The Reaping
I prepare mentally myself, taking a deep breath at the same time. The day has come, yet again. I stand on the stage, still and unmoving, refusing to show any emotion. It's been several years since I won the Hunger Games, but the Reaping still disturbs me, even though I'm not in any danger.
I glance out at the crowd, scanning the sea of nervous young faces, and older ones worried for their loved ones. It will be my job to try to bring them home alive. I haven't succeeded yet.
The Mayor takes the stage, and begins to read the history of Panem. I don't pay attention, it never changes. I don't have to worry about the list of Victors. I'm the only one on it anyway.
He introduces the Escort for our District, I don't remember her name. She's of average height; her hair dyed a deep shade of blue, and her eyes surrounded by silver gems. To me, it looks ridiculous. To the Capitol Citizens, it's the height of fashion. It's not the same person who took me to the Capitol. She gives her speech. I doubt she means much of it. No one wants Twelve. She just wants to move up to a higher, better, more interesting District.
Now the moment I've been dreading. I sit up slowly, and watch with disgust as she reaches into the glass ball filled with the girl's names. She pulls one out, reads it, and I watch as a shaking girl mounts the stage. She can't be more than thirteen, maybe even twelve. She stands there, and after the escort asks for volunteers, I swear you could hear a pin drop. There is no one willing, or able, to take her place. I glance over to the section filled with relatives, and can see a woman crying, and a man standing there in shock. This must be her family. I look away rapidly.
When the male is called, he stands there next to her. Again, there are no volunteers. I look back at the relatives and see no one showing any emotion. Does no one care about him?
The Treaty of Treason is read, and as soon as the anthem plays, the newest tributes are led away to the Justice Building. I can see the girl crying now. My heart goes out to her, but I can't do anything yet. My best bet to keep both of them alive will be in the arena. And I haven't had much luck with doing that yet. For me, the hardest part of the games is still to come.