I sat under the gazebo, watching the bees take pollen from the flowers, enjoying the breeze. I sighed and shut my book. The Scarlet Letter would have to wait. Today was the day of The Reaping for the 65th Hunger Games.
"Well, you look lovely."my mother said as I came inside. She was still applying her makeup. Everyone says I'm an exact copy of her, with my blue eyes and dark brown hair. But, we're different, personality wise. She was from the Capitol and acted very prim and proper. I was more nature oriented, enjoying the fabulous garden we have. Besides, she really wasn't my real mother. She was my step mother. But, father made sure that she looked like my real mother.
"Stand up straight. You're the Mayor's Daughter for Christ sakes."she said, fixing the ruffles on my dress. I sighed. She alway did this.
"Dear, doesn't she have any brighter color dresses? Gray washes out her hair."stepmother said, tying my hair back. She was trying to be gentle but it still hurt. I pulled away from her and gave her a dirty look. I always resented the woman.
"I'm afraid not honey. She has to represent the district so it's either gray or white."father said, coming down the stairs. I smiled when I saw him in his white suit. He always looked professional, calm, cool, and collected. He had the same blue eyes as mine but light blonde hair. He smiled.
"You look lovely as ever."he said. I smiled and went to hug him but stepmother interviened. I sighed. While she went to finish her makeup, I hugged my father.
"The Pearl of District 6."he said, twirling me around. The grey was very plain but also very pretty, with a flowered neckline and hem. I giggled and he had to stop me from falling over. I wasn't very good at walking in heels.
"So, my pearl, how The Scarlet Letter coming? Just as exciting as I told you?"he asked, pouring himself a glass of water.
"I guess. It's very hard to read with the Old English. Is there a more modern version?"I asked. He laughed.
"Methinks this book will be a challenge for you."he said. I laughed and the bell sounded in the distant. We fell silent and a sullen feeling fell over the district. It was time.
I sat in my chair on stage between my stepmother and father. I was eligible to get Reaped but it was tradition to sit with them. Father insisted. I sighed as Valora Williford stepped up to the mic. She was the escort for District 6 and was very opposite of the Capitol. She has been known to cry at almost every Reaping and is very down to earth. Despite this, she still wears the Capitol's gaudy clothes, trying to outdo stepmother. It was always a friendly competition that Valora always wins.
"Welcome to the Reaping of the 65th Hunger Games."she said with a smile, although her eyes told a different story, looking out at the mothers that held their children for possibly the last time.
"As all of you know, two tributes must be chosen, one male, one female. People say it's an honor. Well, I don't believe it is."she said. A Peacekeeper stomped his feet and she stopped and smiled.
"Now, let us select the two tributes that will have the honor of representing District 6. Ladies first."she said, slowing walking over to the bowl. The crowd was silent. She reached her hand inside and picked one from the top. She opened it as she walked back to the mic. She sighed.
"This years female tribute is Briar Edenthaw."she called out. A mother cried as her baby, a mere twelve years old, was taken from her. The little girl fought back, kicking and screaming. Everyone in the crowd was crying. Anger boiled up and I stood up.
"I have had enough! I volunteer!"I scream. The crowd gasp and my father pulls on me to sit down. Valora looked back at me, shocked but gestured for me to step forward. I stood beside her, watching Briar run back to her mother. I smile as she mouths a "Thank you."
"This years female tribute, in a surprise turn of events, is Ms. Olivia Lockhart, the Pearl of District 6."Valora calls out. I wave and I get applause, although, from the back, I see the mother giving me the respect sign, kissing three fingers and holding it up in the air.
"This years male tribute is Titus Hayes."Valora announces when the applause dies down. I knew Titus before I became homeschool. But, he's grown up so much. He had black curly locks and deep brown eyes. And, he was very muscular. I remember in 3rd grade that he was bragging about carrying baggage up to 50 pounds. He was a baggage handler, earning money for his mom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this years tributes, Olivia Lockhart and Titus Hayes."Valora said, putting our hands together and raising them up in victory. We get applause and the crowd dissipates. Now, for the hard part. Facing my father.
"Olivia, are you crazy?! You can't compete in the games! We'll lose our pearl!"stepmother yelled at me as I took down my hair. I ignored her yelling at me.
"Euphoria, leave her alone. Can you please leave?"father asked gently. She huffs and stomps her way out the door. Father sighs and wraps his protective arms around me.
"Why Olivia?"he asked after a few silent seconds.
"She was so young, so innocent. I couldn't let her go in there."I said, tears coming to my eyes. He shushs me, trying to keep me calm. He holds me at arms length and wipes the tears from my eyes. He laughs.
"You really are a pearl."he says. I broke down.