What Happens In The Arena...

I froze on the spot when my name was announced over the microphone. The people around me just stared sympathetically and tried to hide their whispers. Jerking out of my gaze, I stepped forward and the masses of other children parted, leaving a clear path leading towards the group of Peacekeepers, searching for me in the crowd. “Avalon. Avalon?” the voice over the speakers boomed. I moved robotically towards the clearing and a Peacekeeper grasped both my arms, leading me towards the podium. Anything after that, I do not remember.

I waited in the room for my parents to come and say goodbye. I felt, nothing. Nothing at all. The door swung open and a Peacekeeper stuck his head in. “5 minutes only,” he stated and ushered my mother and father into the room, closing the door behind them. My father hung at the doorway, letting my mother scramble over to me, crying hysterically. “Avalon, Avalon my child,” she sobbed and I held her tight. “Mum, it’s ok. Mum please,” I pleaded and patted her back awkwardly. Still I felt nothing, no overwhelming feeling of despair. Perhaps I was still in the denial phase? I frowned and grasped my mother’s shoulders, steadying her face towards mine. “Don’t cry anymore, Mum,” I whispered softly. I kissed her cheek and nodded to my father. He stepped towards her and gently pulled her away. I looked up at him and held my arms out to say goodbye but stopped as I saw him fumble for something in his pocket. I should have known the moment he stepped in the room, the stench of whiskey was strong enough. I looked down at the floor, realising at that moment that this was my escape. In the form of something unconventional, but an escape nonetheless. Assisted suicide? I smiled grimly at the idea. The doors opened once again and the Peacekeeper walked in. “Time’s up, move out please,” he ordered and motioned to the doorway. My mother broke down into tears again and I couldn’t help my feel a little sorry for her. My father waved and said “Good luck, kiddo,” before leaving the room behind her. I nodded and turned away. The time had finally come.