-Lacey-
Today was a special day. At lease according to the capital. The reaping day for The Hunger Games. Honestly, Lacey didn't understand why it was such a big celebration. Kids forced to kill each other! Whoo! The games are stupid. She sighed. Her bed was far too comfortable for this. The last thing she wanted was to have to leave her warm spot of comfort and have to go out and deal with people. Especially the idiots who were very excited for this. Lacey looked over at the purple dress hanging up for her. It was a nice shade of purple, made of a flowing material. Majestic. She looked over at her clock and sighed. She was not excited for today.
-Cobalt-
Cobalt straightened his tie again, smoothing out his blue suit.
"If you keep adjusting that, you're going to mess it up." Cobalt looked up at his brother, Jasper, who was smiling at him from across the table. Cobalt gave him a half smile back but stopped messing with his outfit. He was both excited and nervous for today. Today was the day he might join his family's fame.
"Ah, my beautiful boys." Cobalt smiled as his mother walked into the kitchen as well. "Let me see you." Cobalt stood up, easily taller than his mother. She examined his outfit and smiled, her blue eyes full of pride.
"You look amazing Cobalt. Your father would be proud." Cobalt's smile faltered.
"He's not here?" Of course he wasn't here. Why would today be any different?
"I'm sure he'd have been here if he could've." Jasper said. Cobalt shook his head.
"I'm sure he would be." He growled. Jasper sent him a look but Cobalt rolled his eyes and headed out the door, ignoring his mother's calls for him.
He'd be here my ass.
-Lacey-
Lacey readjusted her hair pin for the nth time since she'd put it on. It did not want to stay in her hair. Figures.
"Lacey!" She waved at her friend, Taylor, who was waiting for her in the square. The district had tried to decorate, adding multi colored and glittering, but they district remained mostly grey. Tall spires of buildings made of stone were elegant but they made everything wash together somedays.
"Hey Taylor." She said, smiling at her friend. Taylor was in a green gown similar to Lacey's. Her orange hair was done up in an elaborate bun. They honestly looked more like they were going to a party rather than the reapings.
"Ready to go get sentenced?" She asked. Lacey laughed, looping arms with her friend as they began their walk.
"Oh yes. Death! Finally!" Taylor laughed and swatted her friends arm.
"Shhh. You'll make people stare." Lacey fixed her friend with a look before rolling her eyes.
"Because I care about that." Taylor shook her head but was smiling.
"So have you found a date yet?" Lacey looked at her friend like she was crazy. "For the party. Lacey, did you forget?" Lacey shushed her.
"I didn't forget. I just haven't found anyone." Taylor groaned in exasperation.
"Lacey. Come on." Lacey smiled apologetically as Taylor began looking around the teens walking by them.
"Okay, how about that one?" She asked pointing to a brunette. Lacey shook her head laughing. This would be interesting no matter what happened.
-Cobalt-
Cobalt was still angry as he walked down the street. His father was never there for anything. He didn't care that Cobalt was top of his class with perfect grades. He would have to be around for that.
"Cobalt!" Cobalt let out a frustrated sigh as his brother caught up with him. "You can't just storm out like that." Cobalt rolled his eyes and was stopped by Jasper's hand on his shoulder.
"What do you want Jasper?" He groaned. Jasper frowned at him, the family blue eyes stormy.
"What's wrong with you today?" Cobalt narrowed his eyes.
"You know what's wrong."
"Father is busy at work."
"Father's always busy at work! Hell, I hardly know the man!" Cobalt ran a hand through his dark hair in frustration. Jasper shook his head and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"Father cares."
"When has he ever cared?" Cobalt spat. "He's never there! For anything! Hell, he was only there for you once you were picked for the games. That's all he cares about! His Legacy! Anything for that." Jasper looked like he wanted to argue but they both knew Cobalt was right. Cobalt shook his head.
"Well, I'm here for you. No matter what happens, I'll be proud of you." Cobalt nodded. Jasper smiled and ruffled his hair like he was a child.
"Now go before you're late." Cobalt gave him a small smile and a wave as he continued down the street. I'll make sure Father sees me. No matter the cost.