Please don’t remix! Reminder this is a first draft!! Possible that the story will change “Olive Laurier” the woman who stood on the stage said into the mic. I smirked, everyone had their eyes turned to me. I waved to a young girl maybe around 14 as I walked out of the crowd. A concrete road led to the stage. The woman who called my name was wearing way too much makeup. She looked at me with a smile that almost seemed uncanny. Out of the corner of my eye, Alexandra looked shocked, I looked to her giving her a reassuring look “It’ll be ok” I mouthed to her. Unless she was going to the games with me I had nothing to worry about. The peacekeepers held out their hands to help me on to the stage which I coldly declined. I walked up the stairs and took my place next to the bowl full of names. My eyes scanned throughout the crowd, I would’ve never thought I would be up on this stage. I felt as if a weight had been lifted off of me, I could finally make them proud. I looked to Alexandra again, seeing the fear in her eyes, almost like she thought I was going to lose. I had never lost anything in my life. The games weren’t going to break my streak. My trainer looked me in the eyes, I knew that look. It was the same look he gave me after I won my first fight. It was a look of pride, of… happiness. I gave him a small nod. I would give my district all I had. I was going to win, and no one could convince me otherwise. As I snapped back to reality I looked into the camera that was focused on me. I smiled softly then blew a kiss. Straight to the capitol. *** As I stood in line waiting for the names to be called, I wondered if this would finally be the year that I could make my adopted dad proud, I wondered if I could finally make Olive proud.The first name was read, "Olive laurel" and my heart plummeted. I was so scared that I would lose her, I couldn't lose anything else, I would have broken if I had. Olive was walking up the steps to the stage, she blew me and the whole capitol a kiss. And then the second name was read "Alexandra Fennel" and my heart soared again. I wouldn't have to live without the one thing that kept my heart beating. Olive. I confidently strode up to the stage and like Olive coldly refused the peacekeepers hands, I turned to face my people, confident as ever, and gave them a wave. I was so happy to be able to make my district proud, I wanted to see the look on their faces when I made it far, even farther than most. I looked straight to my trainer, the same one as Olive, and smiled at him, he smiled back, a smile of pride and happiness that both of his girls could fight in the games. *** The sun had reached the middle of the sky, blinding everyone around its embrace. I stood near the back hoping that it wouldn’t draw too much attention to me. A young lady stepped onto the stage. She looked around cautiously which made a few, including me smirk. She grabbed the small slip of paper and slowly unfolded it. “Copper Valdez” my eyes widened. Some gasped, others began to cry, mostly the girls. I slowly exited the row and began to walk on the dirt path up to the stage. I glanced around at the people I’d known all my life but I soon looked straight ahead. I didn’t have to worry about them anymore. I had to try, I had to win. If I didn’t then I’d just be making a fool of myself. People wouldn’t see me as the charming, charismatic boy anymore; they would see me as a failure. I took my spot on the stage, the look in my eyes shifting. I wasn’t afraid. I flashed a smile and took a bow. Anastasia’s name was called next. She smiled as well, and she stepped onto the stage. I took her hand, and gently kissed it. We raised our hands waving to the capitol, and the districts.
*** As I stood in the square, preparing for the reaping, I wondered what I would do in the case that I was reaped. I wanted to make my district proud, but I wasn't sure I wanted to give up my life for it. I had to try though, so I finished getting ready and went to stand in line. District 1 always had performers there at the reaping to perform and act for the people, this year was no different. There was however a particular song that stood out to me, its lyrics as bright as the daylight, and as beautiful as the sun. It was haunting, but I couldn't help but memorize every word, it was inspiring. Its lyrics had this.......glow about them, that nothing could replicate. "When your train leaves in the morning Your journey starts anew. Though you may be weary Know that I'll guide you through. Though it may seem scary Know that everyone is so very proud of you No matter where you go Or what you do Your family will remain here for you." It was simply beautiful, and I wanted to keep it in my mind forever. As the reaping began, I couldn't get that song out of my mind, I thought that if I ever met the right person, I would sing it to them as they fell asleep. I hoped that I would live to see the day that I fell in love with someone. They called the first name, someone I barely knew. He was a kind person, but I had never had the chance to get to know him, his name was Trevor Prescott. They drew the second name from the bowl, and read it aloud, "Andrew Soringale" I was shocked, I didn't know how to react. I knew the procedure, I was supposed to walk up to the stage, and greet Panem. But I couldn't get my legs to move. Eventually I did, and I walked up to the stage to greet the capitol. I didn't like being drawn for the games, but nothing can be perfect. I can only try my best to make it home alive.
