CHAPTER ONE:
I woke up in the morning with sweat on my brows. During the night I had another nightmare about the reaping. I've been having nightmares for the past year, since the last reaping. I was only 11 then, so technically I didn't have to worry about it, but after the reaping I suddenly realized that at the next reaping There'd be a chance of me being reaped. A small chance, for I only have one slip, since my family is one of the richer families of District 7, but there was still a chance of that one slip being picked. And knowing my luck, it would. I decided to get dressed because sooner or later my mom would yell for me to get up anyway. I opened my closet and took out the reaping outfit that my mom chose for me about a month ago. A short green dress and brown ankle boots. I got dressed and then I brushed out my curly brown hair and put it in a side pony. I headed downstairs and ate breakfast with my family.
"Oh Grace, you look gorgeous!" My mom said. My dad agreed.
"Thanks." I shrugged, since I didn't believe them.
I was a bright and sunny day in District 7. I really wanted to enjoy it outside, in the forest, but instead we headed into the district square for the annual reaping for the hunger games. As I went to the 12 year old section, my mom, dad and 9 year old sister Sofie went to the spectators' section. I found Ivy, Caytlyn and Elva, my best friends easily. We stood together and waited for the reaping to start. Our escort Layla walked onstage and said all the opening junk. Finally, once the video was over, she reached into the ladies' bowl and felt around for "the right" slip. She pulled it out of the bowl and cleared her throat. There was silence in the square while we waited for the name to be read. My friends and I held hands. Then she read the name.
"Grace Raspery"
My eyes widened in shock as heads turned towards me. Ivy's grip on my hand tightened, as if she was trying to keep me there. I was tempted to stay, but I didn't want the peacekeepers dragging me up there, so I slowly walked towards the stage. Behind me I heard my friends yelling something about re-reaping an older person and the Capitol going to hell, and my family crying. When I got on stage, my mentor, Johanna Mason gave me a small, sad smile. The next minute was a blur, but I eventually ended up in the "goodbyes'" room. My family, Ivy, Elva and Caytlyn were crowded around me, crying and telling me to try my best in the arena, but no one ever said anything about me coming back home, since a 12 year old never wins the games. Never. In simpler terms, we all knew that I would die. With a last hug/kiss, "goodbye" and "I love you" form everyone, I got escorted onto the train that would take me to my death.
As soon as we got on the train, Layla sat us down on the couch and started explaining a lot of stuff. Our schedule, training, interviews, the tribute parade, the other tributes, blah, blah, blah. I wasn't really listening. What's the point? I would die anyways.
"I think that they are tired, Layla." Johanna said. "Let them get some rest first. After all, they just received a big shock. Especially Tiny here."
"Yes. I still don't get why the take such young people. I'm surprised that a rebellion hasn't started yet." Octalva, the male mentor for our District said.
"Don't call me Tiny!" I scowled. I got up, and marched off to find my room. In the possess I kicked the leg of the dining table, since I didn't bother going around it. As I found and entered the room with the door marked "District 7 Female" I heard Johanna say, "She's got a temper, that one. I like her."
But I didn't care. I was just so full of emotion. I was angry, sad, depressed and I felt like a balloon about to explode from air pressure. Maybe Johanna was right. I really did need to rest and wrap my mind around all the events that happened earlier today. With that on my mind, I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes.
When I woke up, I looked at the clock on the wall of the fancy bedroom. 10:13 pm. I slept way past supper time. As soon as I realized that, my stomach growled. I remembered thy I haven't eaten since breakfast, which was about 20 hours ago. I got out of bed and walked down the dark hall of the train to see if they left any food for me. I walked silently, trying not to wake anyone, especially Layla and the mentors. As I neared the table, I voice behind me said, "I thought that you'd be hungry about now. You didn't eat since, when? Before the reaping?"
I turned around. Ricardo, the male tribute from our District was standing behind me. " Um, yeah." I said.
"Well that's good, because we don't want the food we saved for you to go to waste. Follow me."
He gave me my dinner. It was cold, but I didn't really care. The food was still luxurious.
"So, what did I miss?" I asked.
"Oh, just some information about the tributes. Here, we can watch the reapings now if you want. There are lots of young ones this year, so you won't be the only 12 year old in the arena."
"Well, I guess that's good then." I said. "But, I don't feel like watching now. I'm just going to go back to bed. Thanks for the food."
"Suit yourself. I'll see you tomorrow for breakfast. We'll be in the Capitol around 11:00 am. Goodnight Tiny."
"Goodnight. And DON'T call me Tiny!" I punched him in the stomach and ran to my room.
