Chapter One: The Reaping
I wake up to the chirping of the robins. It's a beautiful summer day, which is ironic because today is the day of my first reaping. I wish the weather would match everybody's mood- glum, and frightened.
Despite the fact that today, a boy and girl would be sentenced to their death, we still have to work in the fields, and learn the history of the stinking Capitol. I force myself out of my bed, slip on my shirt, button up my pants, and French braid my hair down my back. I will be late for school if I wait any longer.
I run down the dirt path, and meet up with my big brother, Conroy, on the school grounds. What I'm dreading the most is the thought that the glass balls will draw both of our names. I couldn't stand that.
"Con, what if both of our names are drawn?" I ask him. I see him gulp, as if he's trying to be brave for his little sister.
"I- I don't know." He says. Poor Con. I remember our other brothers and sisters. For the last five years, one of them was killed inthe games.
During school, I take in each and every moment, and hope that time would slow down. After school gets out, Conroy and I run to tend to the orchard of trees that seem to be carefree. It seems so peaceful here, and I wish that I never have to leave the sweet smell of the earth, and the soft dirt inbetween my toes. Itfeels that as soon as I get there, I have to leave.
I zip up my emerald green dress, and follow my mother to town square, and sit where all of the twelve year old girls sit. I feel the tension in the crowd. I only have one slip with my name on it, what are the chances of being drawn?
After what seemed like forever, our Capitol person, Grey Moore, gave her speech, and gives the little catchphrase "May the odds be ever in your favor." in that high Capitol accent. I swear they just talk like that to annoy people.
"Ladies first." Grey Moore mutters.
"The Girl tribute from district twelve is, Jessica Tunnel." Grey Moore says into the microphone. Out of thousands of names called, it was my best friend? I have the urge to volunteer.
"Any volunteers?" Asks Grey.
"I volunteer." I say boldly. If anyone were to be chosen, there might as well be some excitment. There are gasps from the crowd. The last volunteer was my sister, who was the first to die.
"Ah, and what is your name?" She asks.
"My name is Petunia Deerty." I say, trying to keep the fear from my voice.
"I see it runs in the family, any way, the boy tribute is, Monty Denber." Grey muses. Ah! I'm up against my mortal enemy. Ooh, wait 'till I get my hands on him!
The Peace Keepers lead my enemy and I to two seperate rooms, filled with satin furniture, and a soft carpet. I can tell that it's supposed to make me comfortable, but it doesn't. I'm homesick, and I'm about to be sentenced to death in a week, give or take a few days.
Out of nowhere, the door opens. It's my family! Conory, Mom, Dad, and my baby brother, Gad.
"You'll win, right?" Gad asks me with his big green eyes. I feel the need to tell him yes, but it'd break his heart if I told him that I would, and I didn't come home. Actually, it would break his heart anyway. Oh well, here goes nothing.
"I'll come back, I promise." Almost as soon as I say that, the Peace Keeper tells us that times up, and it's time to say good bye.
"I love you guys, and I won't go down without a fight." I say as my family is shoved out the door.
Next comes Jessica's family.
"Petunia! Why did you do that? I'm really scared that I won't see you again!" Jessica says.
"It was to save you. If you pass out at the sight of blood, you have no chance in the games." I answer, holding back tears. Appearently,Jessica's family was only given five minutes because he shoved them out before I could even say good bye.
Five minutes later, I'm brought to a train and shown to a whole train car that is supposed to be like my living quarters. As soon as I get in my room, I'm awed at the bed, and suddenly realize how tired I am. Without even taking off my shoes, I get on the bed andfall asleep.