-Mayislee Everdeen-
I never really gave much thought as to what it would be like to be reaped, but then again, after the horrors of what happened to Katniss, I didn't want to be reaped. But here I am, soon to represent District Twelve in The Hunger Games.
I am dragged out of my reverie as the whistle blows and the horses begin to follow the same route that is followed every year. As the District 12 chariot moves out into the streets, I see the thousands, no, millions of people watching me. The blinding lights illuminate the shocking array of colours worn by the Capitol citizens and I find it hard to believe that this strange mass of people are cheering for the tributes that they want to win - tributes who will quite likely be dead in about a week or two. I find it disgusting, how this is entertainment to them, watching innocent teenagers being killed. It's all one big messed up game, one started just because people were beginning to feel repressed. I grit my teeth as my jaw begins to ache from smiling so much at the crowds. Then I remember; I'm doing this for my cousins, for my namesake, for Rory and for the honour of my District.
"Mayislee?" I was sitting waiting for my stylist to appear, waiting to find out what ridiculous outfit us tributes would be forced to wear this year. Coal dust again? I've never really been a 'girly girl' and I wasn't looking forward to being covered in make-up and forced to wear some skimpy outfit, all in an attempt to gain sponsors. I was intrigued by my surroundings and when Cinna appears in the room I turn to him and smile. "Mayislee. I'm Cinna, your stylist. Although you already know who I am. I'm not here to make you look pretty; I'm here to help you make an impression. Okay?" I nodded, not really knowing what to say.
"Here is how it is. You and your partner, Gale will go out there. Keep a smile on your face and wave. You want these people to be on your side. They have money. They have power. They make the difference between life and death. You can be angry with them but don't be. Channel that anger into the Games. If you want a chance at winning you first have to win them over."
Back in the chariot, I begin to smile and wave at the crowds who are creating a deafening wave of noise. I look over at Gale. He is handsome, and he is my husband. I smile a little bit more as I think of the boy who is going through this journey with me – and for the same reasons . Gale whispers to me that we should hold our hands high. I smile and acknowledge what he's hinting at, knowing all too well that the people of the Capitol, apart from a select few, know nothing of our relationship. We hold our hands high and set a determined smile on our faces. We will get sponsors. We will be the best, at least until it comes down to just the two of us. Then there can be only one. But which one?