D3: Leo Quartz (14)
Today is reaping day. Being in District Three, no one is particularly fond of what is in store, two innocent kids with their whole lives ahead of them are sent to their deaths, whether they like it or not. Luckily so far my family had been able to avoid The Hunger Games as a whole, so I'm hoping this luck is in the genes and I can get through the next four years without being reaped.
'Wake up!' I hear my mother shout, we're a fairly lucky family in this district both of my parents hold good jobs, I go to a good school and we have food on the table. That is more than most kids my age has, a lot of them work in the factories their whole lives for The Capitol. I get myself downstairs and see my parents eating breakfast with my plate set up in my usual seat. 'Nice of you to keep us waiting.' My father comments, I pay it no mind, he may be strict but that is only because he cares, but it is a bit much at times. 'Don't worry about The Reaping Leo, I'm sure it'll be like all the others and you'll come home safe' My mother says, famous last words I thought. Then again my name isn't exactly in the bowl many times, so the odds are fairly in my favour. I Wolf down my breakfast and head upstairs to get myself ready, my reaping outfit consists of a plain white shirt and black trousers. They only come out once a year for this day.
I head back downstairs 'Oh don't you look lovely son!' My mother exclaims.
'Well don't get used to it, not like you're going to see me like this for the rest of the year.' I chuckle, I am one of the luckiest kids in the district with these parents. After a brief conversation I head off to The Reaping whilst my parents wish me luck.
Our escort is a particularly boring man named Vlad, during the rebellion after the 75th games The Capitol must have assumed a lot of the technology acquired by the rebels was given to them by District Three. Therefore, as punishment, we always have the stale escorts who simply send you to sleep.
As I'm dozing off, I hear 'Now to pick the tributes' Somehow I managed to wake up at this specific moment. He goes to the boy's bowl and picks a name 'The tribute is Leo Quartz'
Wait, that's my name. I sombrely head to the stage, trying my best to not look upset, all the tributes we've had previously often cry out at this point and they never do well. If I look tough on the outside I might just be able to use my luck to put things in my favour. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't bricking it.
D3 Layla Green (16)
I'm awake before my alarm goes off, being an insomniac that is often the case. I'm usually awake before most people in the district. I don't see it as a hindrance, sure I'm often tired and have terrible bags under my eyes, but I have more hours in the day to study. I'm hoping to become an inventor and the more time I spend inventing instead of sleeping the better.
I swiftly jump out of bed and head to the basement and start work on my latest creation, I haven't decided on a name for her but I know it's going to be a hit. A lot of people in the district end up with back pain after working long hours in the factories so this machine helps to relieve people of this pain, that's what you need to do as an inventor, find a common problem among the populace and find a solution. I'd much rather have this life then spend it tucked away in a factory.
While I'm tinkering I hear a knock on the door, whoever it is can wait. Then it opens and I see my Grandmother, 'Layla dear, shouldn't you be getting ready for the reaping?'. I completely forgot that's today! I drop my tools and head to my room to get ready, I find my only dress, it is green with white flowers on it. I absolutely hate wearing this but I suppose I have to. Then I brush my short hair and let it fall to my shoulders. Getting my long hair cut was the best decision of my life. After spending so much time washing it and brushing it, I now have more time to work on my inventions, maybe I should invent something to take care of your hair for you? I am such a genius!
I'm ready with 10 minutes until the reaping, I go to bid my Grandmother goodbye. My parents were never around, hence why she takes care of me, so I owe her a lot and I plan on paying her back someday.
We arrive and I head to the 16-year-old line. Vlad our escort talks about the games but I pay no attention, he is such a boring man and is quite possibly the cure to my insomnia as I find my brain switching off. Then he gets onto the tributes.
'The male tribute this year is Leo Quartz' I see a kid walk out from the 14-year-old line, poor soul, he's putting on a brave face but I can tell he is terrified, which I don't blame him for. 'Now it's the girls turn, this year's female tribute from District Three is Layla Green' I think I must be dreaming but no, I heard him right that was my name and I find my legs walking themselves to the stage, I never thought I would be reaped but I suppose someone has to be reaped. I look at my partner Leo and can see the sadness deep in his eyes, after all, chances are we're both coming home in coffins.
