The Justice Building

[Aria]

THE HALL OF JUSTICE

Peacekeepers lead the new District 5 tributes into their own designated rooms in the Justice Building. Their feet march in unison and open the double doors to the lonely room for the girl, Ariella Reese. They let in her first visitor and announce, "You have three minutes."

The other Peacekeepers lead the new male tribute to another room, announcing the exact same. "You have three minutes." They shut the double doors boorishly and wait outside, counting down the seconds for the next visitor.

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[Ariella Reese]

I gulped as the Peacekeepers marched me into a room with red velvet couches and chair. Although it was light and airy, I felt my lungs closing in; I felt like I was suffocating. Suddenly, the door opened, and my mom and Annabeth were let in. They Peacekeepers told them that they had three minutes, and then I was bombarded with hugs.

"Ariella, you can't go!" Annabeth cried, burying her face into the crook of my neck. I rubbed her back soothingly, tears now streaming down my face.

"It'll be alright. I'll come out of there alive. Don't you worry," I murmured. I could feel our mother watching us, so I opened my other arm and pulled her close.

"Can you please try and win?" my mom asked me as they both pulled away. I nodded. For a moment there, there was nothing to say for any of us.

"I love you both." I whispered. Then, I knew my three minutes with my family were up.