Chapter 1: The Reaping
Today is May 1st. The day I am vulnerable to be reaped, taken into custody of the Capitol and die. It doesn't feel that way though. As I pack my fishing gear it seems like an ordinary Sunday. One filled with fishing, gathering, gutting and cooking.
Before I leave I write a small note to my mom, telling her where I am. I hope she won't get too worried, my names only in there 6 times along with thousands of other terrified children. I grab my bag and fly out the door.
I breathe in the salty, fresh water's scent. District 4 has to be the best district by far. Not many die due to starvation, there's plenty of food to go around.
I walk past the harbour seeing the big boats loading seafood to take to the Capitol. I keep walking and walking until I get to my normal spot. There are lots of bass, my favourite. They're also large so I only have to catch a dozen to supply my family with all they need for a week. I'm not the only one supporting my family though; my mom sells fish at the market that my dad catches.
I sit down on the dry, grassy land and bait my hook. Not long after I catch 3 large bass and a swordfish. My dad will be very proud of me when I get home. Sword fish is a big seller at the market.
I see a few people swimming in the water, laughing. They all look about 19. They won't be reaped, they don't have a chance. All of a sudden I start thinking about the reaping.
What if I do get picked? I'm 16 and strong plus I've been training at school for a long time. I can make a fish hook with a lot of things, but what use is that? Do I just sit on a tree and fish for tributes? I've been using a bow and arrow for some time and I've almost never lost a sword fight. I'm smart enough to sell my own fish and I'm strong enough to reel in the largest fish out here, but is there still a chance? 24 contestants go in, 1 goes out. The odds won't be exactly in my favour.
I see my bobber plunge down and start reeling in. It's really heavy and strong! The line might snap! Then a huge swordfish comes up with a hook in its mouth!
I start to run home. I sprint past the harbour and through the square. I shoot through the door and see my dad standing in the doorway, he's home early!
"Hey dad! I caught two huge swordfish!" I exclaim.
"That's great!" He smiles. "Do you want to sell them later?"
"Sure!" I answer.
It's 1 o'clock ad it's time to start getting ready. I wash up, comb my hair and put on black sweatpants and a purple shirt. Sometimes the main square can get cold due to the ocean. It's soon time to go and we start the short walk to the square.
The square is packed with district four's huge population. There are 2 ferries which bring the population from two islands. My finger is pricked and my finger is placed onto paper by a white gloved, white helmeted peace keeper.
I am then directed to the roped off area for 16 year old girls and make my way to it. I see Sarah and Shannon and walk to them. We see a bubbly, orange bird-person make their way to the stage to start a video from the Capitol, emphasizing how we lost the rebellion and they won. I really think it's just a way to remind us that we are powerless. They are strong.
The video finishes and the brightly coloured escort makes their way to the girl's glass ball. Crap, what if it's me? What if I die? This could be my last moment of freedom for all I know! She fishes around and carefully picks up a small slip of paper.
"Carly Fox."
Who is that? I look around waiting for someone else to step up, but no one does. Wait, that's me! Two Peacekeepers escort me to the stage. This district may be a career district, but no one volunteers. All these people know how well I do at the academy; they probably think that I want to go.
"Now for the boys." She pipes up in a squeaky voice. "James Williams."
We then shake hands and take our last look at district four.
