The Odds Aren't In My Favor

  I flattened the crease in my dress the best I could and tucked a stray hair behind my ear. I let out a shaky breath and opened the door. The crisp sea air hit my face. I took a step outside shook away the awful feeling  I had and started my walk to the city centre. I could feel it in the  air, the fear and anger. We may be a strong district with brutal killers, but no one enjoys watching children they've known for years be murdered, sometimes even by their bestfriends .

    I scuffed my old yellow shoes on the ground. As I walked through the empty streets I would come across the occasional person buying a needle and thread, or a patch of old cloth. I walked past an old woman chatting to a woman who was buying a patch of cloth.    

  "I hear that we have no female careers ready for this year! Lucille broke her leg in training there's no possible way she can compete this year!" the old women whispered to the woman.     

  "Whatever." I muttered to myself "They'll find someone to do it."  I kicked a rock across the street grumpily.  Crowds were already flocking to the city centre in their nicest clothing. You see mothers straightening their children's blouses and wiping off their shoes before they go get their fingerprints taken.  Being a poor person from district four, makes you feel out of place, like you don't belong.     

  Everybody lines up in their fanciest clothing there's only me and a few other children that are as poor as me. They aren't doing so well though the only reason I'm fine is that I'm old enough to get a job. The crowd is silent and tense with anticipation.

  I can here the mayor speaking in the background but I've zoned out, every single reaping is the day I reflect back on my life to see, see if it's even worth hiding. Sometimes I think I should just volunteer and end the pain here. Looking into the future I have nothing going for me. I'm barely able to afford a house with the job I have. But when I become old and unable to lift heavy weights I won't be good for anything, I'll be nothing but a waste of space.  With every second my heart rate increases it feels as if everyone would be able to hear it. Like a count down to when their fate is sealed.     

  "Welcome. To the seventy- third annual Hunger Games! No words can express how happy I am to be back in district four again! This year will be a good one I can feel it in my bones!"  Euphrosyne announced clapping her hands together giddily. Her electric blue hair was folded into a bow atop her head her skin was tinted a light green and her eyes were a sandy brown.  "I decided that I would get into the spirit of the Hunger Games this year! I changed myself to look of the ocean it will be like bringing a piece of home with you on the trip!" she chirped showing off her pearly whites. I had to keep myself from laughing bringing her with me to my death would make me feel like I was on another planet, I'm sure if she stunk of the ocean and wore rags that would really hit close to home. But she was dressed in the exact opposite her flowing green dress laced with pearls. Pearls that matched her eyelashes, huge long white eyelashes that shone in the spotlight. I think to say this was over the top was an understatement.

  She shifted uncomfortably but tried to hide it she spun around and yelled "Well, Ladies first! Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor!" she stuck her hand into a huge bowl my name's been entered at least 20 times. I used to get the extra food and sell it for money that I could buy supplies for school with. Her hand found grip on a name she pulled it out slowly as if trying to kill everybody with anticipation.     

  "Ninetta Green!" Euphrosyne shouted searching the crowd for a strong woman to approach from out of the crowd. My stomach clenched and I couldn't move. I saw the crowd part, around a small little twelve year old girl. She screamed and collapsed to the ground my heart sank I knew there was no one that could or would take her place this year. Even careers need to be ready they don't want to bring shame to their family's.     

  "No! Stop stop!" she screamed as the peace keepers tore her from the ground " Mom! Mommy help me!" she cried trying to reach out for her mother who was attempting to scramble over the barriers. To collect her child. But no one was volunteering usually they didn't have a scene usually the girls jumped for the chance to be in the games but this year the crowds were silent, no one to speak up for her.