'What a sight for the sore eyes?
It's getting colder in here
It's sobering to see them shuffle to the back of the line.
While they suffer in fear, the mark that was made it so clear'
~Sight For The Sore Eyes by Broken Iris~
~Cedra POV~
Up until now I wanted to believe all that was happening was a dream. Some nasty little dream that took away my lady Snow and replaced her with an evil spirit. I'd wake up eventually, go to my lady's office as usual and there she would be, beautiful and smiling as always, asking me softly for today's schedule as she gazes down at her subjects below with utter contentment. She had no dark desires; she was beloved by her capitol, but most of all she was my life.
But now I'm watching as her subjects march in fear to their gathering places. Some with heads held low, others retaining the grace of one from the capitol. Inside they all feel the fear, and many harbour anger towards the lady they once considered their leader. I watch as they all separate, family and friends, by force and by will. My lady has ordered that the capitol be sectioned into twelve to mimic the reapings of the districts. Those eligible are reaped from the section where they reside. It's somewhat of an unfair system, since many of the sections have less or more eligible contestants than others, although by this point I don't think my lady Snow is much interested in fairness or equality. She has even opted out of attending the reapings herself. The original plans that had been mentioned were that she would draw the names for each area. However, after spending much time alone in quiet contemplation, my lady came back to me with two different options. One was to befall the honour of reaping the names to me. Though I wouldn't defy my lady's orders, I was also not quite as keen to become the lightning rod of the hatred she has stirred. The second option was to have members of the districts reap the names.
It was eventually decided that as divine revenge, the mayors of the twelve would reap the names for the twelve divided areas. It's like adding insult to injury if you ask me, but since they will revel more in this I said nothing and began arrangements to bring them in. The only compromise for this option was that I still was to attend each reaping, so that I may report back to my lady with first impressions of the tributes.
Outside a little girl starts screaming. I'm too high up to hear, but the girl's expression is clear as she is forcefully torn from the arms of her mother, whose makeup has become so worn by tears that her face is just a blur of colour. To think, this is how the districts must react in the same situation. I shake my head and step back from the window, and with a quick click of my red heels I turn around head back for the ground floor. I can complain and ponder all I want, but right now I can't change what has been done.
Area 1
~Mayor Luxure Penfold~
I thought the luxury of district one was the pinnacle of human desire, but standing here now, outside the capitol building of Panem's President Snow has overwhelmed by previous impressions. Being the mayor, my mansion was of course the most glorious of them all, but compared to this it feels like a shack. I would say I'm jealous, which I kind of am, but it's an honour enough being called here as a part of what is the most fabulous quarter quell I'll ever live to see. For once, I am standing with the height of Panem's socialites (or standing above them). It's a dear shame the president could not attend the event herself, as I was told by her assistant, but I shall still value this opportunity.
Before I get a chance to speak, the president's assistant stands up and gracefully walks to the microphone, tapping it lightly and announcing softly
"Welcome my friends to the 100th games, may I introduce your guest escort for today; district one's mayor Luxure Penfold"
She nods at me and goes back to her chair. The people below follow her with cold, accusing eyes. It's a little unnerving but I straighten up and take the microphone for myself.
"Let me just say that it is indeed an honour to be called up here, let us begin these reapings, with ladies first"
There are many, many names in the bowl; I choose a slip from the middle. Turning to the microphone I read out
"Althea Julius"
"I volunteer as tribute" a confident voice announces from somewhere near the middle of the crowd. The voice doesn't catch me off guard, since I'm used to volunteers back in my home district, but the notion of a capitolite volunteering does strike me as odd.
A tall woman with luxuriously purple hair strides to the stage. She stands next to me, a warm smile on her face. I recognise her instantaneously.
"Ah, if it isn't my district's favourite escort, Rachelle Adamaris!"
"The one and only" she states.
"So why did you volunteer my dear?"
She sighs depressingly but not convincingly.
"Oh, what do I have to live for, might as well be me instead of one these wonderful people"
One lady, who I assume is Althea, looks enamoured by her words. I just nod and go along with it.
"How selfless of you my dear, let's move on to the men now"
I quickly capture a slip from the top of the bowl and read it out.
"Kazuo Helbig"
The reaction isn't as graceful as Rachelle. A man with striking green hair lets out a cry, shoving his way to those viewing at the back. I can't see very well, but he seems to grab a couple of young boys, screaming and crying something out to them until a peacekeeper eventually intervenes, dragging him up onto the stage. Once next to me he quietens down and regains his composure slightly, all but the shocked expression on his face. He says nothing. I feel uncomfortable. We don't normally have tributes who act like this back home So I decide to wrap things up quickly
"And there we have our tributes, Rachelle Adamaris and Kazuo Helbig, happy hunger games and may the odds be ever in your favour"
I've always wanted to say that on stage.
Area 2
~Mayor Iron Edge~
So, yeah this is an honour and all, but it's taking too frickin' long to start! Apparently we're not allowed to start until the president's frickin' assistant is here. If the president really thinks that greatly of her assistant they why doesn't she turn up on time for important bloody things!
Damn I could be doing better things with my time right now, like finding the capitol's best restaurants, or hitting the weights back home. It's too quiet as well. In district two the tributes are always too excited and don't shut up till someone shuts them up. Here everyone is just looking at their feet. How dull. Even my feet are starting to hurt. Stupid bloody boots. I've had about enough so I sit down on the marble stage.
After another few minutes of sheer boredom a limo pulls up beside the stage. Sharply I jump to my feet and brush down my clothes. The chauffeur opens the door for a young lady with short lilac hair and matching eyes. She thanks the chauffeur and quickly skips up to the stage. Once up, she stands beside me, her eyes looking straight through mine.
"I apologise for the lateness"
"Bout bloody time"
"I shall begin the reaping right now"
"Yeah, wait wha-"
"Welcome my friends of the capitol to the 100th games, I would like to introduce your guest escort for today, district 2's mayor Iron Edge"
So I don't even get to introduce it. I don't even get a bloody applause. Whatever, let's just get this over with.
"Alright, alright, guess its ladies first then"
I roughly pull out the first slip I grab from the bowl.
"Our female tribute is Jess-"
"I volunteer"
Just like back home. A cute blonde haired girl hurriedly rushes up to the stage, excitement plastered on her face.
"Well, what's your name?"
"My name is Destiny Garrison" She says with a smile. It really is like back home. Her eagerness and looks remind me of a typical district two career. It's comforting.
"Alrighty then, why'd you volunteer just now young lady?
"You'll find out soon" She giggles
"Alrighty then, now for the male tribute"
I do the same as before and roughly pull out a slip, spilling a few in the process.
"And our male tribute is Balthazar Rennon"
No one volunteers this time. People disperse around a man with long blonde hair like Destiny. He shakes his head and slowly walks up to the stage, holding his head low. He seems sullen but accepting. When he stands up beside me I make the final announcement.
"And there's the tributes: Destiny Garrison and Balthazar Rennon! Happy hunger games, odds in your favour and all that"
Balthazar reaches out to shakes Destiny's hand, and I notice his little finger is missing on his left hand.
Weird.
Area 3
~Mayoress Cabella Rays~
This is quite strange indeed. Now I realise why so many of our district's victors prefer to spend their time here. I haven't been taken too far into the capitol's centre, but all around me I'm dazzled by lights and technological wonders beyond my imagination. As a child I dreamed of one day visiting the capitol to see the wonders. As a teenager I dreamed of working in the capitol, seeing my inventions at work in place where they could be afforded their use. Yes, my inventions may have had usefulness in the districts too, but if I made it to the capitol I thought perhaps I'd be able to distribute them out to the districts. Who knew I'd ever make it here though. After I rose to the position of Mayoress I forgot about that dream and focused more on my people. In all respect I should be feeling contempt towards these people, but deep down I find that I can't.
I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder, snapping me awake from my daydream. The president's assistant draws round from behind me.
"I believe it is time to begin" she says.
"O-of course, I shall-"
"I'll begin the introduction"
"Oh, all right then"
She takes the microphone.
"Welcome my capitol friends to the 100th hunger games, your guest escort is district three's Mayoress Cabella Rays"
There is no applause as she announces my name. I clear my throat.
"Ladies first"
I take my time choosing a name, gracing the glass sides of the bowl until I pick out a slip. I clear my throat again.
"Raine Davenport"
Nothing happens for about half a minute. Eventually a few people move out the way, and two people walk together to the stage. It's not difficult to determine which one is the actual tribute as one girl is shaking desperately. She looks so beautiful and so young. I've seen many a tribute like her be taken from under my wing. The other girl simply seems to be helping her walk up, whispering soothing things as she does so. It takes some time but eventually she makes it to the stage. I reach out a hand to help her up, which she hesitates at first, but then takes. The other girl lets go and nods, mouthing 'it will be okay' before being escorted back to the crowd. I give her a comforting rub on the back before returning to the microphone.
"And now for the gentlemen"
I'm shaking a little this time, knocking a few slips of paper out as I choose one.
"Osiris Kray" I say quietly.
Almost immediately a man begins walking to the stage. He says nothing, shows nothing, staying calm yet his blue eyes seem rather alert. From his weathered face I would gather that he is rather old, but his large, muscular body is intimidating, especially when stood next to me. He neither looks at me nor Raine. Instead his gaze seems situated on something in the horizon. I look away from him and wrap up the ceremony.
"Well, here are your tributes, Raine Davenport and Osiris Kray, may the odds-"
I find myself unable to finish. I see the scared face of Raine and the solemn face of Osiris and it's just too much.
Area 4
~Mayoress Aqua Beachley~
Seems I lucked out today. The reaping stage for area four was decided to be on a platform floating in a large lake. I'm surrounded by beautifully blue water. Deep, dark and mysterious, flecked with light that makes it shimmer like crystals. It's unspoilt and clean. If I were alone I'd love to take a swim in these waters, loosen up some stress in my muscles, and wash away the nasty thoughts in my head. Now why can't those capitol people down there see the beauty of it?
They all look so stressed. Maybe they all need a good swim too, although that many people in such a beautiful lake would only taint it. Rain perhaps. Yes, a rainstorm would be wonderful to wash away all this negativity. Oh if only I had the power to make such events happen. I can only bet our dear president, with all the power she has, could make such a thing. Well, probably not but its fun to dream.
"Welcome my friends of the capitol, it is time to begin the 100th games, with our guest escort district four's mayoress Aqua Beachley"
Seems I was out of my head for longer than I thought. The president's assistant gestures me to the microphone, which I sheepishly take.
"Haha, sorry I was a little of it there, shall we start with the ladies then?"
I fumble around in the bowl until I pick out a slip that feels right. I go read the name…but it throws me off.
"Sha-Sharis? Karis? Chairis?"
Someone whispers in my ear.
"Oooooh Charis! Charis Hampton"
Some people disperse around a woman, who reluctantly walks up. I am awestruck by her hair, which is green with highlights of blue. It reminds me of the beautiful sea. I find myself staring intensely as she walks up beside me, but when I get a close look of her face I stop. Her facial expression is obviously strained, and her body stands still and tense. Nervous perhaps? How boring, my district's tribute aren't normally like that. They're full of the intensity of crashing waves. I move away from her and dive into the men's bowl, pulling out a slip that feels important.
"Winnegan Durai!"
Something erupts in the crowd. I see a few people get shoved to the floor by a flamboyant but gorgeously muscled man, who looks around in a panicked state. Now this is entertaining!
A couple of the peacekeepers march in to settle the situation but the muscled man launches at them, knocking the first one down with ease. He tears through the crowd and tries to make a break to the shore, but unfortunately for him the second peacekeeper grabs the scruff of his shirt. Another joins him, and they both drag the man to the stage. I pass him a wink as he stands next to me, but he looks away. Ah well.
"Well well, that was certainly exciting, our tributes for area four, Charis Hampton and Winnegan Durai!" I announce with in my melodramatic voice. It doesn't seem to bode well with the audience. Ah well, I'll just have fun by myself them.
Area 5
~Mayoress Luna Haze~
As someone from an outlier district with next to no living victors, I shouldn't in theory feel any sympathy for the people that have caused so many needless deaths. Perhaps it's the way I was raised, or the many years in my old life that I've seen the scared faces of so many children, but I look here now at the people before me. There aren't many of them, and their all so young. I'd say the oldest is at the most thirty years old. So much potential ahead of them. A see a couple of young men and women out there who remind me of my own children and grandchildren. No, I can't be mad. In an alternate world I wouldn't be having to send two of these young people off to the death. I don't know how the escorts of the capitol can do it year after year.
The president's assistant reaches out a hand for me "shall I help you to the microphone ma'am?" she offers. Such a charming girl.
"Thank you very much dear"
She carefully helps me out my seat, escorting me to the front of the stage. She takes the microphone to make an announcement first.
"Welcome to the 100th games my friends of the capitol, today the reaping will be led your guest escort, district five's mayoress Luna Haze"
She passes over the microphone.
"I am graced to be here, may the odds be in your favour, now let us begin with the ladies"
The lovely assistant passes me the girl's bowl. I carefully take out a slip sticking out of the top, the slowly read out the name.
"Alara Florent"
I scan the crowd with my tired eyes but am unable to find the tribute. It is not until she has nearly reached the stage that I see her. She's such a pretty young girl; it's quite a shame to see her up here. I encourage over to me. When she gets closer I can see the wet stains from tears I'm sure she tried to hide. She gently wipes away another and tries to keep calm.
"There there dear, it'll be alright" I whisper to her, then turn to the crowd "and now for the boys"
The assistant brings me to other bowl. Again, I pick out one that is lying near the top of the bowl.
"Darius Hampshire"
Yet another young one. A skinny looking boy shakily begins making his way up. Suddenly though he snuck up on and roughly pushed to the side by a strong looking man. The look on his face screams determination.
"I volunteer" he announces in a deep voice, striding onto the stage with confidence. At first I don't know how to react since we don't normally get volunteers back home, but the assistant gestures me to the mic, then to him and I get it
"Well, how interesting, what is your name my dear?"
"Slate Shield" he states bluntly. He seems to have nothing else to say so I assume this is a good point to finish, before I feel more guilty looking at them.
"And there we have our tributes, Alara Florent and Slate Shield"
I don't bother saying 'happy hunger games'. I don't see the point.
Area 6
~Mayor Racer Roades~
When I was called in to be the escort for a reaping in the capitol, I had two initial reactions. First, I was disgusted at the idea of the capitol actually asking me for favour. What the hell have they done for me? The district is worn down and crime ridden, yet they refuse to do anything about it. However, I eventually realised through their tone of voice and the implications of their words that my attendance at the reaping was not all that voluntary. My second reaction was then as follows. 'Well, if I'm going to be called in to a favour for the people that horribly control the lives of my district, then at least I'll get some sort of special treatment'.
Yeah, some notion that turned out to be. The second I got off the train I was told the reaping was happening right then and there. Apparently they wanted area six to be in the train station because it'd emulate district six. What kind of stupid idea is that? We're more than just train drivers in district six. My son and daughter are accomplished mechanics thank you very much.
I turn to the president's assistant who is standing beside me.
"Are we starting yet?"
"Yes, we will start now" she says, tapping on the microphone in front of her
"Hello, welcome to the 100th games my friends, let me introduce you to your guest escort for today, district six's mayor Racer Roades"
I huff and snatch the mic off her.
"Alright, let's get this over with, ladies first I guess" I grumble, reaching out and snatching a slip of paper from the bowl.
"Ellie Chandler"
I glance around impatiently, tapping my foot.
"Well?"
People start looking around the aforementioned girl. For a while no one moves or says anything. I feel a vein about to pop in my forehead. Finally, some people move and create an empty space around a fiery haired young woman. She still doesn't move though. If I had to guess I'd say she was in a state of shock. Tired of waiting as well, a peacekeeper grabs her by the arm and drags her to the stage. He lets go and she stumbles slightly, looking up at me, still in shock. I feel a little sorry for her , but wave it off to get on with the next tribute.
"Well, now for guys then I guess"
I pull out the first slip I see from the men's bowl and read it out.
"Klyn Maddox"
Immediately I hear a choked sob. It's so loud it echoes across the silent station. The sob turns into sobs, and then a full blown breakdown of tears and crying that seem to be coming from somewhere near the back. I can see very well from here who it is too. Some feminine looking young man with pink hair is bawling on the floor, another young man trying to comfort him to no avail. Like with Ellie the peacekeepers again get impatient, forcefully grabbing the man by the arm and literally dragging him to the stage. He cries and screams the whole way. One peacekeeper stands beside him to ensure he stays there. I take a step away.
"Well, there you go, your tribute Ellie Chandler and Klyn Maddox"
If this was a reaping back home I'd normally feel sympathy from their pain. But I don't. These people won't help mine, so I won't help them.
Area 7
~Mayoress Blossom Appletree~
The capitol is more intimidating than I expected. All my life I've only ever known the tranquillity of open nature and the freedom of childhood. It's only been a few months since I took over as mayor from my loving father, who unfortunately died due to illness. He used to tell me stories of the capitol, that is was a bright fantastic place with the most beautiful clothes, impressive buildings and food like you've never tasted. It was difficult to believe him when the games showed the brutality they were capable of, but for his sake I would try and believe him. When I was called to do this reaping, I was hoping maybe he was telling the truth.
I'm sorry daddy, but it isn't all true. Yes, the outfits are beautiful and the buildings are impressive, but there is something wrong with the people; the atmosphere doesn't have the same freedom and innocence like back home. It almost makes me grateful of where I grew up. I turn to see the president's assistant walking up to stage.
"I apologize for my lateness, and I also apologize for your late father, I'm sure it must have been terrible"
Her words seem genuine, so I nod.
"Thank you, I appreciate it"
"I shall start now then" she taps the microphone "welcome my capitol friends to the 100th hunger games, we have a guest escort for you today, the new district seven mayoress Blossom Appletree"
I curtsey at the crowd.
"Hello, I would like to thank you for the honour of being here, I shall now choose the name of the first tribute, ladies first"
I take my time choosing a name, letting my fingers glide along the slips until I catch one between my fingers.
"Belle Windchime"
Such a beautiful name, though my thoughts are distracted by the utterance of a swear word. Personally I despise swearing in any circumstance. A very pretty girl begins walking to the stage, though it's a shame her face is so unhappy. She looks utterly unimpressed with her situation. When she stands beside me she says nothing, and when I try to smile at her she attempts to hide her face behind her hair. Perhaps she's shy.
"And now for the gentlemen"
Like with Belle I take some time choosing a name, however this time one slip gives me a paper cut. I decide to choose that one, reading it my blood drips on it.
"Otho Plautinus"
I try not to laugh when I see the man that matches the name. I knew capitol people dressed eccentrically, but this man's outfit is something else, especially with that top hat. Not only that, but I can't help noticing he's…rather overweight; to the point where he's waddling on stage. An overweight duck comes to mind when I see him. He looks a little too happy to be on stage as well which is unnerving. I just smile nervously and make the final announcement.
"Let us salute our brave tributes, Belle Windchime and Otho Plautinus, happy hunger games and may the odds be ever in your favour"
I say that with confidence, but deep in my soul I can't help but feel I've sent them to their deaths.
Area 8
~Mayor Plaid Casey~
I don't really want to be here. The only reason I accepted willingly was so I could get a better experience of capitol fashion. Back home one of the reasons I was voted mayor was due to the popularity of the clothes I tailored. Many said if lived in the capitol I would be beloved. Although I adore the thought of widespread admiration, I prefer the humble adoring public of my home district. At least I can trust their opinions, unlike these shallow bastards.
But that doesn't mean I can't take in the full fashion experience in the time that I have now. For example, one man near to the front if wearing a lime green suit, ruffled with feathers and matching top hat. It's ugly but strangely becoming on him. One old lady is having to stand near the back since her sparkling pink dress is so puffy that no-one can stand within half a metre of her. I snap out of my distractions as the president's assistant goes to begin the ceremony. She's wearing a slim, silver dress and matching high heel.
"Welcome capitol, my friends, to the 100th games, may I introduce to your guest escort, district eight's mayor Plaid Casey"
I stand up from my seat and give a small wave, which no one responds to. I slowly retract my hand.
"Well then, ladies first"
I tiredly stick my hand in the bowl and choose a slip of paper, reading out unenthusiastically.
"Lilaia Thomalon"
From the front a confident looking blonde woman in a gorgeous blue dress strides on to the stage. She smiles, but I suspect it's fake. It's like the smile of a fashion model trying to impress the audience. Her smile grows more genuine though when she stands above the others. I try to ignore it and continue.
"Now for the men"
I choose a slightly ripped slip of paper from the bowl and read it out.
"Myth Carter"
Now there's a familiar name. The escort for our district for the past few years. I don't actually mind this man. Mature, serious, and that purple hair is striking. Seems this hasn't been all bad, although he does seem reluctant to come up to the stage. In the end someone shouts 'I Volunteer' and, after hugging him, hurriedly makes his way to the stage.
"So, um, what is your name?"
"Leonardo Carter" he replies
"Same surname, can I assume you're related?"
"Yes, yes, that is my fiancé" he replies sadly. I bite my lip and turn away awkwardly.
"Um, well then, your tributes, Lilaia Thomalon and Myth-I mean Leonardo Carter, happy hunger games" I say the last part sarcastically. I'm just glad that's over.
Area 9
~Mayor Garain Fells~
I'm beginning to feel very uncomfortable here. I was assuming area nine would be sectioned in a park or something with some greenery, to match the district and all that. Those were just hopeful assumptions though. Instead it seems area nine is quite close to the capitol centre, so instead of endless fields of gold I'm surrounded by masses of tall buildings and weird shops and services I've never seen before, all amounting to a big old case of claustrophobia. I mean come on, a whole shop dedicated to nails? And three of them on the same block?
Oh it's all so confusing and scary and intimidating and I don't want to be here. Why did I say I would do this? I'm gonna pass out before the reaping even begins at this rate.
I yelp when a hand touches my arm, but I calm down when I see the gentle face of the president's assistant.
"Do you mind if we start now?"
"Y-yeah s-s-s-sure" I stutter. She nods and turns to the audience.
"Welcome, welcome friends of the capitol to the 100th games, may I introduce your guest escort district nine's mayor Garain Fells"
She gestures at me, and hesitantly I take the mic, which my stupid shaky hands drop. I quickly recover it.
"W-well th-then,th-thank y-y-you,l-l-ladies f-f-f-first" I stutter embarrassingly. As I pick out a name from the bowl my shaky hands knock many others out of it.
"E-Emma M-Maroon"
"I volunteer!"
I jump since the sudden exclamation takes me off guard. I'm not used to seeing volunteers back home. I look in anticipation for the volunteer, although I'm confused when I see her walk up. Her face looks uncertain of her decision. Nonetheless she still comes up to the stage and stands strong.
"S-so,what's y-your n-n-name then d-d-dear?" I manage to ask.
"My name is Delilah Lèpou" she replies.
"A-and w-why did you v-v-volunteer?"
"Well, I think I have a decent shot at this, so why not?" she giggles, smiling at me. I manage to smile back before moving on.
"N-now the b-b-boys"
I try to be gentler in picking a name this time, but before I can I'm interrupted.
"I volunteer as tribute!"
I'm so startled that the bowl is knocked over and smashes on the ground. I sheepishly step away from it and look for the man that volunteered. He's quite a strange looking man, but somehow he doesn't intimidate me. When he reaches the stage I ask his name.
"It's Adrian Maverick" he replies in a gentle voice. It's not befitting of a volunteer, which makes me wonder about his intentions, so I ask him too why he volunteered, but his reply is just a tap on the nose and a mysterious smile. I don't whether to be intrigued or disturbed by that.
"W-well then, y-your t-tr-tributes, D-Delilah Lèp-p-pou and Adrian M-M-Maverick"
Two volunteers though; is this what it's always like in the career districts? If so then I'll keep my quiet open grain fields.
Area 10
~Mayoress Juniper Pallory~
I feel ready to murder every single individual present. I never said I wanted to do this. When they contacted me I firmly said no. Perhaps I should have expected them to use force. It was only a day after I denied their request I was taken by gunpoint from my family table to come here to the capitol, just to read out a few stupid names and go home again. I don't want to be associated with the same stupid event that these people set up in the first place. One of the only things that' s keeping me from assaulting anyone right now is the reminder that out of the two people I reap today at least one of them is bound to die. I guess it's a satisfactory form of revenge. I shift in my seat out of impatience. That and two peacekeepers are standing either side of me to ensure I don't do anything rebellious, and I'm not allowed to move until the president's assistant makes the introduction. I hate that bitch most of all for condoning all this, to her own people now less. How despicable.
"Welcome my friends in the capitol, to the 100th hunger games; I'd like to introduce to you your guest escort, district ten's mayoress Juniper Pallory"
I'm finally allowed to stand. As I move to the mic she passes by me and whispers "I'm sorry for forcing you away from your family to be here"
Whatever. I grab the mic forcefully.
"Alright first tribute, ladies first" I grumble. I grab a slip from the bowl forcefully, ripping it slightly.
"Nerice Arcand"
A few moments of silence pass. A few people move aside for someone, but she doesn't move yet. After a minute or so, an older woman slowly and calmly walks up to the stage. Her head is tilted down slightly, but even so I can see the smirk on her face. I'm actually a little intrigued by her. When she stands beside me I smirk back at her, which she positively responds to.
"Right, now the men"
Like before I forcefully grab a slip from the bowl. I try and sound a little enthused this time when I read it.
"Fang Quirentis"
Hah, what a cool name. I look around somewhat eagerly for this tribute, and I'm impressed with what I see. His hair is black and ruffled, appearing like feathers. Birds were always my favourite animal in my district. Cool name, cool hair. Yet, his composure seems to contradict his appearance. With someone that cool you'd thought they'd act cool. But no this man is shaking with nerves, fear evident in his eyes and he graces the stage. I guess compared to some tributes though this could be considered calm. Before I make the final announcement I lean over to him and whisper 'nice hair', to which he cheers up a little bit.
"Well then, your tributes are Nerice Arcand and Fang Quirentis, may the odds be in your favour" I say, my voice dripping with obvious sarcasm. Who knows whether they have the odds to win? I just care if one of them dies.
Area 11
~Mayor Bud Saffron~
I'm tired of fighting it. When I told my wife about what the capitol had asked me to do, she told me I should say no. She told me to stand up for myself; that I don't need to get involved with the capitol when it's not necessary. If you had told me that many years ago in my rebellious youth I might have agreed. In my old age however I have grown weary. I've seen destruction and war. I mean, hell I lived through the rebellion twenty five years ago. I remember the year prior when the little girl from our district died in the arms of the rebel. I remember a year later when I witnessed her family gunned down before my eyes. That's when I felt it was time to stop fighting them. I'd just gotten married and I didn't want my family to go the same way. So that's where I am now, standing at attention, waiting for the president's assistant to begin already.
"Welcome my friends of the capitol to the 100th games; your guest escort for today is district eleven's mayor Bud Saffron"
She nods to me, to which I sigh and make my way over. I try the force a smile as I speak.
"Hello, it is an honour to be invited here today, we shall begin with ladies first" I say like the escorts who repeat the same line year after year. I tiredly put my hand in the bowl, sparing no time in choosing a name. I read out the name in the same rehearsed tone as before.
"Danté Ligna"
The tribute becomes apparent to me the moment her name is called. I can see her close to the front of the crowd, her eyes furrowing, confusion and fear sweeping her face. Her eyes keep flickering to what I assume is her friend. The most curious thing about her reaction is that till now her face has been very blank. I hardly think I noticed her before. A peacekeeper nudges at her, but she walks up to the stage without being escorted. Her face retains confliction even when on stage. When I get a closer look she stands out even more, with her bright colourful hair reminding of the beautiful flowers in my wife's garden. I smile a little.
"And now for the men" I announce. I choose a name towards the top of the bowl and read it out with a tad more emotion than before.
"Fabianyz Brunini"
It takes me longer to point out this tribute but soon I pick out a face with a shocked expression. It is most likely him. I suspect him to be like the girl, but as quickly as I see his shocked face it disappears again, changing instead to bravery. I admire it, but I can only hope that he has something to base that bravery on. He makes his way through the crowd and up onto the stage, standing tall and strong above the others. I look at them both, and unwilling to continue this further so again I repeat the same words of the escorts like they want to hear
"There are your tributes, Danté Ligna and Fabianyz Brunini, happy hunger games and may the odds be ever in your ever"
Sigh, I wonder if they find those words as unbelievable as I do.
Area 12
~Mayoress Jen Jade~
It's like I never left home. I'm somewhat surprised they're letting me see this part of the capitol. I never even imagined that the capitol had poor areas like this. When I was driven through here to see the stage I caught a few glimpses of life in this section of the capitol, and what are saw were the faces of my people back home. Though not necessarily living in shacks, the buildings and houses here look decrepit and the people look broken. Well, some do. I've seen a few that have same glimmer of hope that I've seen in some many back home. When we arrived at the stage I got a better look at these people. Their looks aren't quite as flashy as many of the capitol people I've seen. Though still quite fashionable their style here seems more humbled, as do their personalities. I almost feel sorry for them
Somehow I can also say the same for the president's assistant. She's less pompous and overdressed than I imagined. If anything I see a little sadness in her eyes. She catches me looking at her and moves away to begin the introductions.
"Welcome my friends to the 100th games, please welcome your guest escort, district twelves Mayoress Jen Jade"
I bow, giving a warm smile to the crowd, but I can't find the words I want to say to these people so I just go with "ladies first"
I gently choose a name from the bowl.
"Eponine Delacour"
A young woman with many beautiful roses in her hair moves calmly from the crowd. She moves to the back where the families stand, kneeling down by one young girl, squeezing her hand and saying something I can't hear. She stands and begins calmly walking to the stage, glancing to the side at some boy in the crowd. I follow her with my eyes as she walks up, then snap away to choose the next name.
"Now for the boys"
After some time I finally choose a name.
"Antonius Forscue"
"No" someone in the crowd says defiantly. I blink in surprise, but deep down it feels good to hear someone say it. I try to figure out who it is and seem a rough looking man with anger in his face but sadness in his eyes. He shakes his head but makes his way up anyway, muttering to himself as he does. I happen to catch a couple of words that sounded like 'dream job', which feel like a knife in the gut. I look from Eponine to Antonius and strangely a feel a pang of sympathy. I shake my head.
"Your tributes, Eponine Delacour and Antonius Forscue"
I want to say so much more to them, but I fear I'll never find the right words.
"May the odds be ever in your favour"
My word that was a long chapter! I was considering splitting this in two but I really wanted all the reapings in one chapter
So,I hope you liked that,and here's a few questions
1)What do you think of the writing style?
2)Was it too long? just long enough?
3)Based on these reapings and the blog (link on my profile) who are your favourite tributes? who are you looking forward to?
4)Which mayors/mayoress's did you enjoy reading in this chapter?
5)What are you impressions of Cedra?
Okay enough questions,thanks for reading :)
Oh I'd also like to give a shout out to two of my friends who have syots of their own,but still need more tributes,if you're interested then have a look for JabberJay Ink and ILikeToThinkI'mCool
