The days before Reaping Day are usually the worst for many in the Districts.
The tension is almost unbearable, everyone's thoughts cast forward to the ceremony. Everyone replaying almost the exact same scenario in their heads, the only difference being the name that is scrawled on the piece of paper, or the voice that cries out to volunteer.
Reaping Day is nerve-wracking, but at least (for most families) it's over quickly. Names are drawn from the bowls and tributes are sent off but those left behind are free to get on with their day. They buy treats to celebrate another year spared, they spend time together with the day off of work and school, and they have little worries. Because to them, it doesn't matter whether or not those who are reaped come back. If they do, it's great. If they don't then they're indifferent. Not many of those in the outer districts have witnessed a win in generations so it's not as if they know anything different.
But every year there's a handful of families that are destroyed. The world keeps turning, the district keeps going, but they keep mourning.
It shouldn't have been them. It shouldn't have been their child or friend or cousin.
It shouldn't have been. But it was.
The 94th Hunger Games are about to begin. 23 families shattered. Only one tribute receiving the eternal glory the others seek.
Welcome to my first SYOT! These were a huge part of my childhood, and of my first experience with fanfiction. Now that I'm older and more confident in my writing skills, I wanted to give back to the community who gave so much to me.
The form and tribute list are on my profile. I will not be accepting applications through comments, so sorry about that.
The reapings will be uploaded as they are written and as I receive submissions then later reordered once they're all submitted.
Thank you for reading and I can't wait to see your submissions!