Chapter 2
The Reaping, the Capitol, and the Train.
It was reaping day. The people gathered in the square, solemnly awaiting Effie Trinket. She appeared, eager to begin the reaping. Her latest style, a bob with blue and pink streaks upon the unnatural color of white, flounced excitedly as she greeted the crowd cheesily. "Good morning, and good day, everyone! Who's ready for the most celebrated event of Panem?"
The crowd was silent.
"Ooh! Somebody's a little shy! Well then, in celebration of the Capitol's power, and a reminder of the rebels that they brought danger to all the family, and even the strongest cannot protect their loved ones, we celebrate the third Quarter Quell!"
She arrived at the first glass bowl, and said with the excitement of a kid at a candy-store, "Ladies first!"
She thrust her hand in until she came across the only paper, and thrust her hand out. "The winner, representing the ladies if District 12, is Primrose Everdeen!"
I walked up, dragging my feet, not daring to show emotion. I stepped in front of Effie, and glared from under my hair. She smiled and congratulated me for "winning" such a "prestigious" honor. I gave an unexcited smile, my eyes glancing away in disgust. Normally, I try to be as polite as possible, putting my family under the impression that I'm docile, but today I wasn't going to hide my emotions under a blanket of weakness and fear. I was only deluding myself of the situation I lived in. I marched with my last bit of dignity over to the side of the stage.
"Now on to the gentlemen of the district twelve!" Effie sorted blindly through the papers and settled on the unlucky winner. "Narmer Mellark! What a handsome name!"
A tall boy with broad shoulders and a heavy build arose form the crowd. He resembled Peeta, but was more buff, being the delivery boy of his family's bakery. He was always lifting loads of heavy goods. I stood no chance against him. With his slicked blond hair, and piercing blue eyes, he would woo sponsors with ease. Hopefully his personality was even better. I began to think he might win.
"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in favor!" but they weren't in my favor at all. Oh no they were not. I snickered at the irony.
The table in the dining cart of the train was set with a great feast. I assumed my position, smoothing the dress I had picked from the Capitol selected wardrobe. Narmer was already there, and so was dear Effie Trinket. The two missing were Katniss and Peeta; our mentors to be. They arrived in a solemn fashion, wearing matching black clothing, as if making a statement. Katniss clung to Peeta tightly, and Effie absorbed all of this excitedly. "Ooh I love that strapless number Katniss! The same with your suit Peeta! You two really are the perfect lovebirds!"
"May we eat?" Narmer intterupted her dainty clapping. She paused, turned to Narmer annoyed, and cut her sentence off with a nod. He dived in and wolfed down everything within range. I stared at the food until Katniss shoved a roitiseirre chicken on my plate. She glared at me, as if to say, eat. I did obediently, and scoured the table for more as I finished.
As dessert was brought out, Katniss and Peeta showed us knife throwing techniques. I was confused as to why they did this, especially with me, because we stood no chance. Well, maybe Narmer did, but I didn't. I felt surprised at my cold approach; it was normally my sister who was the cold one. Lately, the capitol had been constantly endangering my family. I mean, the reason I am being sent out to fight was to punish my sister. Now, I could not care to show emotion, there was none left after all the emotion the capitol had sought out from me.
Not concentrating, I threw the knife at Effie, grazing her perfect cheekbone. She yelped in pain. "Katniss! Control this thing that you call your sister! She nearly killed me!"
Katniss turned to me to say something, but I was already at Effie, steaming, "Shut up you naive twat!"
She gaped, watching as I stormed to my room. I tore off my dress, and fell into bed with my underwear on. I started to weep, sobs filling up every breath I took. I hated her. So naïve to our situation. Katniss would understand, wouldn't she? I waited for her to come in. I waited for her to agree with and console my hurt spirit, and yet she never came. I fell asleep waiting for her.
The morning came, bright, and I nearly forgot where I was. I looked to find Katniss, instead to see a window picturing the oh-so welcoming Capitol. Hooray! Let the death commence!