I do not own Hunger games. I only own the plot of this story and my OCs.
~Reaping~
I sighed lightly as I fought to drag myself from the world of dreams and back to the land of the living. A gentle smile tugged at my lips as I felt his arms try to hug me closer to him. I rolled my eyes as I heard him mutter something about coffee.
"I have to go. It's reaping today." I spoke softly before I eased out of his arms and walked quietly into the bathroom to grab my clothes. I smiled at the memory of last night as I slipped on my denim pants and large green shirt, before grabbing my shoes and walking down to the kitchen. I hummed lightly to myself as I worked on getting the coffee pot started, adding a bit of honey to the bottom of a cup to kill some of the bitterness, before I walked out into the chill morning air. I loved walking through the dirty street this early in the morning, when people were just waking up and the streets were quiet. You could almost see the beauty in this run down district when it was quiet like this. I breathed in the scent of woods and coal dust as I walked past rows of shacks, searching for the one that I'd called home for five years. I stared up at the small house I shared with a woman named Helena. Taking in the dull red paint and creaky front porch. I smiled lightly when I saw the curtain move; no doubt she had been waiting on me.
"You're home early." The familiar voice of Helena spoke as she exited the kitchen with a knowing look on her face. I fought down the blush as I took off my boots and set them by the door.
"Did you stay up all night?" I asked as I walked over and hugged her tightly. She wrinkled her nose at me before laughing.
"As if. I need my beauty sleep and I long ago gave up on you spending most of your nights here." She laughed before she walked into the kitchen.
"There's hot water waiting for you in the bathroom. Best wash up before reaping." She called as the sound of pots being set on the stove sounded. I smiled as I began stripping as I walked back towards the bathroom.
"No worries. I doubt they'll pick you." I told my reflection as I washed the smell of last night from my skin, replacing it with the scent of lavender and mint. As I was painting my lips with a soft red paint that Helena kept in the top drawer of dresser, I could make out the soft patter of feet rushing down the hall.
"Una?" I heard the small voice of my adopted sister, Melody, call as she peaked her head around the doorway to my room. I smiled as I watched her eyes grow wide before she rushed into my room and tackled me.
"Where were you last night?" She asked as she clung to my neck. I sighed lightly as I smoothed down her soft golden curls.
"I was at a friends house. Did you miss me?" I laughed lightly as she pulled back and fixed me with large grey eyes.
"Of course! I was worried that you wouldn't be here to walk with me to my first reaping." She spoke softly. My heart ached as I held her close, praying to whoever was listening that her name wouldn't be drawn. I would do anything it took to keep her safe.
"I wouldn't miss walking with you for anything in the world. Now go get ready." I finished before I kissed her cheeks and sent her off.
"I'll never let them have you." I whispered before I turned to finish getting ready.
