Disclaimer: This chapter has many scenes very similar to the book 'Hunger Games.' Mimicry is the best form of flattery. AGAIN. I OWN NOTING. Thanks, for reading and Enjoy!

Chapter 2: The Reaping.

As we made our way on the path that leads to town, I couldn't help but think how ironic it all was. We make ourselves squeaky clean, dress in our finest clothes, and for what? For us to look pretty as one of our own, receives a deaths sentence! It's cruel, sick and twisted, but such is life under Capitol rule.

Attendance to the reaping is mandatory. This is why I am pulling my mother along with us as we head into town. Everyone must sign in and officials will make sure each and every citizen in the District is there. If someone does not come they are made an example of. That person is publicly punished, this assures everyone else's compliance by showing what would happen to those that disobey.

We arrive at the town square and wait to sign in. I help my mother and then we are then directed to an area designated for possible tributes. Within the town square, there are roped off areas assigned by age and gender. Immediate family are allowed to stay in the town square, so I find a quiet corner to place my mom. Everyone else is assigned placement within the neighboring streets surrounding the square.

As Nessie and I head to our designated areas, I noticed her start to stiffen and shake. I turn and wrap my arms around her. Hugging her with all my might.

"I promised, remember?" I remind her, she looks at me and nods, "Now, go stand with your friends. Everything will work out in the end, you'll see." I say with more conviction then I actually feel but, I just knew I had reassure her.

She walks over to her area and I see that all the girls there look scared and helpless but, it wasn't just them taking a good look around at the other possible tributes and their family members, they all look just as worried, sad and at a loss for what to do. None of us have any control over what's to come today, we were all at the mercy of the Capitol.

We had only one person from our district survive in the many years of the games. To be sent to the games was a sure death according to everyone in my district.

I spot Jake and give a small wave. He responds with a short nod. I enter my designated area and wait, but while I wait I vow I will do whatever it takes to protect Nessie. Angela, one of my few friends here, came up beside me.

"Hi." she says in her soft voice.

"Hi, How are you holding up?" I ask.

"As well as can be expected. How about you? How's Nessie holding up?"

"As well as can be expected." I answer honestly.

"Her odds are good. It's her first year. She only has the one entry. I'm sure she'll be safe." she replied.

I noticed how she didn't mention my odd. Probably because, they weren't good at all. My name is entered 24 times. That's the thing I liked about Angela, she didn't make false statements and her heart was always in the right place. We stood in silence from then on, awaiting the beginning on the reaping. Each of us lost in our own thoughts.

The town square is a sea of activity, and seems to have been transformed overnight. Banners are hung along the street, a stage is set in front of the Justice Building, extra Peacekeepers from the Capitol were sent and patrolled the area. They are probably here to assure that there are no disruptions during and after the ceremonies. But, the most obvious change was that there were camera crews everywhere. Rooftops, balconies, look in any direction and you are bound to spot one. The reaping for each district is televised live, then replayed again later that night, with added commentary from Capitol reporters.

Everyone's attention was drawn to the Justice Building, as Mayor Carlisle Cullen took the stage with his family. Accompanying them was Mrs. Cope, District 12's escort for the games.

The stage was set with banners, a few chairs, a podium, and two large bins. One marked 'boys' and the other one marked 'girls'. The Mayor heads directly to the podium, while his wife Esme and son Edward take their seats, Mrs. Cope follows suit.

As Mayor Cullen prepares to make his mandatory speech I get a good look at him. He is dressed in a suit that complements his tall, lean figure, and makes him look younger then his years. The Mayor was probably about 6'2" tall, he has wavy blond hair that hung just above his shoulders and his bright blue eyes were crystal clear. All these factors made him quite appealing to public. I'm sure the Capitol will be delighted, they like shiny new things and our mayor would make many of them swoon with his good looks.

Mayor Cullen is admired here in District 12, and he has won our respect. Not because, he is good looking but because, he rules with kindness and compassion that isn't normally found in Panem politics. He has been reprimanded by the Capitol many times for being to benign toward his charges. He simply reminds them that no misconduct has taken place and his people follow Capitol rule. This stops them from going any further with their reprimands.

The Mayor begins to read the prepared speech in his smooth calm voice. Had it been any other occasion, his voice could lull a person to sleep. It was as inviting as a warm blanket that was heated by the hearth on a cold winters night. Unfortunately, emotions were running too high and his attempts to soothe us were in vain.

The speech is the same every year. Panem's history, then the Dark Days of the uprising. Moving on to the Treaty of Treason, this includes the new laws that guarantee our submission, and reminders to never revolt again. Finally in closing, the rules of the Hunger Games are explained.

Just as the Mayor is finishing his speech, a disheveled Rosalie Hale staggers onto the stage slinging slurred obscenities at anyone that crosses her path. Rosalie is the only one to have survived the Hunger Games from District 12. She is dressed in dusty miner overalls, her hair is a matted nest of dirt and knots, and though I can't smell her from here I would be willing to bet she reeked something fierce. The Mayor looks distressed, I'm sure he is worried about the Capitol reaction to our so called Victor.

Trying to redirect everyone's attention, the Mayor went back to the matter at hand, the reaping. He gives a grand introduction to Mrs. Cope, still hoping to draw attention away from a volatile Rosalie in the background.

Mrs. Cope prances up to the podium wearing her pink wig and matching suit. She greets the crowd in a sickeningly sweet voice,

"Happy 74th Hunger Games! Let the reaping begin!"

The whole audience was on edge. The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Mrs. Cope walked over to the girl's bin,

"Ladies first of course!" she says as she reaches in and adds, "May the odds" she pulls out a slip of paper, "be ever in your favor!" she unfolds the slip and glances at the name,

"Vanessa Swan!"

My world stopped in that moment. I couldn't hear, I couldn't see, I couldn't even bring myself to breathe. I was frozen in place by dread and despair. This was my worse nightmare come true. No, no this can't be happening! But, just as I thought this, Nessie was walking past me. I noted all the color was drained from her face, and she wore a look of pure terror. It was that look of terror that brought me back to myself.

"Ness." I barely get my voice to work. Internally shaking myself I try again,

"No, not Nessie! " I yell, while running towards her.

I have to save her, I promised to protect her! This is the only thought that goes through my mind as push her behind me in a protective manner,

"I volunteer! I volunteer to be tribute!" I shout.

I hear the crowd murmuring. District 12 has never had a volunteer before. We associate the word tribute with phrases like, dead man walking. No one was willing to sacrifice themselves for another. Survival of the fittest and each man for themselves were mottoes most District 12 citizens lived by.

Mrs. Cope seemed genuinely thrilled by my action,

"Wonderful! Come on up here dear, let get a better look at our newest tribute."

The Mayor looks towards me with a pained expression. Just then, Nessie comes back to her senses and grabs a hold of me,

"No, Bella! You can't leave me! Please, don't go! Please, Bella!"

I swallow the lump in my throat and try to pry Nessie's hands off me. When that doesn't work, I say in a forced voice,

"Ness, Let Go!"

I feel her lifted off me. I turn and see Jake is holding her tight. She is hysterical at this point.

"I got her." he whispers, but I still hear his voice crack at the end.

I turn to walk away for fear I'd break down right then and there. Taking a deep breath trying to hold myself together, and mount the stage.

Mrs. Cope was practically bouncing with excitement as I approached her,

"Now, that's the Hunger Games Spirit! Well played dearie! What's your name honey?" she gushes.

"Bella." I whisper, knowing she didn't hear me and I take a deep breath and answer a bit louder, "Isabella, Isabella Marie Swan." holding my head high as I say this.

Mrs. Cope then does an over dramatic gasped, "Another Swan! I'm guessing your sisters? Oh, I see how it is, you didn't want her to get all the attention now, did you?" She winks at me.

Then she addresses the crowd, "Let's give a big round of applause to this year's female tribute, Isabella Swan!"

I looked out into the crowd and found sorrow filled faces and instead of hearing a round of applause it's dead quiet. As a form of protest they remained silent, one of the few ways our people could still rebel. They were saying, "We do no agree, We do not condone." but, the people of District 12 weren't done yet. One by one, the people brought their three middle fingers of their left hand to their mouth. Then holds it out to me. This is an old and rarely used way of honoring someone, it means Thank-You, it means Admiration, it means Good-Bye to Someone You Love. I was having a really hard time keeping myself from crying at this point. I could feel tears burning my eyes. I was about to lose it. Fortunately, Rosalie took that moment to make her presence known again,

"You're a damn fool! You stupid idiot, throwing your life away, and for what?" she didn't get to finish because some Peacekeepers pounced on her dragging her off the stage. She curses and hollers at them the whole time, as they took her way.

"Well that was…colorful. Let's keep things moving along, shall we? I believe we've kept the boys waiting long enough, don't you?" Mrs. Cope says while reached into the boys' bin and quickly pulling out the next name.

"Edward Cullen!"

I hear the Mayor's wife gasp, but this time it was in genuine shock. Out of the corner of my eye I see, Esme grab onto her husband. A moment later I hear her sobs. The crowd looks on wide eyed. To Edward's credit, he stood-up swiftly taking his place next to me.

We shake hands as custom dictates, and the anthem of Panem begins to play. The moment the anthem ends, the Peacekeepers surround us and escort us into the Justice Building. We were each placed in separate rooms and locked in.

I had only been in the Justice building one other time. It was right after my father passed away, mom and Nessie were with me. The Mayor and his wife wanted to offer their condolences for our loss. I didn't really take much notice of my surroundings back then, I guess I was a bit distracted. So, I took the time to look around. The floors had plush carpeting. On the walls were colorful pieces of art work. Thick tapestries are draped around the windows. In front of a grand fireplace sat a fancy looking coach and set of matching chairs. This has to be the nicest place I have ever been to.

Not sure of what I am suppose to do while I wait, I cautiously sit on the coach. Knowing that this is the time set for saying good byes, I try to prepare myself. I know I must stay strong, for Nessie.

I also don't want to have puffy eyes and red nose in front of the cameras, when I leave. From watching previous games you learn showing weakness to the other tributes will lead to a faster kill rate, they will see you as easy pickings. I don't need a target on my back before I even get into the arena.

A few minutes later, the door opened revealing my mother and sister. Nessie pulled mom into the room with her but, as soon as they were through the door it was swiftly closed and locked behind them. Nessie released mom and ran over to me. Hopping onto my lap, and wrapping her tiny arms around my neck. We stay like this, savoring our last moments together.

I broke us apart, "O.K. Jake and I have arrangements made to assist each other in the event either of our names were called." I told her looking her straight in the eyes to guarantee she was paying attention.

"Billy and Jake will help take care of mom. You need to stay strong for me, keep studying in school and you might get lucky enough to gain a job in town. Jake will help with food and anything else you might need." I was about to go on when she interrupted,

"Stop worrying about me! Start thinking about how you are going to win. You're smarter, faster, and the braver than anyone I've ever met. You have to win, For Me!" Nessie pleads.

I had already accepted my fate, I knew I was going to die but, hearing Nessie's pleas. I couldn't bring myself to tell her that so I vowed,

"I will try. I will try my hardest to come back to you!" and then we embrace each other again.

The Peacekeeper came barging in a minute later,

"Times up." he barks leaving no room for arguments.

I kiss Nessie and mom's cheek before they are ushered out the door.

I whisper, "Goodbye." and let my emotions slip for just a minute. A single tear rolls down my face. I wipe it away quickly.

The door is open again and Angela hurries in. Angela is a very quiet and shy girl, so when she rushes to me, and starts vibrantly talking, she gets my attention right away,

"You can take a token from your District." she removes a gold pin from her lapel, "Will you wear this?" she asks as she holds out the pin to me.

I look at it, it is a mocking jay in flight. Angela's family are merchants. They have more money then people who live on the Seam, but the pin looked expensive and I knew it was something even her family would have had to scrimp and save in order to buy,

"Angela I couldn't." she stops me before I can finish,

"I want you to have it. It was my grandmother's and has always brought me comfort. Please, wear it. Maybe it will bring you luck. Here let me help you put it on."

She pins it to my dress, not waiting for a response. Then hugs me, and kisses my cheek. She dashes to the door, knocking for the Peacekeeper to let her out. And just like that she was gone.

The door opened again. This time Jake walked in. He opened his arms and I ran into them. No words were necessary. He eventually releases me,

"I'll take care of them Bells. I Promise." He tries to soothe me.

"What now?" I ask him.

I look up at him, taking in all his features. Jake is tall, lean yet muscular. He has dark brown eyes, long black hair. He turns the heads of many girls at school and on the Seam. But, to me none of that made any difference. Jake was my sun. He warmed my heart and lit the way, in the dark world we lived in. He is my best friend, my brother in all ways that matter. I needed him to light the way.

"You Go, You Fight, You Win, and then, You Come Back To Us!" he says this with so much confidence I almost believe him but, he wasn't finished there,

"It's just like what we do on the other side of the fence. You watch your back for predators, and hunt for game. Nothing more, nothing less." he adds as if it were common knowledge.

I just nod, not sure what else to say to that. Killing game and killing people were two completely different things, and I wasn't so sure I was capable of doing the latter.

"I'll miss you." I say.

He looked thoughtful for a moment, just as he was about to say something, the door opens again the Peacekeeper grumbles,

"Times up."

Jake shrugs giving me one last hug before he turns to leave, the Peacekeepers shoves him out the door. I figure Jake would be my last visitor until the door opens. I'm stunned at the people who enter.

The Mayor walks in accompanied by his puffy eyed wife. They take a seat and the Mayor motions for me to sit as well. I sit, sensing my uneasiness Esme breaks the silence,

"We wanted to wish you luck, and let you know we will keep an eye on your family for you."

"Thank you, sorry about your Edward." I say before my brain could catch up with my mouth.

I shaking my head at myself mentally. Why did I say that! Here they sit with their son's could be killer and I give them my condolences. Mortified and ashamed by what I said, I sit here fidgeting. The Mayor wraps his arm around Esme as she begins to sniffle,

"It's O.K. dear, we know what you meant. Thank You for your concern. It has been a trying day for all of us." the Mayor says thoughtfully.

I'm relieved they didn't take offense. They get ready to leave but, just before going the Mayor turns to me and says,

"I'm sorry you have to go to the games. If it were up to me none of you kids would have to go. I'd keep you all safe and out of the Capitol's clutches." and with that said, they left.

The Peacekeeper comes in and escorts me to an awaiting car. Inside Mrs. Cope is seated with Rosalie and Edward. The car takes us to a train were we will be whisked away to the Capitol. I take one final look around District 12 and say a silent "Goodbye." to the place I called home for the last seventeen years.

End Note: Please let me know what you think and review.

Up Next,

A Train Ride To Purgatory.