PART ONE: THE REAPING.

With her eyes carrying a bored look, she shakes his hand.
Viduus Lindeburg.
Pretty, strong, but not so interesting; not even lethal either. Not so much a threat as you'd expect a District Two Tribute to be.

Before they shut off, she throws a cold glance at the cameras – standing erect on the stage, intimidating.


«Spades!»
Her mother seems anxious, her father is grinning with pleasure, but it's her brother who is the most excited about the Reaping results.
«I want to be a tribute too, when I'll be old enough!»
His eyes sparkle with impatience, stuck in hers with admiration and envy.

Spades smiles, proud. «Too bad you're only eight, right, Antares?»

He frowns. She laughs and pats his brown hair.
«You'll make a beautiful victor, when it's time.»

«Just like mom?»
«Just like mom.» Spades can't restrain a smile, at the thought of her little brother becoming a strong man, capable to kill.

«Look for water.»
Her mother almost screams, her eyes widened and her face pale. She gulps before she repeats herself.
«Look for water. And for shelter. Run away from the Cornucopia as soon as you can.»

Spades is confused. «Shouldn't I get there immediately, or the best weapons will be gone?»
«No!» Terror flashes through the woman's sky blue eyes, before her husband grabs her arms and lifts her up. She doesn't complain, but gives her daughter a desperate look while she's carried out of the room.

«Good luck Spades. We'll be supporting you. Come back home as your mother did.»
Her father greets her with a nod, his white Peacekeeper uniform disappearing over the door.

Antares hugs her briefly and runs away giggling.