I stay at home for quite some time before I finally decide to go outside with my little brother, Mason for the gathering at the square for the reaping. Teens are forced to fight in an arena for the Capitol's entertainment. I hate Panem. Nothing but terrible things are here. My name is Persephone. People tend to call me Percy and that eventually became my nickname. My mother and father died when I was thirteen and I had to take care of my little brother ever since.
"Come on Mason, It'll be fast." I say, trying to sound like I mean it. I put in my names about ten times for grain and oil. I wont be surprised if I get called. My uncle, already promised me to protect Mason if I do go in.
"But Percy, I don't want to go." he whines. I tell him that I don't care and haul him down. I'm wearing a yellow sundress and a pair of flats. Mason's wearing a white shirt and a pair of slacks. I meet my best friend, Lucy, at the reaping and she smiles one of her usual fake smiles. Lucy and I have been best friends since the third grade. I give her a hug and we listen to the mayor go on and on about how amazing the Capitol is. Sure. I think. Getting teens in an arena to fight for their lives and you watch for entertainment. Yeah that's pretty amazing. I roll my eyes. I see Effie Trinket pull names out of the reaping balls. It always starts with, Ladies First.
I almost drop dead when I hear who's name it is. Persephone Johansen. My heart skips and flutters and I don't know what to do. I put on the most what I believe pathetic smile and step forward. Lucy immediately bursts into tears. "It's allright." I murmur. I turn to Effie and say," Now I can finally show people what I'm made of." She laughs. I've always been awesome when it comes to winning over adults. The next name is of a boy I've only seen a few times. Aiden Garrison. He's really sweet but, one of the popular kids. Which I guess isn't that surprising. I see him come up wearing black jeans, black shoes, and a professional white shirt. His hair is black and in a skater style. His eyes are loaded with fear. I give him a comforting smile. We're suppose to shake hands but instead, I give him a hug. He accepts it and we release after about thirty seconds.
"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds, be ever in your favor!" Effie says with a smile. I smile back and look at Aiden. He nods and we hold hands as we walk to the justice building. Lucy comes in to say goodbye.
"I would of volunteered if I was able to!" She cries. I look at her, holding back tears.
"I know you would've. That's why I am happy we aren't related." I say with a slight smile. She hugs me and after about ten minutes, she is ordered to leave.
"Win for me okay?" she asks. I nod and she goes outside. The next face I see is Mason's. He races into my arms and bursts into tears. I try to comfort him and he eventually relaxes.
"I'll be okay. I won't die easily. Uncle Chris is going to watch you." I say trying to hold back my tears. They are flooding my eyes though.
"He'll be like you?" He asks. That's what does it for me. I cry and nod.
"Yes Mason. He'll be just like me." I say. He kisses me on the cheak and is ordered to leave. I watch as my five year old brother gets hauled out in tears. I see Aiden come up behind me. His eyes are filled with concern. I hug him again and he takes it. We are ordered on the train and as we leave the station I notice something in my brown hair. I pull it out and see it's a clip that my mother had given me. It's in the shape of an oval and circling in are silver flowers. In the middle it reads, "Never Doubt yourself. Always believe." In small cursive print. Mason must have sneaked it in my braid. I smile slightly and turn to Aiden.
"May the 90th Hunger Games begin!" I say with a small grin. He laughs and does something unexpected. He kisses me.