"Welcome, welcome, to the Reaping of the 76th Hunger Games!" Effie Trinket's voice blares through the square. I'm trying to ignore her, this time last year, it was me who was drawn out of that bowl. It was me who caused her death.
"This year - as you all know - is a Quarter Quell, and - as you also know - the most exciting twist is that the tributes reaped shall be ages nine through fourteen, to show the rebels that no matter what your age - the Capitol are in charge."
I stare at the sky, it's gray and overcast The sky is mourning Katniss I tell myself.
"Here to help me draw the names," Effie continues "Are Mayor Undersea and the two remaining District Twelve Victors: Haymitch Abernathy and Peeta Mellark!"
I see Mayor Undersea stand up and start his dreary reading, I'm trying to focus on the large white rose he wears - President Snow's Symbol 'To show relationship between The Capitol and the Districts.'
Anything to stop myself from seeing the traitor.
"Thank you, Mayor Undersea." Effie says, she looks ahead "Time for the Reaping. Happy Hunger Games, and may the Odds be ever in your favour... As usual, ladies first."
He perfectly polished hand dips inside the bowl and comes out again, holding a piece of paper.
As she opens it, I think a bizarre thought, I want it to be me - I want to go in the arena and die, I want to be with Katniss, I want to be in the Hunger Games.
What am thinking? Of course I don't.
"Acacia Crispin."
I hear a heartbreaking wail from the crowd as a tiny girl with mousy brown hair is led up to the platform.
"Ah, Acacia." Effie says to the trembling girl "How old are you dear?"
"I'm nine tomorrow," Acacia mumbles into the microphone.
"Ah, sweet.." Effie continues speaking but I'm no longer paying attention to what she's saying, the world is tilting and tipping. I feel so dizzy, this tiny girl is being sent into the arena to fight. I'm gasping for breath, Janny Alston, who stands next to me asks if I'm okay.
"I - I..." I whisper back "I..."
I raise my voice.
"I volunteer as tribute!"
Several curious faces turn my way but nobody of considerable importance seems to notice.
"No, Primrose!" Hisses Janny. "You mustn't!"
"I must." I reply, my voice getting louder "I volunteer as tribute!"
"I volunteer!" Still, nobody up on stage seems to hear. "I volunteer!" I yell.
"Please! I volunteer!" I can't let a nine year old girl go up against fourteen year old careers.
"I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" I scream.
The entirety of District Twelve falls still.
They heard me.
Authors Note: Thank you for clicking and reading this story, please leave a comment telling me what you liked and didn't like so I can improve for future chapters.
Hope you loved my first chapter of my first story!
Gryffindor Tributes :)
