CHAPTER 1

'Welcome everyone, Welcome! To the Reaping Replays, where we take a look at this years crop of tributes before training begins!' Caeser Flickerman announces, pearly white teeth in a huge smile for the cameras. The crowd goes wild and it takes them a good couple of minuets before they calm down.

I curl up on the sofa, looking at the TV with little interest. The only people who watch the games anyway are the sponsors, they seem to be the only ones who have the interest we all used to display. There are people who care but it's mostly sponsors. The games have become so ordinary and common here in the Capitol, people like me don't really give a damn. I have have the house to myself because my parents have gone to the square to watch the replays. They like to bet every year and plus a lot of their friends go which means they can chat in between the breaks but I like to stay at home where it's warm. It's raining so that's why I didn't go to the square but also because I really couldn't care less. The games don't bother me much and I don't take any interest in them but my parents make me watch because they see it as a good opportunity to earn money from betting. They also like my input, besides there's nothing else on TV.

'Now everyone I would like you to meet our tributes from District 1! Cedric Diggory and River Song!'

The faces of the tributes flash up on the screens behind Caeser and then cuts to the Reaping just after they got on the stage. The camera closes up on Cedric. He is a tall boy, about 17 with a chiselled face and dark scruffy hair. He's not bad looking actually so he will get a reasonable amount of sponsors.

Now onto River Song. My attention goes straight to her hair. It's wild and curly and she has made no attempt to tame her blonds curls. She has a flirtatious smile on her face revealing a set of perfect straight white teeth. She looks at least 18 and by the way she winked at Cedric I can tell she's going to be a flirt and a sponsor magnet.

District 1 is full of 'pretty' people who are skilled in survival and combat but that's only because they train before the games begin. It's actually against the rules to train beforehand but the career districts are the Capitols lap dogs and provide most of the useful goods and items we use in the Capitol so the officials let it slide. They look excited, obviously, but the two of them don't seem particularly bothered by the fact they might die in the arena. This is most likely because they are so confident they will win, but I have watched these games too much to know that the acts and pretences begin from the second they call your name at the reaping.

'Now onto District 2! John Smith and Amelia Pond!.' Caeser smiles. The screen changes behind them and then cuts to the Reaping.

John Smith is a bit strange looking. He's wearing a tweed jacked with red braces and strangely, a red bow tie. He looks about 18 and I think he will be popular choice. The Capitol like eccentric tributes. He seems to be very enthusiastic about the current situation though it's very common, especially with District 2 tributes. Out of the three career districts District 2 are a very vicious and ecstatic district and every year the tribute that gets reaped usually gets volunteered for, but not this time. John Smith looks kind, which is new, and he doesn't really look like he belongs in an event where kids kill each other, but nonetheless.

Next is Amelia. She looks 16 and has coppery red hair with green eyes with a few freckles. She is practically jumping up and down in excitement, her face in a huge smile. She seems quiet fearless and looks as though she has a lot of courage. She will defiantly get a good score in training due to her excitement. She's quiet tall so she could be fast a running which, in the games, is a good advantage. Again she's another sponsor magnet. District 2 are a very popular district to bet on and almost ever year a District 2 tribute wins.

'Now let's see what braniacs District 3 has to offer.' Caeser says, and the crowd laughs.

'Sherlock Holmes and Molly Hooper!.' There faces show up on screen and then goes to the Reaping. Unlike the other two districts, Molly and Sherlock have varying degrees of hunger on the faces. They look fit enough but it's not like there getting the amount of food a growing human needs. At least the games give them the opportunity to put on a few pounds as it will give them a better chance at survival in the arena.

Now getting a proper look at them I have to admit Sherlock doesn't look that bad considering he's from District 3. He's tall and has the most prominent cheekbones Iv'e ever seen. His hair is dark and curly and he has these piercing blue eyes, he looks 17. He stares into the camera as if he's reading my thoughts and it's quiet uncomfortable but I don't tare my eyes of the screen. I saw as he walked up to the stage he scanned everyone as if he was trying to figure them out. He smiled a little and then took his place. He stands tall with his hands behind his back and with conviction and purpose. I find him odd but that's maybe because I also find him intriguing. District three aren't normally the ones to get sponsors but looking at Sherlock Holmes it might me a little different this year. He's different which is a good thing and in his case I would embrace that factor.

Now onto Molly Hooper. She is small and shy and has her light brown hair scraped back into a ponytail. Her eyes are a soft brown colour and she looks 16. Even though she stands timidly I can see that with a little encouragement and training she would be quite good in the arena. The quiet ones usually turn out to have an angry side and can be quiet aggressive when they want to be. She keep glancing nervously at Sherlock and it's pretty obvious she likes him. He, however, seems oblivious to Molly Hooper's apparent crush on him and just looks right through her, giving her a slight nod when the shake hands. She looks quite hurt and for a moment I feel sorry for her. They seem like they already know each other which makes it even worse. The thoughts she could be having at the moment must be giving her a headache, I mean I don't think I could begin to imagine being in the games with someone you care about. It then flashes back to Caeser, smile bigger than ever.

'Well folks we are going to have short break but we will continue in a moment.'

So far all the tributes look promising. Hopefully my parents won't make any rash decisions before they've seen all the tributes. I think District 3 might get a few sponsors but I'm certain one and two will get sponsors. I think people will have a hard choosing this year.