District 3 Reapings

The people of District Three gathered in a considerably less rowdy manner than those of the previous districts. However, their hesitance to assemble was for good reason. District 3, unlike the other first few districts, was not a favorite to win. It never had been. And, it seemed, it never would be.

Even the district escort, Tim, lacked the usual cheeriness that people of his type were expected to have. Perhaps that was due to the district he was assigned. Sure, he was better off than those in 11 or 12, but having a Career district would have been much better.

Tim longed to draw the names, to see who he was going to be in charge of this year. Honestly, he didn't understand the lack of enthusiasm of these people. Maybe if they got into the Hunger Games spirit, he'd have a better chance of getting a winning tribute.

Even the mayor seemed depressed as he called Tim forward to choose the tributes. Finally!

He quickly strode to the reaping balls, determined now to make this more exciting.

"Arianna Flammen!" He shouted the name of the first tribute, then winced internally. What kind of a surname was that? These district people were so strange.

A girl, looking to Tim like she might be 13 or 14, advanced to the stage, visibly shaking. She had pale skin and brown hair that came down a bit past her shoulders. The best word Tim could think of to describe her was 'frail,' and even that sounded optimistic. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Pathetic!

He hoped desperately that the next one would be better. This one looked like she'd probably die before the gong even sounded.

"Jeremiah Amaro!" Gosh, what was with these tributes' names?

A boy advanced towards the stage, standing taller than many of those around him despite having emerged from the 13 section. He, like his district partner, did not seem thrilled to be entering the games. At least he wasn't trembling like a leaf, though.

"Volunteers?" Tim dared to ask, knowing that there wouldn't likely be anyone who stepped forwards.

Jeremiah turned to his district partner, a girl whom he had never before spoken to. He thought he'd seen her before at school, but honestly, he noticed no prominent features that would cause him to remember her. Still, that was no reason to be rude.

He extended his hand towards her, and she grasped his as well.

"Worried?" he asked under his breath, trying to sound more sympathetic than menacing.

Arianna studied him for a moment, looking as though she was analyzing him. She released his hand and stepped back.

Looking in her eyes, Jeremiah didn't need to hear her whisper his confirmation of what he already knew.

"Of course." She paused, then added, almost teasingly, "You're just as much of a goner as I am."

Despite their position, Jeremiah couldn't help but laugh slightly. Perhaps it was her tone that made it seem funny, although the logical part of his brain reminded him that there was certainly truth to her words. The questioning stares he received from the people of District Three reminded him that they had not heard his whispered exchange, so he waited until they dismounted the platform to sarcastically say "Thanks for your confidence!"

"Welcome." Her voice had only a slight tremor as she spoke now, and to Jeremiah it seemed almost as if the girl had started to relax, if only slightly. He wasn't sure whether to be worried or relieved. On the one hand, he wanted to get along with his district partner. On the other, she was just one more person that he would have to see die. That was, if he didn't die first.

Concordia Prorsum - Forward In Harmony.

Author's Note: What did you think of this chapter? I'd absolutely love reviews, please give me your opinions!