I grab the comb from the table and swiped it through my long blonde hair, trying to untangle the knots. I pulled my hair back into a simple ponytail.
I then stood up and looked down at my worn blue dress if you can even call it blue. Most of the dress had lost its blue colour and looked more greyish white than blue. It had been passed down from many children : the orphanage.
It was simple and plain, with no designs whatsoever. I sighed, wondering how lucky the people in the Capitol and the richer districts were. Especially the Capitol.
I heard rumours that at parties the Capitol people drank something to make them throw up so they could taste everything.
That was just.... so wasteful and inhumane. Here in poorer districts,we starve and not have any food to eat for a few days. On good days, we have to survive on one small piece of meat or bread.
What was even worse than the Capitol citizens was the most evil man in Panem,President Snow. He was cruel and mean. Firstly,he started these games, which destroyed hundreds of families and poisoned countless teens.
Secondly,he killed my parents. I know that every one thought it was an "accident" but I know it wasn't. My parents were secretly rebels and unfortunately, President Snow found out. He got people to stage an accident so my parents would die.
I hate him for that and I always will. I think I would also be a rebel if Matthew didn't exist. I was scared that President Snow would find out if I rebeled and would torture and kill Matthew. Thus,I didn't join any secret rebel societies. In my mind though,I was always a rebel.
"Hey Mira,"a voice said, jolting me from my thoughts. I spun around and say my best friend, Amy standing in the doorway.
Her aburn hair was plaited and was wearing a dress that was in an even worse condition than mine. The dress was supposed to be pink, but turned greyish white and there were even holes in the dress.
"You got the best dress again,"Amy said, pouting. "Oh come on Amy, your dress is good too. I mean, come on, have you seen Julie's?"I replied.
"You bribed and sweetalked Mrs Higgins into giving the best dress didn't you?"Amy questioned, folding her arms. "Don't call it that Amy,I prefer to call it, giving Mrs Higgins a little push to liking me,"I replied, giving Amy a wink.
It was true though. I tried my best to get on Mrs Higgins,the orphanage owner's good books. I praised her continously for a month. Some people might find that despicable but I don't think so. Playing dirty and being smart is the only way to survive, especially in this era.
Rolling her eyes,Amy said,"However you phrase it, its still bad."
"Are you okay Amy?"I asked, sensing her nervousness. Sighing,Amy said,"I just have this sense of dread. I am so scared that I will be picked for the games."
She was trembling now. I pulled her towards me and gave her a tight hug. "Hey,hey, don't worry Amy if you are picked, I promise I will volunteer for you,"I replied."Really?"Amy asked, her face grateful. I nodded and said,"Yeah. If I go into the games, you can help to take care of Matthew right?"
"Of course Mira. Thank you so much, you are the best friend ever,"Amy her face grateful. "You too Amy,"I reply,hugging her tighter.
"Ring!!!!"the bell began ringing and we both jumped up in surprise. I glanced at Amy a few moments later and then we began laughing. The bell was to signal that we had to leave for the reaping in five minutes.
"Mira,Mira!"I heard a voice shout frantically. I recognised that voice,it was my eight year old brother, Matthew's. Soon, Matthew burst into the room with tears in his eyes. He flung himself at me and I gave him a hug.
"What's wrong Matthew?"I asked worriedly."I....I dreamt that you were in the games and.... and someone stabbed you in the stomach and you... you bled to death,"Matthew said,beginning to cry.
"Hey,hey don't worry Matthew,it will never happen,I won't even be chosen,"I said confidently, trying to convince him and myself of the fact. "Really?"Matthew asked,his face hopeful.
"Of course Matthew, why would I lie to you?"I asked. "That's great!"Matthew said, clearly relieved. "I have to go to the reaping now,I don't want to be late. Go to your room Matthew,"I said,using my do what I say voice. Matthew nodded and headed off,whistling a tune.
"You shouldn't say that,you could still be picked you know,"Amy said,looking at me with disapproval. Laughing, I said,"my name is only in there about twenty-five times,which is pretty low compared to the thousands slips. Also,there are people whose names are put on there a hundred plus times. There is a low chance of me being picked."
"I guess,"Amy replied,sounding worried and I knew she was thinking that she would be picked. "Don't worry Amy,you'all be fine,now let's go to the reaping,"I say as I walked towards the door.
~~
"Welcome to the reaping of this year's hunger games! For those of you who don't know,I am your escort, Catryna Valin!"Catryna said, smiling widely.
She was just like any typical crazy Capitol citizen. Her hair was bright orange this year and it looked like she was wearing a pumpkin hat. Her outfit was bright orange and my eyes had to adjust to her look when I first saw her.
She looked like the afternoon sun,glowing brightly.
"Okay,as usual,the video!"Catryna exclaimed,smiling brightly.The same old video played again. The video was utterly ridiculous. How is it logical for us to still have this games for the mistake our ancestors made ages ago? Also,in exchange for us working, the Capitol gave us order? More like fear!
I shook my head,quelling the urge to run up to the stage and shouting out my thoughts. It would not be wise and I'll just end up being punished.
"Now for the highlight of the evening,the reaping! Now I shall choose two lucky tributes to join this year's hunger games! Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour,"Catryna said,smiling brightly.
Lucky? I thought to myself bitterly. The hunger games were a nightmare, I heard that when you entered, you already sealed your fate. Even if you won,it would haunt you forever. Still,it was more preferable to win rather than die in the games.
I suddenly felt Amy,who was beside me reach for my hand and I grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly. She did the same.
We stood there,with out hands clasped together, as Catryna dipped her hand into the reaping bowl and chose a slip.
"Our female tribute is... Amy Dunman!"Catryna exclaimed excitedly. i instantly gasped in shock and my mouth flew open,forming a wide O. Glancing next to me,I saw that Amy had froze in shock, her hand over her mouth. After a few moments, her face crumpled and tears began to flow down her cheeks like a broken dam.
"I .. I love..lo..ve you.. Mira, you..a..and Matthew... Take go..od care o.f hi..m. I will reme..member you forever..."Amy managed to choke out. Icould feel my eyes watering as well. Bafore I knew it,I shouted,"I volunteer!"
Everyone swiveled around to glance at me and I could feel their gazes on me."Great, a volunteer!Come up here and introduce yourself dear!" I heard Catryna say excitedly moments later. I could hear surprise in her voice too. I don't think she expected anyone to volunteer,no one in the district did. We hardly had any volunteers at all in our district.
I took deep breaths and tried to calm myself down. The games began the minute your name was drawn- or in my case, the minute volunteered. I had to keep a calm mind-not make a fool out of myself and break down. I had to get the sponsors to like me- they could mean the difference between life and death.
I considered my options. I was good at acting, so I could basically act as anyone. I considered my options.should I come of as tough?Charming? mysterious? I finally decided on charming, smart, caring to an extent and a little tough and confident. I wiped the tears frommy eyes and walked up to the stage with rather confident steps.
"Hello district ten. Right, my names Mira Matthews and I'm seventeen,"I said, keeping my voice slightly, just very slightly enthusiastic. "So why did you volunteer for Amy?"Catryna asked, her eyes curious. "Well,Amy..Amy she's my best friend...and.. and..well I just had too..."I choked out as tears began spilling from my lids. I wiped the tears away quickly, which gave me that caring but tough image.
"Ah,that's nice of you,"Catryna cooed sympathetically,patting my shoulder. "I took a deep breath and said,"Amy,Matthew don't worry, I'll win this year's hunger games and get back to you. I promise."I then blew a kiss in Amy's direction. "My,you're confident aren't you, Mira? Anyway, good luck!"Catryna said as she smiled at me.
"Ok,its time to pick the male tribute!"Catryna singsonged as she headed towards the reaping bowl. She churned the slips around before finally selecting one.
"Tobias James Haycraft!"Cartryma exclaimed. She looked around for the unlucky guy.
A rather strong looking guy walked towards the stage. He looked like he was trying hard not to cry.
"Eighteen,"he choked out,his voice sounding scratchy.
"District ten,please clap for our two amazing tributes, Mira Matthews and Tobias James Haycraft!"Catryna said,smiling widely.
The peacekeepers surround us, preventing us from escaping as we walk towards the justice building. Tobias and I walk in tense silence,not talking to each other.
"So, sucks to be in the games eh?"Tobias asks, trying to break the ice. "Yeah,"I whisper. "I thought it was brave of you to volunteer for your best friend,"Tobias says. "Thanks,"I say, blushing.
Somehow, something in my gut told me that Tobias was sincere. However,I shook myself and the logical side of me protested that I can't trust anyone,let alone some one I've just met.
"Um,good luck in the games,"I said to Tobias. "Good luck too,"Tobias said smiling at me.
The peacekeepers then seperatered us and led us to seperate rooms in the justice building.
I couldn't resist a gasp when I saw the room,it was the most luxurio thing I had ever seen. It had a red coloured wallpaper and the floor was carpeted. There were two white coloured armchairs in the middle of the room.
I settled into a armchair as I waited for Matthew and Amy to arrive.
~~
I frowned,ten minutes had passed and no one had arrived to visit me. I knew that no matter what, Matthew and Amy would visit me.
Something was definitely wrong.
I opened the door of the room and saw two peacekeepers guarding it."Hey, sorry Peacekeepers, but why hasn't my family visited me? I know they would,"I asked,smiling sweetly at them.
Smirking, a Peacekeeper said,"Guess you thought wrong,no one has."I frowned and resisted the urge to slap the peacekeepers and demand for answers.
"Thanks,"I said as sweetly as I could. I entered the room again and sat at the armchair before closing my eyes and preceding to rest.
~~
"Get up! The train has arrived!"a Peacekeeper barked at me about ten minutes later. I opened my eyes nearly and stood up.
"OK coming,"I said.
I glanced at the room one last time before following the Peacekeepers towards the train.
Tobias also left the room looking upset and rather distraught. I guessed his family was kept from him as well.
I saw Catryna with her orange hair walking towards us "Darlings don't look so upset,there is a pleasant surprise waiting for you in the train,"she said, smiling widely.
I rolled my eyes in my head. I bet the surprise was the many luxuries in the train.
However,I was proven wrong when the train door opened.
Waiting for us in the train was Matthew,Amy,three boys and a girl and two adults. I guessed that they were Tobias's family.
"Matthew and Amy, its so good to see you!"I exclaimed. I went to hug both of them. "Hey sis,"Matthew said as I hugged him.
I saw that Tobias also greeted his family.
"Amy,how did you get here?"I asked her after we separated. "Well, the Peacekeepers escorted us here. They told us that we can spend the rest of today and tommorow with you.Oh,also there is a feast tommorow evening,"Amy said,smiling.
"I'm glad,"I said.
Finally,the Capitol did something good for a change.
"Come on,let's go to the nest compartment,"I said as I walked towards the doors.
This was even grander than the justice building. There were cream coloured wallpaper and it had a carpeted floor. In the middle if the compartment was a long table with all kinds of food and drinks on it. The food could probably feed our whole district for weeks. At the side were four sofas with different colours. There were also five tables surrounding the sofa.
"Wow,lots of food!"Matthew exclaimed as he ran towards the table. Glancing at each other,Amy and I laughed before heading to the table ourselves.
Matthew had grabbed a couple of eclairs and was shoving them into his mouth. "Woh! Slow down Matthew,no one'a rushing you,grab a plate and utencils and pit your food on top,"I said as Amy and I grabbed plates ourselves.
"Okay!"Matthew said as he followed suit.
Soon,I had chosen all the food I wanted to eat and settled down at a table to eat.
When I saw the plate Matthew was carrying,I laughed out loud. His food was stacked sky high.
"You sure you can finish everything Matthew?"I asked. "Of course!"Matthew exclaimed,looking insulted. "Don't doubt the eating king Matthew!"Amy exclaimed as she joined us and we all laughed.
~~
After we ate,we wiped our mouths and settled into the purple sofa to chat.
"Mira,the Peacekeepers told me that you are in the hunger games,is...is this true?"Matthew asked, his lip quivering.
Sighing,I told him sadly,"yes Matthew,I'm sorry."
"But... But you promised,"Matthew said,wiping away the few tears that had welled up in his eyes. "I'm sorry Matthew so sorry... sorry...so sorry,"I repeated again and again as I hugged him tight.
A few minutes passed and we released each other. I wiped my tears away and Matthew did so too.
"Matthew,I swear for real this time,I'll win the games and get back to you,"I said. "That's what you said last time,"Matthew said accusingly.
"Okay,really. Cross my heart and hope to die,"I said,putting my fist across my heart. To us,it was the most solemn oath you could make.
Matthew smiled and said,"great,you made the oath,now you really can't die in the arena." I smiled too and pinched his cheeks.
"Can you promise me that you will take care off yourself and listen to Amy when I am not around?"I ask Matthew.
"Yeah,of course,"Matthew said. I raised my eyebrows. "Okay,okay,cross my heart and hope to die,"Matthew said. I broke into a smile.
We began to chat
~~
"Woh look at the Capitol!"Matthew exclaimed. The train had just entered the Capitol.
I gasped in amazement. The buildings were tall and grand, with many glass windows and metal. It looked very grand.
Amy,Matthew and I stared at the Capitol in amazement, taking in its magnificence.
"Its great isn't it?Can you believe you get to stay here?"someone asked, startling us. I spun around and found out it was our escort, Catryna.
"Oh,I guess,"Amy replied."You guess? The Capitol looks amazing! Much better than district 10!"Matthew exclaimed. Catryna smiled brightly, saying,"I'm glad you like it."
I frowned. Matthew didn't know. I would rather live in our shabby orphanage with Amy and Matthew than in the foreign Capitol.
The train rolled to a stop. Carry a led us to the doors, where when we step through, we would be greeted by lots and lots of Capitol citizens.
Tobias and his friends and family joined us there. They were joking around, chatting.
"Its time to go! Are you ready?"Catryna asked. I took a deep breath and calmed myself. "Yeah,"I replied. "You'll do just fine,"Amy replied,squeezing my hand
comfortingly.
Tobias and I exchanged good lucks. Taking a deep breath,I plastered a smile onto my face and stepped out of the train.
The Capitol citizens looked ridiculous. They were like a kaleidescope of colours,their coloured hair glinting in the sunlight.
They screamed our names and held out out hands for us shake. I shook atheir hands and signed my autograph on their respective papers. They seemed pretty glad and shouted my name even louder.
It seemed like a good plan to get on these citizens good side.
They also swooned over how cute Matthew was and Matthew shook their hands too. He seemed pretty glad of all their attention. Amy however, looked uncomfortable.
Finally, we were led to the training centre where I would spend the next few days.
We entered the elevator and was escorted to the tenth floor,for the district ten tributes.
As I entered my room,I could not help but be amazed. It was grander than the train even.
It had purple colured wallpaper with flower designs. There was a king sized bed in the room and there was a table and chair at the side.
There was also a majestic view of the Capitol.
~~
Later,we were shown around rhe Capitol.
~~
My eyes fluttered open and I gave a loud groan. My hand flew to my alarm clock at the table next to me and I off it.
I gave a loud yawn and stretched. Pressing my hands against the bed,I pushed myself to a sitting position.I was still quite tired.Its not that I was a late sleeper,it was just that I was not used to the bed and only slept pretty late.
I walked into the bathroom to get ready.
~~
I glanced at the sign above us. It was called 'Harrod's theme park'. Today,we got to do what we wanted and so we decided to go where Matthew wanted to go- a theme park.
There were quite a lot last time,however, those were all wiped out and what was left was only this theme park.
"Shall we go on that?"I asked, pointing to a contraption nearest to us.
"I think its called a roller coaster,"Amy mused. "Let's go on it!!"Matthew exclaimed excitedly. I smiled and we headed off to the coaster.
When we got there, we were taken through the queue and we sat on these seats. Then,we had to put on seat belts.
The attendent pressed a button and we wooshed off. I felt the wind blowing in my face as we raced along the track at top speed.
It felt so good and thrilling.
~~
We had a really fun day at the theme park,trying on most of the rides and eating ice cream of all sorts.
Now,it was almost time for the feast. We had to get ready. I looked in the closet for my outfit.
Finally, I settled on a sleeveless short blue dress with glitter on it. I tied my hair into a simple ponytail.I grabbed a fake pearl necklace and put it on.
I left the room to meet Matthew and Amy. I gasped when I saw them. Amy was wearing a red checkered dress. Matthew was wearing a small tuxedo.
"You both look amazing!"I exclaimed. "You do too Mira,"Amy said,giggling.
"Come on,let's go to the feast,"I said.
We entered a ballroom where there was a wide array of dishes avaliable. The wonderful aroma wafted through my nostrils, making me sigh. There were a lot of people, which I decided was the tributes and their family.
"Yay! So much different food!"Matthew exclaimed. He immediately grabbed a plate and began grabbing food from the table
I took a plate myself and I grabbed spagetthi and some chicken cutlet to eat. Then,I grabbed a glass of orange juice before walking to the table to eat.
I was joined by Amy who had a piece of Beef and a glass of apple juice in her hands. Matthew well... had so much food I didn't want to name.
We ate for about fifteen minutes before a silence swept the room. A woman who was quite pretty but scary walked in. I knew at that moment that it was some one important.
"That's the head gamemaker, Occisora,"Catryna said.
After Occisora had everyone's attention, she said,“My dear Tributes. Friends. Family. We are gathered here to celebrate the lives of these brave people, many of who will, unfortunately, die. But not today. Today we shall live. We shall cherish life. We shall cherish the company of those we love. With good food an music I hope to make these last moments before the games pleasant moments. I want you all to know I am not your enemy.” She looks into the crowd looking beautiful and not in the least bit intimidating, “I want to help you. Every one of you. And as a sign of my good will, the left-overs from this feast will be divided and bagged so that each of your family and friends will have food to take back to your District. Now let's eat, drink and be merry.”"
People started cheering and I did too. I got the feeling I had to try my hardest to impress her if I wanted to survive.
"She looks pretty scary,"Amy commented. "Yeah,like my scary math teacher,"Matthew said. I smiled.
Occisora began to walk around to chat to other people. I had to try to impress her right now.
"Wish we luck,"I said after I explained my plan to Amy and Matthew.
I then stood up and walked to Occisora.I plastered a smile on my face.
"Hello. I am Mira Matthews, district 10 tribute,"I said confidently,holding out my hand for her to shake. "I'm Occisora,the head game maker,"she said as she shook my hand.
"You look pretty and I like your dress,"I said,trying the flattery method.
"Flattery will get you nowhere girl,"Occisora said rather coldly. I smile."okay,just wanted to tell you that I'm something special."I say before walking off.