The first thing I did when I rushed out of Walmart was squirt sanitizer onto my hands. That place was filled to the brim with germs and snot. Especially that awful spring season, everyone around me was getting sick.

My hands were drenched with hand sanitizer, and the smell burned my nose. I wiped them hard on my favorite ripped skinny jeans. Several plastic bags full of clothes and food were hanging on my arms loosely. I decided to walk to Walmart for two reasons: it was only a block away and the weather felt nice. Usually it was so cold it the was literally turning people into popsicles, but that night it was warmer.

My wine colored hair flew with the wind and kissed my face. I felt like a movie star for a second, like for those Caress body wash commercials. Then my hair started getting in my mouth. Lovely. I guessed that the moment was over. So I stopped and pulled my scarlet colored hair up into a messy bun and zipped up my sweater.

I arrived at a stoplight and I waited for the crosswalk sign to show the white man. I placed my hand into the plastic bag and opened the box of Power Crunch bars. Walmart was the only place with the mint flavored ones, and I absolutely loved that kind. I would eat five boxes of those in a week if I was allowed to. My brother tried to make sure that I didn't get sick, though.

My phone buzzed in my bag. Speaking of him. I grabbed my perfect iPhone 5-with the best case ever-and pressed the green button.

"'Ello?" I said and tried to put on my best British accent.

"Kat, I know it's you," a voice sighed. Fail, I grinned.

"Kat? Sorry, there's no Kat here. You have the wrong number, please don't call again."

"Oh come on, sis, your accent is horrible. I just wanted to tell you that I'm going to be home late."

"Wow. Love you too, Caden!"

"Whatever you say, Queen of England."

Caden worked as an employee at a busy amusement park a couple miles away. As a worker, I mean, he worked hard. He loved working at the shops. It gave him the money he wanted and plenty of hours. After we moved out of our parent's house, he worked harder than ever.

We moved into a spacious two bed and bath house, which was paid off in less than a year, thanks to our grandparents who sent us a huge college fund. Perks of having rich grandparents, right? We both paid half the cost using that money. We couldn't stand living with our parents fighting all the time, even after they divorced. Dad would call, and Mom would snatch the phone and scream vicious things into the receiver. I felt bad for Dad. Caden was turning eighteen then, I was fourteen, so technically he was old enough to take care of me. We took a run for it when we got the chance. I was currently a junior at Riverdale High School, and even though Caden couldn't go to college, he was happy with his job. Our lives were coming back together, and we kept building from there.

"That's fine," I kicked a rock that was on the sidewalk and hopped over the cracks. "Will you be able to be back before six?"

"Probably seven, sorry." Caden answered. "Here, just keep my dinner in the microwave. Don't wait for me."

"Are you trying to get away from me?" I teased. "You seem to be doing overtime a lot."

"It's nothing. Look, I have to go. Love you, bye," he hung up before I could say anything else. I chuckled and slipped my phone into my pocket. I grabbed another mint bar and started pigging out on it. It was either a curse or a gift that I could eat so much, you would be surprised at how many people I've amazed by my talent.

Then I saw it, the silhouette across the street. The figure looked like a man, a tall man, at least six-four. He was staring right at me. I felt uneasy under the unknown glimpse. I grew impatient as the scarce cars flew by. It was weird to see the New York streets so empty. I mean, sure, maybe the man wasn't looking at me. Or at least not directly at me. There was something about the way he was positioned that gave me the creeps, though. Once I was allowed to cross, I practically flew to the other side of the road, dropping a crunch bar and going back for it. I mean, no food left behind. Plus, I wanted to get away from the man as fast as I could and hide under my warm covers and sleep.

I took a turn, and the air grew colder. Ice tingled down my back, giving me the hint that something was watching me. I know that sounds pretty cheesy, but it's true. I could've sworn that there was something following me. So...I turned around.

I had jumped on the bad decision train. And it's too late to get out.

The man I had seen at the crosswalk was standing there. My heart rammed against my chest. Okay, so maybe he was looking at me. Or it was a coincidence. Yeah, coincidences are when creepy stalkers so happen to be casually walking across the street looking at you. I wished that I could duct tape my conscience's mouth shut.

I twisted and turned through streets as I attempted to get away from the mysterious person. It felt like hours that I was just turning, my head facing my feet. I probably looked like a dork, but I was too focused on getting away. When I swore I lost him, I placed my hands on my knees to catch my breath. I really needed to go to the gym or start running again.

Once I caught my breath, I checked to see if the coast was clear. There he was, standing casually, all creepy and stalkerish in the corner. The dude wouldn't take a break. Sweat trickled down my temple and my chin. My house sounded great. In desperation, I tucked the box of Power Crunch bars under my arm and broke out into a run.

"Wait!" a voice called behind me. My blood turned cold. I started running faster. I saw him running after me from the corner of my eye. He was nearly at my heels. Golly he was fast.

I realized that I had no idea where I was. I tried to look at streets to see if I recognized any of them, but I couldn't remember how to get home. Great! So I tried the thing my brother taught me if I ever was being kidnapped. I screamed, "Help, help! Fire! I have food!" Not even that last part stirred a soul.

My mind was almost exploding with confusion and worry. Maybe that's what he wanted, a brain stew. It would give him the smarts to stop following me.

"I have a boyfriend!" I lied, trying to see if that would make him go away. He acted like he didn't hear me. I decided to save my breath. Talking was obviously not helping me.

The sound of footsteps behind me quickened with my heartrate. I glanced at a street sign lit up by a lamp post, my street. My heart fluttered with excitement. Talk about luck. I took a sharp right into some hedges. Slowly, but silently, I crawled through the thin branches, concealed by the leaves. Thank God my neighbors didn't tend to their shrubbery.

I slipped through my yard, peaking behind me. Okay, when someone is chasing me it's usually a dumb idea to look behind me. My mind was full of curiosity, though. I held my breath as I examined the streets. The man was on the sidewalk, staring confused. Please just leave me alone and go, I pleaded silently. I'm a good person. I pray every night, I obey the bible, I help the homeless, I try not to make too many people angry. Okay the last two weren't true, but please just let him leave me alone.

On cue, the man jogged away. I didn't realize that I was holding my breath until I let it out slowly. I waited a couple seconds to see that he was truly gone before running for it. My door was only a couple feet away. It wouldn't take too long to run inside and call the cops.

The dead grass crunched under my boots as I sprinted to the door. I wasn't much of a runner, but if it meant my life I was going to run as if the devil was after me. Which he probably would be one day, you never know.

I jumped over the steps and hopped onto the porch, turning the knob. It wouldn't budge. Great. I forgot that I locked it.

"Shoot," I muttered as I searched for the keys. "Where are they? Please not right now." I checked all of my pockets, slapping my butt as I searched my back pockets. I finally slipped them out of my bag and cringed at the sound of metal touching metal. I twisted it clockwise, before turning it the other way. I did it multiple times until the knob finally gave in.

Before I could rush inside, a hand wrapped around my wrist. A surprised scream emerged from my mouth as another hand wrapped around my waist. The other hand released my wrist and clamped around my mouth, muffling my cries. I tried to squeeze out of his grip. He lifted me off of the ground, carrying me to what I could see to be a van. My eyes widened, and I started to struggle more.

"Don't be alarmed, I'm part of the government," a low masculine voice whispered in my ear. The word government made me kick, even though all I was hitting was air. "Struggling will only make it worse."

I finally gave up, closing my eyes. I held in the urge to bite his hand as he let my feet touch the floor. He still kept his hand over my mouth and another around my body to keep me from running. I rolled my eyes. It wasn't like I was going anywhere. If I did manage to get out of his death grip, he would probably find a way to catch me again. And remember, he does know where you live now, I reminded myself. I cursed under my breath. One tip if you're getting chased by someone: never lead them to your home.

Another man was waiting next to the black van. The vehicle and men seemed to camouflage in the dark night. The other guy opened the back door. The man that still was grabbing me shoved me inside, crawling in too. When his hands released me, and I nearly fell over. The guy sealed the doors closed. An engine purred under us as the van started to move.

A light flicked on. I blinked, trying to regain my vision. Once it was back to normal, I could see three men. They all had nice black suits on, not a single wrinkle or a piece of dog hair. They had an army shave, their eyes shaded behind sunglasses. It took all of my control to stop myself from cracking a smile. They looked like the secret agents from the movies.

"My name is Jeffrey Simmons," one of them with a squared jaw and broad shoulders said. His voice matched his whole body, strong. "The government asked us to retrieve you."

"Y-you got the wrong person," I stammered. "I haven't done anything wrong, I swear."

"You are Katherine Parsons, am I correct?" Jeffrey asked. I didn't reply. I just sat there as they stared at me under their shades. I shivered. I pulled my leather jacket tighter around me.

I sighed. "Can you at least tell me why I'm here?"

"You were chosen to represent New York," one of the guys with dark skin replied. My blood turned cold.

"You mean-"

"Yes, you will be playing in The Gamemaster's Course as New York's tribute," he said flatly. There was no emotion in his voice. No pity, no sorrow, nothing. Fear pricked my skin. I started to feel dizzy.

"No, please," I cried. The room continued to spin. "I can't be! What about my family, my friends?"

"They will be safe and watching you going through the obstacles," the third one said. Because that's totally reassuring. My brother gets to watch me die, hurray. The third dude had a strong jawline, high cheekbones and fair skin. If his brown hair was longer, he might've looked cute. I ignored the thought. I couldn't let my girly side take over. Not at such a dramatic moment.

My heart rate grew faster. How was I chosen? I asked myself. I never entered my name. I imagined my brother behind the screen watching in horror as I slipped on an obstacle, falling to my death. I didn't have any training for The Game Master's Course, I would most likely get killed.

How could you train, though?

Okay God, I will start feeding the darn homeless if you help me out of this mess, I prayed. How could my brother live without me? Could he possibly live with it? And what about Stace? I bit my lip. I had to get out of there. I turned my head to the double doors. It was the only way out.

I kicked Jeffrey. The impact made him topple backwards, falling onto the one with dark skin. I assumed that he was African American. The other one tried to grab me, and I barely slipped away from his grasp. Soon the other two were standing up. It was three to one. It didn't seem like a fair fight, but what other option did I have? My karate lessons were going to have to kick in right then.

I popped one of them right in the nose, a satisfying crunch filling my ears. He yelped, blood slowly dripping down his face. He wiped it away. I could see the hateful eyes under the sunglasses. I continued to dodge and attack as they slowly came after me.

I had to admit, I wasn't doing too bad. I couldn't remember the details, but I can give you a good picture. One of the guys was lying flat on his back, groaning in pain as he held his stomach. I swore that he was going to hurl. My muscles were aching, my hair sticking to my back from sweat.

I took the opportunity to run to the double doors. I turned the knobs, making the doors swing open. I yelped as I saw the road rush under me. My heartbeat quickened. There was no way that I could make the jump. I bit my lip and turned around. All three were standing up, ready to grab me. I bent my knees as I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the fall.

Before I could jump, one of the guys grabbed my wrist and twisted it behind my back. I let out a scream as a rag was shoved under my nose. the strong scent of chloroform stung my nose, causing tears to well in my eyes. I tried to pry it away, but the strong hand only pushed it harder.

My eyelids started to grow heavy and my muscles relaxed as I was swallowed into darkness.