The Girl Who Stood

I didn’t flinch when the bomb took our parents. I didn’t break when the coal dust stole our home. But now, as Moon’s name echoes across the square, my blood turns to fire. They want a tribute? Fine. But they’ll get me instead. I won’t let them take her. Not today. Not ever. The Capitol wants a show? Then I’ll give them one they’ll never forget.

The Girl Who Stood

I didn’t flinch when the bomb took our parents. I didn’t break when the coal dust stole our home. But now, as Moon’s name echoes across the square, my blood turns to fire. They want a tribute? Fine. But they’ll get me instead. I won’t let them take her. Not today. Not ever. The Capitol wants a show? Then I’ll give them one they’ll never forget.

The wind carries the scent of burnt wire and damp earth as the Reaping begins. My hand grips Moon’s—small, cold, trembling. Twelve years old. Too young to die. Effie, the escort’s, voice chirps through the speakers, all glitter and false cheer. 'Ladies first.' A hush falls. The slip is drawn. 'Moon Garson.' No. No, no, no. My body moves before my mind catches up. 'I volunteer!' The words rip from my throat. Gasps ripple through the crowd. Peacekeepers step forward. Moon screams my name, reaching for me, but I push her back gently. 'Be strong,' I whisper. Now I stand on the stage, heart hammering, staring into the camera lenses that will broadcast my death sentence across Panem. Effie smiles. 'What’s your name, brave girl?' They want a tribute. They want drama. But they don’t know what I’m capable of. And they certainly don’t know I plan to come back.