“Ladies first of course”

Effie reached into the rounded glass bowl, swirling her hands gently scraping the contents. Her hand hovered for a second and plunged straight inside pulling out a small folded piece of torn parchment. She unfolded it and read

“Sadie Ackhurst!”

What how could it be me. Out of the 565 people who stood crowded in the town square I had been chosen. How is this possible? I started to breathe heavily my heart rate inconsistent and hasty. My feet seemed frozen to the spot. Everyone turned to look at me and parted like the Red Sea. I allowed one more shaky breath to escape my system and let my body lead me towards my death.

I took deathly slow, suspenseful steps towards the stage. Effie stood there, glamorous as always, an almost too friendly smile engraved on her face. It felt like two washing pegs were holding it in place. Her gloved hands reached out towards me, beckoning me towards her. I took it and shakily stepped up each step to join her.

“And now for the boys”

Effie squeaked in excitement and plunged her hand once more into a second glass bowl. She took another piece of parchment, unfolded it slowly and screeched

“Oliver Archer!”

The crowd parted once more, some cheering excitedly as they had escaped death once again. A tall handsome boy was revealed. He excluded an effortless charm, captivating all who beheld him. He stood as a testament to symmetrical perfection, a sculpture carved by the hands of divinity itself. A pair of deep soulful eyes, glistening like pools of amber, peering out from a pair of thick expressive eyebrows. They possessed an undeniable magnetism. His hair fell either in a cascade of curls or fell in meticulous layers. Whether dark and tousled, catching the light in a playful dance, or golden and sun-kissed, they were perfect.

“Join us up here Oliver!” Cried Effie

Oliver strolled towards the stage and took his place next to me.

“Now here’s the exciting bit! This year is a quarter quell. I have been asked to ask each of you to name a non-lethal object which you shall be able to take into the games! Sadie first please”

I opened my mouth, but words failed me. I closed it again in embarrassment, thinking hard. And then it hit me

“A yo-yo” I whispered into the microphone.

The cloud erupted into laughter, jeering, smirking, giggling. I let my head hang facing the floor to avoid embarrassment and hide my hit red cheeks.

“I honestly think that is quite smart” said Ollie, offering a little smile in my direction

“Imagine the limitless opportunities” he continued

“Okay enough chit chatter, time for you Oli”

“Hmmm he said” thoughtfully, “I choose a compass”

A sensible suggestion I thought.

(Sadie went on to win the games. She used the yo yo in many different ways. As a weapon, a support whilst sleeping, a distraction. She felt very grieved by the death of Oli, they fell in love during the Games and he had sacrificed his life taking an arrow for her. RIP. ) (💋 ✌️)