Janiel lay in her bed, sobbing. She had not allowed the others to see her visible fear. She kept struggling to breathe, counting the erratic beats of her heart as she tried to calm her mind. The practices with trainers had seemed like a quasi dream, especially since the last one had understood her dilemma and had taught her how to hide effectively. She had lounged around while others had sweated through their shirts. Many times the others had passed within inches of her and never noticed her presence. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She probably wouldn't have time to even find a place to hide once the real Games began.<br/><br/>Tonight while the stylists were fitting her uniform was when the utter reality of the Games had set in and she almost died on the spot. Literally, died. Her breath had frozen in her lungs and her heart pounded so hard she thought her ears would burst and then it just didn't. That was when she had begun to see the swirly black spots in front of her eyes.<br/><br/>No one would be back home to care or to cry. Janiel snuffled. Which was worse? Causing pain to no one or having no one to cause pain? Philosophers agreed that everyone  dies alone and she was going to be no exception. Her life would count for something because no other girl from her district would have to die this year. She wondered if anybody was thankful for that?<br/><br/>At a knock from the door, Janiel lay still in the bed, hoping that whoever it was would think she was sleeping and leave her in peace.<br/><br/>"Janiel?" It was Day Z.<br/><br/>"Hmmmm," Janiel answered in what she thought was a sleepy voice.<br/><br/>Day Z came and sat on the edge of the bed.<br/><br/>"I'm sorry about the Games. I have become fond of you and wish you the best. May the odds be ever in your favor. If there is anything I can do....." Day Z whispered, brushing back the girl's thin hair.<br/><br/>"There is." Janiel said and whispered her request.<br/><br/>Day Z listening quietly, then took the girl's hand, patting it softly.<br/><br/>"I will. I swear it on Effie's best pink wig." she vowed. "As you have said."