Like an animal, being held up for stock. That's how Jayden felt. Trapped, in this group of 17 year olds that he barely knew. There was slight chatter throughout the town square, but as soon as the brightly coloured woman appeared, a sudden hush spread out through the town. People gazed up at the stage, peacekeepers lining each and every side, just waiting for further instructions.
As the iridescent woman stares out into the crowd, she makes her introduction. Jayden barely hears it, though. All he can think about is who's next. Who's next to face their fate? To face their death?
And as he thought this, it's as if the woman had read his mind, as she was already drawing out the names.
A small piece of paper appears in her hand, and now Jayden's attention is transferred to this woman. This woman that could change his life.. and end it. All his senses were going on overload. He could hear the thump of each frantic heartbeat that rang out around him. Could hear people trying to control their breathing, though it doesn't work. He could smell the fear and desperation in the air.
Suddenly, the woman utters two soft syllables, and a small young girl is drawn from the crowd. She doesn't kick, or scream, though you can see the terror on her face as she's carried onto the stage. A pang of sympathy, that's all Jayden feels.
Until his own name is called out next.
April was bewildered. Shocked to the point where she just couldn't speak, or register this woman's words. Even if it were her own name.
She.. had been picked? But.. that couldn't be! Out of all those names in the large glass ball.. hers was the one that was drawn? Tears threaten to slip from her eyes, twinkling blue orbs of fear and sadness. Though she tried to keep a straight face, it only made her worse.
She didn't struggle against the peacekeepers as the dragged her to the stage, forcing her to stand there and look out over the town square. Different faces stared, a mixture of emotion on each one. Fear, sadness, sympathy, relief, dread, indifference. It was so much to take in. All she could do at that moment was to keep herself from collapsing.
But at the sound of the boy's name, her head jerkily twisted to stare at a young man being shoved out of the 17's group. Unlike she had done, he was kicking and screaming. Shouting profanities at the peacekeepers, to let him go, to leave him be. April felt sorrow for this young man, though her case was much worse.
As he's flung up onto the stage, he staggers towards April, his nostrils flaring and his hazel eyes full of fury.. and fear.
Extending her hand, she gave Jayden a small, reassuring smile. Though it was weak. Her fingers just brushed his palm as her hand extended, and his warm, steady hand clutched hers. They exchanged a few words of sorrow to each other, though very quietly, then turned towards their home. Their district.
April could feel a tear slip from her eye, and slide down her cheek as the capitol woman announced a few other words, though April could barely hear them.
She was going to die.
((Sorry for the long post ^^))