Life is precious...I intend to keep mine.

The train ride wasn’t special. She didn’t want to leave Four, she didn’t want to leave the district she loved, or watch her family fade into tiny black dots on the horizon. Frankly, she just didn’t want to talk to anybody.

River stared out of the window, watching as the palm trees of Four suddenly dissapeared, the colour blending into those a silver tunnel. She felt a mixture of emotions, most of them ones she hadn’t experienced before. “Rinah, darling.” Xania purred out, putting her hand on River’s shoulder, false nails unintentionally digging into his shoulder. “Put a smile on that fresh little face of yours before we get to the Capitol, you’re a career, you’re supposed to be excited!” She didn’t know what it was about that, but it made her snap.

Excited? That was almost funny. “My name… Is River. And I’m not excited! Why the hell would I be excited? So excited because I get to eat your food, and wear your fancy clothes before I go off to die, before I kill the one person I care about! Is everyone in this place oblivious?” She breathed out, hands shaking besides her. Xania didn’t react in the way expected, however. She simply watched River, before a twisted smirk of sorts appeared on her lips.

"You have five minutes." The peacekeepers voice cut into the icy silence of the room, though it wasn’t harsh, simply void of emotion. She wondered what he thought of all this. She nodded, muttering a soft "Thanks…" As he left. It was only a few seconds later when the door opened again, light flooding into the dim room. Two figures walked in, one daintier and smaller than the other. Her mother and father. "Oh darling…" Before she even had time to respond, comforting arms were wrapped around her shoulders. “It’s okay Dad, it’s fine- don’t get upset.” She replied, looking up with a watery smile. “We don’t have long… I’m sorry, I’m sorry if I don’t come home-“ “River.” Her mother interjected, pushing her hands through her own blonde hair. “Don’t give up hope yet.” Her voice was softer than she’d ever heard it, sad even. It made her regret not putting in an effort with the relationship in a sense. “I don’t care who’s gone in with you, you have to fight.” Back to her more serious self she looked at her daughter with stern eyes. “Please.”

River nodded. “I promise I’ll fight.” She blinked, a single tear rolling down her cheek. That was all she could promise to do. “Don’t let Maya see any of the games… A-and I mean that, don’t let her see anything, at least not until she’s grown up.” She bit down on her lip, a pained sigh escaping her lips. “Times up.” Her father kissed her forehead, muttering a weak. “I love you.” As the peace keeper returned, flexing his white gloved hands, clearly preparing for a dramatic exit. And boy, was he right. “NO! I’m not leaving!” Her mother darted forwards, though the peacekeeper got hold of her arms. “Please, that’s my baby. She’s going to die!” She coughed out, struggling against the grip. Her mother was escorted out, strangled shout slowly becoming more and more distant.

"Be brave." Her fathers clear blue eyes pleaded with her and she nodded, watching as he slowly turned to walk out, head hung low. "G-good bye!" She called out, though the peacekeeper nearest to the door had already slammed it shut. It echoed around the room, until it died out… Leaving nothing but silence. Suffocating silence. She leaned back against the door with a cold expression, back sliding down it until she was crouched down on the floor, listening. To the silence, to the echoes of past goodbyes… How many of them had been for the last time?

She woke up to her mother walking in, pulling open the curtains and allowing the light to flood through. They’d never had a particularly close relationship, it was her mother’s idea for her to spend time at the training centre, to practise at any opportunity available… “You never know, you might want to volunteer one day.” She’d told her, before sending her off into the daunting building. The words them-self had created a rift between them. “Big day today, River. Make sure you look presentable.” The words echoed in the air, and when there wasn’t a response, her mother made sure to walk over and pull the pillow from under River’s head. “Okay! I’m up, I.am.up.” She replied, lifting her hands up in defence. Her expression dropped when she released exactly what the big day was… The reaping. She hated it, watching people run at the opportunity to be killed, all because they ought they were being brave, honourable… When really, it was just the murder of twenty three children. Slaughter. Her mother gave a slight tut, before walking out, leaving her daughter to it. River pulled on a simple, pale blue dress, twisting her hair up into a ponytail and pushing a small pin that caught the light into it, once ready, she went into Maya’s room, almost falling over when her little sister ran into her legs. “Where are you going, Wiv?” She asked with curious eyes. Her heart plummeted into her chest, how was she supposed to tell her five year old sister about where their country did? She couldn’t. “Oh… I’m just going to go to the beach, my little mermaid, I might be a while though, so don’t wait up, love you.” She tapped her on the nose, getting a small giggle in return, before leaving the room. She was just about to leave for the justice building, when she felt a strong, reassuring hand on her shoulders. “Leaving with out saying goodbye?” Her dad chuckled, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes. He put his free hand on her other shoulder. “I know I say this every year love, but don’t volunteer, you don’t need to… No money or fame is worth that.” She gave a slight bow of her head, kissing his cheek. “I’ll see you later, okay?” She told him, before leaving the house and walking to the square.

River woke up, the hazy sun falling through the gap in her curtains, casting it’s path across her face. She sat up, stretching her arms in front, her eyes widening when she noticed a tiny form pressed into her side. Maya, her little sister had once again managed to sneak into her room and fallen asleep there. “May… Wake up…” She muttered with a chuckle, laughing even more when the little girl’s face stretched into a guilty expression. “Don’t try and think of any excuses, I caught you!” She tapped her nose, shaking her head at the little girls giggles. “C’mon, time for school…’ She muttered softly, ushering her out of the room.

River hated school, the learning she loved, there was so much to know, so much to find out. It was incredible. But the people… Well they were a different case entirely. People were overrated. Being from District Four, appearance was a huge deal, it seemed as though the whole school was in a running competition with each other, comparing who could be the most realistic Capitol clone…

She pulled on some clothes, running a brush through her hair before leaving the house, taking the long way to the school. She’d taken that way as long as she could remember, it meant she could pass the ocean, watching the morning shimmer dancing across the waves, sometimes she’d even see the fishermen making their nets before the headed out to sea. River envied them, not having to speak to anybody, just being alone with the sea’s spray and their thoughts. As she neared the school, she passed the justice hall, noting the construction of the stage had been started, in preparation for the reaping. An uneasy feeling settled into the pit of her stomach as she noted the Capitol seal printed everywhere, who would it be this year? She hoped it was nobody she knew, all,though she wasn’t too close with many people, she wouldn’t wish the games on anybody… It was wrong.

She pushed such thoughts out of her mind as she entered the building, holding her books to her chest and darting through the crowds. ‘Only six hours and you can go home…’ She thought, with a slight smile, it only growing when she spotted a familiar mop of hair, surrounded by people as ever. At least there was Creston to get her through the day.