Nightfall

Ten

Hey guys! I know that today isn't Saturday and that I shouldn't be updating lol. However, I changed the updating schedule for this book, and now it updates every Friday. I hope you enjoy!

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Katara slipped out of the crowd in the ballroom and nearly ran toward the open doors. She didn't want anyone to see her escape from this nightmare. The Games already had their claws wrapped tightly around her throat, holding her hostage. Each claw dug into the skin on her neck, almost drawing blood. Almost, but not fully. It was like it wanted to give her some freedom, but it would still take control of her life at a moments notice.

She burst through the doors and fell into a crowd of people standing around the front of the hotel. The crowd shifted around her, blocking her from view at all angles. These people didn't notice the clothes she was wearing or the look of fear on her face. They were too busy trying to peer through the glass doors, to see the Tributes. What they didn't know was that one of the Tributes was in their midst.

Katara shoved her way through the throng of people. She felt like they were converging on her because they knew how much of a monster she was. She had to get away now or else she would explode.

She was finally free from the crowd, so she walked briskly down the street. Cars and motorbikes and other vehicles were honking at each other as they tried to get to wherever they needed to be. Even though it was night, it still looked like day because of all the lights from the vehicles and from the hotel. It seemed like every single light was burning in the hotel.

"Look, it's one of the Tributes!" a man shouted, pointing directly to Katara. He had bright blue hair that shone in the bright headlights.

She didn't think that these people would already know who the Tributes were since they were just announced, but apparently they did. She ducked her head and hurried down the sidewalk; she didn't want to get mobbed because she was a Tribute.

There was a break in people flooding toward her, so she took that moment to slow down and get a good look around her. Multiple shops were still open at this time of night. They were all glowing from the lights, but one was very dark. It had lights on, yes, but they weren't as outrageous as the rest of them. 

Katara decided to go into that building. For some reason, she felt like she had to go in there or else she would miss out on something. There wasn't much of anything in the main room, just a few cushions on the floor. A light wood wall blocked the rest of the large room from sight, so Katara said, "Hello? Is there anyone in here?"

A short girl peered around the partition. Katara was surprised to see two pigtails sprout out from her head. "Do you have an appointment?" she asked in a nasally voice. 

"Um, I have no idea what this place is," Katara said, backing up toward the door. "I'm sorry. I should leave."

Another woman appeared from behind the partition. She had gray hair that was significantly shorter than Katara's. A gold pendent hung in her hair, resting on her forehead. 

"No, don't leave," she said gently. "We have no more appointments tonight, so it's okay if you stay."

"I didn't want to stay outside any longer because they started to recognize me," Katara said awkwardly. She glanced around and saw few decorations on the walls. It was really bare in there except for the partition. "What is this place?"

The old woman smiled. "I am a fortuneteller, dear," she said with a nod. "My name is Aunt Wu. Would you like to know your future?"

"If it could help me in the Games, sure," Katara said with a shrug. "It's not like I have a bright future ahead."