[center][color=crimson][h2]Ember Wave[/h2][/color][/center]

The voice echoed through her head as she made her way up the stage, Ash on her side. "[b]Ember Wave[/b]" She had been lucky with the past three Choosings, but this one.... it just had to be this one. She knew her brother was watching from Sector Six with his new wife. What would he think? 

She swung Ash up into her arms, holding her tightly against her side. No one would part the two because they don't know what the protocol is. No Leviathan with a child has ever been chosen before. Of course, no one has had a child before the Choosing age before... She took a deep breath and kissed the top of Ash's head, her lips trembling with fear. She looked out over the crowd. How many of them would hope she would die? How many of them actually wanted her to live and win? She stared down at Ash. She knew of at least one...

When Jonas made his speech about being their champion, Ember stayed silent toward the back. She knew he loved the Battle. Everyone knew. He would always hope that his name would get drawn and he would be able to go in and win. She kept Ash close by as the Councilman approached her as the Jonas headed toward the train. 

"This has... never happened before, I believe," the Councilman murmured to Ember. The poor man looked weary and worried, as if he had been stressing this entire time. Ember nodded carefully, not speaking as he continued his explanation. "I have just talked with my Superiors. They are harsh, but they are not heartless. They are willing to let Ashley--

"[color=crimson]Her name is Ash. Just Ash.[/color]" These were the first words she had spoken since they had called her name. 

The Councilman nodded, smiling at her stiffly. "--Ash stay with you until you entire the Arena, then she will be sent to Sector Six with your brother. He will become her guardian if anything... happens to you." Ember stared at the ground as Ash looked at the Councilman. Ash was a shy child and did not talk much, but she did understand that there was something important going on. She clung to her mother's shoulders tightly, watching the Councilman with big eyes. 

"[color=crimson]Thank you,[/color]" Ember murmured, her voice and lips trembling with sorrow and her eyes become red with unshed tears. The Councilman dipped his head to her and turned to walk away, but paused for a brief moment, turning to look back at her. 

"I had two children in this drawing today," he said. "I cannot understand the pain that you are going through, but I understand a mother's need to protect her child at any cost." Ember just stared at the ground, not looking at him. The Councilman sighed and walked away. A policeman walked over, but he didn't grab her arm. Instead, he politely touched her shoulder and gestured for her to walk forward. Ember shuffled forward numbly, heading in the direction of the train. Ash clung to her mother, her blond strands falling in front of her face. 

"[color=turquoise]Where are we going, Momma?[/color]" Ash asked quietly, after they were out of earshot from most of the people. 

Ember stared up at the train. This beautiful, silver bullet train was going to take her to the place where she would train for her death. No. She couldn't think like that. She had to at least try to win. She had to try to win for Ash and for her brother. Her brother survived, so why couldn't she? "[color=crimson]We're going away, Ash. We're going away.[/color]