District Eight
Paisly Azure
A little bit of water comes into my worn work boots as I splash through a puddle on my way to the square from our little bakery in the main town of D8. Even though everyone gets dressed up for the reaping, I decided to show a little rebellion and wear my older, more worn in work boots, while all the other girls from town wear pretty flats that let the rain in easily. "Ha" I think to myself "Maybe a bit of rebellion is good. At least when it comes to the rain"
Just before I get in line to get my finger pricked, I meet up with my best friend Canzi Parker, who's the Mayor's daughter. We get in line without saying a word. Reaping Day has become more solemn this year, because last year her older sister Florence, was reaped and died in the games. As we near the front of the line her mom runs up and gives us an umbrella. "I'm going to stand under the awning with your father so behave girls! Or I'll make the peacekeepers take you two away." I doubt she actually has that power but me and Canzi laugh as the peacekeepers take our hands and prick our fingers.
We shuffle into the 15 year old section and all the town girls come to huddle under the umbrella and the 'movie' we watch every year starts. As the movie rolls to an end, our district guide steps up to the microphone. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen! Oh we're going to great fun this year! Well as always, ladies first!" Camomile Trill says as she reaches into the girls bowl of names and pulls out one crisp white piece of paper. "Canzi Parker!" The crowd takes a big gasp and you can see Canzi's mom fainted onstage. The peacekeepers make their way towards Canzi and I can't take it any more. "I volunteer as tribute!" I step out of the pen as Canzi reaches towards me and grabs at my hand. "No!" I don't look back at her as I walk up onstage with three peacekeepers trailing behind me.
"Well this is quite a day, isn't it?" Camomile says and then adding, "Now what's your name sweetie?" It kind of urks me how she calls me sweetie but I still answer her question because I really can't refuse, "Paisly Azure" "Let's not get too caught up in the excitement of the reaping, we still have to pull the male tribute!" Camomile adds, making everyone resume their glumness. She pulls another crisp white piece of paper and reads the name written on it. "Luke Jackson" The boy that is ushered out of the 16 year old pen is one that I know. He is the butchers son and my neighbour. He, Canzi, and I were best friends up until 4th grade, when he dropped out to help at his father's store.
"Ladies and Gentlemen; your tributes for district 8!" Camomile says as the peacekeepers rush us into the Justice building. They lead me to a small room with a couch and an armchair. After a minute my family comes in and we hug and say our goodbyes, as I promise to win. The next people that come in are Canzi and her family. You can tell they've been crying. Canzi's dad tells me he will sponsor me in the games. Me and Canzi hug until the peacekeepers tear us apart but before they shut the door, Canzi yells back, "Win! For Florence!"