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.