The Spark of District 13

"Me!" I think in horror, "No, it can't be me. It just can't. How is this possible? I just got out of charges for the war & now this? No! What am I going to do...."

These are just a few of the thoughts running through my mind right now. The news came & hit me like a sack of rocks. How can this be? Of all those names in that jar how is it mine? I look up only to see the Capitol Woman trying to coax me onto the stage while peacekeepers begin to descend upon me. I have to look brave, or I'll be bait in the arena. I got to look strong. I step out into the aisle & walk as bravely as I can toward the stage while peacekeepers swarm around me in all their white glory. While I'm walking, I find Luke in the crowd. He looks speechless. White as a ghost with terror. Well, he's not the only one.

I get to the stage, & the Capitol Woman helps me up.

"Ah finally. Welcome Miss Vines! Congratulations!" she says enthusiastically. Really? Is this really something to celebrate? I'm going to get killed on live television & all you can say is congrats?

"Now, for the boys," she says moving on. I hold my breath again but hold a strong face for the cameras. Who's it going to be? The Capitol woman dips her hand into the glass bowl, stirs it around a bit, & pulls out yet another slip. She walks back over to the microphone & opens it.

"Oh, Mr. Luke Dallas is it? Come on forward," she reads aloud.

My already numb insides suddenly turn ice cold. I suddenly feel sick. I begin to sweat, & my head begins to spin. It can't be? I have to be dreaming right? It can't be! I look out into the audience only to see Luke being lead forward by peacekeepers. One of my worst nightmares has now been confirmed. Yes, me getting picked was scary enough. Now, I have to worry about Luke being my fellow tribute. I'm going to have to kill him.... I'm going to have to watch him die in the most horrible way possible. He's going to have to die on TV on display for the nation to see & mock him. The thought is just too much to bare.

"Ah yes! Congratulations to our male tribute from 13! Now, let's give a round of applause to our Third Annual Hunger Games tributes from District 13!" squeals the Capitol Woman, bringing me back to reality. I stand there frozen while the Capitol Woman starts the clapping for us. Barely anyone else claps but her. Typical. No one but the Capitol enjoys the Games. They're either grieving over us or rejoicing it wasn't them who were chosen.

Then, the Capitol Woman says, "How about you two shake hands?" I turn to Luke & look into those sea-green eyes of his. As much of a brave face he's giving, nothing can deny the fear in his eyes. He's terrified just like I am. We shake hands.

"Ah yes how glorious. Happy Hunger Games everyone! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" pipes the Capitol Woman again, & at that moment, peacekeepers come into a corral & march Luke & I into our separate rooms within the Justice Building. I try to reach for Luke, but they pull us apart. They throw me in a room & lock the door. I'm trapped alone only to wait & see those I love say goodbye to me forever because I know the truth. There is no way I'll ever come home. I'm going to die in the Hunger Games.

I want to just curl up into a ball in the corner & cry, but I know cameras will be at the train station & red puffy eyes will will only gain me enemies. I just sit on a plush sofa & try to hold myself together. After about 10 minutes, the door flies open, & my Aunt rushes in. There are tears streaming down her face as she rushes to me.

"Oh Ivey, I'm so sorry!" she wails horribly, "I promised your mother & father I'd protect you, & now your being sent off to slaughter! What a fail I've become!"

"Oh no, don't cry Auntie Laura! If you cry I'll start crying, & I can't afford that. Plus, it isn't your fault. It's fate's & the Capitol's. They're the ones that are sending me away not you." I say trying to comfort her & myself.