So sorry for the wait on this one. I've been busy over the holiday and with work. A big thank you to ThomasHungerGamesFan for submitting this tribute! From now on I will be trying to do one District at a time (male and female tributes in the same chapter), and I will try to get the next one up by tomorrow.
Eros Goldwin – District 1
I wake up as light streams through the window and lands on my face. Any other day, I'd stay in bed a little longer, but I can't waste even a minute this morning.
I get dressed and head to the bathroom where I splash some water on my face to wake myself up. In the mirror I see what looks like the face of a healthy 18-year-old boy.
Only my family and two closest friends know that's not the case, but in just a few days, the whole country will know.
It wasn't originally my plan to use my condition as a tool for sympathy, but if it means getting me closer to the money for my surgery, it's definitely my best bet.
I head downstairs where Dad is already making breakfast. "Hey, Dad."
He looks up from the stove and smiles at me. "Morning, son. You ready for today?"
I nod in response, and pick up a fork to eat the eggs and fruit he has placed in front of me. I'm grateful for the wealth that we have, even if it's not quite enough for my medical needs.
As I'm eating my mom and sister come down the stairs arguing about who knows what. "I don't want to wear the blue dress, Mom. You know I like green better", Eve says insistently to Mom.
"But the blue is better for your complexion, dear. And it makes your eyes pop." Of course Mom will be the one to win this argument, considering her job as a Capitol stylist.
Eve sighs in defeat and plops herself down in the seat next to me. "Where's Elijah?" I ask as she reaches for the orange juice.
"Probably still in bed. I tried to get him up, but he's impossible."
"I am not." We turn to see him in the doorway with an annoyed look on his face. He punches Eve playfully as he heads to his chair.
I finish my food and bring my plate to the sink. "I'm going to head out so I can catch up with Jasper and Margaret before it starts."
My mom gets up to give me a hug and kiss me on cheek. "Good luck, honey. I know you can do it." The rest of the family echoes with their own encouragements.
"Thanks, everyone." I smile at my family and look at them each one by one for what could be the last time. "Bye." I turn my back to them and walk out the door.
I walk a little ways down the road to Jasper's house where he's already waiting on his doorstep. "Hey, man. You ready?"
"As I'll ever be. I've done all I can to prepare. All that's left to do is to carry out my training the best I can."
"Well, at least you're confident." He slaps his hand on my shoulder and we head down the road again.
We're almost to the Square by the time Margaret catches up with us, and she pulls me into a hug before either of us can say anything. "Don't you die on me, Eros. Okay?"
I nod, even though we all know there's no guarantee I'll make it back.
The three of us walk to the Square in silence, and Jasper and Margaret say their goodbyes before heading off to the spectator area.
I make my way to a table and wait for my turn. "Name?" the lady sitting there says in a bored manner. "Eros Goldwin."
I stick my hand out and wait for the prick. No matter what happens, this is the last time I'll have to feel that sensation.
Taking one last glance over at my friends, I squeeze my through the crowd to my designated section. The Reaping will begin any minute now.
"Welcome to the Annual 54th Hunger Games, everyone!" The escort, whose name I can't remember rambles on, but I block her annoying voice out. They're all the same; preppy, over-dressed, and probably equally over-paid.
I watch the video of the rebellion, but don't hear it. I think of what life would be like without the Games. My only thought is I wouldn't have a chance at getting the money I need for my surgery. That's all that matters to me right now. It was an easy decision to volunteer, because I'll be dead in a few years anyway.
The video ends and the escort announces she'll be picking from the girls' bowl first. "Starla Levy!"
"I volunteer as tribute!" a voice from the 17-year-old section shouts. A girl with curly blonde hair jumps the rope and sprints up to the stage. I recognize her from the academy and I know she will make for a tough partner
The escort smiles and asks her name. "Ariadne Redfold", she announces with a stern face and steady voice.
"Excellent! And now for the boys!" The red-wigged escort makes her way across the stage and quickly snatches a name out of the bowl. "And our other tribute will be Tanner Fae!"
"I volunteer as tribute!" Many voices echo mine, but I'm clearly the first and I quickly push my way to the stage.
"Oh, and we have another volunteer!" Ariadne rolls her eyes as the escort states the obvious.
"And what's your name?" I stand up to the mic she holds out. "Eros Goldwin."
"May I introduce you all to the District 1 tributes of the 54th Hunger Games, Ariadne Redfold and Eros Goldwin!."
The crowd cheers and it finally sinks in. This is it. I'm officially part of the Hunger Games. Not only is this my chance at fame, but it's also my chance to live.
