my rock but to no avail. I can’t find where it is!

Then I start to convulse, hoping the chicken would fly off. But its teeth are sinking deeper by the second. I go out of control, now trying to shove the chicken off of me.

Suddenly, I flip my body so my stomach is touching the ground. The chicken squawks as it gets crushed under the weight of my legs, yet it won’t let go of my feet!

Soon, I manage to find my rock. It’s laying near the cow I just killed, but it’s barely out of my reach! I stretch my arm forward to grab my weapon, but it’s no use. I drag myself around one inch forward, and I screech. The pain explodes through my body like a volcano! However, my stone is in my reach! I snatch my rock and throw it at the chicken. The stone manages to get the mutt’s teeth out of my leg, but now its blood stains my leg and the grass around me.

I take a deep breath in. I’m still alive, but I’m going to die if I don’t find any bandages. The first thing that comes to mind are the herbs I collected. They would make excellent bandages if I find something to tie them onto my injury! And plus, they might having healing effects!

The herbs I’ve collected aren’t in my hand anymore, so I skim through my surroundings. I find my shrubs near the carcass of a chicken. I drag myself towards them, even though my body goes numb with all the pain I’m causing.

Soon, I reach my plants and grab them. Now what can I use to hold the herbs above my wound? I notice a stack of hay around twenty meters away from me. Perfect!

I drag myself towards the haystack. I had to take breaks as I was running out of breath quickly and the pain was becoming unbearable. It felt as if a bear was munching on me with its sharp teeth constantly! But when the sun was at the top of the sky, I reach the stack of hay.

Then I force myself to sit up, even though my body feels like it’s going to crack into a million pieces if I do. I place one herb on the wound on my leg as I grab a couple straws of hay and tie them over the plant. I repeat this process until my wound is covered up with all five of my herbs. The only plant left that I have is the nightlock I collected some time ago.

Suddenly, fatigue washes over me. I should probably get some shuteye and let my wound heal. Besides, walking will probably hurt much more than dragging myself around the arena. I decide to sleep in the haystack again. It’s uncomfortable, but because of my wound, I have no desire to toss and turn. In a matter of minutes, I drift off.

Chapter 5, The Berries

I wake up to sounds of footsteps and a soft pat. My heart skips a beat. It's another tribute! Suddenly, the noises cease.

Curiosity washes over me as I gently press the straws of hay to form a hole. Through it, I see a slender yet tall silhouette holding a long stick. It doesn't look like my brother though, he's a lot smaller. I then notice the shadow cock its head towards me! It then begins to walk in my direction using its stick as a walking cane.

When the contour is several inches away from my hiding place, it bends over. So it didn't see me. Good. Suddenly, it picks something up that's plump and round. The object also has a dark blue hue. My nightlock! I thought I grabbed it before I slept in the haystack!

The object then begins to raise the berries towards his mouth. I immediately want to scream "Don't eat it! It's poisonous!", but every muscle is frozen. I know this stranger might kill me if I help him but I don't want to live with the guilt of not being able to help someone who's about to die!

Suddenly, the contour puts the berry in his mouth. I flinch. I don't want to see someone die in front of me!

"Who's there!?" I notice the silhouette spit out the berry and look straight into the haystack. Oh crap. The contour noticed me and is now pointing its walking cane at the haystack. Me flinching must've shaken the hay! I stay put, biting my lip as I try to figure out an escape plan. However, my mind is running so wild that I can't think of anything.

The contour then wacks the hay, leaving me exposed. I try and run away, but all I can manage is to flop around. My wound is still healing! Now I see the silhouette clearly. He has ashen skin, dark brown hair, and black eyes. He raises the walking cane above me, getting ready to beat me.

Suddenly, I feel the blow hit me. And then the next. I find myself begging and begging as the tears flow down, but the monster won't listen to me!

Then the image of the nightlock pops into my mind. Wait, the nightlock! "BERRIES!" I scream between breaths, "POISONOUS!" The boy suddenly lowers his stick, "Berries? Poisonous? What?" He looks at me with a quizzical expression.

"Trust me. The berries are poisonous," I say quietly.

He squints his eyes. He's considering if I'm telling the truth. After a couple of seconds, he lowers his stick completely to the ground.

"You look like you know a lot about plants," he says in a cold tone, "What district are you from?"

"Nine. District nine."

"That's a district that would know a lot about edible plants. You wanna team?" I bite my lip. I get lots of uneasy feelings from this boy like he's a criminal. Or maybe being robot describes him better. But he could provide me with protection. I nod my head.

He nods his head in reply and grabs my arm and places it around his shoulders. "Use my stick, it'll help."

I nod my head again as he gives me his wooden rod. Before I could ask what his name was, he interrupted me. "Wait- you're the girl who that boy volunteered to be with. Rye was his name, right?" I nod my head. "I forgot your name, but you stuck out to me. You were outgoing and cold at the same time."

"Anyways," I interrupt him, "What's your name?"

"Clote Houndstooth. Yours?"

"Lentil. Oh yeah. What's your district?"

"Eight," I notice Clote is glaring at me. But why? Does he expect me to run away or attack him? In my state, that should be impossible! "I know what you're thinking," Clote rolls his eyes, "All the District Eight kids usually die in the bloodbath. But not me. I'm the smart one."

I nod my head. I'm not sure how to reply to his comment, but for one thing, there's one thought in my head. I wasn't thinking of how his district's kids always die first! At home, I don't watch the Hunger Games because I'm scared of all the blood and death.

Clote continues on his rant of how the Capitol thinks his district sucks because his district is rebellious and blah, blah, blah. I try and listen, but I keep losing him. What was he saying about sponsors again? Anyways, I shoot him a smile everyone once in a while as we walk, hoping it'll stop his bickering. It's a little annoying to listen to.

Soon, I realize we're closer to the bunch of trees I noticed earlier today. "Why are we going in there?" I ask.

"My camp's in there. The Careers won't look for me there first."

"Wait- CAREERS!?" Close immediately slaps my mouth, covering it so I can't talk. But the career tributes? I've heard all about them from my father. They're the tributes from District One and Two, and they usually team up with each other in the games. District Four used to have career tributes, but after the second rebellion, the Capitol punished them and stripped them of all of their materials since they were one of the first to rebel. Now District Four is one of the poorer districts.

"I said what I said," Clote then breaks eye contact and looks straight ahead. We're beginning to walk into the bunch of trees. "My camp is in here. Rest here for the night."

I nod my head as we trek deeper into the woods. But one question remains in my mind: Can I really trust this guy?

Chapter 6, The Plan

I wake up to the Clote, who's pushing me gently. "Wake up, we're gonna go hunting," he whispers.

I suddenly realize the foot that got bitten is numb, I can't feel anything. "But my leg! It's hurt!"

"Well, we gotta get food somehow. And we'll cover much more ground if we go together," Clote answers in his typical cold tone.

"Um- what about weapons? We only have the stick."

"We can use traps. I've learned lots about traps back at the training centre. I'll teach you some of them."

I bite my lip. Is going hunting with a total stranger safe? My guts tell me the answer is a definite no, but I need every chance to get some food. If I hunt right now, there's a chance I'll come across some grub!

I finally nod my head. In reply, Clote passes me the stick he gave me yesterday to use as a walking cane. He then proceeds to help me get on my feet.

When I'm on my feet, Clote leads me forward into the forest. As we walk, we jump at every sight and every sound. My heart beats every time I hear something that sounds like a footstep; it could be another tribute! But always, it's either a branch falling off a tree or a small object being pushed by the wind.

Then Clote takes a sharp left turn. My heart beats. "Clote, where are you going!?"

"I think I saw a big animal run through here. It's probably the only food we'll have," Clote then proceeds to leave me behind. As I try and go quicker, I have to grit my teeth. Going faster doesn't do any good for my wound. It's probably irritating it.

"Clote, go slower!" I yell. In reply, however, he turns his head towards me and places on finger on his lip. Be quiet is the message I'm getting from him. I bite my lip. Does he know I can't go as fast as he can?

My breath escapes me as I attempt to catch up to Clote. Then I see something silver that twinkles in the sunlight. It's a Capitol building!

I open my mouth to yell, but I remember Clote's gesture. I hope he knows what he's doing, I think as I bite my lip. Going to where the Cornucopia is means death because that's where the Careers usually stay. I know that because my dad told me.

Soon, I arrive at the edge of the forest and where the Capitol area begins. Clote leans against a tree awaiting my arrival.

"You sure about this?" I whisper to him, "The Ca-"

"Yeah, the Careers are camping there. But if we're sneaky enough, we'll find that animal," Clote looks at the Capitol area with its blinding metal buildings.

"I trust you."

Clote nods his head and then gestures me to follow him.

We then pass through buildings, and every now and then, Clote would grab me and hide behind a building if we heard a sound. I also kept looking behind my back. Mutts or tributes might be following us! Suddenly, I heard a chuckle.

Clote yanks me behind a building when my heart goes pounding against my ribcage. Clote's widened eyes and open mouth confirm what I realized. We're near the Careers.

"We need to leave," I whisper into Clote's ear.

Clote shakes his head. "Who knows when we can get food? This is our only chance."

"But the careers! They'll kill us!"

"No. If we're lucky, we can distract them."

I wrap my arms around myself as the sweat pours down my forehead. My fear is escaping my body, but I can't stop it! What will the Capitol think of me when they see me like this? Will they send me sponsors out of pity? Or ignore me as if I won't win the Hunger Games?

Clote plants his hand onto my shoulder and stares at me. "We need to do it. Plus, if we steal the Careers' food, they'll survive for less long. They don't know how to starve like us."

I nod my head. That makes sense.

"And if we're able to steal from us, the Capitol will see us as cunning and maybe send us some sponsors. You know what I'm saying?"

I nod my head again.

"We also might get some supplies and weapons, and possibly medicine for your wound."

Clote pauses and raises one eyebrow.

"You in or not?"

I think to myself that Clote is smart here. Stealing the Careers food would be nice and maybe get some stuff for my wound, but however, I still don't trust Clote. But perhaps my instincts aren't always right.

I nod my head again with butterflies flying around in my stomach. Did I make the right decision?

Clote nods his head in response. "How about you peek at the Careers and see how many there are?"

"But why-" I notice Clote is still staring at me. I shake my head. "Nevermind." I lumber to the edge of the building and take a glance at the Careers.

There are a couple of people sitting around the Cornucopia, and I can tell which one of them is a Career in a second. Those who look well-fed and muscular are most likely from District 1 and 2, while I think there's a District 6 tribute sitting with them. They're all seated around a fire.

I turn back towards Clote. "There's five tributes." I murmur to him.

Clote nods his head and sits down, gesturing me to take a seat with him. "We need to make a plan to distract those guys," he whispers as he keeps his gaze locked on me. "How about I make a fire so the smoke will distract those guys. And while I do that, you steal their food."

"But my leg, it's not healed!" I point to my leg. What is Clote thinking!? Maybe he's not as smart as I think he is.

"Shush! I know what I'm doing!"

I bite my lip. Clote's voice sounds so confident that I push the thought of objecting away.

"C' mon," I realized Clote knows what I'm feeling, "This is our only chance. And I'm not gonna change the plan."

Just as I was about to agree to proceed with the plan, another thought flashes into my mind. "But the animal you saw, what about it?"

"I think it's long gone," Before Clote continues speaking, he sighs, "But the things we steal from the Careers is going to be worth it. I promise."

My gaze lowers to the ground. I don't think I can deal with Clote's intense staring. But the plan we're creating now is dangerous, and it might take my life. The awards do sound good. I might get things to heal my injury and maybe get some food.

I nod my head. "Fine."

Clote replies, "We're going to do it right now."

"What?"

"I said what I said. Wait until the Careers go. If there's any of them standing, use your stick to beat them."

Before I could utter a word, Clote dashes away. Why did I let myself into this mess?

Chapter 7, The Careers

I bite my lip as I caress my hand with my other arm. My eyes stare at the sky, waiting for Clote’s smoke to rise. I could abort the mission, I think to myself, but if I leave Clote, he might kill me.

I close my eyes. Why is everything so confusing!? When I open my eyes again, I notice something gray and fuzzy float into the sky. The smoke!

Then the shouts and cries of the Careers ensue as I hear a thunderstorm of footsteps. They’re going to investigate Clote’s fire. I peek from behind the building again, just to make sure they haven’t left anyone behind.

Right then, my heart begins to beat as I clench my teeth. The Careers left the District 6 girl I saw earlier to guard the Career’s stash of supplies. She holds a spear in her hand as her eyes dart from side to side.

My eyes are glued to the District 6 girl. How her shoulders are hunches and her eyes are opened wide makes my heart drop shatter into pieces. Suddenly, she turns her head towards me and takes a step back while pointing her spear towards me. CRAP! She noticed me!

I immediately retreat back into my hiding spot behind the building as a high-pitched voice screams “Red! RED! There’s a tribute”

Oh shit! My lungs are going to explode at the rate that I’m breathing at, and my heartbeat is going haywire. What do I do!? The only defence I have is a stick! A stupid goddamn stick! I’m dead! So dead!

Another wave of footsteps ensures. “Daewoo?” A deep male voice speaks, “Where are they?”

“There,” the high-pitched voice answers.

More footsteps. I struggle to make myself move faster. ''QUICKER! FASTER! ''I scream at myself, but it doesn’t work. My stupid leg won’t let me move!

Then something snatches my hair as I’m pushed onto the ground. I shriek as I feel a cold blade lay onto my head. Someone’s foot plants itself onto my back.

“Hey. You’re that Rye’s kid sister, aren’t ya?” A deep voice says, “You know where he is?”

“No! Why!?” I scream as I struggle against this guy’s brute strength.

“Look, kid. You can help us find your bro or die. Your choice?”

“I’ll help! Now let me go! PLEASE!” The Career’s grip on me tightens, feeling as if he’s suffocating my whole body.

The Career begins to haul me towards the Careers’ camp. I wince in pain and struggle to escape his grasp, but it’s no use.

He then glances quickly towards me. “Damn kid, what the hell happened to your leg?” His eyes widen and his eyebrows furrow as he stares at my injured foot.

“Mutts…” I mutter in a soft breath. The Career nods. And as if on cue, we arrive at the camp. I notice the District 6 girl still holding her spear and staring at me with shaking hands. Suddenly, the Career let’s go of me.

“My name’s Red,” he introduces himself, “And that girl is Daewoo. Wanna say hi?”

Daewoo shoots me a nervous wave. “And you are?”

“Lentil. My name’s Lentil,” I don’t make eye contact with Red.

“When the others’ come back, I’ll introduce you to ‘em,” Red says.

I nod my head. Then the two of us stay in place as Daewoo scans the area. I count the clouds the fly in the sky while keeping the sun in my eyes. And when I’ve counted all the clouds, I count all the buildings around me. When all the buildings have been counted, I count all the supplies still left at the Cornucopia. In the middle of my counting, I hear footsteps.

“Hey! Guys! Over here!” Red waves to the right of me. I notice three people running towards us.

In a couple of seconds, those three people stand before us.

“Uh- Who’s that?” a girl with platinum hair gestures towards me.

“Lentil, Rye’s sis.” Red responds, “She’s gonna help us find him.”

“Awesome!” a boy which I recognize that is from District 2 says. He then looks towards me and lends out his hand. “Welcome to the team!”

Something irks me about the Careers. They’re acting more nicer than usual. What my dad tells me is that the Careers typically act aggressively to non-career tributes. Are they planning something against me? I push the thought away and shake the District 2 male’s hand.

“The name’s Calvus!” the District 2 boy shakes my hand to the point I feel my arm might fall off.

“And I’m Peridot, I guess...” The platinum hair female whispered. A shy District 1 Tribute? I have never heard no such thing from my father! Maybe she’s just acting, but my instincts tell me this is her true self.

“I’m Maxima,” a hoarse female voice says. I recognize Maxima as the tribute from District 2.

“Now everyone, sit down! That includes you, Daewoo!” Red announced. Soon, everyone is seated in a circle.

“Now Lentil, I bet you have questions,” Red looks up at the sky, now avoiding contact with me, “And we have a lot for you.”

I nod my head.

Soon, Red begins to ramble for what feels like forever. I have to lightly slap myself in the face to keep myself from falling asleep. Also, Red’s words are slurred together, making it a jumbled mess to listen to. But I manage to gather some stuff about what’s going on.

The careers are hunting the boy from District 10; I think his name is Larder, I’m not sure. Larder apparently got a training score of 12 and the careers want to recruit him into their alliance.

“And for your brother,” Red continues, “He’s teamed with Larder.”

My heart stops. Rye with Larder? No way! Rye is way too shy to talk to a stranger, and even put his life on the line to be protected by someone he doesn’t know?

“How are you sure?” I ask in a quiet voice.

Peridot replies in a soft voice, “Everyday, most of the Careers explore the arena to look for tributes. I saw your brother with that District 10 boy. They were in a tree so we couldn’t get them. And suddenly, the District 10 boy started throwing knives at us. So we ran away.”

“By the way, the sun’s setting,” Maxima interrupts Peridot, which causes Peridot’s face to turn into an expression of betrayal. “We should get some rest.”

“Yeah, see ya guys later,” Calvus lies on the ground and closes his eyes. Soon, also the careers and Daewoo do the same. I reluctantly follow them.

I toss and turn and watch the sun sink below the horizon. When the moon rises, I have thought about leaving the careers. But if I leave, would they chase me for betraying them? I beat my brain to figure out what I should do, but nothing comes out. When the moon reaches the middle of the sky, I drift off from the exhaustion of thinking so hard.

Chapter 8, The Walk

I awaken to a flash of pain on my stomach. It feels like someone bashed me with a hammer! But really it’s just Calvus kicking me.

“Get up! It’s time to go!” Calvus starts kicking me lighter than before.

I mutter swears under my breath as I look around for my walking stick. Luckily, it’s laying near Calvus’ feet. When I grab it, I attempt to stand up, wobbling and faltering in the process. As I was about to stand on two feet, I feel face flat on the floor. Most of the Careers who were up didn’t seem to care, except for Daewoo. Even though her expression was limited, I knew she was worried about me.

“Can someone wake up Red, please?” Peridot asks in a quiet voice as she eyed Red who was snoring as loud as a thunderstorm, “Thanks…”

“Yeah sure, why not?” Maxima walked over to Red with a smirk on her face. I grit my teeth. What is she going to do?

Maxima drives her foot into Red’s waist. “WHAT THE HELL!?” screams Red, “WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?” In reply, the District 2 tribute snickered.

“Anyways!” Calvus cups his hand around his mouth, “Who’s going out to explore today?”

After much debate and me trying to understand what is going on, everyone comes to a conclusion. Red and Maxima will explore and look for Larder while the other Careers will stay and guard the camp. Daewoo and I will also tag along; Daewoo for having a sharp mind and senses and can make up any strategy. And me to lure Rye out of his hiding place.

Soon, everyone who was chosen to go takes off. While we walk, Maxima complain how slow the group is going. Red yells back, exclaiming that I have an injured leg. On the other hand, Daewoo gazes up at the sky, obviously consumed by her thoughts. And me, I don’t know what to think. Should I be scared, furious, or miserable? All three or none at all?

Suddenly I hear a light ruffle of leaves.

“Wait, I hear something,” Red stops in his place and turns to Daewoo, “You hear anythin’, Six?”

Daewoo shakes her head. I eye Daewoo nervously. I remember my dad telling me that lying to the Careers are dangerous.

“You sure?” Red raises an eyebrow but Maxima places her hand on his shoulder.

“Trust her. She has razor-sharp senses,” she says and then she begins to walk.

Red glares at Daewoo as he mutters something about Maxima being deaf. He then starts to walk. I notice a smirk appear on the District 6 girl’s face. I watch her and Red, just in case anything happens. But then again, I’m from the district of wheat; What can I do against a Career?

Daewoo’s eyes shoot to mine as her expression changes by a centimetre. I can figure out what she’s trying to tell me though. She’s telling me not to worry. Her eyes then shift away and she begins to walk. I follow suit.

After what feels like hours of sore legs and Maxima and Red debating petty things, I see something in the distance. It’s pale yellow and flows in the wind like my mother’s hair. No, it couldn’t be. Could it be wheat? Memories of my family weaving baskets and hats made out of wheat and picking grain start to overwhelm me. The thoughts overwhelm me, to the point where I can see my mother how to make a sun hat.

“Nine?” Something warm touches me, “Nine!” Soon I realize Red’s poking me on my shoulder, “What are you doing? We’re almost to the wheat!”

“Sorry,” I mumble and begin my way to the fields of wheat. However, the pictures of Barely and I weaving wheat into braids in her house begin to appear. I guess it’s another reason I should try to survive the Hunger Games.

Soon I stumble into the fields of wheat, and it feels like home. Rye used to nag me to play tag with him, and I’d ignore him until I gave in. And so we chased each other in fields of wheat when our shift in the district was over. I begin to look around to find Rye, but I then I remember. He’s with this random kid called Larder.

“Nine! Nine! What are you doing!?” Red’s in the distance waving his arms around like a distressed bird.

“Coming!” I yell, and I hurry up to join the group.

I find myself in the back of the group with Daewoo at my side. For some reason, being beside the District 6 girl eases me back into reality. Maybe it’s because she’s not a Career and so she’s more trustworthy or the feeling of not being alone when these Careers decide to turn on the both of us.

Soon, I notice Daewoo inching closer and closer towards me as I walk. My heart begins to pick up the pace when I notice she’s about ten inches away from me.

The District 6 girl then leans close enough to my ear, “District 9, right? I remember you from the interviews.”

I nod my head. She then glances at Red before answering me.

“How did the Careers find you?”

I answer that I followed another tribute here. I didn’t mention Clote because I was afraid that I’d get him killed, even though he betrayed me. She then keeps asking me questions and I keep answering them in simple answers. I never elaborate, and she doesn’t press me to expand on my answers.

A question then pops me in the head in the middle of another of Daewoo’s question: Why did she turn me into the Careers? Maybe it’s best I keep it to myself. I’m not sure if I trust the District 6 girl.

Red suddenly points to a navy windmill that has shattered windows and half of its sail is missing. “Let’s rest in there!”

“You crazy!?” Maxima crosses her arms, “Who knows what could be inside!?”

Red groans, “FINE! We’ll rest outside! Happy?” Maxima shrugs. Red then begins to lead everyone towards the mill.

When we arrive, Red dives into the wheat and the windmill’s shadow. Maxima takes a seat a couple of meters away from him. I decide to sit a couple of meters away from Red, and Daewoo follows me.

When Daewoo and I both take a seat, she coughs and then whispers into my ear, “Think you can keep a secret?”

I nod my head, but something is giving me butterflies in my stomach. Why is Daewoo telling me secrets when we barely know each other? “I’m planning to kill Red. Tell no one,” The world freeze around me. What? That’s impossible! How can she kill Red?

I take a glance at Red and I freeze. Red is looking at me through squinted eyes. And I know whenever somebody squints at you, you’re in trouble.

Chapter 9, The Train

I stare up at the clouds. Daewoo has stopped whispering to me and Red is snoring as loud as a tornado. Suddenly Red shouts as Maxima kicks him in the waist. After a couple of minutes of them bickering, Red announces that everyone is going to start walking.

In what feels like two hours, my leg feel like they're about to fall off. Sweat pours down my forehead like rainfall. And I feel like I want to die right now.

Maxima says something, which brings my attention to what's in front of me right now. She points to an object in the distance. It's long and silvery, gleaming in the sunlight. "What the hell is that?"

"A train," Daewoo replies in an indifferent tone.

"What?" Red raises an eyebrow at Daewoo, "Why would there be a train here!?"

"I guess the gamemakers put it there,' the District 6 girl shrugs.

Red stares at the train awhile. I guess he's trying to figure out if he wants to go in or not. If I were him, I wouldn't go inside. Who knows what could await us in that train?

"Maxima, go back with Daewoo to the camp," Red glares at me, "And Nine, come with me."

I hold my breath. Why does Red want me to come with him? Oh right, it's because he wants me to lure Rye out of his hiding place.

I nod my head. Everyone then exchanges a rushed goodbye and the group departs. Then it's me and Red, with him in the front. I stare at the ground. What is going to happen to me?

In what feels likes forever, we finally reach the train. The vehicle looks like a replica of the locomotive that drove me to the Capitol. An opening is in the front of the train, the long concrete floor climbing up to it.

"Let's go Nine," Red gestures towards the train. Nodding my head, I walk towards the locomotive.

Inside, there is nothing but a couple of glass windows, steel walls and a velvet floor. Red launches himself onto the floor and lays down. I take a seat near the entrance of the train. Maybe I need to run away from Red at some time, though it's likely he'll catch me.

"So, how was your day?" Red asks.

"Uh- good?" I notice Red looking at me from across the train. I avoid his eye-contact as I get an uneasy feeling. There's something wrong about this conversation like he's luring me into a trap. It's not like I can get away from him though.

Soon, Red and I have a meaningless conversation full of superficial questions. I ask him how many siblings he has, about his name, and stuff like that. For some reason, Red elaborates on his answers to the point where I almost fall asleep.

Suddenly, ''crackle, crash! ''Something that sounds like a mini explosion blared through the vehicle.

"The hell...?" Red scans the area, but there's nothing to be seen except for me. I shrug.

Then, ''ding! ''A bell-like noise echoed throughout the train. Then a robotic female voice announced "Heading to District 12. The train will arrive in one day."

After the announcement, I feel the floor rumble below me. Then I glance out of the window. Everything outside is slowly turning into a blur. The train is moving.

My eyes flutter open to a window, which shows the bright blue sky with the sun shining at the top of it. Is it already the next day? How long did I sleep for?

Suddenly, I notice something black out of the window. It's wood, burned and charred wood. A lump appears in my throat. What's is awaiting me in this place that the train called 'District 12'?

I feel the ground below me begin to rumble softer. The locomotive is slowing down. In a minute or two, the entire vehicle halts, and the entrance to the train opens. The entryway shows a cement block that I think is supposed to represent a train stop. And outside is mountains and mountains of broken houses, piles of shattered wooden planks, and ashes.

I turn towards Red and begin to step towards him. It's time I wake him up. Then a thought pops into my mind. Maybe I could leave Red here and go outside by myself. But wait, if I leave him, he might find me and kill me! Sure, there's a lot of places to hide out there, but I could suffocate!

I shake the thought away and crouch down so I'm levelled with Red. I then shake his shoulder. "What...?" he mutters as his eyes open.

"We arrived," I whisper.

"Oh. Nice," He pushes himself up from the floor, "At least your better than Maxima. That goddamn idiot."

I then gesture to the door, even though I don't want to go outside. The heaps of charred items make me remember when on the television, a Capitol reporter said that District 12 was bombed 2 centuries ago. I was so worried that I asked my mom if the Capitol was going to bomb my district. That fear has stuck with me to this day.

When Red and I step out of the train, there's a smell in the air. It smells like meat being roasted. Wait- it's smoke! I cover my nose with my arm. My mom told me smoke is bad for my lungs.

I follow Red, trailing behind him. He points out things in the piles of wood and sometimes digs in them, in hopes that he'd find something useful. I stand idly unless he gives me an order. Otherwise, I'm either trying to block out the smoke from my nostrils or staring up at the clouds.

Suddenly, I hear a footstep behind me. I turn to face behind me, but nothing is there. Huh. Weird.

When I turn back, I jump back. Red is glaring at me with something that can only be described as a death-stare. "So, back at the windmill, what did that District Six girl whisper to you?"

I bite my lip. What do I say now?