Chapter One
Dawn. The sun was rising slowly and surely off the horizon, and Barclay Beck could see every beautiful color. As the sun rose further into the sky, the true span on District 7 could be seen. Trees, which began at the very borders of the town, spread out for as far as the eye could see. With the gentle breeze that blew, Barclay could smell the pine, ash, cedar, and oak trees that grew in abundance.
"Bar!" a woman's voice shouted up from below him. When he looked down, he saw only a snippet of flaxen hair before it disappeared into his home. Barclay smiled to himself as he buttoned up the simple blue shirt that clung to his muscles snugly and made his way downstairs to the smell of fresh bread.
Before he had the chance to fully make it down the stairs, he was almost tackled back into the stairway.
The smell of pine filled his nose as small pieces of hair filled his mouth. "Jesus Tierney!" He spit out her hair and hugged her back gently. When they separated, he kissed her full on the lips, gently so as not to hurt her.
"You're awfully happy for such a gloomy day," He whispered, leading her to the kitchen, where his parents waited for him.
Tierney squeezed his hand. "I couldn't sleep."
"Good morning you two. Bright and chipper, I see." Barclay's father, Klaus Beck, mumbled from behind a cup of coffee.
Barclay's mother swatted him affectionately on the head. "Leave them be, Klaus. They're young and in love." She winked at them and went to wash her hands in the small sink. Ilse Beck was gentle and kind, one of the best furniture makers in the District.
"What time is it?" Barclay asked, grabbing a piece of dark bread and taking a massive bite.
His mother sat down, putting a small plate of fruit out on the round table. "Just past six. About three hours until the Reaping."
"How wonderful." Tierney mumbled with her mouth full of bread.
Barclay finished his bread and grabbed an apple, taking another huge bite. "We need to be there about eight then." Small spittle of apple content covers his lips.
He licks his lips and stands. "Let's go for a walk, Tierney." He held out his hand and she slipped her small pale one into his.
"Be aware of time!" his mother called as they left the house and turned left, heading for the trees.
"So, tell me the plan again, Tee." Barclay said as they approached the tree line.
She smiled up at him, her deep brown eyes shining. "Well, we're turning eighteen in three months. After we turn eighteen and finish schooling, we'll get married. A small wedding, not too big and not too expensive. Then you'll go into felling trees like your father and I'll work with your mother. Eventually, we'll have some children. Two at most, hopefully a boy and a girl." She finished and smiled at him once more.
Barclay kisses the top of her head and takes in her smell. "That sounds wonderful, dearest."
Barclay and Tierney had known each other since they were three and had been dating since they were eleven. When Barclay had met Tierney, he went home to his parents and told them he was going to marry her. They didn't believe him at first, but as they got older they could tell he meant it. When he proposed, the entire village they lived in threw them a party, pooling together their resources to make it memorable and happy. Even some Peace Keepers helped get the party better.
Barclay and Tierney got lost in each other, not realizing that it was almost time for the Reaping. They were laughing together before being interrupted by Kaelan Wagner, Barclay's closest childhood friend.
In between pants for breath, Kaelan told the two that it was almost time for the Reaping. Before they had a chance to reply, he sprinted off back towards the square, with Tierney and Barclay following closely. The three approached the square together and blended into the rest of the large crowd that lined up for signing in.
Before being separated by gender, Barclay and Tierney kissed each other firmly.
"I love you Tierney." Barclay declared fiercely.
She laughed and kissed him once again. "I'll see you soon my love."
They separated into their lines, waiting to get their blood taken and be put in alphabetical order. It was almost nine by the time everyone was situated and ready for the day to be over. Silence reigned over the crowd as they waited for the District 7 escort.
The clomping of heels could be heard on the concrete stage before a woman came onto the stage. She was dressed in a spaghetti strapped black dress, skin tight and short. Over the dress she had on a sheer black cover, which was interlayered with deep green flowers, further outlined with emeralds. The cover was more like a robe, tied in the front with two black velvet ties; the train of the cover was seven feet long, swirling behind her elegantly. Her sleeves were long as well, touching the ground, almost touching her six-inch green velvet heels. Her hair was piled onto her head, elegantly and high.
Her makeup was wild, with eyelashes a foot long. Heavy eyeliner and eyeshadow covered her eyes, the lids heavy and low. She had contacts in, making her eyes a deep velvet green, matching her dress. Her lips were painted into a heart, black lipstick outlined with green gemstones. Overall, her outfit was very Capitol and very matching.
Barclay looked around, searching for Kael. When the two friends made eye contact, Kael winked at Barclay and mimed a whistle before turning back to the stage.
Zahava Spiva tapped the mic three times before leaning in and inhaling.
"Happy Hunger Game, and, may the Odds be ever in your favor."
