POV Chrystal "Chrys" White D2
Today is the day of the reaping. I got up extra early this morning just so I could get a head start. I need to look good – I'm gonna volunteer. Although my step-dad, Aaron, wanted me to wait another year so that I would be 18, we both knew I wouldn't be able to stand watching another Games and know I wouldn't be out there. I've been training my whole life for this and it's finally about to happen. I'm pretty qualified and know I can win because Aaron trains peacekeepers and has taught me how to handle more blades than I can count. My mom knows something about knives, too, and she taught me some stuff that not even Aaron knew.
There's only one problem: my little sister, Jasmine. She can't stand the idea of me going into the arena. I promised her I would stay alive and come back rich and famous, but I still don't think she's sold. I love her more than anything but my lust for blood is just too strong.
I've decided to wear one of my favorite dresses; it's green with a diamond pattern on the hem, sleeves to my elbows, and a short skirt that stops just above my knees.
An hour before the reaping, I went downstairs ready. Everyone else was still preparing but they knew I wanted to get there extra early, so they hurried.
We finally get out the door and make the short walk to District 2's town square. Jasmine began to pull at my dress. "Chrys, please, please don't volunteer."
I hate having to see her go through this. Why can't she just understand that the games are a good thing? Why can't she see that I'll be coming home after I win? "Jasmine, don't make this hard. I've been working toward this my whole life. No one can stop me. I'll win for you, I promise."
"Chrys, why do you want to go in? What good will come out of that?"
"It'll let me prove that I'm the best at everything I do and I'm more powerful than everyone else. I guess you wouldn't understand, being young." She put her head down and didn't say anything else. I felt bad, but she didn't have anything to worry about. I'm the best.
We finally get to the square, where we and a few other families wait for the reaping to start. Soon, more people flow in until the entire area is packed. I look around for people I know and spot some of my friends, Jessie and Jordan. Jessie and I have been friends since kindergarten, and me and Jordan met at peacekeeper training; our parents (well, my step dad) both work there.
"So, I hear you're volunteering," Jordan says.
"Hey, be careful. I don't want you getting hurt or anything," says Jessie.
Jordan turns to him. "Don't worry. I've seen her at peacekeeper training. She'll win as long as she gets her hand on a blade. Isn't that right?"
"Yeah, all those other tributes better watch out. Not like they stand a chance, anyway." I love having these two around. They always know how to get me pumped up… even more.
POV Scout Gabriel, D2
My dad and I are getting ready to go to the reapings. It's never really been a big deal to us; just one of those things you hope you don't get picked for. We think they're pretty unfair, but I guess it's just something to live with.
Now that I'm 18, I'm in for my last reaping. Ever. My dad told me he'd throw me a party when it's over, because he got one when he was my age. My mom wouldn't approve, but she left when I was a kid, so it doesn't matter anyway.
Just in case I get picked, I've been working out a lot. I'm pretty tall and strong now, compared to most of the other kids in District 2. My dad showed me how to handle a sword, so that would be one of my strengths.
That's doubtful, though. I only entered my name 8 times because my dad and I have pretty good lives and we don't really think the extra tesserae is worth the chance.
Anyway, I throw on a plain black t-shirt and jeans. The reapings really aren't something to be celebrated, so I've always worn bland clothes. Of course, I bet a lot of other people in District 2 would disagree with me.
"Scout, I'm leaving. You'd better come, too," my dad said from the door.
"Coming, dad. I'll be there in a sec."
We leave and go to the town square and wait for the reaping to start.
POV Chrystal "Chrys" White D2
Finally, the reaping is about to start. I'm just itching to get up on that stage so badly. The escort, a short, plump man named Charles Askell, makes his way up to the stage and the crowd gives a loud applause. He waves them off, and puts his written speech down on the poem and starts reading about the Dark Days and all that other crap about why the games started. Who cares? They're here, let's get them started.
When he finishes after what seems like forever, he holds up the bowl of girls' names. "So, let's choose the girls first." He reaches his hand in, shuffles around, and opens up the small piece of paper. "And the lucky lady is, Rosa"-
"I volunteer!" I yell as loud as I can, waving my hands around and making a show for myself. "I volunteer for tribute!"
"Well, that's no surprise, a volunteer. Would anyone else like to compete for a spot in the games?"
I'm sure many of them would, but they're too scared to go through me.
"Then, congratulations, miss, uh…?"
"Chrystal," I proudly say, "Chrystal White."
POV Scout Gabriel, D2
"Hey Scout, what's up?" It was Marissa, the most annoying girl EVER. Most guys fall over her but they don't see past her good looks.
Not wanting to be rude, I just gave her a curt nod. She giggled and walked back to her friends. Everyone knows she likes me; they say it's because of my tan and dark hair. The thing is, she didn't notice me until I started working out. If I ever get a girlfriend, I want her to like me because of me, not my looks.
One of my good friends, Evagane, made her way over to me. "Sup, Scout."
I laughed. It's always funny when she does her "manly" impersonations. "Sup, Evagane." We started to laugh.
"I swear," she started, "whoever has to fight that Chrystal is gonna die. She looks tough."
Chrystal… I wouldn't want to have to fight her. She looks like a monster, and I don't think she'd hesitate to kill me.
"Yeah, I know," I said.
Marissa turned to me and started to gawk at Evagane. "Ew, the weird girl's falling over Scout!"
Evagane and I have been best friends since we were little. Although I got mad, I knew I wouldn't have to do anything; Evagane never takes crap from anyone. Before I knew it, she charged Marissa and tackled her. Marissa was more of a girly – girl and didn't stand a chance. I almost felt bad for her.
While the girls were fighting, Charles Askell waited for Chrystal to sit down next to the mentors and cleared his throat. "Now it's the boys' turn. Our male tribute this year will be… Scout Gabriel!"
I can't move. I try to walk up to the stage, but my body just won't let me. My father… he'll be all alone…
Marissa and Evagane stop fighting immediately and look up at me from the ground. "NO!" Evagane yelled. She threw her arms around me held tight. I held her back.
Marissa just sat there on the ground, in awe. She didn't want to mess with us.
I needed to come up with a plan, fast. The crowd was waiting, but I felt something. I wanted to stay with Evagane, hold her forever. But I knew I couldn't. If I'm going to go into the arena, I need to win. The easiest way to win is to be a career…
I let go of Evagane, dreading it. I have to make my move, though. "Well, isn't that a coincidence? I was already going to volunteer!" I yelled. I started to give myself a chance. I've been working out for the past 2 years and my dad has taught me how to use a sword, and I'm pretty good, too. Maybe I stand a chance.
Needing to make myself look like a career, I walked proudly up to the stage. Charles Askell seemed happy. "Looks like everything turned out fine, doesn't it?" Chrystal and I shake hands. She has a strong grip for a girl. I'm about to fight her to the death. I'm about to fight 23 other people to the death.
No, Mr. Askell. Everything did not turn out fine. Nothing did.
POV Chrystal "Chrys" White D2
Little Jasmine and the rest of my family came in to see me after I walked off the stage and into the room, guarded by peacekeepers. They made friendly chat with Aaron, their previous trainer. Aaron congratulated me, as did my mother. My half sister, Melony, who's only seven, told me how lucky I was to be going into the arena. Jessie and Jordan even came in, giving me pats on the back with Jessie telling me to be sure to be careful. The only one not happy is Jasmine.
"Chrys…" she sadly said, "Please come back. Don't leave me without a big sister." She starts to cry and puts her head in my muscular arms. She idolizes me, but I don't understand why she can't see this as good. Could she think I'm not gonna win?
"Jasmine, I want you to promise me something. Don't cry. No matter what happens. I'm going to make it back anyway, so it doesn't really matter. Just be strong, okay?"
She lifted her head and slowly nodded. Everyone gave me hugs and told me how they'd be watching me the whole time.
I couldn't be happier right now, other than Jasmine getting emotional.
My family and friends walk out and the peacekeepers lead me outside to board the train to the Capitol.
To destiny.
POV Scout Gabriel, D2
They won't let Evagane in. Or Marissa, for that matter, although I don't care about her. I think the peacekeepers saw them fighting and forced them away, just in case.
My father enters, though, and we're both looking sad. "Looks like I won't be throwing you that party, huh?"
"Don't worry, dad. I can win this. You've taught me a lot, and I'm pretty strong. You'll be throwing me a victory party in a month."
"I know, son… I just… I can't lose you!" It was the first time I'd ever seen him cry. It was the first time I've felt myself cry. It's painful… but it feels good to let go. "Scout, I want you to have this. Use it as your token." He hands me a silver ring with black writing on it. He puts it on my finger, and I'm able to see what it says.
The thing I need most when I watch the peacekeepers drag him out. The thing I'll need most when they put me on the train.
The thing I'll need most in the games.
COURAGE
