The Hunger Games fanfic-POV Clove District 2
"Thwack!" My knife wedges itself deep into the target with ease.
"You're definitely improving, but I think you could try approaching from different angles."
My mother chooses from my collection of knifes and demonstrates how to attack from the sides.
Here in District 2 we train Peacekeepers and manufacture weapons. Most people here grow up with a warrior mindset and can handle some sort of weapon: a spear, a mace, a knife, anything harmful really.
Both of my parents work in the knife factory, so naturally they taught me how to use them. Well, more like Mom taught me since the only times I see my father are at dinnertime, sometimes not even then.
He tends to avoid home as much as possible so that he can avoid the disappointment he finds there. I was the first, being the eldest child and a girl. Next came Monica. Then when Mother finally delivered him a boy, we found out that Daniel wasn't quite right in the head. Something about a lack of oxygen at birth?
Anyways, he wanders the streets and meadows alone, mumbling to himself. The other children avoid him, having been told by their mothers that what he has is contagious. My father can't force himself to look any of us in the eye.
An announcement brings me out of my own thoughts and informs us that it is time to start lining up for the reaping.
"I'll go find Daniel." Says my mother. I know that she is as disgusted as I am that the Capital insists on putting his name in the Reaping Jar. He wouldn't last a second in the arena! Not to mention he only just turned twelve!
I'm fuming over this the entire time I'm lining up, so it's only when I look around and see everyone in nice clothes and their hair up, that I realize that I'm still in my training outfit, covered in grime. Whoops.
The girl next to me keeps shooting me dirty looks.
"What's your problem?" I ask defensibly.
"Couldn't be bothered to have a bath before you came? You smell like you've been wrestling with pigs."
I'm about to tackle this girl when I hear a name start to recycle through the crowd.
MY name. As I make my way up to the stage the girls around me give me looks of pity, but mostly they're just relieved that they're safe. For one more year at least.
My knees stop buckling as my fear dissolves. This could be my chance to show my Father that I am not worthless!
The crowd cheers as I climb u onto the stage, and shake hands with our mayor. As I turn to our victor and shake his hand, I see in his eyes the killer he had to become to win. To stay alive. I know that this is what I must do as well, show no mercy and savor every kill.
I will come back. I will win.