My name is Payson Seas. As I opened my eyes I see my room, bare and plain. I live in my one story apartment with my mother. My father died in a horrible accident three years ago when he was working at the docks. He drowned to death. It was horrible; I don't like to think about it. My mother is never around anymore. She can no longer bear to look at me, not since he died. You see I have his eyes and share the same brunette hair. I stand a threatening five-five. I have an athletic build, but am still kind of skinny. I get it from all the training at the docks. I work there to help my mother with bills. Without my father around, my mother's income is no longer enough to survive on. I work there under the supervision of my father's old boss, Marty. Marty is a good guy. He makes sure I get easier jobs, but accepts nothing less than perfection from me in those jobs. I do my best. The other workers know not to mess with me because I am under the protection of Marty.
Today I roll out of bed and stare at my work dock. It looks like a barren wasteland out in District Four today. You see today is the day of the Reaping for the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games. For those who do not know, the Hunger Games are a sick twisted game that Capitol produces every year. As punishment for a rebellion, that happened 73 years ago, against the Capitol in which the 13th district was destroyed, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games. This is an event in which the tributes must fight in an outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol, until only one individual remains victor. It is aired all throughout the districts. Each tribute is trained for weeks prior to being picked as a tribute before they enter the arena. You see, Capitol wants to put on a good show. People are allowed to sponsor tributes, if they have the money. As the Hunger Games drag on, the gifts the sponsors have to pay for become increasing more expensive. The lone victor returns home and receives riches and allowed to live in Victor's Village. Like I said, it's disgusting that people want the districts kids fight to the death because they are bored with the boring filthy rich lives.
I put on my "best cloths" for the stupid reaping. I file in and see all the 12 years olds crying and shaking in fear. They are all so lucky their names are only in their once. You see, my name is in the reaping 29 times and I am only 15. My names really should only be in there 4 times. Each year your name is entered once for your birthday, great gift right? Not! Other ways to get your name added to the reaping is by signing up for food portions. You do not understand how bad my mother was in when my father died. I had to sign up for food. It hurts to sign the paper for the food, signing away more name cards into the reaping.
I walk over to the 15 year old female section. I stand in the first row of girls at the left end of the row. I turn to look at the other kids of my district. I barely know any of them. I keep a straight face as the peacemakers drop by each section signaling that everyone is signed in. No one dares to not show up. The peacemakers would kill you in the square as a public display not to ignore the rules of the Capitol. Stupid Capitol, how I loathe you. I see Districts Capitol representative, Hazel something, walk out. She walks up in her stupid colorful outfit and smiles. "Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor". I hold my straight face. How I hate her voice and how she enjoys watching us all suffer. We watch the standard video produced about the Games that Capitol made. They are trying to sell us that these Games are needed to keep the peace. Yeah okay, how about we stop killing everyone off? How is killing us going to create peace?
I hear Hazel speak again and I look up at her. "Okay as tradition, ladies first." She makes a dramatic move toward the girls reaping bowl. She waves her hand over the bowl. She is searching for that poor unfortunate soul that is going to lose their life most likely. I mean the odds are stacked against most tributes. District Four usually lasts a decent amount of the Games, but die near the end. You see, we often get asked to be a part of the Careers. This is an alliance between Districts one, two, and four. Then, it usually ends up being a blood bath of these final three Districts turning on each other.
She finally picks a stupid card. I wait anxiously. "O this is so exciting" Hazel says. She slowly opens the card and smiles a wicked smile. "Amber Seering" I immediately hear screaming from the 12 year old section. A peacemaker grabs the screaming 12 year old. I recognize her; I work with her father down at the docks. I see that she her small blond hair falling from her up-do. Tears are streaming from her eyes like waterfalls crashing down on rocks. I make a quick and rash decision within seconds. Amber is young and has zero chance of survival in these vicious games. She would not make it past the Cornucopia. I step out of line and push the peacemakers aside. "I volunteer!" The entire meeting area goes silent except the still small sobs from Amber. Everyone states at me. I speak up in a harsh voice, making sure to keep a straight face. "I volunteer as tribute". I walk up and I have Amber embrace me. "Don't do it Payson. It's suicide." She is crying. I hug her lightly keeping my eyes locked on the stage. "It is okay Amber, you are young and I am not. I can handle myself. Go find your mom and dad okay?" I release her and walk toward the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our female tribute, now young lady what is your name?" Hazel asks smiling at me. "I turn and face the crowd. "Payson Seas" I say with confidence. "Okay let's have a hand for Miss Seas". A small applause from a few parents out back. I can hear people talking about my father and I see my mother void of all emotion. People are trying to talk to her but she keeps her eyes locked on the ground.
"Now for the Gentlemen…Jason Metz". I see Jason walk up. He is 17 years old and has brown hair. He looks confident. He smiles and raises his hands like he is the victor. We shake hands and then we are escort out. I await my few visitors. Of course Amber and her family visit me. They hug me and thank me. I hug Amber back lightly, never once smiling. I haven't smiled since my father died. The only other visitor was my mother. She kissed my lightly on the forehead and told me good luck. She walks out with the peacemakers calmly. I know she loves me deep down but has a hard time showing it. We both do not show emotion much anymore.
I am escorted on the train and sit next to Jason and Hazel. I then see Finnick walk in. "Hello, I am Finnick your mentor" he smiles winking at me. I look at him and shoot him a disgusted look. I hate people sometimes. He talks about stupid stuff and I totally block everyone out. I leave when I am told to explore. I head to my cart and stay there until we arrive in Capitol. I was escorted off the train and past all these crazy Capitol people. I walked into the building that would be hosting the rest of the tributes and myself. We would be staying on floor four because we are District 12