The Reaping of District 11 from Rue's Mother's perspective. I hope you all enjoy! This one was written by Kelsey.
My fingers fumble as I carefully braid back my daughter's thick, dark chocolate hair. I try to keep my hands steady as I cross each strand of hair over one another. If I can't remain strong, then I surely cannot expect her to. Oh Rue, how nervous she was yesterday when her name was listed on the poster in the town square. Only 1/4th of the district's children are on the list and need to be present for the reaping. I told her not to worry, of course, because even with only 1/4th of the eligible kids, the number of names in the bowl was still greater then in some of the smaller districts. However, I remember the fear that came each year clearly. Scanning the list and feeling relieved one year and terrified the next. I was only on the list twice when I was in the age range, once when I was 14 and once when I was 17. I can't imagine how Rue is feeling, being called to the reaping her first year.
The feelings I had when I was a child were nothing compared to the fears I have now that my eldest daughter is eligible. If she were to be reaped, I know it would be my fault. Maybe if I had worked harder, found some way to make extra money, she wouldn't have had to sign up for the tessera. I would do anything for my children and the thought of not being able to come to their aid is much more frightening then the chance of my name being selected was.
I hold Rue's hand all the way into town and she holds the hand of my eldest son, Sage, who is keeping the youngest 4 in line. I place a kiss on her forehead before she walks bravely into the 12-year-old section, her pigtails lacking their usual bounce. I steer my other children over to the spectator section and offer sad smiles to the other parents. We wait, not daring to make a noise as the ceremony begins.
And then I hear Sage's gasp and feel the woman next to me put a sympathetic hand on my shoulder. I'm unsure what is happening until I see the crowd separating for my daughter as she approaches the stage. Shock envelopes me as Rue takes the long walk towards the District escort. As I watch her receding figure, I can see her life flash before my eyes. The first time I held her, her second birthday when she feel asleep while opening her only present, her first day of school, teaching Sage to tie his shoes, and finally hearing her sweet song flowing through the wind at sunset everyday. My heart foolishly hopes for a volunteer, but I know that no one will come to her aid, this isn't District 2. I have no control over this, I can only stand by and watch as she is kidnapped and put through hell for the Capitol's entertainment.
In the justice building I try to remain hopeful and she does as well, for her sibling's sake. But in her eyes I can see helplessness, which as a mother, is the worst thing to be seen in my child's eyes. The peacekeepers have to pry us apart, as I hold onto her in what is sure to be our last hug. I tell her I love her and after the door is closed between up, separating us forever, I hear her whistle once more.
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