A/N: So who do you want to hear from next? What do you think of the story so far?
Chapter Four:
A Different Kind of Reaping
Gale Hawthorne
I ran my fingers through my locks of dark brown hair. Then I slammed my fist into the wall. My brothers, mom, and I were in Katniss's living room over here at her mansion in the Victor's Village. Peeta Mellark was there too. We were in front of the TV, anxiously waiting. It was the day that President Snow would reveal who he'd chosen to go into the arena with the wizards. There were just two gruesome minutes until the program started. A part of me wanted President Snow to just hurry up and tell us, but another part of me was scared. Scared that I would lose someone I love dearly. No one in any of the districts would stand a chance against wizards with wands and powerful magic and whatever the hell else they would have.
This wouldn't be a normal everyday Reaping, in this Reaping there wouldn't be 24 Tributes from 12 different districts and they wouldn't be picked randomly. President Snow would be choosing 12 citizens of Panem to become Tributes, those who are most rebellious. Katniss had always been very rebellious. She hunted outside the fence and she did the worst thing anyone can possibly do, she defied the Capitol in front of all of Panem. She won the 74th Hunger Games, but she wasn't the only Victor. Peeta Mellark won, too. They threatened to kill themselves, so the Gamemakers had no choice but to declare them both winners. That had never happened before and was seen as an act of defiance from the eyes of the Capitol. While in reality neither had the heart to kill the other. Katniss should've done it. She should've killed Peeta. That way Katniss and I could go on together. I loved Katniss. But she never would have been able to kill Peeta.
The Panem seal flashed onto the screen and the program began. President Snow stepped onto the stage, a list in his hand. He cleared his throat and straightened his tie. He had a look of satisfaction in his eyes. It was a bloody look that made me sick to the stomach.
"Hello, Panem!" he spoke into the microphone. He gave us his best announcer smile, though he didn't do that great of a job. He gave a small cough and leaned back toward the microphone. "Let's not keep you waiting, let's read the list!"
There were cheers from the Capitol citizens sitting in the audience. They knew this year would be a total bloodbath the most interesting yet. Probably even better than the pair of star-crossed lovers of the year before.
"From District 12, Darius Shale, for never living up to his duties as Peacekeeper. He was weak. We have no room for the week in Panem. Atala Mason, originally from District One, for sharing confidential information with outsiders. Blight Hearthsburg, from District 7, for conspiring against the Capitol. Lanya Call from Distict 9, also for conspiring against us. Coil Troy from 3 for stealing confidential information. The following for conspiring: Proto Lack, 5; Senta Foil, 3; Cayne Forsberg, 6; Caulc Grain, 11; Tresse Bank, 2."
President Snow paused for a moment. He looked dead into the camera, and I would have sworn on my best bow that he was staring straight at me. His beady black eyes bore through me. He licked his plump lips and looked down to his paper dramatically, then back up as he started to speak again.
"Gale Hawthorne and Katniss Everdeen, both from 12, for passing the borders of their district," Snow said. He gave an evil little smile, enjoying every moment of this torture.
I heard a shriek from my mom. I ran to console her, but my brothers are already there. I turned towards Katniss, but Peeta had her in his arms. Mrs. Everdeen had ran to the bathroom. The only one left in the room for me to console was little Prim. I ran to hug her and pull her into my arms. I lifted her in the arm. Somehow, she managed to let out a giggle, a real giggle. She laughed in our moment of sadness. I started to tickle her and she started laughing hysterically. Soon everyone in the room was joining in, and a few moments later it turned into a pillow fight. We were all having the time of our lives.
Somehow this little girl managed to bring us hope. Like they say, laughter heals everything.
But out fun was suddenly over when Mrs. Everdeen entered the room. She had a handkerchief to her face, wiping her eyes. She started sobbing, her body rocking with the movement. We were all thrown back into reality.
Katniss and I were going into the Games. One of us wouldn't be coming back, but I planned to make sure that one of us did. And I wouldn't be that one.
So how'd you like it? Most of the Tributes I chose were just random people, but some were actually characters in the book. Who do you want to see from Hogwarts? Anyone special? How about stylists? Mentors? I'd love some suggestions!
