So, here are the first four Reapings. It's a bit weird not writing with my original characters anymore, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.
And congrats to BrasilLove for guessing the secret correctly. I am not going to say it yet, but see if you can figure it out as well.
…
District 1 Emmegarde "Emma" Stewart's POV
"Miss. Emma, Miss. Emma," my maid, Vienna, says frantically. She is already in my large suite, pulling open blinds that send in the mid morning sun. I groan and pull the covers over my head.
"Miss. Emma, you have to wake up for the Reapings," Vienna tells me. I pull the covers so that only my face is showing.
"You know, if I don't go they will hardly notice," I argue. Suddenly, I shoot up into the sitting position, the light bulb practically shining over my head. "Or I can pretend I'm on death's door. They probably won't even…" I trail off when I see the look Vienna is giving me. My shoulders instantly slouch back down. I couldn't miss the Reaping today. I was going to volunteer.
Vienna sets a tray of eggs and orange juice down on my bed and goes into my closet to assemble my Reaping outfit. I gulp down the orange juice to get rid of the sudden dryness in my throat, but I ignore the eggs. Vienna should know by now I only take my eggs poached.
I gingerly get out of bed, not wanting to finally let my feet touch the ground. Vienna has just finished laying out my outfit, the deep purple dress that ends a little below my knees with a deep neckline and fitted bodice. My little gold pumps and my chocker would finish the look perfectly.
I get dressed quickly then wait for Vienna to come finish my hair. When, she doesn't come, I roll my eyes and call down for her.
"Um, Vienna! My hair doesn't do itself!" I yell. Vienna hurries up the stairs, tripping over one as she comes which makes me giggle. Finally, she comes into my room, brush in hand.
While Vienna is doing my usual French braid down the side, I admire myself in the mirror. "Vienna," I sigh. "How can anyone be this pretty?"
"Well, you are, Miss. Emma," she mutters and continues to braid.
"I know that," I say with an eye roll. "But how is it possible?"
It must be possible because I am looking at perfection in the mirror. My 5'10 stature, hour glass figure made perfect by this dress, and my tan skin all make for the perfect guy killer. Add that to my long, curly, russet hair and my deep hazel eyes and you have perfection. No wonder Mimi lost, she wasn't pretty enough to get sponsors.
"Miss. Emma, your parents wish to speak to you," Vienna tells me once she is done with my hair.
"Yeah, yeah," I say still admiring my hair. Vienna gives me that look that she must have been perfecting for years that tells me she is as annoyed as possible, so I decide to just see what my parents want.
I take my time walking downstairs and wander into the kitchen where my parents are standing, taking amongst themselves.
"Ah, Emma," my father says, coming around to give me a tight hug. Now I know exactly what this is about. Time to put on my show face.
"Dear," my mother, Glitz, a past Hunger Games victor starts. "We know it must be hard today, being the day your sister was sent to her death, but we want you to know everyone is here for you."
If they were here for me they would tell me I was always their favorite and Mimi's death meant nothing. But no, instead I get "We are so sorry. Mimi was sooo amazing." It's like they don't even care I am still alive.
"Thank you mommy," I say bringing tears to my own eyes about how amazing of a performer I am.
"Oh, sweetie," my mom says, running over to me. She manages to get me into a hug, but I know I should leave before this gets to corny.
"Got to go, mom," I say, running out the door, of my Victors Village house.
I would show them that they don't need Mimi. I was going to be better than Mimi ever was. I am going to win.
Leif Daniel's POV
I click off the TV before the recap gets to the short segment on Storm and Mimi, the couple from opposite worlds as the like to call it. I could barely watch the romance when it was going on live. I am just torturing myself watching it over and over again. But watching the recaps is the only way I get to see Mimi's face anymore.
Mimi Stewart, my best friend since I was five. We had gotten in and out of fights together and pretty much did everything best friends do. I didn't know how much I loved her until I watched her and Storm in the Games. But no matter how hard I try, I can't hate Storm. He really did love her and tried to keep her safe.
My mother is calling me to get to the Reaping and I hear my little sister, Cordelia yelling as well, probably just because she thinks its fun. I scramble into my red dress shirt, black dress pants, and black shoes. I run back downstairs into my kitchen. My mother begins scolding me over my tardiness, but I am already too far out the door for her to catch me.
I run down my street, but halt when I see Erik coming. I wave him over. "You late too?"
"Yeah, but Id don't really care. Good luck today," Erik tells me.
I nod the same, but he won't be going anyway. I will be.
We walk along the back way to get the square. Most people don't come this way because it is where the lesser people live, the ones who don't have much money. We make it out of the back way and into the grand town square.
We are almost there when someone bumps into me. "It's called walking," the girl sneers. I chorus of girls giggle behind me. I should have known from the voice. I turn to see Emma and her "Diamonds".
"If it isn't Leif Daniels. I always knew you were a clumsy one," Emma comments. The girls nod in agreement, but I could see a few of them blushing. Emma hates to admit it, but all the girls in her little clique are attracted to me. I was tall, tan, fit, and I have heard I have a great smile. I wink at the girls and they all start to giggle again. This gets Emma fuming.
"Come on. We don't want a klutz to ruin are outfits," Emma says, walking away with her head held high. The girls walked behind her, but all of them took at least one look back.
"Emma really hates you," Erik comments. I nod and we make our way to the 17 year olds roped area. We stand there just waiting for the Reapings to begin.
The mayor starts up the usual history of Panem. I've heard it so many times; I think I could say it. When that is finally complete, our escort comes to the mic.
"Ladies first," she squeals after a long ramble mostly about herself. "Shimmer Conners!"
I want to laugh as one of Emma's little diamonds makes her way to the stage, terrified I'm sure.
"Any volunteers?" our escort asks.
"I volunteer!" exclaims a confident voice. My eyes go wide with surprise them shrink back down. I had forgotten Emma was going to do this. She lies to everyone by saying it is to avenge her sister's death, but I know she just wants to outshine Mimi.
"Time for the men. Erik Mousely!" Now my eyes are really wide as I watch Erik make his way on stage. I wait for the escort to call for volunteers.
When she does, I make sure to make my voice loud and clear. "I volunteer!"
I make my way up the stage stairs, passing Erik on the way up. He gives me an apologetic look, most likely feeling sorry for me. Not because I was going, but because my District partner was Emma.
But I would just have to get passed that. I was doing this for Mimi and I was going to win, with Emma or not.
District 2 Livia Drusus's POV
I wake up to someone shifting out of my bed. I grab the person's arm, pulling them back. "Leaving so soon?" I ask.
The boy laughs, but still gets up. I want to call him back over here, but I can't seem to remember his name. It was something stupid, I know that for sure.
I get up as well and slip on my fluffy robe. The boy was by the window, slipping on his own clothes. I yawn and walk over to where he is standing. I kiss him while his is heading out the window and he, of course, kisses back.
"Livia!" my nanny, Titania, yells up to me. I hear her loud footsteps coming up the stair.
"Shoot," I mutter, breaking the kiss. I shove Cupid (that was his name!") out the window and slam it shut just in time. I hear Cupid give a cry of pain, but I ignore it. He could have gotten me in trouble if I hadn't done that.
Titania enters the room. I try to act as innocent as possible, but that is hard around her.
"Livia, I know that was a boy," Titania says with a sigh.
Looks like I can drop the act. "So?"
"Your mother will not appreciate all your…friends," Titania says.
"Like my mother is ever home," I say with an eye roll. "You are the only one who cares."
I barely know my parents. My mother owns her own business that she is always expanding. She might be home on average about two weeks out of a year. My dad left when I was 10 for his mistress and I haven't seen him since. I don't think my mother even notices. My older siblings are too busy with their own life and my younger siblings don't understand.
But I am glad Titania cares. At least someone cares enough about me to talk with me about it. But I am still not stopping.
"Just get dressed," Titania says with a defeated sigh. "This is your year after all." She walks out of the room mumbling something I can't hear. Whatever it is, it is her problem, not mine.
But she is right, it's my year. I was chosen out of the trails. I wish I wasn't. This year, the Games are going to have teams. How elementary is that? I would prefer to play it on my own like I always do. Whatever, I just won't participate.
I walk into my closet and pull out my favorite purple, blue, and green floral dress. I slip it over my head and let it fall to 4 inches above me knee. I make sure the silk vertical ruffles look right down the front and back and I adjust the neckline's collar that looks like a necklace with its studs and beads.
I glance in the mirror and like I always I love what I see. My tall, thin body is perfect in the dress. I leave my dark brown, wavy hair flowing to my shoulder blades. My huge brown eyes were definite guy attracters. My pale, perfect skin and angular features finish my look. The one thing I despise is this despicable birth mark on right collarbone, but that is nothing concealer won't fix.
I slip on my silver pumps, grab my platinum bracelet that will be my District token, and run downstairs. In the kitchen, my fraternal twin brother and sister are arguing as usual.
"I got it first!" my sister, Julia, screams.
"No, I did!" my brother, Cassian, screams back. I groan and walk out of the kitchen. Titania is in the living room, knitting what looks like socks. She looks up at me when I come in.
"Do you want your coat?" she asks.
"It's not even cold," I say though my voice is a little hollowed. Maybe I am having regrets about volunteering.
"Good luck," Titania says to me. She doesn't get up to hug me or anything, but for some reason I want her to. But she never will after I told Titania her hugs sicken me when I was five.
I walk out the door, not looking back. I will win this year and not one person will stop me. But deep down I know that is only a hope.
Regulus St. James's POV
"So, no littler sisters or brothers today?" my cousin, Leonidas asks me.
I shake my head. "They are walking with my parents." Leonidas knows that I always am fond of taking my siblings places with me. I love them to death. But today was the Reaping. In fact, I didn't want them to even come today and watch me volunteer. I had one the training, which makes me required to volunteer.
"What's up Leo, Reggie?" Pluto Ictus, my friend, asks us.
"You know I hate it when you call me Reggie," I tell him.
"Same with Leo," Leonidas adds.
"Yes, but by calling you that we all have stupid names. And speaking of stupid names, here comes Cupid," Pluto says with a grin. I turn to see Cupid running to catch up to us while trying to put on a shoe. His hair was a mess. It looks like someone had been pulling at it…
"You didn't," I say with a grimace.
"Oh, but I did," Cupid says. "And you were wrong."
"Told you," Pluto says with a smirk, but it was directed more at me than Cupid.
"So did I," Leonidas adds.
"Now you're the only one in the group who hasn't been with Livia Drusus," Pluto says.
"And I really care," I mutter sarcastically.
The other three begin chatting about Livia while I walk with them in silence. I don't care for that girl and I surprised more people don't like her. I will have to try to like her though. She is my District partner.
I don't even think Livia would be attracted to me. She seems to go for the small, weak looking guys. I am neither. I am tall, though I am also lanky. I have shaggy blonde hair, small, brown eyes, roman features, and a crooked smile. I have never seen a guy taller than 5'11 with Livia. And this gives me the perfect excuse not to go with her.
We reach the town center. Leonidas bids us a good luck and goes back to where the parents and families stand. The rest of us go to the spot for eighteen year olds.
While waiting, I spot Season Vitale with her new baby getting up on to the stage with the help of Brutus though she doesn't seem to want his help. Season and I used to be neighbors before she won the Games. I was relieved she won because though I only ever talked to her for a few seconds, I had always liked her.
Season spots me looking at her and waves. I look down blushing and pretend to straighten the black vest over my white dress shirt. I happen to glance down at the jade ring on my finger, the ring that unfortunately won me the trails.
But I was ready for this. That's what I told myself anyway.
Victor Season Vitale's POV
I slide into the seat with my name on it and try to sooth Mimi. She doesn't like Brutus much either. I scan the crowd and see so many kids, two not knowing what they are getting themselves into.
Although all the other victors knew what kids were going in based on the trails, I had refused to participate. I didn't want to help decide which kid might go to their death.
My eyes land on Regulus St. James, my old next door neighbor. He is looking at me strangely. But the minute I meet his eyes he pretends to fix his vest. I smile to myself. I didn't know Regulus that well, but he seemed sweet.
The mayor starts the History of Panem and then on to the victors. When a victor's name is called they are supposed to stand up and accept applause.
"Season Vitale!" I stand, holding Mimi, and accept my applause. Mine is the longest since I was the newest victor. I brought needed respect to my District. We hadn't won in awhile.
I sit back down and watch as Elle Lass makes her way to the girl's ball. "Mel Rivers!"
A small girl makes her way up the steps. Elle doesn't have time to call for volunteers before a 17 year old steps up.
"Livia Drusus," she says when Elle asks for her name. That name rings a bell for me. I might have heard about her around town and I don't think it was for a good reason.
Elle steps over to the boys' bowl and pulls out a name. "Vulcan St. James!"
A little 12 year old comes up on to the stage. There is no murmur of grief like in other Districts for the young tribute. Someone will replace him.
"Volunteers?" Elle asks, smiling because she actually had time to ask this time.
"I volunteer," a voice calls. It is Regulus St. James. I don't move a muscle, not wanting anyone to think I don't want him to volunteer. I don't know if he is doing this for his brother or if he was actually chosen. One thing I do know is that I wish it wasn't him.
I watch as the tributes shake hands and are whisked away by Peacekeepers. Brutus and I are always taken over to a train that will escort us to the Capitol. Elle is right behind us.
"Won't these Games be exciting!" she asks. Brutus is nodding enthusiastically, but I just look down. Why couldn't I have one the 78th Hunger Games and then got to coach a normal Games?
District 3 Aaron Ashling's POV
"Aaron! What is taking so long?" my mother yells up to me. I ignore her and just continue to stare into the mirror. I am not staring because I love the reflection of myself. Sure my raven color hair is nice and my blue eyes are captivating, but nothing worth staring at like I'm doing. I just don't want to go to the Reaping.
My sister was sent to her death last year because of the stupid Reapings. When she came in 6th all because of that stupid girl Elena, I never wanted to deal with anyone ever again. I ran away and lived in the trees for a week before I was found. Of course, the mayor's son couldn't just disappear. It would cause a panic.
I trudge downstairs into the kitchen. My father and mother looked extra depressed today over Leita as they should be.
"Well, son, good luck," he says, handing me some toast for breakfast.
"Good luck to you too," I grumble. I do hope he can make it through the history and treaty.
I am about to walk out the door when my mother comes to me. She straightens my white dress shirt and tries to give me a kiss on the forehead. I duck away and run out the door, right passed Emma.
"Wait up," she yells from behind me. She dashes to catch up. "Are you okay?"
"When am I ever okay?" I growl.
"Are worse than usual?" she asks, still calm. Emma is the only one who can deal with my hostile behavior.
"It's just…" I start.
"Leita," she finishes. She always knew Leita very well just like she now knows me. "You will be okay," she assures me and gives me a hug.
"I wish," I mumble, but accept the hug. I need it now more than ever. Reaping day is depressing no matter who you are.
Bella Cauthen's POV
"Bella!" my friend, Margaret yells to me. I am walking to the Reaping with Greggs and Tag, but we turn to wait for her. She gives me a hug. I look at her in a floral pink dress and begin to laugh.
"Did they make you do it, Maggie?" I ask to mess with her. She shoots me a look to shut up while I laugh along with Greggs and Tag.
"I see they got you too," she comments, noting my French braided blond hair. My mother and sisters, Shila and Maddy, forced me into it. I had begged my father and brothers to help, but they got to play football while my girlish sisters did my hair.
"Yes, but I am not wearing a dress," I tell her. No, I am wearing my favorite, frame swallowing, white t-shirt, faded black pants, and red high tops. The outfit makes my 5'3 stature and slim features look even tinier, but I don't care. I was not about to wear a dress to the Reapings.
"Whatever," Margaret mutters, defeated. I always win anyway.
We reach the town center rather quickly. Margaret, Tag, and I head for the 17 year olds roped area while Greggs heads over for the 18 one. I am about to enter when a Peacekeeper stops me.
"The 15 year olds are that way," he tells me.
Of course, this is just what I need. "I am 17," I tell him politely, but underneath my fake smile, is a deadly stare. He looks into my always innocent eyes and can't find a trace of lying.
"You are?" The Peacekeeper looks at my friends for confirmation and they nod. "I'm sorry," he says, scratching his head. He walks away awkwardly. I wait until he is out of earshot before I start to laugh. Soon, Tag and Margaret are laughing too.
I scoot into the roped area and wait for the main event. The mayor steps up to the mic. He looks really depressed and it seems hard for him to get the History and victors finished. I remember he lost his daughter, Leita last year.
Maggie Gale, her hair as red as ever, comes up in a much better mood. I elbow Margaret. "There'd the girl who has your name," I say like I do every year. She elbows me back hard.
"Ladies," Maggie chirps and picks a name out of the bowl. "Bella Cauthen!" As usual, snickers follow. For some reason, I don't feel as scared as I should. I walk up the stage and wait for volunteers who don't come. District 3 hasn't had any volunteers in awhile.
"Gentlemen!" Maggie walks over to the guy's bowl and pulls out a name. "Aaron Ashling!"
The crowd does not hide the gasps. The mayor's son walks shakily to the stage. It is not because of who he is; it is that last year his sister got reaped too. Two years in a row was just awful.
Everyone seems to care, but no one dares to risk their own life to express this care. The mayor walks up to the mic to read the usual treaty of Treason, but he can't make it through without beginning to cry. He is escorted off the stage and Maggie hurries to finish it.
Aaron and I shake hands. He seems strong enough. Maybe I can take him to victory with me.
District 4 CeCe Splash's POV
I put down the sail of my boat and lie out on the deck. I soak in the sun's rays and just relax. It was Reaping day. It may seem horrible, but it was actually the best day of the year. No one is out on the water and instead of just working, I get to actually sail.
So, no one is allowed to be out on the water today, but I am out so far no one will notice. The water was such an escape from my ordinary life. Taking care of my three siblings, Fin, Mark, and Sprinkle, is always hard. Add a full day job and an abusive father and you've got a horror lifestyle.
"You're not supposed to be sailing," a voice tells me. It alarms me at first, but it doesn't sound like the voice of Peacekeeper. More like the voice of a boy my age.
I don't bother opening my eyes when responding. I was getting to relax and this boy was not ruining it. "Then why are you here?"
"How did you know I wasn't some Peacekeeper or adult?" the boy asks in a more masculine voice.
In spite of myself, I smile at his weak attempt to act macho. "It wasn't the voice, I can tell you that," I say sarcastically.
"But, you do think I'm funny," he says, back in his pre-puberty voice.
"No, I don't," I snap slightly. Why won't this boy go away? Finally, I open my eyes to see who I was dealing with.
It was a boy my age on a sail boat of his own. In fact it was Jayse. I can't believe I didn't recognize his voice. He has the same dark brown hair and blue eyes. I am so stupid for not realizing it before.
He is looking at me, grinning. "Just realized it was me?"
I roll my eyes. "No."
"Sure," he says, rolling his own eyes.
"Jay, you are so stupid," I tell him. I lie back on the deck, closing my eyes.
"Not as stupid as you," he tells me. "I'm glad I found you, its Reaping day and you are late"
I look up at him again. He is in a nice, ironed white dress shirt and navy blue pants. "Crap," I mutter and scramble into the small room in my sailboat. I pull and tug on my sky blue, sleeveless dress that goes down to my knees. I tug on my silver, three quarter sleeve jacket. I put my caramel colored hair in pigtails. They make me look younger than I am, but if I get picked people might think I am more innocent than I look. I glance in the mirror. My emerald eyes still look bloodshot, but I couldn't do anything about that now.
While looking at myself in the mirror, I start to worry. My name is in that ball so many times. I needed to do it to save my family. My siblings need to eat. If I am picked, I don't know what they will do. The Wilsons, my neighbors, will watch them, but for how long? Soon enough, they would have to work long days like me.
I shake all the negative thoughts out of my head. I have to think positive. I have to.
I run back up on to the deck to see my sail was already up. Jayse is already gone. I try to steer as quickly as possible back to the dock. Jayse is there waiting.
"Nice of you to wait," I say to him.
"Very nice," he comments. I think I see a hint of a blush on his cheeks, but I must be seeing things.
"Let's just go," I say, grabbing his arm to pull him along.
I am scared of the Reaping, but the only thing to do is to get it over with.
Jayse Summers's POV
I couldn't believe I was walking to the Reaping with CeCe. Well, I was walking behind her and her friend, Lilly, but they try to keep me in the conversation.
I have had a crush on CeCe for awhile. She would never notice even though I always compliment her and help her with her siblings. But she is always just too busy to notice.
I am the son of the owner of a large shipping company. I have all the money I need and I try to give it to CeCe whenever I can. On most occasions, she doesn't accept. But sometimes I lie and say I will watch her siblings while she works. I watch them for about an hour and give her a huge amount of money, far more than that of a babysitter job. She accepts then and I can see the relief in her eyes. And I love when it is in her eyes. It makes her seem so much more at ease.
We reach the town square where the stage is bustling and so is the place below. The three of us manage to slip into the 13 year olds roped area. Then, we just wait.
Finally, the mayor steps up to the mic. The History is long and boring, but we have to live with it. Our escort, Ella Moss with her same pink hair, steps up to the mic next. She goes into her usual bubbly speech that always seems to be the same. She finally ends it and starts the real event.
"And our lady tribute is…CeCe Splash!"
My jaw drops in surprise and fear. I watch as CeCe makes her way on to the stage, her face wiped of emotion. But I know her better than I let on. In her eyes, I can see she is afraid.
"And the boy tribute is…Jayse Summers!"
Now my jaw is practically on the ground now. Not only is my long time crush in the Games, so am I.
What a pleasant day.
….
The next Reapings will be out tomorrow or the next morning.
Please tell me if there are any problems with the characters and if not, tell me what you liked. Reviews are pleasant. Carpe Diem, it might help your tributes.
-Emma