Hey guys! I'm going to start with the reapings and try to get them out as soon as possible so that we can get into the action of the Games. Now you'll be able to see why each tribute decided to volunteer for the Quarter Quell this year and you can choose your favourites. Enjoy!


Emerald POV

I can't believe this. After everything I've had to deal with for the last couple of days with my bratty little sister, I'm late for the reapings! Every year, the entire district has to come to the town square and wait to see which unworthy and weak teenagers have been chosen to take part in the Games. The parents cry, the children either exchange worried looks or hidden expressions of joy and here I always am in a beautiful dress waiting to see if I'm chosen or if some lowly (and let's face it...frumpy) girl be randomly reaped into the Games year after year.

It's unfair! Most of these little kids haven't had the years of training I have! Sure, I could volunteer myself and take their spot but when you're reaped...you've been chosen. That's their moment to shine and show all of Panem why they are worthy of being a victor but for the last 15 years, District 1 hasn't had a tribute who has at least reached the Top 8. It's pathetic!

This year, I know it will be different because now we get to volunteer and add our names into the mix if we want to compete or not. I obviously filled out my little piece of paper the second I heard that we could join. Maybe I'll get to be the shining star that District 1 needs; the Career pack needs a golden star.

I move my way into the row with the other 17 year old girls from my district and I'm definitely the one to watch; there's never been a year I don't outshine the other girls. I can see on the stage my future mentor, Marigold Brace. She was the last winner our district had who became famous for eliminating her entire Career pack with one knife in under 10 minutes! Standing right beside her is our escort from The Capitol, Sinmon Colt and he's holding the containers with the names of all the people who have volunteered for this years Games. Please let it be me...please.

The music is cut and Sinmon makes his way to the podium. He rambles on about the history of the Games and I've lost all attention until Marigold joins him; this is going to be the moment I've been waiting for. Sinmon turns to the camera and says, "Well, it's that time to see which two lucky people from this exquisite district has been chosen to fight in the arena. This year, anyone who was interested in taking part had simply write their name on a piece of paper and submitted it yesterday for reaping." At this point, Marigold raises one of the containers and the crowd immediately is hushed with all their whispers and comments. Someone is about to be called to fight for their life.

"I'm not surprised to say that District 1 has received an overwhelming list of volunteers for this years Games," said Sinmon as he gives that smarmy and condescending look of his. "As with tradition, we shall start with the reaping to choose our tribute for the girls. Ladies, may the luck be ever in your favor."

This is it, I know that it has to be me. Marigold reaches into the container with the names of all the girls who have volunteered to compete and hands one name to Sinmon. Giovanna Cartier and Catsi Morris are standing to my side and I know they have also volunteered as well; better luck next year girls. I wait to hear who the girl will be and it's..."Emerald Gattes!"

Joy.

Sheer and utter joy! That feeling of having a million eyes all on you. Some may be sad, some may think I'm stupid for signing up while others could be happy for the chance to get rid of me (i.e., Giovanna and Catsi!) but no one can steal my moment. I don't need to slide my way through the crowd, everyone makes room for me to walk to the stage and greet my future fans. The show has begun and no one will be stopping the Razor Butterfly.


Garrett POV

I'm not surprised to see Emerald walking to the stage right now. We've both trained together in the Careers program and she seemed the most...desperate...to be in the Games. A lot of the guys in our district find her attractive but I've spent too much time with her to see the real monster underneath. She's never had to find a way to survive and make ends meet for her family; we could never be the same in a million years. Sinmon shakes her hand and asks her, "So Emerald, are you still excited to be called into the arena or would you rather have any other young lady who has volunteered to take your spot?"

She smiles at this and pretends to think it over; obviously already playing up to the crowd and looking for sponsors. "Hmmmm...while I'd hate to leave all my great friends here, I'm not going to pass up this opportunity and let my district down. We need a new victor and it's definitely going to be me; who else could it be?"

It could be 23 other tributes who also volunteered to compete...or it could also be me. A new rule for this year's Games was that since children and teenagers had to volunteer, you couldn't receive any tessare unless you submitted your name for the volunteer reaping. My two older brothers can't enter since they're past the age limit and I couldn't let my little sister sign up. She hasn't had the training I've had to survive; she would die in the arena if chosen.

Emerald takes a seat in one of the empty chairs on stage and I can't help but stare at my own sister; knowing that she's safe for another year. Sinmon and Marigold are once again talking on stage but it's like a muffled white noise to me now. Nothing they could say could ruin what I feel because Cassia is safe; my sister didn't sign up behind my back, she's safe.

But just as I'm about to fall into the euphoric calming state in my mind, my shoulder is being pulled by Pierce Lin. He's a tall and thin 14 year old boy who's parents used to work at my father's company but I don't understand why he's shaking my shoulder until he points to the stage directly at Sinmon and Marigold. Sinmon has a huge grin on his face as he says, "Finally he's noticed! To repeat, the male tribute from District 1 is Garrett Perryl!"

No words are coming out of my mouth but I can tell that I'm moving to the stage. People are staring at me but no one has the guts to look directly at my eyes. The entire world is gray but I should feel happier since I volunteered for this; I volunteered so that my family could have food, not for me to die! Luckily I'm trained and ready to fight. Nobody in the district can handle a sword better than me but did I make the right decision? Should I just back away and let any other guy enter the arena in my place to fight to the death?

I stagger to the stage and look straight at Cassia who is on the verge of tears. I mouth to her that everything will be alright and give her the tiniest smile but I can't show her that I'm a little afraid. The world is watching our reapings right now and I can't let them see that I'm afraid or they'll think I'm a weakling. Sinmon pulls me forward with a handshake and gives me the brightest smile while Marigold is ignoring my presence on stage by chatting and laughing is with Emerald; I can easily tell who her favourite is. "So Garrett, are you ready to fight or would you like to see if someone else will take your spot if you reconsider?"

This is my moment to back out and give someone else a chance at the title. To go home and help take care of my family...my family whose lost so much because someone out there wanted my father out of the way and didn't care about destroying our livelihood. If I win then everything can change and we can be on top again. If I win...Cassia won't ever have to worry about her future and my brothers won't have to work countless jobs just to survive. If I win then my family can be happy again. Before I can even stop myself, I let go of his hand, look straight into the camera with the most determined look I have ever given in my life and said, "I'm ready to fight...I'm ready to win."

"Perfect. Everyone, please give a round of applause for our two District 1 tributes: Emerald Gattes and Garrett Perryl!"