The Reaping – (Part One)
My nightmares are full of many things, but the one thing that is consistent is seeing my little brother Danior reaped.
"Get Up," My mother calls "Danior has filled a bath for you and remember to scrub yourself…" My mother was always like this on reaping day. You could hear the fear in her voice; I can understand what she's going through. Just another reason I'll never have kids. I climb out of bed and find Danior staring at his reflection in the mirror.
"You look so handsome," I say smiling. I turn him to face me. "Danior, stop it. The chances of you getting picked is tiny, I won't let anyone hurt you… I promise" "I know." He says flatly. I pull him into a hug, the smell of soap and shampoo is obvious. I kiss his forehead and walk out of the room to our bathroom.
I do my usual cleaning routine, washing my hair and bathing myself. When I'm out of the bath, I see my mother has laid out a blue dress for me, it's beautiful, with lace at the top and bottom and it contrasts my green eyes perfectly.
I put on the dress and stare into the mirror, in front of me stands a small, black haired, green eyed girl, I may be small, but I keep fit by swimming each day.
The luxuries of district 4 are endless.
After I've eaten breakfast I give my mother a hug and take my brothers hand, it's time to go to the reaping now and I can't help but feeling nervous and sick, but not for me, but for him.
If anything happened to him… It's unthinkable. 'Nothing will happen' I reassure myself. We walk down to the centre of the town, it's a large area, and to my surprise it's almost full of children. Before we line up we must get a bit of blood taken, I know my brother hates blood, so I pull him aside and turn to face him. "They're going to take some blood now, it doesn't hurt much, trust me, it's like a tiny pin prick. After they take your blood, I want you to go stand with the rest of the 12 year olds, you'll be fine, I promise." He nods but I can see the worry in his eyes. It almost pains me. I pull him into a hug and get into line. "Next!" The peacekeeper says gesturing to me, I walk forward, not even feeling the pinch. I turn behind me and see Danior right behind me, I smile at him as I walk towards the big group of kids clustered in the town.
I turn to face the stage where a lady dressed in a orange fluro dress steps forward. "WELCOME AND HAPPY HUNGER GAMES" Booms the voice of a woman caked in make-up "Let's get straight into things shall we? We'll do the boys first!" Whispers and mumbles come from the crowd. A piercing light shines into my eyes and I feel dizzy. She walks toward to big bowls one for the boys and one for the girls. She reaches in and pulls out a name. Holding it very still.
"Danior Aurelius."
Everything is in slow motion, I turn to the crowd, someone puts there hand on my shoulder as if to say ' I'm sorry.' I shrug them off, I search the crowd looking for his face and find him, walking towards the stage. "No…" I whisper. "NO" This time louder.
Danior turns, surprised. Someone grabs me, knowing I'll try to run to him. Danior continues to walk to the stage, the woman in orange gesturing for him to come forward. He's now on stage and I'm screaming. How can I protect him now? This can't be happening. No. Not him. "Is there any volunteers?" The woman calls. I search the crowd, begging, pleading for someone to raise a hand. No one. I start to cry."Last chance!" The woman says.
A large hand is raised. Everyone goes silent.
"I will" He says. I know that voice. I've heard it before. I've seen him swimming at the beach a few times.
That voice belongs to Finnick O'dair.