Elyse's POV
I woke up a little earlier as usual. The house was quite, so quite that if a needle was dropped, it would sound like a bomb that exploded. I sat down at the edge of my bed and stare at the cold and lifeless floor. My parents probably woke up earlier and are now busy at our jewelry shop, just a few streets from our house. As tired and sleepy as I was, I willed myself to wake up and walked downstairs. The table at our dining room was empty, no breakfast was served. "No one bothered to make breakfast, as usual" I muttered to myself. I cooked myself some eggs and meat while silently contemplating the quite surroundings of our home. Once the food was cooked, I set my breakfast at the veranda. The view was spectacular. The sun was rising at the horizon, symbolizing hope and new life. Somehow I was bothered by the noiseless sound the area has made today. Usually, I could hear children laughing and playing outside. I knew something was wrong.
I got up and decided to go and help my parents at the shop. To my surprise, the street was empty. Then I noticed someone coming my way. A smile crept on my face as I realize that that someone was my boyfriend, Jack Merlotte. "You seem happy today?" he said as he hugged me. "Who wouldn't be happy to have you as mine?" I answered. We walked together to my parents shop. After a few minutes, he asked me something. "So, are you ready?" "Ready for what?" I asked. "Ready to be picked. To bring honor to District 1 as a tribute to the Hunger Games." he answered. "Oh." I feel so stupid not to realize that today was reaping day. That's why the streets are quite. The children are spending time with their family, just in case they are picked later this afternoon. "Why did you ask?" I said. "Well… I just want to make sure that you're ready." he answered. "So you're telling me that I'm weak?" I asked raising one eyebrow at him. "NO, I was just playing with you" he said with a smirk. "Do you think all those illegal practices we did are enough to prove ourselves at the arena?" I asked him. "I don't know, the game changes its routine every year." he said. We walked the remaining distance silently. In my thoughts, I don't know whether to wish that I will be picked later or not. We stopped in front of my family's store. He kissed me at my forehead and said his goodbye. I turned back and opened the door of the shop when I heard him call my name. "Hey Elyse!" Jack shouted. "Yeah!" "May the odds be ever in your favor!" he shouted flashing me his most gorgeous smile. I giggled and proceeded to enter the shop. "I hope they are" I whispered to myself as I started to help my parents. I guess I'll just have to wait until two o'clock to know.