A Different Sort of Day (Open)

Sam’s morning had started to way it had for most of her
life. Just the ordinary tasks of making breakfast and a packed lunch for her
Pop and older brother, followed by a few chores around the house, before
sitting herself down in front of the family’s dinged up, old mirror to put her
hair into her signature two braid look. After that it was off to school. She
was still only 12 years old and wouldn’t be much help with any physical labour,
so school was how she filled her time. <o:p></o:p>

Sam skipped down the street joining other kids on their way
to school. She waved at her neighbour’s mothers as they pushed her friends out
the door for school. By the time they had all made it to school they piled
right into the schoolhouse. It had been a cold night and the frost in the air
had chilled their fingertips. As the settled down onto the old wooden benches
their teacher called them all to attention and began the day’s lessons.<o:p></o:p>

As much as Sam wanted to be getting perfect marks her
daydream always seemed to get in the way. Her teacher’s drone was the perfect
backdrop to her fantasy’s. Her dreams of living a fancy life in the capitol, of
marrying a victor and living in the victor’s village with their five perfect
kids. Just the daydreams of some poor district seven girl who would probably
spend in day working in some paper factory. Her day dream that day had taken
her to a future with fancy ballgowns and little appetizer served on delicate
napkins. The math lesson that was also happening at the same time took no precedent
over the little crab cake that she was being served in her mind. It wasn’t until
she heard her name being called that she snapped back to reality.<o:p></o:p>

“Sam. Sam!” the voice said in an excited whisper.<o:p></o:p>

Sam peered cautiously over her shoulder to see who wanted
her attention, but as to not get notice by her teacher still droning on about
division at the chalkboard.<o:p></o:p>