Memoirs of a victor

Disclaimer: Do not own the Hunger Games

Chapter 2: The Reaping

Lucy Galanthus-Abernathy

Age 32

Loving friend and mother

I stared at the tombstone of my mother grave in the cemetery. It was strange on the last stanza for most people would engrave loving wife and mother. However, the relationship between Haymitch and Lucy wasn't a romantic story. They loved each other, only their love was of friendship, a shoulder to rely on, and a companion. My mother told me long ago that Haymitch's heart loved another woman, his true love being taken away from him as punishment of an irrational yet survival decision.

I've seen the footage of the Second Quarter Quells, at the end Haymitch used the force field, a stunt that baffled if not embarrassed the Capitol. The woman who was Lucy best friend, nothing could replace the love Haymitch and his girlfriend had, but the love Lucy and Haymitch had is close. Two souls who seek comfort in the person they lost and grew close to keep their friend alive. And so I was born, Blaine Maysilee Abernathy. The sad part was I wasn't named just after Haymitch's tribute partner in the Second Quarter Quells. I was also named after the girl who was loved by my parents and somebody who died in the arena.

It became a tradition for me to go to the cemetery to seek comfort from my mother. Today is the Reaping and to say I was terrified would be an understatement. I was scare beyond belief compared to the last four years. The older I become the serious my name would be. As of now my name is in the reaping five times. There was no need to become tesserae since the Haymitch pention pays for everything. Although I have a feeling that Effie Trinket is being generous to avoid my slips or God is in my favor. But I never take the chances likely ever since I turned twelve. The Capitol told Haymitch he could no longer bring me to the Capitol and I have a babysitter. Now I'm older and the sitters stop my nerves on edge to think my time is coming.

"Mom, I'm scare." I whispered. Okay so she might be able to answer but being close to grave make some assurance. "I know you taught me things and so has dad…but what if I screw up. I don't want to die…since dad might kill himself…promise to be there. What am I saying you might be my guardian angel since the beginning?"

After a few minutes, I laid some wild flowers from the meadow. Kissing three fingers then pressed in along her name. Afterwards I got up leaving the cemetery to prepare for the reaping. I took a long route not to cross paths with the citizens going around the fence. Up ahead I see my classmate Gale Hawthorn going under the fence running towards the woods. Must be checking on his snares, I thought. Gale lived in the Seams taking care of his family of four. A few years ago there was a terrible mining accident killing a lot of the miners. The devastation had countless family gambling their children's live to sign up as tesserae for more grain and oil.

"Hey Blaine!" Exclaimed a boy's voice from behind.

I jump with a yelp turning around to see my friend Mike. Michael Smyrnium, he's my best friend even though there is a two year different. He looks like anybody from the Seams, with olive skin, grey eyes, and black hair. Since this summer he had another growth spurt for he is practically my height now which I find a bit intimidating. His clothes were dirty cover in coal dust, assuming he just got back from his part-time job at the Hob selling berries his mother grown. We met at school, he was being bullied by the older kids and I intervene telling them to stop. Of course they wouldn't listen telling me to back up so I punch the top dog in the face breaking his nose. After that we became friends, including he doesn't see me as a victors child but a normal tomboy.

"Dammit Mike, what did I tell you about sneaking up on me." I sighed.

"To not to," he smirk. "But c'mon it's fun."

"On your end," I muttered.

"So you went to see your ma?" he asked.

I nodded and sighed. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder while leading the way back to Victors Village.

"So what's the bets?" I asked.

It is not unusual that the peacekeepers or the men gamble on who would reap every years. The amount of tesserae shows its value, but I know certain view that look at the older teens like prized animals. Mike sighs, "From what I hear you're on the top five."

"Terrific," I sarcastically cheered.

"Hey, at least your name is not in there 12 times." Mike muttered.

"Mike, if you needed some help you could've asked for more." I reminded him.

"I know, and my folks appreciate it." He said. "It's just a hard blow to my dad's pride. You know how we guys are."

"I know," I chuckle.

"You think me and some of the gang come over when Haymitch is gone?" he asked.

I knew what he was asking. Every time Haymitch goes out for the Hunger Games or any important Capitol business some of the kids come over to hang out, eat real food, and try out the showers. Sometimes Mike's family comes over and we share a meal. Ever since we became friends the Smyrnium would visit but they never took anything for granted.

"Maybe…if the odds are in my favor." I answered.

"Thanks Blaine," He said with a smile giving me a hug.

We walk to the halfway point splitting up so he could go to the Seams while I headed to Victors Village. The village where the Victors live in, except District 12 had only two victors the past seventy years, the first one won in the early games and died unexpectedly before the second victor cold be train. Haymitch is the second victor so he is the only occupant in this entire area. The houses are large made out of marble. Bricks and vines leaving a gloomy atmosphere. Sometimes a few Capitol officials come here occupying a resident, but they don't stay for long.

Sighing I walk in introduced to a foul stench. Instantly my nose wrinkle in disgust. My father must have puke again this morning after I left. With a deep breath, I headed to the living room to find Haymitch on the couch, sprawl out with one hand on his chest holding a bottle while the other on the ground drench in the puddle of vomit. Only on these special occasions does he drink himself to spite the Capitol and revenues on the past. So opening the curtain letting light filled the room, opening the windows for fresh air a groan could be heard. Next I grabbed a ruin pillow standing behind the back of the couch and smack him hard in the face. Instantly he sat up swinging his knife like a mad man while I duck behind the couch avoiding the blows. Sometimes I would take the knife and fight him through the episodes, except I wasn't in the mood for it. Once he calms down from his temper tantrum, he wipes his face on his shirt sleeve and looked over the seat to find me sitting there casually.

"Morning," I said.

"Why do you keep doing that!" he grumbled.

"Hey, at least it wasn't a bucket of water." I counter.

"Why?"

"Effie told me to wake you a few hours before the reaping." I said.

"What?" he said.

"Todays the reaping, or has all the alcohol got into your fat head again."

He paused remembering the date and cursed. "Got everything set for me, kid?"

"Yep, now shower." I said standing up.

He sighs, muttering things as he headed upstairs to his room to get ready for the day. Ever since mom died things been difficult. Usually I'm the one who takes care of him. After his near death experience a few years ago, he promises to limit his amount of drinking, more at the border line, but enough to be there for me. Once I hear the shower running, I headed to my room to prepare for the day.

I walk into my room that was practically empty. There was a bed, dresser, nightstands, but the walls were beige with several small pictures. Pictures that held rare happy moments. Otherwise the room seemed empty, just a place to sleep in. A shower waited for me in the private bathroom. I rinse off the dirt and sweat from the cemetery and washed my hair not using the scented hygiene products but stuff bought at the Hob.

After getting washed, I wrap a warn towel and stare at myself in the mirror seeing my refection. I was tan, not olive skin as those in the Seams or fair in the market. Short wavy brown hair, unique sky blue eyes and an oval-shaped face with a wide forehead. My eyes are large and widely spaced. My nose is thin and her cheekbones are prominent while lips full. People say I have my mother's face while my eyes are Haymitch's. I looked at myself brushing my short hair that reaches my middeck. Once done I went over to the bed putting on the dress that once was my mothers. A crème floral dress with matching shoes. I put them on and took my mother's pin and attached it to the collar.

Once dressed I went down stairs, into the kitchen to make lunch. Some small steaks, chopped potatoes, and greens. Haymitch came down in fresh clothes that Effie mailed in saying he must wear. He wore the grey slacks, white shirt and brown vest with old loafers. His coat hanged on the rack waiting to be worn for today's grave event. We ate in silence not saying a word until half pass noon, where we headed to the town square.

"Take care now," Haymitch said before walking ahead to the Justice Building.

I gave a weak smile. He always says that wanting both of us to believe that I won't get reap. It's nice to know he hopes for the good. Anyway, attendance is mandatory unless you wish for death. The town square was surrounded by a few shops with the Justice Building standing ahead. This place had a neutral feeling to it, though festive during the holidays felt gran…now it felt grim including the massive heat wave making things simmering. All around the place covered in banners on the buildings, two large screens on the side of the Justice Building showing the preparations, camera crew perched on the rooftops, and peacekeepers all around. A temporarily stage that is set up with District 12's council, Effie Trinket, and Haymitch sat.

There was a line where the children sign up, also the opportunity for the Capitol to check on the population. When I got to the front of the line, a female peacekeeper to my hand pricking my finger with a scanner to check my blood to confirm my identity. Afterwards she dabs it on the book then said next. I walked away sucking on my finger to get the blood off while keeping eyes open for Mike. The peacekeeper gestured some of us kids to the rope areas marked by ages between twelve through eighteen. Mike walked by giving a reassuring look as he headed to the fourteen year old boys section. With a sigh I stood in the sixteen year old section with the other girls.

When the clock struck Two, it was time to begin. As Mayor Undersee's step up towards the podium and read the history of Panem aloud. From the natural disasters to the rise of the Capitol and thirteen districts. Then it was the Dark Days, that of the rebellion the districts set forth, as twelve were defeated and the thirteenth district obliterated. Follow by the Treaty of Treason and the birth of the Hunger Games.

Afterwards Effie Trinket tapped on the microphone with a cheery look. Effie is wearing a purple dress with puffed sleeves and high heel purple shoes, with black socks. Her face covered in makeup that sorta resembles a clown, and the usual giant pink wig. You could see she doesn't want to be here and prefer a better district, however to get a promotion is for the tributes to get in the final eight or win. Sadly no one has survived to the final eight in years.

"Welcome! Welcome, welcome. Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor." She greeted. "Now, before we begin, we have a very special film. Brought to you all the way from The Capitol."

A film that's been going on for the past fourty-or-so years, I thought.

The two screens adjusted to present the film voiced over by President Snow in a montage of false propaganda. "War. Terrible war. Widows, orphans, a motherless child. This was the uprising that rocked our land. Thirteen districts rebelled against the country that fed them, loved them, and protected them. Brother turned on brother until nothing remained. And then came the peace, hard fought, sorely won. A people rose up from the ashes and a new era was born. But freedom has a cost. When the traitors were defeated, we swore as a nation we would never know this treason again. And so it was decreed, that each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up in tribute, one young man and woman, to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage and sacrifice. The lone victor, bathed in riches, would serve as a reminder of our generosity and our forgiveness. This is how we remember our past. This is how we safeguard our future."

"I just love that!" Effie Trinket said after the film. "Now, the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District 12 in the 71st Annual Hunger Games. As usual, ladies first."

She crosses the stage towards the glass bowl that had the girl's name. She reaches down and collects a single slip of paper. Out of the hundreds of slips only four names are in there. Four should be a fair number to not get pick. Call me selfish but I want to live. I watched her closesly as did the crowed holding their breath. I felt sick and sweaty my mind repeating over and over again. Effie holds it up walking back to the microphone clearing her voice while opening the slip.

"Blaine Abernathy!"

The square wasn't silent. Already certain people were cheering in their winnings of their stupid bet. Some kids in age group chuckle and so forth. The girl next to me tried to pet my shoulder for reassurance but it did nothing. After hearing all the excitement from the adults and sigh of relief from the kids all I felt was anger. With a deep breath, I shoved my way out of the section and marched my way down the aisle to the stage. My head up, back straight, and face neutral while eyes burning with a passion. I ignore the pity looks, the sympathy, and hidden remorse. When I passed the fourteen section for girls, one girl caught my attention…Everdeen. She held a neutral expression showing nothing of initial attention. Strong girl.

"Dramatic turn of events here in District 12. Districts 12's very first Victor child in the honor to represent for us. Come on, dear," Effie said. I climbed up the marbles steps standing beside Effie. The woman who I haven't encounter in five years until this day. "Let's have a big hand for our newest tribute, Blaine Abernathy."

To the everlasting credit of the people of District 12, a quarter of the people applause. Some holding the betting slips, the ones who usually don't give an ass. I turned my head slightly to stare at Haymitch who had his arms crossed with a scowl. We knew this day would come. We just didn't expect it to come at this day or not at all. If my mother were here should be crying clinging to one of her friends…yet no one cried or felt guilty.

I was born to die.

The odds were never in my favor.

"And now, for the boys," Effie announced, as she walked to the second bowl full with the boys names and grabbed another slip. She returned back to the microphone and read aloud the boy's name.

"Michael Smyrnium!"

No! I thought. Not him!

I looked down to watch my best friend whose grey eyes widen in fear and shock. In that one moment my best friend has turned into my enemy and I know I couldn't kill him even if I wanted to. One of the guys shakes his shoulders snapping him back to reality. He took a deep breath keeping his emotions under control though tensed as he walk to the stage, managing to climb up, and take his place. He had no older siblings to take his place or relatives. Here it is all for yourself, no one would dare volunteer unless they are suicidal.

Effie asked for volunteers, but no one stepped forward. Instead she wraps her arms around us and said cheerfully, "Our Tributes from District 12. . . Well, go on, you two, shake hands."

We turned to face each and shake hands. Both of our hands were shaking knowing our fate is set. Mike looks me straight in the eye saying we can do this. We turned to face the crowd as the anthem of Panem played while Effie cheerily says,

"Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor."

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Alright guys, chapter 2. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter and continue to read. I know it's similar to the book, but things will get different later on.

Thanks for reading and Please leave a review.

Reviews really help me and it's encouraging.