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.