As A Team {The Darlings}

I'm no longer living in the safety of my home back in District Eleven. Now, I'm in a place that would be far-stretched to be considered safe or home. The Capitol may claim that they're taking care of us before they send us into the arena to fight in the Hunger Games, killing each other ruthlessly, but, in all reality, they're basically treating us like pigs being raised for slaughter. We're well aware that all but one of us will be dead by the end of this, so that certainly doesn't help us see them in any bit of a better light. I suppose, though, if I must choose one thing that I do appreciate that the Capitol has given us in our time there, it would be the delicious, never-ending variety of foods to try.

When I entered the dining hall as I had on each prior day, I was looking forward to see what I'd find waiting for me. I feel as if that's the only thing that I'd ever look forward to in my life ever again, as the Games weren't something I was anticipating in a positive way, and they very well may be the end of my life forever. As I got a tray for myself and gathered a few different items of food that I'd be consuming, I then proceeded to try to find a table to sit at. Surprisingly, the dining hall was quite full at that point in time, so it was hard to find anywhere that I actually felt comfortable sitting. That's why I gravitated where I did.

There was a young, red-haired girl that I recognized as Florence Spark from District Three who was sitting at a table by herself, and I'd made the decision that I'd join her. I placed my tray down on the table so that I could sit in the seat across from her and gave a smile, as well as a friendly greeting. This girl looked so frail, yet she didn't seem nearly as scared as one may think that she should be with what was quickly inching closer.

"Hey, you're Florence Spark, right?" I asked her kindly. "I'm Ping. Ping Lanhua, that is." It was a strange feeling, using my last name when introducing myself, as it was such a new addition to my life. I gave her a gentle smile when I spoke to her. It took a moment for me to think of what to say next, before it hit me all of a sudden.

"Hey, you know what?" I said to her. "I just thought of something. Don't you think we'd be better as a team? You know, like, allies? We could help each other out."

I was well aware that she may not be the strongest person I could have chosen as an ally, but for some reason, right then, I felt as if I trusted her.