Hello Everyone,
This is just a little explanation as to what this story is about. In this version of the 74th Hunger Games, there are different tributes chosen from each District. Different story, but set in the amazing world that Suzanne Collins has created. Which I thank her for, reading her books was an amazing experience!
Thanks guys! Enjoy!Chapter 1
My eyes flew open rapidly. Tears rolled down my cheeks. My heart was pounding heavily and my breaths escaped my lips in quick spurts. In confusion my eyebrows furrowed. I propped up on my elbows, searching my room. Squinting, trying to peer through the darkness. Nothing was unusual. Nothing had changed. My hands grasped some of the blanket which enveloped my thin body and clenched it in my hands. I closed my eyes and began to focus on my breathing pattern. Telling myself to calm down was quite easy. Easier than it would be for other boys and girls from other districts.
Being from District 1 left me with little worries. That's what left me so confused as to why I woke up from a nightmare. A nightmare about the reaping, which would take place this morning. There was nothing to be concerned about, nothing to be frightened of. Then why was I so scared? Maybe it's because I was one of the few girls who hadn't been training for the Hunger Games all my life. Whenever I walk to school, I see girls fighting with knives, swords, axes – various weapons. Weapons I didn't even know could exist. Weapons that shouldn't even be in our district. An axe would have a perfect use in District 6. Here in District 1? Not so much.
Although the men and women of Panem are never allowed train or prepare for the games, we all know that some Districts do. I find it so stupid. Why would anyone want to fight in the Hunger Games? Why would anyone ever volunteer when they have the opportunity to stay here, at home? Sure there is the fame and glory, which will eventually fade away. The citizens of the Capitol will turn their attention towards the brand new Tributes and Victor. Everyone moves on, they forget about you. If you win, you even get the luxury of living in the highly regarded 'Victor's Village'. But why risk your life for wealth? Why go through all those traumatizing experiences for material things? It never made sense to me. I don't think it ever will. But I have to hope that, that way of thinking still exists in other girl's minds. If my name is pulled out of that reaping bowl, and no one volunteers; I will have no chance.
I yawned quietly and my eyes began to feel heavy. I allowed myself to lie back down. I wrapped myself up in my blanket, my mind at peace finally. My lips eventually curved into a slight smile as positive thoughts over took the negative ones. I reassured myself that I would be fine. I would be safe.
Morning arrived earlier than I hoped. I glared at myself in the large mirror. My hair tied back into a neat familiar ponytail, my light brown curls bouncing as I walked. I applied a light coat of mascara to my long eyelashes and rubbed in my foundation. I smoothed out the non-existent crinkles in my pink dress nervously. I wanted everything to be over.
"Lily." I heard my mother breathe behind me; I glanced at her reflection through the mirror. "You look beautiful." She smiled.
With all my strength a grin appeared on my lips in return. I fought back the tears. Although I wasn't scared for myself, I was scared for those who will be entering the arena. The tears were of anger and of hate towards the Capitol. Why must they do this to us? We understand they are in power and control. We always have since they destroyed District 13. But making the reaping like a fancy ball, where we all have to dress up is ridiculous. We are dressing up for our death. It makes me sick. We all have to look pretty for them. The cameras, the Capitol and every other person who has power expects us to look prim and proper for them.
My mother tied a little, white, satin ribbon in my hair. I heard the loud footsteps of my father, my eyes shifted to the ground attempting to dodge his gaze.
"Why look at my precious little Lily-dale." My father says as his arms encircle my little frame tightly.
"Hi, daddy." I manage to choke out, immediately his grip loosens. I chuckle lightly, trying to look happy. I don't understand why they are so happy on a morning like this. Maybe because they know they are lucky enough to know they will most likely have their daughter at home again.
"You will be representing the Edward's family very well." He said quite seriously as he spun me around.
"I hope so." I reply, my voice rather steady.
Suddenly, three quiet knocks on the door distract us all. The mood changed to a slightly darker one. I shake it off and walk towards the door, opening it with a forced smile.
"Why hello there. I gather that you are here to escort us all to the reaping." I greet the two Peacekeepers at my door. They nod silently in return. Effortlessly they turn on their heels and begin to walk away. My parents and I follow them closely as they take us to the Justice Building. Everyone was lining up in an orderly fashion, following the commands of Peacekeepers and Government workers. My parents give me a quick kiss on the forehead.
"I love you." The each whispered before they were whisked away to be seated with other parents.
I went through the usual process that happened every year. This was my 5th year participating in the reaping of the Hunger Games. My name has never been called once. I don't think any person whose name had been called ever even went to fight in The Hunger Games. Someone always volunteered to take their place. I guess volunteering was normal. You weren't seen as being a hero if you did volunteer; you were seen as a contender, strong competitor and great representative for your District. To me, they were all just arrogant, wanna-be-tributes who hungered for fame and fortune.
Everyone was organized in their lines, oldest towards the front and youngest towards the back. All eyes were on the stage as Seleta Canodeen gracefully walked on. The first thing everyone seems to notice about her is her golden hair. By 'golden' I don't mean blonde, I mean gold. Whenever the sunlight hits her hair it glistens. Her outfits are always astonishing, probably stunning in the Capitol world. To me it looked too colourful, to crazy. But that's Capitol way, isn't it?
"Hello citizens of District 1." Her preppy, upbeat voice announced. "Welcome to the 74th Annual Hunger Games!"
Silence is all you can hear. I frowned, that's unusual. Right about now you hear most of the trained future tributes screaming, cheering, and whistling. I looked over to them. A mischievous smile was painted on all their faces, sly looks were being exchanged. A shiver ran up and down my spine.
Seleta shrugged it off and managed to salvage the situation with her usual little speech, which always praised the Capitol and what it has done for us. I rolled my eyes and sighed loudly. Immediately my hand flew up to my mouth. My eyes examined the area around me. Did anyone catch me? Are any of the Peacekeepers glaring? I looked around only to see a couple Peacekeepers holding back a few laughs. I looked up to sky, grateful for that bar of luck I was just thrown.
"Now as always, ladies names will be chosen out of the very special reaping bowl first." Seleta's voice traveled and cut through the eerie silence.
Her hand danced around in the bowl, catching one particular piece of paper. Her fingers gently plucked it out of the bowl. Seleta trotted over, her large, silver heels loudly hitting the ground as she walked. Seleta positioned herself in front of the microphone. Elegantly, the chosen name escaped from her rosy red lips.
"Lily-Dale Edwards."