4 CHAPTER 4

Kayla's POV

We sat in silence while we waited for dinner to be served. I would take a few glances towards each one of the guys but quickly look back down if they saw me. I'm sure all of our minds were racing with thoughts. I know mine was. Another 5 minutes went by before the waiters came out with our food on big silver trays. Even the food was extraordinary.

I knew for a fact none of us were used to this type of living. None of the families were poor but we weren't rich either. My mother and father worked one job each and I did little things around town for a little extra money. All four of us ate in silence. I mean what could we possibly have to say to each other "nice to meet you, it's unfortunate that I have to try and kill you in a week '' that would make things awkward. Dinner lasted about 30 minutes. It was getting late so we all decided to go back to our rooms for the night. Once I made it up the stairs I grabbed my pajamas and change into them so I was comfy.

I noticed that my throat was a little dry so I made my way downstairs to get a glass of water. I found the kitchen and got a water bottle out of the fridge. I was walking back through the living room towards the stairs. I stop in my tracks when I see something move out of the corner of my eye. When I turned I realized it was Josh. He was sitting on the couch by himself just staring off into space. I walked towards Josh till I was close enough to touch his shoulder. I guess I spooked him when I touched his shoulder.

Me: I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you.

Josh: No it's okay I just thought everyone else was already asleep.

Me: I would be asleep but my throat was a little dry so I needed some water. Would you mind if I stayed down with you?

Josh: Of course not. I would love the company of a beautiful lady.

So I sat down on the chair opposite of Josh and we started to chat about our favorite things and our families. I soon realized that Josh was an extremely sweet guy. I found out that he has two younger sisters at home with his mother. I wondered what had happened to his father but it didn't take long for him to tell me.

Josh: I can tell that you have a hatred for this whole situation. I can share that feeling with you. My father was picked when I was only 10 years old. Sadly he was the second one to get killed. Him and my mother were paired together so they were still able to pick him for the tradition.

I felt a tear run down my face. I told Josh I was so sorry for his loss. I felt him hold my hand and tell me not to cry. I couldn't help but feel bad for him though. I couldn't imagine losing one of my parents at 10 years old. I told him about my younger brother at home with my mother and father. I felt a little more connected with Josh because we shared the hatred of this whole thing. I wish none of this had to go through this but for as long as I can remember this has been a tradition. I could tell that Josh was tired but there was so much on his mind that he couldn't sleep. I listened as he told me sweet memories of his younger sisters. Apparently they were twins. It seems like he feels better about this whole thing when he talks about them so I just continued to listen. I smiled every time he smiled. I was kind of glad that his happiness was contagious though. The more I listened to his voice the sleepier I got. Before long I felt myself slowly fall asleep on the chair.

JOSH'S POV

I looked over towards Kayla to see her asleep peacefully on the chair. I let her stay there for about 10 more minutes until I decided that it was really late and that chair can't be comfortable. I walked towards Kayla before picking her up and making my way up to her room. Every couple of steps she would make a noise indicating that she didn't like being moved. I chuckled quietly at her cuteness. Before long I made it to her room, took her to the bed, and placed her down. I quickly covered Kayla with the blankets before exiting her room and shutting the door. Looking at my watch I soon realized that it was already 10pm . As quickly and quietly as possible I made my way to my room. When I first saw my room I couldn't believe how expensive it looked. My family would never be able to afford a room like this. Of course the royal family could. I have never seen anyone as cruel as they are. I will never understand how watching people die for your own entertainment can be in someone's nature. I decided it was time to stop thinking and go to sleep. I figured we will have to be up early tomorrow. I just couldn't get her beautiful face out of my mind. I laid in bed just thinking about the upcoming days. I really hope I win, for my sisters sake. I don't know what they would do without me. Every second that went by I could feel my eyes getting heavier and heavier. Before I knew it, I was out like a light.