Chapter 2: The "Reaping"/Election
On the day that traditionally belonged to the Reaping, the citizens of District 8 met inside a gallery of the Mayor's mansion, instead of in the Square outside. A small podium had been set up, to accommodate the main people. Indigo observed all this from his place among the 16-year-old boys. On the stage, he could see Mayor Quaillen and his family, the district's escort, and two people - a man and a woman - in chairs off to the side. Quaillen stood and approached the microphone.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Now, I only know as much as you do about how this will work. This is new to all of us. So, please, bear with us." He had a mousy face that only matched his timid personality.
The beginning of this election was identical to any other reaping: Quaillen began with the traditional Dark Days speech, outlining the District's rebellion and defeat by the Capitol. Then, he listed the previous District 8 victors, gesturing to the seated man and woman to his left. In 25 years, they had had exactly two, both of whom were still alive: Woof Casino, a young man of 25 who had been born at the end of the rebellion and had won 8 years ago. His victory was hollow at best; he had hid the entire time. He was medium in height and skinny, but strong. He had a pointy, hawkish nose, full bony cheekbones, a strong jaw and a broad forehead. His black hair was combed back as far as it could go, and clashed somewhat with his pale skin. Then, there was Savera Inchcape, a beautiful woman of 34 who had won 8 years before Woof and mentored him through his Games. She was tall and slender, with long olive-toned legs, slim waist, a button nose and full breasts. Her brown hair was thick, luscious and flowing - matched with a round pretty face and sparkling brown eyes. At this rate, you could not have blamed District 8 for expecting a win this year. But, the crowd looked too morose for that.
As Quaillen droned on, Indigo scowled. He really did not want to be here. But, one look at the Peacekeeper the end of his row (who had been especially assigned to watch him) and he knew he would have to sit it out.
The speech finally ended, and the escort made to stand. Then, remembering that there was to be no reaping, she sat back down, embarrassed. Quaillen spoke:
"Now, for this election, we have decided to nominate our tributes. Anyone can nominate whoever they wish: provided they raise their hand first and wait to be called upon." He certainly did not want the nominating contest to devolve into a shouting match or worse something violent. "Then, we will call for a vote by vocal affirmation. Ays will mean we have our tribute. Nays and we will continue until we have a tribute. We'll start with the girls. Are there any nominations?" Silence reigned for about a full minute until a mill worker off to the side raised his hand. Quaillen nodded in his direction.
"I nominate Adara Nadiri," he called out. Everyone immediately looked over to the 12 year old girls. A beautiful little thing with luscious blonde hair instantly began to cry. Then, there was a commotion as a gentleman in wealthy clothes pushed through the crowd toward the mill worker, intent on strangling him. Obviously, he was Mr. Nadiri. Peacekeepers held him back. Quaillen did not miss a beat.
"All in favor, please say Ay!" A significant cry of "Ays" went up. "All opposed say Nay." This was weaker and dominated mostly by the wealthy elite of the district. "The Ays have it!" Quaillen announced, and Adara was brought to the stage.
Indigo looked down and sighed. He should have not put it past the people of 8 to nominate someone of higher status. The Nadiris ran the main textile factory in town, and were generally viewed as Capitol-smooshing snobs by the poorer common people. Sacrificing their daughter to the Games was the perfect form of payback.
"And now for the boys." Quaillen did not even have to ask for nominations this time before several hands shot up. He picked a raggedy woman near the front.
"I nominate the Weaver brat!" she croaked out. At this, a riot practically ensued as roars of approval went up. "Yes, yes, make the street rat go!" "We want Indigo Weaver!" Nobody paid any attention to Indigo himself, as his mouth fell open in shock. Quaillen had to bellow into a megaphone to call for a vote.
"All in favor, please say Ay!" The chorus in response was deafening. "All opposed say Nay!" Complete and utter silence. "The Ays have it!" The Peacekeepers almost gleefully seized Indigo and hauled him up onto the stage to stand next to Adara. The Head Peacekeeper sneered down at the boy.
"I can't wait to see you run to your death, street rat."
"Go to hell!" hissed Indigo at him. "You and your fucking district!" The Head Peacekeeper just shrugged, and before Indigo knew it, he, Adara, Woof and Savera were being escorted to the train. Soon, District 8 was being left far behind, Indigo still in disbelief that he had been turned over by his own people.
