The Reapings

The District 5 escort, Stevia Slixx, steps up on stage and smiles with blindingly white teeth. She starts speaking in a strained, harsh-sounding voice, "Welcome everyone to the Reapings! Today one young man and woman will be chosen to participate in the 30th Annual Hunger Games!" She steps up to the big bowls containing the names of every child in the district, from 12 to 18. Her hands hover above the bowls for a second, as if deciding something. "Now then, Ladies first!" she says, and reaches into the bowl filled with girls names...

 

 

---District 5---Male---17---

Another year, another name. Another name, another game. Another game, another goodbye. Another victor, another hi. I remember my dad would say that to me before the reapings, he always secretly hoped it would be me. That was the last thing he told me before the Capitol killed him. Now it's my mother's worst nightmare to have me get picked, after how close I was last year. As I walk with my mom and sister, I look around at all the people around us. The atmosphere is so dark and cold, it's almost sickening.  My sister, who is only 13, is deathly afraid of the reapings. Last year hearing my name was a scarring experience for her, and if it was vice versa, I would have felt the same way. Having her be reaped would probably be my absolute worst nightmare. 

I spot Rhea walking with Roe out of the corner of my eye, so I turn my head towards her. I give her a small wave and a grim smile. This time she decided to show, I guess that means she's recovering. I turn back to where we are standing, by the sign in desk. I take all the things that the Capitol requires we hand in, and I set it on the table in front of the sign in man. "Hand." He says in his stupid accent. I crack up a bit, the accents are so simply stupid and ridiculous that it's hard not to. My mom gives me a death glare, and my sister smiles gleefully. As long as she's smiling, there's nothing I'm doing wrong. "Excuse me sir, but this is no laughing matter." I become serious again. "Right." I give the man my hand, and he pricks it for a spot of blood. Then I step through the table area and wait for Jenna. "Alright you know the deal. Don't worry, you'll be fine I promise. In just a few minutes we'll be home eating lunch." I say to my sister with a smile. Once she is in her spot, I head the the male side and take my place. I look next to me, that is where Henry was last year, we were chatting away. He could've still been here. It would just be that I'd be the absent one. I silently wait for the names.

"Ladies first." I sigh, it's no different than every other year. The attendant Goes to the giant glass ball on the girl's side and dives her arm into the bowl. Finally after what seems like an hour of moving her hand around, she takes a slip. "Solstice Vernon!" I freeze, I know her. I rub my head, it seems like I am friends with everyone who's picked. At least your mushy girlfriend can't be picked. "Shut up." I growl. That's when I hear a girl shout. "I volunteer." She takes Solstice's spot on the stage. I silently thank her in my head, I can't bear to know another person in the games. Let alone have them die.  "Now for the boys." The attendant lady goes to the glass bowl on the boy side, and takes a slip. I pray, that it won't be somebody I know. "Roe Glass!" My heart drops. Him I know even better than Solstice. After I hear Rhea scream, I shout too. "That's not fair! That's not..." I am cut off by a boy saying something. "I volunteer as tribute!" I watch as a boy makes his way to the stage, taking Roe's place. I am so thankful for this boy. "Thank you.." I whisper even though he can't hear me. Even though I know I should feel relieved I wasn't picked, I'm not. Because from here on out, I have no control over what happens to the district five tributes this year.