Sander turns when he's right next to the roped-off area for the 18 year old females. His expression has hardened into the expression it was this morning. "Well, good luck. See you after, sweetheart." I try to give him a winning smile, but it's strained instead. He give me a nod, blond curls falling into his eyes and making him look more innocent.
He hobbles off into the sides with the other family members watching and I take my place next to Evelyn Larkspur, the mayor's daughter. She sends me a quick smile and I return it as our escort, Harmony Embers, steps up the stage with a bright smile. "Hello, my lovelies! Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor!" Her cotton candy hair looks too bright against the dull backdrop of our District Hall.
Harmony's customary "Ladies first!" rings through out the square. She sticks her hand into the glass bowl filled with names. My name is in there. My name could be chosen. And it is. "Lavinia Parrish!" It echoes in my head and I can't breath. Evelyn gives me a small push and I move forward to the stage, setting my face into a calm and collected front. Harmony looks at me in delight. "Well, aren't you the loveliest thing I've ever seen?" She cooes to me, as if I'm a baby. I send her a sweet smile, hoping she doesn't see past my front to my bubbling anger. I'm walking into my death and she thinks I'm adorable.
I turn and stand to the side of the stage, looking for Sander. I find him and my heart nearly breaks. He looks broken, like he's barely holding back from either crying or punching the guy next to him. That almost breaks me, but I turn to Harmony as she calls out the male tribute.
"Teague Mercer."
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