Participant

Today was the day my life would change. Today everything I know will change. Today is the beginning of a new start for my family. Today is the day that every 15 year old like myself both looks forward to and dreads. On this day, marks the beginning of the contest of which decides your fate and your family’s fate.

I was dressed in the typical Entrance Ceremony Garb that every girl coming today would be wearing. It was made of white silk that, at the bottom, faded to a starry black. The top was fitted and had a set of inch-wide straps that clung to my shoulders. The bottom ended at my knees and let the stark white flats show against my tanned skin. A simple silver belt rested on my hips and matched with the silver cuffs on my wrist. My chocolate brown hair was pulled back into a braid that ended at my ribs.

I turned to my uncle who had tears in his eyes. I walked over to him and put my hand on his shoulder. I questioned

“Uncle Jester what is it?”

He wiped the tears away with the back of his arm and answered with “It’s nothing Octavia. I’m just so proud, I hope that you’ll be the first in our family to succeed.”

He put his hand on my cheek and I held it in my hand and closed my eyes. They were the same color as his and my Father’s, an unnerving bright green with gold around the edges. I whispered

“I promise that I’ll make you proud, and our family.”

He took his hand away and whispered back “I know you will. Now come on, the escorts will be here soon. You’re going with your friends like you asked. I’ll be watching all of the events.”

I smiled and walked through the house for the last time in five days or maybe even more if I succeed in becoming chosen. Out of the estimated 250 teenagers attending only the top 75 will be chosen. I had to do my best and better in these contests to prove my worth. When I reached the entrance of the house I noticed the escort Limo had arrived outside. I hugged my uncle goodbye and walked to the Limo with my chin high.

I wouldn’t let these damned gang members scare me. I wouldn’t be afraid, i couldn’t afford to. I got into the limo and held my stone face as i gazed at my friends. Their faces held the expression as mine, bored and emotionless. Once the door closed my face broke into a smile and I hugged my friends. We’ve known each other since our first day at school. I was a loner until i saw a group of High-class snobs bullying them, from then on we were thick as thieves.

I didn’t have any other friends besides them because no one ever made an effort. Mostly because of how no one in my family has made it into the top 75. Saige and Keith were middle-class and Alyssa was High-class. Luckily we were all the same age and lived near the same region. We’ve done everything together from studying to competing. Hell, we’ve even gotten in trouble together.

Like I said before, Saige and Alyssa were wearing the same outfit as i was but their hairstyles were different. Alyssa had her usually black curly, shoulder length hair straightened and her outfit stood out against her dark skin. Saige’s red hair was put into a bun on top of her head with her angled bangs covering her left eye. No makeup could be seen on any of us

Unlike us, Keith was wearing a simple White blazer with pants and a black button up. His shoes were just a pair of white loafers. His messy blonde hair was combed over to one side and made him look like a gentlemen. The thought alone nearly sent me into a fit of laughter. Saige looked at me shocked and cried out

“And here I was believing that you would go for the boy’s outfit!”

I laughed and replied “Trust me, i wanted to. But my uncle said it would make a bad first impression. And what about you Saige? I thought you hated black and white?”

She leaned back into her seat and groaned out “I do, oh gods I hate these colors. I wanted to dump paint on it so bad!”

Alyssa chuckled and added “ We all know you do Saige. Hell, I’d rather be in my parents shop than be in this gown.”

Keith gasped and questioned “Who are you? What have you done with our Alyssa? She hates her parents shop more than anything in the world.”

Saige chimed in with “Along with competing for anything.”

Keith facepalmed and groaned “You’re right. How could i be so dumb!”

I rolled my eyes and chimed in with “Keith, you’re so stupid! But anyway what do you think we’ll do at the first challenge? It changes every year.”

Everyone shrugged and i rolled my eyes. Of course, they don’t want to talk about the contest until the time comes. I mean it does cause a lot of stress and panic. Some of the contests will be individual, others will be done in groups. And these five days can make or break your future. I’m going to have to face friends, enemies, and people i don’t even know. I closed my eyes before leaning back in my seat, waiting for the limo to stop, telling me that we arrived at the capitol. The place where my future might lead me.