The end of the Reaping so now we can move on. Please review!

My sister made her way up to the platform, through the crowds, slowly but surely; completely calm. Of course she was. Nothing could break that mask, I knew from experience. To everyone, she looked relaxed and non-phased by the probable death-sentence she was just given. I was far from it. My brain was pounding against my skull, my heart against my ribs. I wanted to scream. But my lips we glued shut. Horror was plastered on my mother's face. Her eyes were completely still. She looked lifeless – all colour drained from her face. I assumed I looked the same. I started shaking, and my knees gave way, but my aunt caught me. Her eyes bore into mine; she was telling me to stay strong. For my mother. For her. For Hana.

Effie tottered over to my sister.

'Hello my love, congratulations!'

There were hissing sounds and murmurings running round the square. Effie ignored them.

'Now for the Gentlemen.'

Back she trotted, to the other glass bowl, and fingered the slips which decided the male tribute. For once she did not pause, or take her time. Probably because she heard the scuffle going on at the back of the square. By the looks of it, my Uncle had caused a bit of a situation, and was now being escorted away from The Reaping by some Peacekeepers. Effie plunged her hand in and drew out the first slip.

'Brin Lochalsh'

No one moved. I looked at Brin, who was staring blankly at a bird sitting on the Justice Building roof. He didn't seem to have noticed. The boys surrounding him had no idea who he was, because he wasn't in their year. There was an eerie silence, as confusion crossed over everybody's faces. I waited. Effie called out his name again, and still nothing clicked in Brin's eyes. I knew I should do something; call to him maybe. But for those few uncertain seconds, I could feel the whole of District Twelve thinking the same. They were happy, that for once the Capitols plans had not gone completely smoothly. And by the look on Effie's face, she dismayed. Eventually, I let go of my mother's hand and slipped under the rope keeping us separate. Usually peacekeepers would have been on me in a second, but they were all looking a bit disorientated, they were not used to plans not going perfectly. I gently sidled towards my friend, and tapped his shoulder. It took a few seconds for it to register, and then he gazed at me with his huge eyes.

'It's you, Brin.' I said, a lump appearing in my throat. 'It's you. They want you.'

Confusion then crossed his face too. I gave him a quick hug.

'You have to go up now my lovely. There's nothing I can do, but Hana will look after you.'

I looked up at my sister at this point, who was staring at me, along with the rest of the District. For the first time, her mask broke. I could see the pain and fear; raw emotion, showing on her perfect face. I smiled. I have no idea how I found the strength at a time like this, but I did. Her lips, quivered, and then she smiled back. I slowly placed my arm around Brin's waist, and led him up to the stage. Effie was clearly horrified by the situation. Everyone could tell by Brin's blank eyes, and me escorting him, that he had something missing. But still, the show must go on. Effie took his hand when we reached the stage, and tried to nudge me away, but my grip on Brin stayed firm. I walked him to Hana, where I let go. Her hand then replaced mine. I patted his shoulder, and then returned to my place in the crowd.

Effie looked like she wanted to cry, because everyone was waiting for her to do something, and she clearly had no idea what to say. So, loudly and clearly, as she always had, she said:

'Ladies and Gentlemen, District Twelve's tributes for the 72nd Hunger Games.'

And presently marched them into the Justice Building.

I don't want anybody to think that I am rude writing about Brin as 'having something missing'. I am not an experienced writer so I do not know how to put it in a maybe more Politically Correct way. I apologize, I hope you know what I mean. :)