To the Death
Summary: Forty-six times, The Hunger Games have been played. People have watched children fight to the death forty-six times. Now it is time for the Forty-Seventh Annual Hunger Games to begin. Twenty-Four will go in, but only one will come out. Who will be crowned the victor?
Shuriken Throne District One
Today is a special day; it is my first Reaping. I have been training for this day, since as soon as I was able to hold a knife properly. However, this year I am certain that I won't be going into the Hunger Games. There are a few reasons for that assumption, 1) My name is only in there once. 2) My parents are on rather good terms with the President, so why would he want me sent into the Games? 3) Even if I was Reaped, I'm from District One, and career districts always have someone wanting to volunteer.
"Shuriken, you need to hurry! The Reaping is about to start any minute now!" My mother yells up the stairs to me, her voice sounding almost… worried.
A smile forms on my face as I race down the staircase, and see my parents waiting for me. They look perfect, as they always do. My father stands in a manner that demands respect, as he looks around with his stern face. Mother radiates beauty, even though some say she is past her prime; I still think she has to be the most gorgeous woman in all of Panem.
"Come now Boy, we need to be off. I refuse to be late, tardiness is quite rude. You'll do well to remember that, Shuriken," Father says as he puts his hand on my shoulder and begins to lead me out of our house.
Quickly Mother rushed over, and she started to fix my hair and jeweled suit. "There," she sighs, "perfection."
Once again we set off towards the Reaping. After we reach the end of the road I turn to my parents, "Okay, well, I've got to go now! I'll meet up with you after the Reaping!"
They nod and walk off. Quickly I start to make my way over to the twelve year old section, when I hear my name being called. Looking over my shoulder, I see it is Sierra, my training partner.
"Hey there Shuriken! Are you exited?" She asks.
I nod confidently, "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, it is the Reaping after all!"
"You worry too much, Sierra. Neither of us will even be Reaped, and even if we were, one of the older kids would volunteer, before the escort even finished saying our names!"
"Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll see you later then!"
"Alright, bye."
Finally I make it to the Boys' Twelve Year Old section, and take my place. The escort of District One walks on stage and clears her throat, "Welcome to the Forty-Seventh Annual Hunger Games Reaping! Oh gosh, aren't you all excited?" There was a cheer from a part of the crowd, and the escort laughed, "Yes, well I am too! Let's get on with it, shall we?"
She walked over the bowl labeled 'BOYS' and reached in. She began to read the name, but paused half way through, out of habit. At first she looks confused, but then she continues, "Shuriken Thorne!" Her eyes scan the crowd, looking for a volunteer, but no one yells.
This can't be happening, it just can't! Slowly I start to walk. Just one foot in front of the other, that's right Shuriken. As I am about to reach the stage, I hear the escort speak once again, "A-are there… any volunteers?" silence, "Anyone?" no one.
I climb onto the sage and stand, attempting to exude confidence. I will not look weak in front of Panem. If no other boy wants to bring glory to our district, then I will.
Daisy Fanworth District One
I've made up my mind, and nothing Aunt Annemarie says will change it. I will show the Capitol what my family can do; I'll avenge my brother's death. This moment has been a long time coming, and now that I am sixteen, I am finally ready to act on it. This year, will be the year I go into the Hunger Games.
Aunt Annemarie attempts to talk me out of volunteering, for what feels like the seventieth time today, but I refuse to listen to her. She tells me how she can't lose another family member; she already lost my mother and my father to the factory explosion, and then my brother a few years ago in the Games. Well, she should feel better about it soon, because she won't be losing me.
Quickly I make my way to Reaping and tap my foot as I wait for it to begin. Finally the escort comes out, and gives us her usual garbage. Then something surprising happens, a boy was reaped, and no one volunteered. I sigh, as it looks as though I'll be stuck with the scrawny twelve year old as my partner. What a joke!
The escort quickly makes a recovery, and then walks to the bowl labeled 'GIRLS.' Just as her hand comes out of the glass bowl I race forward and yell, "I volunteer! I am the female tribute of District One!"
The crowd cheers; they love volunteers. Within seconds I am on the stage, standing next to the escort, who I can hear give a sigh of relief. It looks as though she was terrified to have to go through the actual process of a Reaping: reading a kid's name and then asking for volunteers, only to be greeted with silence. Perhaps it was because she had never had to actually read a whole name before, until today that is, after all she had never been an escort for one of the outer Districts.
My eyes scan the crowd, until I find Aunt Annemarie. She looks to be crying, and part of me feels bad. It's my fault she is upset, but I can do nothing about it, I have to do this. This is my destiny! My brother died in these games, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that I get my revenge.
Our escort ushers us into the Justice Building to say our goodbyes to our family. First Aunt Annemarie comes in, and I am forced to comfort her. Why is she so upset? I can do this! I'll be back in two weeks tops!
After my aunt leaves, my training partner, Michael comes in. He looks pleased; at least someone is happy for me! Quickly he congratulates me for volunteering, and then he wishes me good luck. Just as the Peacekeepers come to escort him out of the room, he hands me something: a silver bracelet. "It's for good luck!" he smiles. Then he leaves, just as quickly as he had come.
I am given a few minutes to myself, and I sit on the plush couch, just think. I will bring us all glory. Don't worry District One, we'll be having a victor this year, and it will be me.
