our voices reach | elijah & ruth | penpals

[dovey]

Dear Elijah,

Hi, I’m Ruth. I’m excited to be your pen pal. I’ve never talked to someone from another district before, so this is pretty cool. I kind of have to hurry with writing this right now, though, so I’m sorry if it ends up being short. I have to go somewhere in half an hour.

I saw in your facts about yourself that you like to write stories. I think that’s really cool. I wish I was creative like that. Maybe I could read one of your stories sometime? You could send one to me in a letter. Only if you want to, though. Do you like to read as well as write? I really like to read. But I put that in my facts, so I guess you already know. What kinds of things do you write about in your stories?

What is it like in District Three? I know you guys are really smart and good at math and mechanics and stuff. At least that’s what’s on TV. I guess when they talk about One on TV they always show lots of jewels and expensive stuff and people like the Le Roux family, and that stuff doesn’t have much to do with me at all. So I guess it might be the same way with you and Three. Anyway, yeah, what is Three like? Is it a nice place to live? What is your family like? You said in your facts about yourself that your older brother is awesome. What’s his name? I kind of wish my sisters thought I was awesome. Maybe Tommie thinks so sometimes. She’s only seven, though, so it doesn’t really count. She’s my babiest sister. She actually doesn’t act like as much of a baby as some of the others do, though. One t Sorry, I wasn’t thinking right and I was going to tell a mean story. I shouldn’t talk like that about my sisters. They’re just kids.

What do you want to talk about? Maybe you could tell me about a story you’re writing. But only if you want to. I don’t want to pressure you. Or we could talk about what our districts are like. Or maybe about the Games. I’m kind of really into the analysis and stuff. Not the stats, I mean, but more the human angle. It’s great how easy they make it to stay up to date with the story, even if you're really busy. Like showing the recaps during school lunch. Do they show those at your school too? Are you excited for the 89th?

We could also talk about books or something, or whatever you want to talk about. I guess really I just want to get to know you, since we’re friends now. Friends through the mail anyway.

Crap, I’m late. I have to go. Write back soon, okay?

Your friend,
Ruth