District 6 Reapings!

Auralee didn't like to hate things, but she hated the Reapings. She hated the Hunger Games as a whole. She didn't understand how anyone, even the Capitol, could put other human beings in that position, nor how the tributes managed to kill each other, and she dreaded being thrown into them herself one day. Auralee wasn't sure whether to be optimistic or try emotionally preparing herself for the possibility of being reaped. Just two more years, right? she recited. You only have to hold out for two more years. Three, if you count Melody's last one. Aurie didn't even want to think about what would happen if her sister were put in the games. She stared up at the escort with wide eyes, watching her unfold the paper like it was nothing. Then she announced the name, and Auralee froze. If she was the type of person who cursed, this would have been a rather opportune time for it. She forced her legs to trudge up to the stage, keeping her head down lest she meet someone's eye. Auralee knew one was supposed to act strong during the walk up to the stage, but she couldn't keep her hands from shaking. She faked a weak smile at the escort and the crowd and dug her nails into her palm behind her back. Soon she was shaking hands with the male tribute and saying goodbye to her father and crying sister and then she was being ushered off to the train - it all just felt like a blur. As terrifying as the lack of lucidity her blur gave her, Auralee was more terrified of what would happen when it sharpened again.