I don´t own the Hunger Games or The Book of Life. I am just playing with the characters.

CHAPTER 3 – THE REAPING OF THE 76TH HUNGER GAMES

The Sunday of the 76th Hunger Games Reaping started like any other day.

Gale awoke with the sun, help his mother dress his brothers and sister before dressing himself. He did not take even a crumb from the table and hit the road to the woods where he knew he could find some berries and cold water from the stream up on the hill where he was to meet Katniss.

Katniss awoke before sunrise, dress herself with her hunting gear, her father's jacket being the crown of the outfit, gave her sister a good morning kiss, gathered the meager breakfast her sister had prepared for her the night before and took to the bakery to find Peeta.

Peeta awoke at an ungodly hour, baker's hours they call it, he dressed with a simple white shirt and old-worn jeans, then he got down to the bakery to help his father with the prepping all the while drinking a strong tea to help him fight sleepiness and eating some stale bread to fight his hunger. He was waiting for Katniss to arrive, as she had promised to bring goat cheese and he really was hoping for her to arrive sans Gale.

Death and Xibalba, well they were doing Eternal things that us mere humans do not understand and probably is best to just leave them at it; I don't even think they answer to human impulses such as sleep.

And the rest of humanity, well they are not part of this story but I bet they're doing just fine on their anonymity.

_D_

When Katniss arrived at the bakery she was glad to find that the only one at the kitchen was Peeta, he explained his father was a little tired and he offered to finish the prep by himself so his father could go to sleep instead. They talked a little bit about inconsequential things such as the weather, the end of school, Prim's goat Lady and cat Buttercup. She offered the goat cheese at that point but he did not accept it arguing he already had breakfast. He offered her some bread fresh out of the oven and she refused to take it knowing his breakfast consisted on stale bread. So, they compromised, he took some of the goat cheese on a piece cut from the fresh bread and left the rest for her; while he ate, they shared a new cup of hot chocolate. He knew she was going to the woods later to meet Gale, but he did not let that piece of information ruin their time together.

This Reaping was their last, and neither wanted to jinx each other chances by saying menial things as 'good luck' or 'it won´t be you'; they knew better. But Peeta hoped and wanted to throw cautiousness to the window and he was unable to stop what came next from his mouth.

"So... Katniss... last Sunday we agreed to have this date to frost cookies at your house, and I was wondering if that was still on?" Smooth Mellark, now she knows your intentions and will turn you down; why did you went and give her an out… because you know better than to force her into something she does not want. God knows how much time it took him to convince her to just have a friendship. He was just about to retire the offer from the table all together when she answered.

"Why will it not be still on? I already told Prim and she is really excited about the whole thing, I think is the only reason she has not freaked out about this year's reaping. It is her third and she only has as many slips on the bowl but she won´t be really safe, not until her last reaping." Katniss was not oblivious to the word Peeta used to described what they were going to do later, and although she did not think she and Peeta were dating, she was actually thinking she did not find the idea unappealing, they had been friends for over a year now and lately she had been wondering if someday it could lead to more (she did not know herself what more entailed, but still). Have her not say the word as well the other day? True it was also to piss -off Gale, he was acting really weird, but still she did not say it just to be mean with whom she had become to think as her surrogate brother. She did not correct Peeta, but neither openly acknowledge they will be on a date by reminding him that Prim was also going to be there, as a chaperone of sorts if she is being honest. But she also ended up deflecting the conversation to the Reaping; and she wanted to kick herself for that one.

Peeta was surprised and pleased by the answer Katniss gave him. She did not seem to take on his faux-pass and she also opened the topic of the Reaping. He was really anxious to talk about it being their last one and all, but he knew it was not a good idea, so he decided to steer their conversation back to safe land and, as nonchalantly as possible, he started talking about frosting and cookies and what flavors would her sister and the Hawthorne little ones would like. He knew he did the right thing when he saw Katniss' smile.

_D_

She was running a little late. She had to admit that she would gladly go back to her house and spend a little more time with Prim instead of the woods. But she knew that she could not pass the opportunity to hunt some game before the Reaping ceremony, and it did not hurt that she would be able to talk to Gale.

Things were a strange between them since their fight last Sunday, when he learned of her friendship with Peeta. It was not as she was keeping it a secret, her mother and sister knew about it and even he had shown up at their house to play some card games, do homework or even just visit from time to time this last year. She just wanted to keep that to herself, without having to deal with the opinion of others. Her mother and sister knew better than to say anything; but Gale distrusts merchants, and especially if their name were Peeta, so he would not be able to keep his thoughts to himself.

She is late, have she forgotten about their tradition. Gale was just about to go back to the Seam to look for her when he heard some rustling behind him; he smiled to himself but before he turned around to greet her, he turned his face into one of annoyance.

"Well, look just who decided to show?"

"Sorry Gale. I had to run an errand and it took me a little more time than expected". Katniss said while seating at her usual spot.

"Well, glad you even show up really. I was beginning to think you had forgotten about our Reaping Day tradition. I got the berries and I already make the tea with water from the spring". Gale said as he showed up the goods.

"You should be glad then that I brought some goat cheese and bread with me then". Katniss proceeded to place said items between them. She then ripped the bread in half and smeared each piece with some goat cheese and put the berries on top, she kept one for herself and gave the other one to Gale.

By now, Gale had a pretty good idea where this errand took place and why she was late; baker boy was ruining them and he was ending that today.

"I was thinking today we can go to the lake, I am in the mood of fish and we can also get some other game and forage for some greens along the way there. Mom wants… a nice dinner tonight". The word her mother used was celebrate but she knew better; with 28 slips the odds were not in her favor. Gale had beaten the odds with his 47 slips, but still, who says she will? As an afterthought she added "We will even have dessert this time".

_D_

They had finished early and were returning to town, today they won´t be trading, but kept the contents of their game bags for their families and today's dinner.

Gale had the Mockingjay pin inside his jeans pocket, he actually had not parted from it since trading it with that stranger. He took it even to the mines, worried that his mother or siblings will find it and wanted to trade it for something more valuable, like food. He had toyed with the idea himself, but remembered that he had the money bag as well; and that was also for whatever he and Katniss needed for their future house and toasting cake.

Had he been paying a little more attention, he could have noticed that that particular week he had not been as tired as he always was after his shifts down the mine, he also had not asked his mother for a back rub every other night, and there were no new scars on his arms or hands that had constantly marred his body for the last two years.

"We could do it, together. We could escape the district and make a life of our own in the woods, far away from the Capitol and the Hunger Games. What do you say?" The feeling of the pin inside his pocket gave him the courage to ask. He knew he was running out of time.

Katniss was not expecting that one. They can survive by going to the woods and put on good use the skills their fathers taught them, and even that was a risk they took daily in order to provide for their families. Living out in the woods? That was just not an option. Some things did not grow out of trees. There were no bread bushes in the woods. She just did not want him to be serious about it.

"Are you sure you can live the rest of your life without your monthly fix of capitol propaganda? Because I´m sure I can't" She deflected with some dry humor.

"Come on Katniss, I´m serious. We can really live if we are outside the clutches of The Capitol and the daily fear of been caught. There is so much I want from life and I won´t have it if I stay in District 12". He answered with the passion that he usually reserved when he had enough of the system.

"And you think the woods will provide it? There is nothing out there. And what about our families, the kids, our mothers? They are not used to the wild, they don't know how to survive outside the fence. What about the people my mother and sister help in the Seam? They only have them." What about Peeta? If I go away I might not see him again. She thought.

"We leave them" He could not believe his own words, he regretted them before he even finished that sentence.

"You can´t be serious. I won't ever leave Prim. If you think for a moment I would, then you don't know me as much as you think".

For you Katniss, I would leave everyone behind. He was selfish like that. He wanted more with her, and he would make her see reason. Probably the best current course of action was to just woo her into dating and marriage; after this discussion, maybe she will be even more receptive to the idea. Seeing it as a good alternative for them to be together.

"Sorry Catnip, I got carried away. But still, I will like to talk to you about something. I promise it does not involve us leaving the district. Let's talk today, after dinner. Okay?" He passed his thumb along the ring of the pin.

Katniss was hesitant, she did not like the glint in Gale's eyes, that could only mean trouble. Also, she had been thinking to take a walk with Peeta after dinner as a celebration of sorts of being free of the Reaping; but she did not want to ostracized Gale completely. She did what was the sensitive thing to do, she agreed.

She did not see it, but Gale's smile could have split his face in two, he was already picturing the rest of their lives together. I will give her the pin tonight and then, after she agrees to be mine, there will be no more "errands" to the bakery.

_D_

Prepping for the Reaping was not as any other year.

Gale return home, cleaned himself and help his mother to prepare some lunch for the family. He then comforted Vick, as it was his first year and was a wreck. He fought with Rory when he found out that instead of the 3 slips he thought his brother had on the bowl, there will be 8 as he had taken tesserae behind his back. The fight brought Posy to tears, so he had to comfort her as well. The only thing keeping him from running into the woods again was the expectation of dinner with the Everdeens, when he will see his Catnip.

Katniss was still upset from her talk to Gale, his suggestion of leaving District 12, and worst, leaving Prim behind. She shook her head to clear it from that line of thought and changed to a more neutral path as she began to plan what they were having for dinner. This time a guest will be joining the Hawthornes and Everdeens. Unknowingly she put a little more effort on her looks, even if it was the same one she had every Reaping day, and the end she did look nicer. And did not wanted to dwell too much on it being due to seeing Peeta.

Peeta was way too nervous, he said to his father is was because it being his last Reaping, as any sane person will be. But he knew better, this has anything to do with the Reaping, and everything to do with the satchel he had hidden with cookies and frosting supplies for later. He also put some extra effort on his looks, he wanted to look presentable for tonight, he could not wait for his date with Katniss to start, and he really hoped that she had not reminded Gale.

Xibalba and Death were just waiting to see how their champions plan turned out, and expecting the Reaping not to ruin their bet. Don't be fooled, Eternals see humans as humans see ants.

And the rest of humanity, they should have had prepared for what was to come.

_D_

For the 76th Reaping Effie Trinket had opted for a silver fitted outfit, with high stilettos that matched her electric green hair. She started the ceremony as always, presenting the video, allowing the mayor to give his speech, glaring at Haymitch for arriving late and drunk (although she should have been accustomed by now) and waited for her moment.

She was the escort of the most backwards district of all Panem, and she hated every minute of it. She was wondering what she could do to make these people a little more invested on the ceremony so she could look good to the higher-ups so they would notice her. She was long overdue a promotion to a higher district, but she had so little to work with.

She was so distracted by her daydreams that she almost missed he cue. This will be my year, she thought.

"Hello District 12 and welcome to the 76th Hunger Games Reaping Ceremony. Please, bring the bowls to the front." She waited for her instructions to be carried out before saying what she hoped to be a catch phrase one day. "As always, ladies first".

She walked to the bowl at her left and skimmed the surface, before sinking her hand and ruffling a little bit the thousands of slips in there. She had to build some anticipation, and she really needed the camera time this gave her. She finally took one of the slips with her and returned to the microphone. "For the 76th Hunger Games, the girl tribute is…" she opened the slip then and return her gaze to the crowd. "Katniss Everdeen".

A high-pitched scream was shouted somewhere in the nearby pens and the crowd parted when a light-haired girl collapsed to the floor. Someone reached the girl to see if she was OK.

Just what I needed, a fainter! How will I face my friends after this humiliation? Effie thought to herself. She then noticed movement from the far end and watched as a dark-haired girl with flaring eyes was heading to the stage. She climbed the stairs, reached Effie's left side and faced the crowd. Nobody said a word.

"So, are you Katniss Everdeen" Effie asked, unsure of what just happened.

"Yes". Was the girl's only response. She did not want to see Gale carrying Prim to her mother, she did not want to think of how she was now the girl tribute of District 12. That she will be going into the Arena.

"Oh, well that is good. Now, for the male tribute". Effie did not fell that the girl will be willing to answer any more questions, so took her time and repeated her show of selecting the slip from the bowl at her right before walking back to the microphone.

"For the 76th Hunger Games, the male tribute is…" she opened the slip then and return her gaze to the crowd. "Vick Hawthorne". Maybe, the boy will be more talkative…

A small boy, with an uncannily resemblance to the girl started crying, he was a little thing. Nothing as the intimidating boys of Districts 1 and 2, or even the good-looking ones of District 4. He won´t give much of a show, just my luck. Another year on the sidelines watching how someone else taking the spotlight.

The boy could barely stand himself right with how hard he was crying and calling for his mother. There was another commotion at the far end of the square; something she expected the Peacekeepers take care of. She almost forgot to do it, but it was protocol, and if something Effie hated is going against the rules.

"Our years tributes, Katniss Everdeen and Vick Hawthorne. Are there any volunteers to take their places in the 76th Hunger Games, to have the opportunity to be crowned as Victor?". She was counting down the regulatory 30 seconds in which a volunteer could come forward, when the unthinkable happened.

"I volun… uhm I volunteer as tribute" A shaky voice was heard among the cries of the male tribute. Then more firmly "I volunteer as tribute!".

"Come again?" Effie could not believe herself, a volunteer! And from District 12! She watched how the crowd of at the far end of the pens parted to allow a short, if stocky, blond boy to move to the makeshift aisle. He reached the stage in no time, hold onto the boy and placed him on the arms of what probably was his mother. Then he did something as surprising as volunteering, he took the place not to her right, but by the girl in the stage and then, hold her hand.

Effie could not believe what was happening, she needed to do something so she asked the boy for his name: "Peeta Mellark". He said while looking not to the crowd, or to her, but to the girl.

"So, you volunteered for the glory of Panem?" She asked with excitement. He might be just what she needed to get that promotion.

"I volunteered because… because I know Vick, and Katniss does too, his family are friends with us and… and because he is twelve" Effie could not have guessed the boy will be so… she did not know what to think of it. She was speechless, so she decided to wrap things up before they could make her look bad.

"Our first District 12 volunteer, give him an applause!" Again, she was met only with silence. But not a good one, this was charged with something she could not describe. The girl had now turned to the boy and her face was one of fury, the boy's showed determination. And while they were having a silent fight of wills, the crowd did the third thing that surprised Effie Trinket that day. As in unison, all of them took their left hand to their mouth while holding the three middle fingers up, and then they gave them a salute. The teenagers remained oblivious, being as absorbed on each other.

Effie asked for the peacekeepers to take the tributes from the stage, she could not wait for this to be over. Not a moment later, Katniss and Peeta were separated and taken inside of the Justice building to say their goodbyes.

_D_

Katniss received a total of four visits.

Prim and her mother were a wreck. She just hugged them and tried to take their scent and comfort one last time. Prim was still a little dazed for passing out earlier, and she could not control her sobbing. Katniss' mother hug her daughters and promised to herself she won't return to the shell she had become when her husband died. Katniss saw the determination in her eyes and was relieved to see that Prim will be taken care off. Prim never asked her to return to her, as she knew her sister could not make that promise.

Madge visited next, and she just sit there. They held hands and pass the following five minutes as silent as they were during lunch when in school. Just as she was leaving, Madge turned and told her it was just a pleasure to have meet her, and that she was glad to call her a friend.

Next was Peeta's father. She did not expect that. He has holding a satchel and stayed close to the door. "My son asked me to take care of your sister. I thought you should know. Also, he asked me to fetch this for you, he said you will know what to do with it" He then opened the satchel and presented the small cookies and tubes of frosting. "Please, take those to my sister. I… thank you". He just nodded and left the room without another word.

Lastly came Gale. He run to her and embraced her as he never had before. She did not shy from the hug, as this could be their last. He then promptly started given advice, about killing people not being different to killing game, that she could find shelter better that the rest and that she should return to him. "Katniss, I wanted to give this to you tonight, so please take it… as a promise". He then presented her with a golden pin of a Mokingjay. He did not wait for an answer, just pinned to her dress and hug her again; she did not return it this time, not that he noticed. Gale was being dragged out of the room when she found her voice again. "Gale, I don't…" but the door closed between them and there was no point to say more.

_D_

Peeta received a total of four visits.

His family just showed up and just stared at him. They could not believe he had just volunteered, and in the behalf of a seam boy, that he barely knew by the way. His mother was practical, and just told him she hopped the girl was worth it, while clearly, she thought otherwise. His brothers just hugged him and left without a word. Lastly, his father told him he hopped she was never reaped because he knew he might lost a son that day; because he loved just like that. Peeta was glad for someone to reaffirm his previous decision, and asked his father for one last favor.

Then came Prim. She just jumped into his arms and told him she knew how he was feeling. As they might both lose what they loved the most. She did not ask for him to sacrifice his life for his sister, as by volunteering he did just that. Her parting words were to profound for a fourteen-year-old girl: "Just, protect each other. Okay?".

Then came Delly Cartwright. She wished him good luck and told him how proud she was of him. That they will stay friends forever and that please don't come to scare her at night. She already had her hands full with her great-grandmother as it was. He just laughed at that.

Lastly came Gale. He did not see that one coming. The older boy just stared at him. He told him he did not owed any merchant anything as he did not ask Peeta to volunteer in the place of his brother. Peeta did not expected gratitude from the older boy, but neither his contempt. Then he talked some more: "And if you come back and she does not, you would wish you had never been born". Peeta was angry now, the nerve of this guy. "I don't own you anything, and certainly don't have to account to you for my actions. Know that what I have done and will ever do has nothing to do with you, so spare me your threats and get out if you have nothing else to say". Gale make sure the whole of the Justice Building shook when he closed the door while leaving.

_D_

Xibalba was having a field day, he could have not planned this better himself. His champion was safe, and bread boy was in the path of meeting his lovely wife. And the girl had the pin with her. But Death did point out that there will be no winner if the girl chose to be alone if she was crowned Victor. He just hoped the stubborn girl would not be too much trouble, because he had plans, and damn him if a puny human ruined them.

_D_

The hour of goodbyes was now over. The tributes were being transported from the Justice Building to the train station were the whole district was waiting to say a last collective goodbye. That soon was also over and the two Tributes, the Escort and the Mentor were standing on the dinning cart of the train. Every one of them could feel the charged air between the two teenagers, and it exploded sooner rather than later.

"How could you Peeta?! You did not have to volunteer, I would have made it just fine. I didn't need your help, I could have protected Vick by myself!"

"Yes, Katniss. I know you can protect yourself and anybody you wanted, but just answer this for me. When the two of you were the last ones standing, would you also be able to protect him? Would you have killed your hunting's partner little brother so you could come home to Prim? Or, would you have killed yourself and left Prim for good? Tell me Katniss, what would have you done then?!"

Katniss was speechless, she really had not thought of that. But it was no different now, was it? Here was Peeta instead of Vick and if worse came to worst she will be facing the same predicament.

"So, what? You thought volunteering will make the decision easier for me?". She spitted back.

Although he was secretly please of her retort, he could not give into his feelings right now, because he had a purpose, and that would not help with it.

"That is where you are wrong Katniss. I will not be giving you a choice, you are coming back to your sister". He did not wait for her to respond, he turned and left for his assigned compartment. He had a strategy to plan.

Little did he knew how much he had underestimated what Katniss would do for those she cared.