THE HUNGER GAMES
The Reaping
I awaken with a start, not ready for the big day ahead, needing more sleep, needing a proper breakfast, but that's all a little far away. My hands shake as my little brothers eyes snap open in a way only a starving child's could.
"Its time to get up buddy" I whisper. We put on some new clothes and make our way down to the main square, no time to stop at Carter's. We have too bigger day ahead.
We step into the line of terrified young children getting ready to register for the Hunger Games. I step up and they ask for my name.
"Jonah Fields" I answer. The prick sends a shudder through my body as I wait in the crowd of 17 year old boys.
Effie Trinket trots onto the stage, this year in a shocking blue dress.
"Welcome, welcome, and may the odds be ever in your favour." Effie calls out over enthusiastically.
"As always, ladies first," She says as she walks over to the first glass bowl. She picks out a slip and slowly unfolds it, reading out the name.
"CARTER HENDERSON"
My heart drops as I see my best friend grabbed harshly by the shoulders, she pulls out of their grip and makes her way up onto the stage. She bites her lip as tears begin to form in her eyes. Now I realise, no one is safe, not even the the Mayor's daughter.
"And now... for the boys" she calls, making her way to the second glass bowl and grabbing another slip. She clears her throat and reads out the name.
"JONAH FIELDS"
My biggest and worst nightmare had just came true. Me, and my best friend reaped for the same Games. I push my way through the crowd, trying to hold back my tears but failing. Suddenly I hear my brother, Jordan's voice calling my name.
"Jonah, Jonah NO!"
"it'll be alright" I mutter as I take my place on the stage next to Carter.
"there you have it" Effie cheers, "our tributes from district 8".
The peacekeepers lead me into a prison-like room. Tributes have tried to escape before, but that couldn't be further from my thoughts. I sit down as sobs escape me like a flowing river. Suddenly I hear the door creak open and I try to wipe my tears away so that I look brave for Jordans sake. Jordan rushes through the door and cries into my chest. My mum walks through the door, her cheeks moist as she hands me a camoflauge watch. It looks really expensive and its not like we have lots of money.
"thank you" I say.
"it has a compass on it", mum says.
"you can win it Jonah, you can, you know how to hunt and your smart, and fast. You can do it just promise me you will try" Jordan whispers.
"I will, I promise" i say. Then the door opens,
"I love you" they both say.
"I love you too"I call and the door closes behind them.