At the ceremony, we choose whether we want to go into labor work, the less prestigious path, or training,the path filled with dignity and prestige. In my opinion, labor work should be considered more prestigious than training. Our lives are able to run because of the work that people do to help keep control and keep society running. The trainee's do nothing but provide entertainment. Every year there is a grand event which is held by society for all the kids who think they are completely strong and capable of doing things that others can't do. So they go into training and participate in the Great Race which will be telecasted nation-wide. People from other parts of the world even move here for the prestige that is awarded with success.
Truly, it begins the minute our school ends. Our teachers, who have been observing us all our life, will give us the results, commonly known as the "advice sheet". Then, we spend all summer attending courses and help sessions that will help us choose the right path, because once a path is chosen, it cannot be erased. The help sessions are supposed to be of great help but I didn't find it useful. Most people can predict what path you're going to choose depending on where you come from. The kids from the rich part of the town choose the great race. It supposed to be in their blood or something. All their parents have participated in the great race, which is why they live in the rich part of town. So if they don't choose the great race, it's supposed to affect their dignity but I think they can't handle living in the poor part of town because they're used to their riches. Kids from the poor part of town are supposed to go into work. They're parents have done it, so should they. Very rarely, the poor kids choose the race path, and when they do, they're bullied to extents and for sure, they have the least bit of a chance to finish successfully, which means they're back in the poor part of town with life worse than before due to failure.
My ceremony is tomorrow, and I don't know which path I'm going to choose. My advice sheet says that "If I try, I have a chance of success but I should stick to the work path as the family tradition." What kind of advice is that? Are you telling me to pick the race path or live the rest of my life working? My parents told me to get a good night's sleep and make a decision with a fresh mind tomorrow morning. To be honest, I don't ever think I'll ever be sure of my decision. I only have the option to live one life so I won't ever know the other choice and which would have truly been better.
Today morning, morning of the 16th ceremony was quite hassled. I didn't get any time for myself. The city bus ride was slow and nauseating and it did not help that my toe kept getting crushed by the weight of my suitcase. I had packed everything I owned in case I wouldn't get a chance to come back. I made up my mind; I will pick to participate in the Great Race and live my life with Fame and Fortune. I am tired of living in this small, and boring village. My life needs a rush and a purpose, which cannot be found in the village. My life will never be mine again so why not pick the better option.
The ceremony hall was crowded and the beginning speech was boring. We hear it every year about how the organization and discipline of society is important and everyone must have a job that will help contribute to the well-being of the people. Then, the sixteen year olds receive their speech to pick the right choice and how each and every decision made from this moment on, will affect our life in a big way. Each individual is called up to announce their choice and get their certificate after the speeches.
I don't know why I feel nervous. My choice is good for me and I feel confident about it. My name is called and I slowly walk up onto the stage and I take a sheet of paper, write my choice and hand it over. There is no backing out now. My choice is announced to the crowd and everyone is stunned that I have transferred. I even hear some of the rich kids laugh in amusement. The journey to the road I have picked will be difficult but I will accomplish it. Wow, that sounds so cliche.
Once everyone chose their future, we got an hour to say goodbye to our families. Whether or not we picked the same choice as our parents, we will be in training for the next six months and we will never be living with them again. I looked around the auditorium for my parents but I couldn't see them anywhere. Then, I saw a door leading outside, I needed fresh air so I stepped outside to see my parents deep in conversation. I heard something about twins, but my parents stopped talking when they saw me. We were staring at eachother for a few split seconds, before my mother broke the silence. Her voice was was rushed and had a hint of tension behind it.
"We need to talk to you about something"
"Okay," I was confused. What could they possibly want to talk about. Are they unhappy with my choice. Did I disappoint them. My mom's voice broke me out of my thoughts.
"The choice that you picked is dangerous, as you probably know. I need you to listen to what I am saying carefully without interrupting or asking any questions."
"Okay," I was totally confused now.
"First of all, stay in the crowd. Do not let anyone target you as weak or suspicious about you. Next, I need you to keep your bangle safe and not let anyone take it or harm it in anyway. You must take care of it more than your own life."
"Mom, why would anyone get suspicious of me. I am just a regular girl from the poor part of town, and why would people want my bangle?" My bangle was gifted to me when I was born. It is much more than my family can afford, and it is truly precious. I just don't get why someone would want it from me, I'm sure the Capitol has things better than my bangle.
"You will get answers to those questions when it is time, but for now just keep what I said in mind and be safe. We will always love you.
"Know that you are always welcome to come back home at any time." My dad added the finishing touch. He was known for those.
"Bye Mom. Bye Dad. I love you" The goodbyes weren't as emotional as I thought. I grabbed my suitcase and boarded the train that will take me to my new home. Goodbye District, Hello Capitol.