Maybe he shouldn鈥檛 have been surprised when his name was called that day. He knew that his name must鈥檝e been in the drawing at least a hundred times. No, what he was most shocked about was your name being called.
He had known you when you were both stupid kids. You had always been the sweet and energetic kid that everyone would gravitate to. He had admired the way that you could light up a room just by walking in. He decidedly did not share that gift.
He figures that it was a good thing now. The Capital eats up every one of your smiles and stupid jokes. He was starting to hope that you might win this thing, even if it meant him not.
The first few days of the game were long. He spent them alone and on edge. No sleep, barely any eating. Yet he thought about you almost all the time.
Sometimes wondering when he might run into you again in this godforsaken game. Sometimes holding his breath as he watches the names of the fallen play on the sky. Not yet. You鈥檙e still alive.