one; the reaping
The next morning was the day. It was the day of the reaping. Isla woke up with a determined look on her face, knowing that if she was chosen, she would make her district proud. She quickly washed herself with the cold water in her basin, then dried herself off and got dressed.
The dress she wore was one that her mother had worn on her brother's reaping 4 years ago. At that time, Isla was still too young to have her name in, being merely 10 years old. Her brother didn't make it out of those games, and her mother passed away months after the games, leaving her alone.
She didn't have any time to eat as she rushed to the town square where everyone was gathered for the reaping. As she got her finger pierced by the needle, her eyes wandered to the boys section, searching for her friend.
She caught his eye and smiled. He sent a smile right back as he stood in the 13 year old section. Isla was pushed towards the 14 year old section and broke off her gaze, walking over there, and clasping her hands in front of her tightly.
Soon enough, Lavender Averly, their escort, walked up to the microphone, a massive grin on her painted face and her clothes a bright purple. "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour!"
After the normal video showcasing the carnage caused by the rebels, and how the Capitol saved them, Lavender spoke up once more. "Ladies first!"
Her perfectly manicured hand groped around the bowl until she picked a paper and walked with it back to the microphone. She unfolded it and lifts it high. "Lily Crown!"
Isla recognised the name. She was a girl who had only done a year at the academy, considering this was her first year at the reaping. She didn't know her, but she refused to let her compete. "I volunteer!" Isla's voice reverberated through the crowd.
She stepped out of the crowd and stood in the middle walkway, her head held high. "I volunteer as tribute."
Peacekeepers made their way towards her and escorted her up to the stage, where Lavender helped her up. "Wonderful. What's your name, dear?"
"Isla Delmare."
"Lovely. Now, our male tribute." She walked over to the other side where the bowl for the male tributes stands, stuck her hand in and pulled out another paper. She came back to the microphone and read it out loud. "Damien Stone!"
Isla recognised the boy who steps up. Dark hair and blue eyes. Damien trained at the academy with her. He was a year older, and he was a master with spears. No one stepped up to volunteer, leaving the boy to walk up to the stage quietly.
Lavender smiled once more. "Our male and female tributes from District 4. Isla Delmare and Damien Stone!" She motioned for them to shake hands, and they did, before being escorted inside the Justice Building for goodbyes.
The room inside was one of the most beautiful Isla had ever seen. Rich carpets and soft couches that she ran her fingers over as she took a seat, waiting for the one person she had left to come in and say goodbye to her as she was sent off.
The door opened and Peacekeepers moved aside to let a bronze haired, tanned boy in. He launched himself into her arms, wrapping his own around her tightly. She ran her hand through his messy hair.
"I'll be back, you know."
He pulled away. "You promise?"
"I promise. I'll come back for you, Finnick."
They sat down, silent. There was nothing left to be said. They just enjoyed each other's company until the Peacekeepers came knocking on the door, signalling that it was time for Finnick to leave. One last hug and a promise once more, and he left, looking back at her one last time.
Then, she's escorted to the station in a car. A car. She'd never been in one before. They didn't have cars. The seats were soft, leather, comfy. But it was only temporary if she didn't win. They arrived at the station and got on the train.
Isla was left in a lavish room on the train, with plush couches and seats, chandeliers and a bar topped with all the spirits and wines she could ever imagine. She sat down on one of the couches and ran her fingers over the armrest, loving the feeling.
Damien walked in, noticing her right away. He walked over, a smile on his face. "I'm Damien."
They knew each other's name already, but this was nice. Introducing each other as though they were meeting at school, and not on a train on their way to a battle for their lives. "Isla."
He sat down beside her. "You're a Career, right? I've seen you at the academy."
"I am. I'm in your spear class. I just suck with spears." She shrugged.
"What are you good at?"
"Tridents. And I'm alright with knives."
"Seems we might have a District 4 victor this year."
"I hope so."
A knocking came from the door to the cart and they both looked over to see their mentor, Mags stood there. Isla stood and held her hand out to the older woman, helping her to the couch to sit between the two tributes.
"I'm Damien." Damien smiled at the woman.
"I'm Isla." The redhead did the same.
Mags' voice was hoarse and light as she spoke. "I'm your mentor, Mags. I know we haven't had victors in a very long time, but I will do my best to help you win."
"That's all we ask." Damien looked at Isla who nodded in agreement.
"First of all, you're Careers. Will you be joining the Career pack?"
"Probably." Isla replied, getting a sound of agreement from her partner. "Best to be in a group. At least until it comes down to a small number, then we separate."
"Good."