Chapter 1:The Reaping
I put my hair into a rough braid. I didn't really care about my appearance today. Looks won't keep me out of the Games. I grab my bag, containing only a few items, and rush out of my house to the ocean, where I meet my best friend, Kurt Odair. His older brother, Finnick, had been in the games. Years ago. He knew the consequences. "Hey," he playfully says. I smile at him. "Hey." Only he could make me feel better today. "Today's Reaping Day," I say, stating the obvious. He remains silent. After a few moments, I break the awkwardness. "You'll never get picked," I whisper to him. "Not after Finnick won." I don't succeed in lifting his spirits that much, but he just murmurs, "Neither will you."
We both know that can't be guaranteed. As the clock strikes 11, I say goodbye to Kurt and proceed to my house. The dress I picked out is still laying on my bed. Settle, ocean blue, with an emerald ribbon belt tied in a bow. Simple, yet gorgeous. I re-do my braid and put on my shoes. My father has woken up. "You look beautiful, sweetheart." I smile. "Thanks, dad," I say, "We better head to the square.
The town square directly overlooks the ocean, set up with two giant screens and decorations galore for the occasion. And then, not a minute past noon, the capitol lady, Aritla Loitus, walks up to the podium and taps on the microphone. "Happy Hunger Games!" She squeals, "And may the odds be EVER in your favor!" I roll my eyes at her cheesy accent. "Let's start with the gentlemen!" In District 4, the boys are always chosen first. I don't recognize the boy who is chosen. Around my age, I'd say. But my heart pounds when she says, "Now for the ladies!" And as if in slow motion, her hand reaches into the ball. "You won't get picked, you won't get picked," I whisper to myself. She pulls the paper out, the same generic smile still on her face.
"Samantha Criss!"
I'm on the verge of collapse. I see Kurt barely, looking at me. He looks too stunned for words. I give him one look of absolute fear and the Peacekeepers lay hands on me. "Let-me-go!" I choke out. They obey and I walk hastily in front of them. I stand on the stage, blurry faces looking up at me.
Let the 76th Annual Hunger Games begin.