"You try that again and you're dead!" I shout and throw the rest of my knives to the floor.
I step daintily over the boy my age that's on the floor holding his shoulder and wailing like a baby. From the doorway I throw a towel at him and it instantly soaks red. It's his own fault; he's the one who wanted to challenge me.
"See you at the reaping!" I mock and slam the doors behind me.
As I head back to my house to change out of my training gear I let my long, black hair out of its ponytail and run my fingers through it. I have to look my best at the reaping, can't have the future victor looking a mess.
When I get home my little brother is sitting in the hallway staring at me with his slobbery stuffed animal in his hands.
"Get out of the hallway!" I sneer, grabbing the animal and shoving him against the wall.
He starts to cry and I just roll my eyes. When I get to my room I realize I'm still holding the slobbery animal. I think it's a cat, but I can't tell, it looks like it's missing an ear…or two. I chuck it out the door, it hits the wall, and another wail comes from down the hallway.
I slam the door shut, muttering to myself and searching through my closet for something decent to wear.
I settle on a navy blue dress with gold trim and buttons down the front. When I put it on I smirk at myself in the mirror and practice waving for the reaping camera. I think back to my final training session and wonder how I can possibly look so pretty now and be so great in training.
Just one of my many advantages on everyone else. I think to myself.
I dig through the jewelry box on my vanity table and pull out the necklace I got last year for my birthday. It's a long, golden snake with two beady, florescent blue eyes, just like my eyes.
There's a knock at the door. I whirl around and fling it open, half expecting to find my little brother still sobbing.
"What do you want?" I yell, and then realize it's not my brother. It's my parents.
"It's time for the reaping Natalie." My father says solemnly.
I nod and give a fierce grin.
"It's your turn to volunteer, we're counting on you." My mother replies.
I roll my eyes and push them out of my way.
"Just go away already! I'm leaving."
I barge out the door and into the sun. I can see other groups of kids my age walking together to the reaping. I have no one to walk with. I don't need anyone. I don't want anyone.
I see a group walking past on my left. They're whispering and throwing glances my way. One of them in particular looks at me with pure malice. I recognize him. He's the boy I practically destroyed in the final training session.
Jealous fool. I tell myself. He doesn't deserve to be in the Games. I do. I can win. I will win.
I get in line and the peacekeeper asks my name.
"Natalie Eructo." I say smugly and don't even wince when they take a blood sample.
I'm already itching to get into the arena or at least to the Capitol. Even if my name isn't called I'm volunteering. I've already decided that.
The royal blueberry smiles from on the stage and I can't help but laugh when a creepy sounding giggle escapes her blue lips.
The Capitol video starts and I'm not really paying attention. I'm focused on being first to volunteer. After all, I'm not the only Career with my eyes on the honor.
"Time to select our brave lady." Trills the escort's voice as she shuffles through the papers in the reaping bowl. Picking one out, she opens it up carefully with her blue, glittery nails and reads it. "Natalie Eructo!"
I step out of the crowd cockily and raise my hand, about to volunteer.
"I…" I stop, registering the fact that I was reaped, and then begin to wave.
Being reaped came at a total shock to me, but once I got over that I was happy.
"Tell us your name dear." Blueberry commands me and leans to put her microphone in front of my face. She even smells like blueberries.
"Natalie Eructo." I say between winks and sly grins into the cameras.
I'm not paying much attention when Blueberry calls the male tribute.
When he goes to shake my hand his grip is firm so I squeeze harder. I'm not going to be beat by some "tough guy" in anything.
I'm ushered into a room with marble floors and lush, velvety red couches.
"I don't want to see you." I say arrogantly when my parents come in, my brother nestled in my mother's arms.
"We just came to tell you to win." My father says coldly and I turn my back on him.
"We love you Natalie." My mother states before they leave the room, slamming the door behind them.
I didn't even use the full five minutes I was given to say goodbye. I suddenly touch my necklace and become aware that the little snake and I have more in common than I originally perceived.