Forever in the Games- UNDER EXTREME EDITING

I run through the train compartments, pushing past the attendants who hold onto fresh piles of bed sheets. Haymitch and Effie are already watching the crumbled buildings shoot past the large window at the side of the train. I stand in between them, a frown slowly creasing onto my forehead.

"Looks like Reaping Day has taken its toll" The man and woman beside me watch me closely, as my eyes try and pick up any trace of my past life

The District was dull, which, in my opinion, is expected with them being the poorest and most ill treated District out of all Twelve. There are very few people out at this time of the morning, those who were appeared extremely pale, too pale for it to be healthy.  My eyes scan the barbed wire, and trace it all the way to the smallest house in the District, that was the closest to the barbed wire. But, of course, not too close. 

"Home" I whisper gently to myself.

My old home. My mother's house. Before I was taken, I would wake up early every single morning, just to watch the barbed wire come to life. I go to turn my back, but notice a girl, no older than sixteen, jogging towards the wire. Her leather jacket glistening from the early morning sunshine, with her hair pulled back into a long braid. She looks around the area, checking to make sure no Peacekeepers are about, I'm sure, before slipping under the fence, and jogging towards the forest. 

She must have courage to go hunting on Reaping morning. Peacekeepers swarm the District on Reaping day, making sure everyone is where they need to be at the correct time, signed in and accounted for. 

With a sigh, I turn my back on the window, and take a seat next to Effie at the breakfast table. 

 _*_

I grit my teeth " Seriously how tight do you want this to go?!" I growl at the stylist " At least try and avoid my scars!"

"Lucinda I'm so sorry!" The train attendant, half terrified, shrieks "Your stylist left no instructions for how tight the dress needs to be!"  

This year, they've put me in a beautiful, midnight blue dress, which reaches just below my knees. The collar had a white swirly pattern, quite similar to a white rose. Snow's signature. I am his. His own personal Tribute. His own personal weapon. 

I don't have to wait long before Effie walks into my compartment, once again in her usual ridiculous, pink clothing. She trots in, and takes a seat next to my mirror.

"Haymitch isn't coming with us today" she explains, puling out her own mirror, ensuring her own make up is spot on. 

"What?! Why not?" I gasp, as the attendant pulls tighter

"He's not exactly in his best state" These words I understand completely. It's the same routine each and every year, Haymitch starts to drink when the stress begins, and clearly, the Reaping has already kicked it off. 

"Well I don't want to go either but I have to" I groan in a childlike manner. I take a seat beside Effie, as the stylist brings out her make up kit. 

"Yes Lucinda I know that, but you must attend the Reaping, you are a part of the Games remember" Effie explains calmly.

On heads snap up to the doorway, once when we hear the horn bellowing outside. The Reaping horn. It's a horrible, ear piercing sound. 

Both Effie and I rise from our seats, and look out of the small window available in my room. People slowly start to move towards the sign in area, either gripping tightly onto someone, or in a small group. Although they're not much, people wear their best clothes for the Reaping, so if they're chosen, they don't look a complete mess.