AN:
Hi, so here's the next chapter. I hope you like it. Please review, I really need some good feedback!
-Blaise
Chapter 1
Today is the reaping.
I didn't get much sleep last night, and when I did, I watched Gri die. My mother told me I had been screaming and yelling for her. I realized that she won't be visiting me in the Justice Building. Only my parents, and maybe some unexpected visitors.
At 6:00 A.M. we start the two hour walk to the city. The hot sun was beating down on us in the early morning. My feet hurt and my back was sore from bending down. I remember last year when Laycie, Gri's sister was picked. I invited her over to my house, and watched the parade together, her costume, as we thought, was amazing, and we hoped she would win. Even if she wasn't the best person in the world, annoying us constantly and teasing us. A week later we watched District 1 kill her in the bloodbath. We cried all night, I felt bad for Gri, her brother, and her parents, so I made a loaf out of the small amounts of wheat I had been given for Christmas. They told me it tasted delicious. Those were better times.
When everyone is assembled at the town square, and the children in their sections, Fannia, the escort, tip-toes out onto the stage and says in her Capitol accent, "Aren't you just giddy? Happy 26th, and may the odds be in your favor! Now, I know that you all want to know who your tributes will be so let's get started. Girls first, like always." there's a pause as she stuffs her hand into the large glass bowl. "Laurel Hall!" she yells.
Who knew, that's my name.
I walk onto the stage with a glare on my face. Not fear, anger. No one volunteers. Gri would have, but she's gone now. No one applauds. All I could see was the sunken faces of sellers, and crop workers.
"Boys, it's your turn!" Fannia exclaims. "Whytt Lapworth!"
A muscular boy that a boy about the age of 17 walks onto the stage. I stare at him in awe. He had dark black hair that is spiked up. His lime green eyes glistened like emeralds. He was going to win. I just knew it by his posture and size.
"You can visit them if you would like in the Justice Building, ta ta!" she says and rushes us off stage.
We are put in separate rooms, and I don't think it's a coincidence that it's the same room as the one I went to yesterday. I purse my lips and wait for someone to walk in. Finally, my father does.
"You win this. Prove to them that this isn't a punishment, that you do have the strength to win, and that they are wrong. Got it? I'm sorry your mother couldn't make it, she's a little depressed. I love you, and she loves you too, but I have to go because there's someone waiting outside, see you when you get back, okay?" my father tells me. I can tell he feels a bit uncomfortable standing in here, because his face is beat red, and his voice cracks in some places. I nod and hug him tightly.
He leaves, and I watch Ostrom, Gri's brother walk in. He hands me a loaf of bread and walks out, saying nothing. I look at the bread closely. It's the same kind I made for their family when Laycie died. I'm guessing it's a sign of thanks. I am going to win this. For Gri, for Ostro, for my father, and most of all, for my life. Fannia walks in to take me to the train. I am ready. I am going to win.
