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H a i m ø n x S u l l i v a n
d i s t r i ¢ t x s e v e n

I hated the escort with true glory, and was glad to be driven away from him. I was not, however, glad to part ways with Hailey. The thought of fighting back against a peacekeeper made me shiver, so I followed instructions and went into a compartment with excellent furnishing and a horrid smell of flowers. I crossed my arms impatiently and stared daggers at the door when Elixa and Dwight entered. It was simple. We said our farewells. But it was not a goodbye. I was certain Hailey and I were to see our friends again.

We left the Justice Building and were led to the train station. Naturally, I joined hands with Mikky once more and that seemed to calm my nerves. Whenever I was uncomfortable or anxious, I would draw my foot behind me and hold it in my hand, or I would begin to flex my fingers. I would be doing those habitats a lot lately. I sat in awful scented couch with my left hand taken in Hailey's, and my right flexing my fingers. Our mentors sat across from us, one of them seeming displeased and the other desperate to calm the other. Randall and Coralie. I remember watching their names drawn at last year's reaping. I honestly had not expected their return, but I'm glad they did. Besides Mikky there the only ones I could stand.

And then, the escort walked in and began to speak.

I did not believe that my farewells to my mother and father, and even a couple of the Woodfield brothers would be so painful, but it was even worse going through it a second time. My mother was a complete wreck, and I hated having to leave her to compete in the games once more, but I needed to make sure my brother got out of this arena alive. Someone had to return home to our distraught family, and I'd already had my chance. If I had to die in order for Al to be victorious, then I would. Without hesitation.

Once the traumatic events of the farewells, we were led through a crowd of silent district seven citizens, and I respected their silence. Some looked at me with sorrow and sympathy, while others nodded in my direction. I had been one of their victors, and now, they might lose me. The two years had been some of the best days of my life, and I wouldn't trade it away for anything. Surviving the hunger games, and with Randall as well, was too much of a blessing to not appreciate in full. I had made a new family out of his own, and even though my nightmares of the arena still haunt me until this day, I'm thankful for every minute I'm given.

I knew that Randall was upset with me for going into the games, but I also knew that he'd understand. Still, to me, if I died in the arena, I think leaving Randall behind is the most painful to think about. It was even worse that he was now becoming my mentor, and I knew he'd have a difficult time dealing with it. I'd do what I could to make it easier for him, but I couldn't fool myself. It didn't matter what I did, this was one of the worst things I could do to him.

Upon going onto the train, I spotted Randall inside already. I turned to my brother, who was looking extremely pale, and gave him a quick hug before leading him over to sit with Randall. Al must be upset with me too. I know that he didn't want me going in with him if my name was called, but I just couldn't bare to see him fighting alone in an arena with countless tributes. I have yet to see the amount of tributes, and I prayed that the number of careers were low, or we would have a very difficult time.

The events that followed the reaping went by so quickly. Both my family and Randall's managed to come visit me and wish me luck. I know I cried a bit but other than that I can hardly remember what was said. All I know is that because I was reaped I'm bringing our families back through the events of a few years ago. It is hard to stay optimistic when I think about all the children that will be in the games.

When it was time to leave I dried my eyes and tried to look tough. I can't look weak for all of our sakes. Hopefully my sister and I will be favorites heading in because she is a victor and that might give us an edge. I don't want to ruin that for us. I see Coralie as I follow the peacekeepers to the train and I follow her up to the train. I'm really glad when we can get away from all the people and cameras. They were getting overwhelming on top of all this and I'm starting to feel a bit faint. My sister gives me a hug which I return and leads me over towards where Randall is sitting looking distressed. Hopefully he can keep it together on his own. I know Coralie and he leaned on each other each year.

I watched as the other family files in and sits down. The boy is staring at as no doubt thinking about how he resents our chances and I can't help but feel bad as I see the little girl crying. Here I am with the extra boost of my sister while they are on their own with little idea of what to do or how things are. I turn away and look out the window waiting for somebody to say something.

OutOfCharacter... There we go my first roleplay post in such a long time. Forgive me for any rustiness.