Trafford Ahava (D1)
"Wake up son, today's the day. The day where we get to see those damn rebels get what's been coming to them."
"Mmmm," why is he so excited? It can't be morning yet.
"Hurry up, Trafford. We got to get to the square early so we can get a good view." My father snaps the curtains open like a drill sergeant and gives me a scowl. Sunlight blinds me when he moves from the window. He leaves and slams the door after him.
I briefly consider munity, but father would probably skin me alive if I take too long. With a yawn, I stumble out of bed to my closet. Mom had already picked out my clothes last night, since I'd just dress in working clothes to this Reaping thing otherwise. Who cares anyway? It's not like I was going to be picked.
After getting dressed in my nicest dress shirt and some navy slacks, I head off the breakfast. Mom gives me an exasperated look and starts playing with my hair.
"Do you know what a hairbrush looks like," she asks with a loving tone. "It's this thing that most people use to get their hair looking nice."
"Really," I ask, "who knew?"
Father comes in. "Stop messing around Trafford," he orders. "Get over here so we can discuss strategy."
"Sheesh, father," I complain. "We have talked strategy since these dumb games were announced. It's not like I'm going to be picked anyway."
His face floods with red. I grab some toast and dog kibble and say, "I'm going to feed Rocky. You two better go on to the square if you want to get a good seat," I say with sarcasm. I hurry out the back before he can get in my face.
As soon as I step out the door, Rocky leaps on me.
"Get down boy!" Rocky is my unofficial pet pit bull. He started following me around a few years ago, so I decided to make sure he ate. I set his kibble on the ground and he attacks it like he has never seen food before.
I eat my toast with less enthusiasm. My father's not such a bad guy, but he is such a tyrant. Mom is awesome. She can get a little embarrassing at times, but she's great. I wonder what they would say if I did get picked. Father would be overjoyed I'm sure. Rocky comes over and slobbers all over me, and I play with him till it's time to go to the Reaping.
A few hours later, I head to the town square. Almost everybody is already there. People look excited, apprehensive, and worried. I head over to the 16 year old section. Girls are huddled together, and guys are trying to look tough. For some it works, but for others, it just shows how scared they are.
After standing there thirty seconds, the mayor starts talking. He's recently elected, so he seems to enjoy rattling off this Capital written speech on how bad we were to participate in the rebellion. I don't know who he's talking to though. Really only the poor people and the old mayor of our district participated. Father was very intent on keeping out of it. I guess it's a good thing that we did, cause the old mayor was publically executed.
The mayor finished the speech with relish, and introduces some Capital dude with spring green hair. What a freak.
"All right District 1," he announces all preppy like. "Who is going to make history by being the first tributes ever for District 1?!"
Some excited people shout their kid's names. I'm pretty sure one was my father.
"The female tribute for District 1 is…," he reaches into a golden ball for a second and pulls out a slip of paper. "Cassia Smith!"
A girl I don't know with nutty colored brown hair sashays on stage. She flips her hair as she shakes the green guy's hand. She gives the audience a winning smile.
"Well, you look like a winner dear," green guy exclaims. "Now for the male tribute!"
I feel a moment of panic as he reaches in the bowl. But there is no way I could be picked. I hold my breath anyway as he shouts, "Trafford Ahava!"
I close my eyes for a millisecond to try to wake me up from a nightmare, but it doesn't work. I hold my head high and put a tough look on my face as I walk on the stage.
I glare at the green guy as he shakes my hand. In the corner of my eye, I see my father. He and mom are right up front. Father has a gloating smile and Mom has tears streaming down her face.
I turn to shake the Cassia girl's hand. She has a flirty smile and fiery green and gold eyes. I can tell she'll play the role of the prep.
"There you have it District 1," green guy shouts. "District 1's first tributes ever!" I try not to roll my eyes.
We're ushered by Peacekeepers to a large holding room. I guess they think we'll try to escape. Not that it's likely with the machine guns they're carrying.
My parents come in a few minutes later. Mom runs and hugs me. Father tries to shove her aside and starts giving me another prep talk. "Okay son. This is your moment. You get to kill those stinking…"
"ENOUGH," I shout. "I'm sick of your strategy talk and bullying! Get out!"
He gives me a smirk and says, "You'll win." He struts out of the room like I've already won.
I hug my Mom some more. We don't say anything. She pulls back and starts messing with my hair again. She's still crying.
"Take care of Rocky for me," I say in a low voice. I know I won't be coming back.
She nods and says, "I love you Trafford. Be careful, and try to come home. Your father loves you too."
"I know. I love you too, Mom."
She sniffs and smiles. She stands on her tiptoes and kisses my forehead. She's so short. With that, she walks quickly out the door.
I look over at the Cassia girl. Her father is also giving her a lecture. Unlike me though, she takes it silently. They shake hands and he walks out the room.
She gives me another flirtatious grin and asks, "Allies?"
"Why not."
Question of the chapter: So, how was my writing? This is the first time that I've really wrote a fanfic, so please be nice when you tell me what you think.
Also, District 2 people, what did you think of the other tribute for your district. I already have an idea about them, but give me your input.
