Author's Note: I am pleased to announce the beginning of my story. As this is a televised event, I will be using Italics to distinguish the announcer's voice from all else. I look forward to your future commentary on the story as a whole but please, no flames. Thank you all, and Happy Hunger Games. End Note.
The Reapings
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen to the live coverage of the 61st Annual Hunger Games. For those of you just joining us we have just witnessed the last of the district reapings, but never fear loyal watchers and fans. As the 24 lucky tributes make their way to bid their loved ones a hearty farewell and board the train to our glorious Capitol, we have a special reshowing of the reaping for those of you who have joined us late.
District 1
The sun shined brightly down on the large group of people as they gathered together in front of the large metal stage set up in the middle of the square. The community as a whole was divided into groups by gender, but each person looked well dressed, well fed, and content. Many of the teenagers seem to have divided themselves into their own groups, chatting away as if waiting for the main event to start.
On the stage, Argent Brower, a tall man in his 30's, dressed in a beautifully tailored blue suit stepped up to the microphone. Reaching up he tapped the microphone twice, the sound ringing out, catching the attention of all those in attendance.
"Residents of District 1. It is once again my great honor for the ninth year in a row, to stand before you, as well as all citizens of Panem and select the names of the lucky boy and girl who will represent your district in this years Hunger Games."
Argent paused as a roar of cheers and applause echoed from the waiting population. He waited a few more moments before holding his hands out, quelling the uproar. As he did, two peacekeepers dressed in full uniform came in from the sides of the stage, each one wheeling in a table with a large glass sphere filled with folded pieces of paper. They positioned them behind Argent and took a step back.
"As per tradition, we shall start with the girls, as the old saying goes: Ladies First."
The peacekeeper to his right wheeled his sphere forward as Argent turns to him, giving him a smile and a nod. Reaching his hand into the opening in the sphere he ceremoniously mixed the papers before pulling one out.
"And our female tribute is…" He unfolded the page and looked at it. "Carmel Delancy." He looked around in the crowd, seeing no one move and smiled, almost knowingly. "That is unless someone else would care to step forth and take her spot."
Every one in the crowd turned their heads to watch one girl. The tall, curvaceous female smirked before raising her hand. "I volunteer."
The crowd around her stepped aside to allow her space to exit, which she did. Her long blond hair flowed behind her as she made her way to the isle and up to the stage to stand next to Argent, her smirk never leaving her face.
Argent threw his arms up. "Wonderful. Simply wonderful. And what is your name miss?"
The 17 year old reached forth and grabbed the microphone from its stand, holding it to her face she looked out to the cameras. "My name is Glamour Dixon, and you all better remember it, cause I'm the one who will be coming back after these games are over." She looked to Argent and handed the microphone to him. He turned back to the crowd and smiled.
"Well, how's that for enthusiasm? Now here's hoping that the male tribute has even half that. Speaking of which…" The second peacekeeper came forth, bringing his bowl forward. Argent turned to pick a name. Pulling the sheet out he unfolded it and spoke into the mic, his voice booming throughout the district.
"Cotton Mist!"
A tall young man with dark brown hair and blue eyes in the front row looked up at Argent, dumbfounded. All of the other males began cheering and clapping, chanting his name, over and over again. One of the ones behind him slapped him on the back, hard, forcing him to take a step forward. He continued, slowly, up to the stage, continually looking straight ahead. As he took his spot next to Argent he looked down at the audience, his gaze falling upon a tall thin female, around his age. Her hands covered her mouth. She appeared to be breathing heavily, tears flowing from her eyes. He looked down at her, then around to the other males, as if looking for someone, anyone, to step forth and take his place. None do as the chanting continues. Looking back to the girl, he mouths "I'm sorry" to her before shifting his attention back to the audience, putting a strong face forward.
Argent placed his hands on each of the tribute's shoulders before placing the mic back in front of his face.
"Citizens of Panem, I give you your District 1 tributes, Glamour Dixon and Cotton Mist!"
The cheering crowd went wild as the peacekeepers stepped forth to escort the selected two into the government building behind them.
District 2
As Virgil Centerseed took the stage he looked out onto the waiting populous of District 2, waving at them with such enthusiasm. This was his first year as escort for any District, and he was so pleased that he had landed a career district. If any one of these young men or women won the games, it would do wonders for his own career. Wanting to do everything he could to make a good impression he had dressed up in his best clothing, a bright orange suit with a fiery red shirt underneath, perfectly accentuated with a yellow tie. Admittedly it might have been considered flashy, but the brighter you look; the more eyes turn to you.
He took the microphone from its stand and looked out once more onto his waiting district before speaking into it. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Capitol Citizens, and residents of District 2, allow me to introduce myself. I am Virgil Centerseed, your escort for this year's Hunger Games. It is my distinct pleasure to stand before you and select the lucky boy and girl who will be representing your district in the games."
The two peacekeepers behind him stepped forward, rolling the glass bowls holding the names of all of the potential tributes towards Virgil, who nodded to them.
"Thank you gentlemen, now, without further ado…" He turned to the bowl on his left. "The ladies." Reaching in he mixed the papers before pulling one out and unfolding it. "Zeita Cline!"
The crowd started cheering as Zeita, a mid height girl stepped forward to make her way to the stage. A hand reached out and grabbed her shoulder, pulling her back roughly as another girl, a tall, thin, pale female with shoulder length blond hair stepped out in front of her. The crowd stopped cheering, looking to see just what was happening.
The new girl's face seemed to show no care of the ceremony she was interrupting. Turning her head she looked behind her to Zeita, who was now on the floor, trying to figure out what had just happened. Looking back into the crowd her gaze met that of an older woman, one who bore a striking resemblance to the young lady, perhaps her mother. The older woman gave a nod as the newcomer stepped forward again, her gaze meeting Virgil's.
"I volunteer."
Virgil smiled widely and clapped his hands together once. "Excellent. Simply wonderful. Please, come up here and introduce yourself my dear."
As the blond stepped up onto the stage she turned to face the audience, the majority of whom seemed to recognize her. Virgil held the microphone out to her. "Why don't you tell us your name my dear?"
The blond smirked and nodded, speaking into the mic. "My name is Chaotic Censura."
Taking back the mic Virgil smiled and nodded. "Well, now that we have our lovely female tribute, it's time to pick out the male."
A voice from the audience called out before Virgil had the chance to turn around. "Don't bother."
All eyes turned to the source of the voice. In the middle of the potential male tributes stood a tall, heavily built young man with broad shoulders and a thatch of yellow hair. He began shoving his way through the other men towards the isle, not saying a word until he reached the isle. "Don't bother picking a name. I volunteer. I'm the only one here suited for these games anyway." This brought on a combination of cheers and jeers from the crowd as he made his way to the stage.
Reaching Virgil he stood there, waiting for Virgil to speak, which he did right away. "Perfect. Such determination. Such confidence. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our male tribute." He turned to the strongly built male. "What is your name son?"
The male stood there with his arms crossed and spoke into Virgil's mic. "My name is Cole Gouden."
Virgil nodded. "Wonderful. Capitol citizens, I present to you, Chaotic Censura and Cole Gouden, the tributes from District 2. Now, shake hands you two."
The two tributes looked at each other, each one wearing a smirk on their faces as they extended their hands for a handshake. Chaotic's bright green eyes met Cole's almost black ones, their gaze's telling each other the same message: "You're going down."
The two released the handshake and the peacekeepers came forth to escort them into the building to say their final goodbyes before being whisked away to the Capitol.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, lets have another round of applause for your District 2 tributes." Virgil spoke with as much energy as he could muster. With the exception of the female Zeita, the entire population of the masonry district cheered and howled for the two that would be representing them that year.
District 3
Lillian Demante stood on the stage, looking out on the entirety of District 3. Her frilly blue dress ruffled a bit in the wind and the white powder that she wore on her face almost perfectly reflected just how pale the majority if the citizens were, but that's what you get from a community that spends almost all their time inside factories rather than outside. . This was her first year as escort to any district, and her first time outside of the Capitol. She had a large smile plastered on her face, which appeared to be the only one there. None of the district residents seemed to be at all enthusiastic to be where they were, crowded together in front of a large stage, divided by gender, merely waiting for this woman to announce the names of the two neighbors they would be losing this year.
Stepping forward, Lillian cleared her throat. Any talking amongst the crowd stopped immediately and all eyes turned to her.
"I would first like to thank you all for welcoming me into your District and wish you all a happy Hunger Games on the behalf of the capitol." She spoke clearly, though her voice seemed to lack confidence. She paused, taking another moment to look around at the pale factory workers below her. "This is my first year as district escort and I am happy to share it with all of you." She paused again as if waiting for some sort of reaction, but there was no applause, no response, just the continued watch from hundreds of eyes, waiting for the moment of truth.
The two glass bowls already stood behind her as she turned her head to look at each one. "Well then, I believe that takes care of introductions. In that case, we should begin the drawing." She took her microphone from its stand and took a few steps back and reached into the bowl on her right. She mixed the papers before pulling one out.
"The female tribute from District 3 shall be" She unfolded the small card. "Inva Bechled."
Several females in the middle of the crowd turned to look at a single girl between them, Inva. The young lady couldn't have been more than 16 years old. She was of medium build, her curly brown hair had been grown out to her shoulders, and her bluish-grey eyes glistened in the sunlight. She stood there, practically paralyzed, her face contorted in utter fear. One other girl, around the same age turned to face her, pulling her into a big hug. A few tears rolled down her face as Inva gently pulled herself from the hug and stoically made her way through the crowd towards the stage. She climbed the stairs and took her place next to Lillian, her face surprisingly calm, no trace of the previous fear to be seen.
Lillian turned to Inva and gave her a wide smile before turning back to the crowd. "And now for the boys."
As with the first bowl she reached into the second and mixed the cards before producing one. She unfolded it and read the name before speaking into the mic. "And the male accompanying Inva to the Capitol shall be Cheren Criss."
The gangly, underweight, 15 year old male standing right on the Isle looked up as his name was called. He stood there speechless, his short dark hair shining slightly under the sun's rays. After a moment he began looking around, his eyes rapidly switching from the peacekeepers, to Lillian, to Inva, the exit, everything around him, taking it all in as if trying to figure out the answer to some big puzzle, calculating his surroundings.
After a few moments of this he let out a long sigh and dropped his shoulders before stepping out onto the isle and walking towards the stage. As he made his way up the stairs he took his spot next to Lillian, glancing over to Inva, then looking back to the audience.
"Isn't this wonderful?" Lillian asked the crowd. "We have our tributes. Now if you two would shake hands…"
Inva and Cheren turned to each other. Cheren was the first to offer a hand, which Inva slowly reached out to take. "G… Good luck." Inva managed to force out.
Cheren nodded. "And you." He continued watching her, already trying to see if he could get a read on her strengths.
Lillian smiled as she watched the two of them shake hands, then turned back to the crowd. "Thank you residents of District 3. Happy Hunger Games." She turned again towards the tributes. "And may the odds be ever in your favor."
District 4
The large metal stage was built on the beach, the platform overlooking the sandy beach, the glistening water shifting behind it. The residents of the district stood in their gender divided groups, all of them standing tall, proud, each one looking well kept and tanned. Many of them chatted with each other, making jokes, laughing, all of them seemed excited to be there.
As the district escort made his way up the stairs to the stage the residents let out a loud cheer. The tall, dark skinned male took his place on the stage. Dressed in a pair of simple black pants and shirt, his long red overcoat flowing in the ocean breeze, Draik Salient waved to his adoring public, glad to have been assigned to one of the few districts that appreciated him for his work. As he reached his microphone the cheers died down, allowing him to start.
"What a warm welcome. It's a pleasure to be here in District 4 with all of you. Happy Hunger Games all." This brought another round of cheers from the awaiting perspective tributes. "That's the level of enthusiasm that the capitol likes to see. So why don't we just skip to the part that you all want to see and pick which of you lucky boys and girls will be competing for the fame and fortune that can only come from the games themselves." This brought the crowd to an uproar.
As they cheered the peacekeepers came forth with their bowls, filled with sheets of paper, each one holding the name of a perspective tribute. Draik waited for the cheering to die down before turning his back to the crowd, the back of his long coat swinging in the wind as he did. Reaching into one bowl he picked the first paper that his hand touched, not bothering to mix the cards. Turning back to the audience he unfolded the card.
"Kelpae Rayme!" Draik bellowed the name into the microphone, causing the crowd to cheer again.
The 17-year-old female tribute stood in the middle of the crowd. She stood at 5"10' and had dirty blond hair that fell down to her shoulders. Her face had small circular scars around her cheeks, and was frozen in a state of confusion and bewilderment.
Another girl of the same age standing behind her gave her a quick nudge from behind, leaning in to whisper into her ear. Kelpae composed herself and nodded. Any sign of her having frozen was now gone as she moved through the female crowd with confidence, walking to her spot next to Draik, who turned himself to watch her, smiling widely as she did. He took her hand in his and gave it a quick kiss before turning back to the crowd.
"Now that we have our lovely female competitor, it's time to choose out strong male."
His smile shifted to a grin as he turned and picked another card from the other bowl in the same manner as the first. Unfolding it he read the name aloud. "Pip Crabbleteen!"
There was another round of applause as the 13 year old boy in the front row looked around, not sure if he heard correctly. As others looked towards him, clapping, a look of panic crossed his face. He stood there, completely unable to move. As two of the peacekeepers in front of the stage began to move towards him a hand came out from behind him in the crowd and placed itself on his shoulder. Pip looked up to see who it was.
Behind him stood another male, towering over him at 6"6'. His shaggy brown hair blew in the sea's breeze, his eyes as green as the sea floor. He looked down at the young boy and mouthed to him. "Don't worry." He stepped in front of the young Pip and raised the hand that was on his shoulder.
He spoke loudly and with confidence in his voice. "I volunteer to take part in the games."
Draik smiled at this. "Well then, don't just stand there, come up here and introduce yourself my boy."
The tall male walked to the stage, taking long, powerful strides until he was at his spot next to the escort. Draik looked up at the taller, younger man, still speaking into the microphone. "Why don't you introduce yourself my lad?" He held the microphone out to the taller youth who smirked.
"The name is Duro Narcotic, District 4's rising star and big kahuna." This sent the crowd into frenzy, cheering and chanting Duro's name. Duro looked out onto the crowd and grinned widely, basking in the glory of their chants.
Draik took the microphone back, watching his two tributes. "Well then Mr. Big Kahuna, and my lovely Ms. Rayme, may the odds be ever in your favor." He turned back to his adoring audience. "And Happy Hunger Games District 4, and all Capitol Citizens.
District 5
The outskirts of the district gave off a very urban feel. The stage was built on a large concrete road overlooking only a few of the many power plants that were stationed within the district. Tall windmills stood outside of large brick buildings with solar panels affixed to the roofs. Two factories had large smokestacks sticking out from their sides, and while they normally were quite active in producing smoke from the work inside, today they were still. Today all of the factories and power stations were closed to allow all of the residents to come and observe the reaping, as they were every year.
Valeria York swept across the stage, her puffy black floor length skirt moving so perfectly with her body that she gave off the illusion of gliding across the steel. As she approached her place on stage she looked out in front of her, beyond the countless, divided masses of pale, scrawny factory workers, past the cemented road, branching out to each factory as it went down past the eye's view, above the steel pillars and the power lines that ran across them, up towards the sky, the light gray sky.
For years there had been rumors of the pollution in the energy district, caused by the outdated power sources the factories used, but not even the video cameras could capture just how covered the skies were. Despite the newer, more environmentally friendly power sources being developed and utilized by the district, the damage was done, and the sun was hidden from view behind the gray haze.
A peacekeeper standing in front of the stage turned around and cleared his throat, catching Valeria's attention. The young escort, only 25 years of age, once again looked out, this time to the people she was about to address.
"Residents of District 5!" The echo from the speakers boomed. "Happy Hunger Games! It is my distinct pleasure to have been assigned to your district this year to select and escort your tributes to the capitol."
She paused, waiting for some sort of reaction from the crowd. When none came the smile on her face shrunk, remnants of it still there, but it now seemed a bit forced.
"Right…" Any extra enthusiasm was instantly gone from her voice. "Why don't we just get started then?"
Gracefully turning on her heels, her back now to the audience, she walked back towards the two glace bowls that had been filled with all of the names of eligible tributes. Reaching in to the one on her right she grabbed a handful of papers, then slowly let them go, one by one, until only one remained in her hand. She turned back to the audience, opened the card, and held the microphone to her mouth.
"Seren Maddox."
From the middle of the crowd rang out a loud proclamation of a word that had to be beeped out of the public showing. All eyes turned to the source of the outcry, Valeria's face turned to astonishment from such a reaction.
Within the group of females stood a small, thin girl of 15. Her pale skin was riddled with freckles; her light blond hair fell down just past her shoulders, straight, but full of knots. Her thin lips, small nose, and wide green eyes accentuated her face. Despite her pale skin, she was blushing, clearly embarrassed about her previous outburst. Turning her head to the people around her, Seren looked down at the ground. When she raised it again her mouth was stretched into a wide smile as she slowly moved towards the stage.
Taking her place next to Valeria, Seren continued to hold the smile, but anyone who looked closely at her could see that behind the grin, she was trying to keep herself from being sick.
Valeria watched Seren take her place, but continued to hold her apathetic demeanor.
"Good, good. And now for the male."
Turning back to the other bowl she employed the same technique that she had used in choosing the first tribute. When she had a single card in her hand she turned back to the crowd and unfolded it, holding it up as she called the name into the microphone.
"Preston Fiesly!"
Preston, a tall boy of 17 years took in a deep breath as his name was called. He stood there for a moment, not moving, but soon let the breath out. He let out a loud, almost bitter laugh as he stood up tall, several scars coming into view on his face as he made his way to the stage. When he got to his place he looked to Seren, giving her a smile before turning the rest of his body, extending a hand to her. She looked at the hand, then back to him before turning to face him, taking his hand and shaking it.
Valeria nodded, speaking with a bit of enthusiasm back in her voice. "Yes yes, very good. Why don't we have a round of applause for your tributes?" When none came she sighed and turned her back to the crowd, signaling the peacekeepers to escort the tributes into the building where they were to stay before their trip to the capitol, muttering something about being assigned to a more appreciative district next year as she walked.
District 6
District 6 had always been unique in that it was the only district that didn't have a stage built for its reapings. Ever since the train stations were built a stage just seemed unnecessary. There was a platform right outside of the government building so the Capitol planners chose to use that as a stage instead.
Because of this, the residents of district 6 stood in their groups, divided onto the tracks that usually held trains ready for departure. Behind them stood the vast expanse of city in which they all lived. It paled in comparison to the Capitol, but compared to the other districts, it was huge. Apartment buildings 10 stories high, factories where they built vehicles for the capitol, district 6 was by far one of the most industrious districts and its cities definitely showed it.
Marcelino Aguirre stood on the platform, observing the city as he did every year. Dressed in a simple black suit with a black overcoat and top hat, Marcelino was by far the oldest of the district escorts. At 65 years old Marcelino had the appearance of a kindly old man. His hair had grayed years before and recently turned white.
Worked the games for almost 40 years and was quite possibly the most respected of the escorts. He tapped his black wooden cane against the platform, the sound emanating throughout the rail yard, all of the district 6 residents quieting down and turning their attention to Marcelino. He held his cane up and spoke into the head of it, his voice echoing from the speakers set up on the platform.
"Greetings my friends. It has been a year since I have been blessed with this view, being able to see not only your glorious city, but all of you as well." He paused and his audience began clapping, not enthusiastically, but with respect. "Thank you, thank you. Yes, in my 38 years as a district I have seen and worked with every district in our glorious nation and yet every time I find myself wanting for the sights of sound of your lovely district. My home away from home." He paused again and another round of respectful applause sounded before he held up one hand, stopping it. "But this day is not about me. This day is about you, the residents of District 6, and which of you will be boarding your own trains to the Capitol to participate in the 61st Annual Hunger Games."
At those words, two peacekeepers wheel in their bowls from opposite sides of the platform, placing them behind Marcelino, one to his left and one to his right. The older gentlemen motioned to the peacekeeper on his right who wheeled his bowl forward, placing it in front of Marcelino. The escort looked into the bowl, observing each piece of folded paper before reaching in and picking one out and taking it out of the bowl.
He unfolded the card as the peacekeeper rolled the bowl back to its previous spot. He read the name on the card and looked out onto the audience, pausing before speaking into the microphone in his cane.
"The first tribute from District 6 this year will be Fienna Lorcan."
There were a few gasps from a group of young girls in the crowd. In the middle of the group stood Fienna, standing a bit taller than the girls around her despite being only 13. She didn't look like much, deathly pale, deep, wide green eyes, blood red lips, combined with an underfed physique, she looked more frail than intimidating. She stood there, frozen, only moving to move her long black hair out from her eyes.
Marcelino walked to the front of the stage and held out a hand in her direction. "Come on now sweetheart. No need to be scared."
Fienna looked up to Marcelino, her stiff body loosening up as she started to move towards the platform. A few of the girls around her quickly hugged her as she continued to move towards the platform, taking Marcelino's hand as he guided her to the stairs and onto the makeshift stage. He gave her a grandfatherly smile and tussled her hair before turning back to the other bowl. Fienna smiled weakly at Marcelino, but still looked like she was going to be sick.
Marcelino reached into the second bowl, tracing over the top layer of names with his hand before reaching down to the bottom of the bowl, taking one card and taking it out. He unfolded it and read the name.
"Kai Yooah. Please join us up here son."
The young boy, only 13 years old, stood on the far end of the crowd. He was thin, but not very tall. He had no real muscles to speak of and his brown hair, which ran down to his shoulders, matched his eyes almost perfectly. He paused for just a moment, but nodded, slowly making his way towards the platform, resigned to his fate.
Marcelino once again helped the tribute up to his place on the platform, patting him on the shoulder as he took his spot. The older gentleman moved back to allow the two 13-year-old tributes to take the spotlight.
"I present to you, your district tributes, Fienna Lorcan and Kai Yooah! Congratulations you two, I know you will do us all proud. Happy Hunger Games, and May the odds ever be in your favor."
He nodded to the two tributes, instructing them to take a bow, which they did before he guided them off of the platform towards the government building. As he turned from the audience, his face fell, a look of sadness showing right before turning out of view.
There you have it ladies and gentlemen, the halfway point. 6 districts down and 6 more to go. So far we've seen some very promising tributes, especially from districts 1, 2, and 4, but then again I wouldn't count out any of the other districts just yet. Some great performances were seen by the capitol designated tribute escorts this year, with both new faces, and some recurring ones.
But I can't help but feel a bit sorry for Marcelino Aguirre this year. The man is one of the best escorts the capitol has ever employed, and he generally seems to care for District 6. It's almost disheartening to see him have to send off 2 more young ones without the faith that either one will come back. Not to mention that District 6 hasn't had a victor in almost a decade. I can't help but wonder just how much more heartbreak the man can take.
Please stay tuned loyal Capitol and District viewers alike, we have 6 more district reapings to show as your tributes make their way to our lovely capitol, after which we'll bring you live coverage of the tribute parade, interviews with each of the tributes, held by our very own Caesar Flickerman. Thank you for watching loyal viewers, and Happy Hunger Games!
Author's Note: There you go, the Reaping of the first two districts. Hopefully you enjoy reading them all. I will be posting the rest of the districts very soon. Please, read, review, comment, critique, call me a genius, call me a dumbass, just do it with a smile on your face and I'll hold no grudges.
I WOULD however like to hear your opinions on the characters, which ones you like, which ones you don't, as this is another year of the Hunger Games, we WILL see 23 deaths, but as all hunger games are partially based on popularity, the popularity of the individual characters might just help to sway which character gets more help than others. That, and I really just want to know what you guys think. Looking forward to it. End Note.