Caleb sat on the beach and watched the waves crash. He was happy with today. The warmth of the sun felt good on his skin, and the slight sea breeze kept it comfortable. He didn't dare go in the water. He was unable to swim despite living in District 4. He heard the bustle of unimportant people heading to the reaping. Finally he stood up with a sigh and followed.
Astrid sat in her room in her friend Jared's house. She had lived there ever since her mom and her had fled from her dad's abusive ways. Jared knocked on her door.
"Come in," she said, bluntly.
Jared entered quietly, sitting next to her on her bed.
"What's up?" he asked.
Astrid looked over him quickly, taking in his blond hair and his protective nature.
"The reaping is what's up."
"How many times is your name in, Astrid?" he asked, suddenly concerned.
Astrid sat there silently. Jared gazed at her. Her doe shaped eyes, and long brown hair.
"Astrid, please tell me."
"Twelve," she said quietly.
Jared sat there in shock. They were both sixteen. Astrid shouldn't be in 12 times. Jared hugged Astrid quietly. Astrid knew this was his way to comfort her and him.
"We should get changed," Jared said, standing. "Reaping is in twenty minutes."
Jared left and closed the door. Astrid changed quickly, throwing on a white shirt with a black collar, a knee length black skirt, and some worn down combat boots. She emerged from her room and met up with Jared. The two of them were close. They had trained at the academy together for a year before the two of them decided to quit. They felt like it had taken up to much of their lives, so instead they swam together. They swam everyday, playing about in the water. Jared was normally funny and childish, always making Astrid laugh. Today, Jared was serious, and concerned about his best friend.
Caleb made his way to the town square. He checked his reflection in a store window. He found himself handsome, with thick brown hair. He had green eyes and he was some what muscular. He was around six feet and was wearing black trousers, a button down, and a green tie. He fussed with his hair a bit before entering the square. He checked in.
"Name?"
"Caleb Praerio."
"Age?"
"15."
"Go to your left please."
Caleb walked into a group of other fifteen year old that he recognized from his years at the academy. Caleb was one of the best. He knew he could win. The mayor stepped onto the stage and spoke briefly. The same depressing video was shown, and their ridiculous looking escort walked onto the stage.
"Ladies first!" she said shrilly.
She teased them by swirling her hand around the bowl, searching for a "perfect" name. Finally, content with her choice, she drew a name.
Unwrapping the paper, she read aloud, "Astrid Cascadia."
There was a cry from the sixteen year old section, and Jared struggled through the crowd. He yelled and screamed. Peacekeepers swarmed him and held him back. Meanwhile, Astrid timidly walks on stage.
"Now for the boys!" the escort said, excited from Jared's outburst.
Again she teased her audience before drawing a name.
"Sam Connors."
A boy emerged from Caleb's row. Caleb knew Sam. Sam was a nothing. Nowhere near his level of skill.
"I volunteer as tribute," Caleb said strongly.
He walked up on stage, making brief eye contact with his mother, a victor, who stood on stage.
"It's Caleb Praerio!" the escort squeaked excitedly.
"Shake hands you two!"
The two shook hands quickly, before heading to goodbyes. Astrid's mother was the first to come for her. They didn't speak, they didn't need two. They just held each other until their time was up. Then came Jared. He was an emotional wreck. He hugged Astrid and made her promise to stay safe. He wasn't prepared to lose her. Caleb sat alone. No one was going to come visit him. They were all beneath him. He was going to win these games. He was a career after all.
Sorry for the depressing length of this chapter, and for the amount of time between chapters. I'll try to get another one out soon! Send me ideas for tribute interactions! THX
TENNIE
