Ch 7: District 3 Reaping

Jesse Riesling, 16, District 3 male

It was the night before the Reaping, the worst day of the year. My nerves have been tense lately. It's almost funny, I was like that years ago at my first one, but I still have the same feeling four years later. As I walked through the dark streets of District 3, I bite my nails as I have always done when I'm nervous. I stop biting when I accidentally bit into flesh. I look down at my nails and sighed. This year has me on edge, I barely have any fingernails left. I sighed again and I kept walking through the street. I was so on edge that the only thing I can really do to concentrate is to my favorite past time, observing. As I past the local market, I noticed a beautiful dark haired girl walk out of the market. I gasped, it was Dayta Mitchell, the most beautiful and popular girl at my school. She's a rarity in looks in District 3. She's perfect for observing.

I followed Dayta at a distance. I don't want her to see me because she could easily have the Peacekeepers on me. I try to pick up what Dayta does. Like the way she walks or what she wears. She's popular and if I can do what she does on a masculine level, then maybe I can finally fit in. The only reason I observe people is because I want to fit in so bad. People call it stalking, but I never hurt anyone doing it. I had some close calls and I have been caught, but I never laid a finger on anyone. I just want to fit in and I'm too shy and nervous to ask. I never had a social life growing up and honestly, it's a giant struggle for me. It's a miracle I survive the day in the school. It's a bigger miracle if I actually speak more then three words a day there. But if I can fit in, then maybe I won't be a hollow person anymore.

The dark night helps keep me concealed as I followed Dayta through the neighborhood. I envy her personality and looks. She never had a problem talking to people, I wish I was like that. Maybe if I was raised differently, then maybe I wouldn't be so hollow. I honestly try so hard to be someone I'm not or someone different that I barely remember who I was personality wise as a toddler. I look up and stop as Dayta reach her home and went inside. I sighed, I didn't get much, but there's always next time. I turned around and head home. After all, my adoptive older brother Shiloh is probably worried about me after all. When I reached home, I opened the door of our small home and I noticed that Shiloh was at the back cooking dinner.

"Hey Jesse, you're home late," Shiloh greeted.

"Sorry, I was just taking a walk to clear my mind about tomorrow," I said.

Shiloh nodded. "I understand, but were you observing again?"

"Of course not Shiloh." I quickly said.

Shiloh walked over and put a hand on my shoulder. "Don't lie to me Jess, I'm not mad, I just care about you. You're practically my little brother."

I sighed. "Ok fine, I was for a little bit."

"Thanks for being honest Jesse. You can't keep doing it. Sooner or later, you're going to get caught. Hell, I almost called the Peacekeepers when you did it on me," Shiloh said.

"I'll try to stop," I said.

Shiloh smiled and headed back to the kitchen.

"That's what I want to hear. Come on and help me with dinner Jess," Shiloh said.

As I walked over to the kitchen, I started to remember how I ended up here. I wasn't with Shiloh my whole life, I used to have a family. I was the youngest of three to my parents. I was their only son while I had two sisters. I blame my family for my social anxiety. I never had a relationship with my sisters because they were both adults and had their own lives. I remember that my parents spoiled me, but they kept me homeschooled my first few years alive. I never learn how to interact with people. I was mostly alone. When I finally went to a real school, I never knew how to act or talk to people. I was quiet and overwhelmed by everyone there. My parents had failed to prepare me for social interaction. I was seven when I did my first observation. It was my way of trying to fit in. Unfortunately, I was still an outcast through my years at school.

I was twelve when I was finally caught observing. I followed a girl home from school and when I tried to get a look in her window, I accidentally broke it. As expected, the peacekeepers came and dragged me back to my parents. My parents were mortified of what happened and they refused to believe that any son of there's would do what I had done. Just like that, my parents rejected me and threw me out of the house, I was no longer their son. I haven't seen them since. I desperately searched for someone to observe because I didn't know what to do. But luckily, I laid eyes on Shiloh, a 26 year old factory worker one night and followed him home. He quickly discovered me outside. But instead of calling the Peacekeepers, he let me inside his home.

After sharing my story to Shiloh, he took me in and gave me a home these last four years. I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for him. I see Shiloh as brother and he shares the same feeling. I owe everything to him. I opened my eyes as I got to the kitchen and I helped Shiloh cook beans and rice. After we were done, we sat down on the small table we share and eat dinner. Shiloh decided to speak.

"You still worried, about tomorrow?"

"Yeah," I said.

"Don't worry, I am too," Shiloh said.

I raised a eyebrow. "You're exempt."

"I'm worried about you Jesse. You're all I have and I don't know what I'll do if you're taken," Shiloh said.

"I won't get reaped. I can't. You're all I have too," I said.

"Man, this whole reaping is unfair. I barely made it through my years and I lost a couple friends to this stupid game. I hope everyday you can make it too," Shiloh said.

I stood up and hugged him.

"Me too. You're my brother and I don't want to leave you, I love you," I said.

Shiloh hugged me back. "I love you too, it's late Jesse, get to bed."

I nodded and went to bed. Then next morning, I had breakfast with Shiloh before I had to get ready for the reaping. All I wear is black, so I put on black pants and a black button down shirt that Shiloh made with feathers on the front. I cherished it because he made it. After I was ready, we departed for the Reaping. When we arrived to the square, I reluctantly said goodbye to Shiloh and went to get signed in. After the Peacekeeper pricked my finger, I went into the 16 year pen. I was surrounded by a ton of guys and it made me nervous. I bite my fingernails until the escort came on stage. The escort was a woman named Pumice Whitebloom and she had white hair and was wearing a black dress.

"Happy Hunger Games District 3 and may the odds be ever in your favor!" Pumice announced.

Pumice played the video and my nerves got tense as it showed previous Hunger Games. This day really makes me nervous. After the video ended, the reaping started. Pumice went over to the boys bowl and picked a slip. Pumice then went over to the microphone and announced the name.

"Jesse Riesling," Pumice announced.

My eyes widen. This can't be happening. I don't want to go to the games. I looked over my shoulder to try to find Shiloh. A minute later, a Peacekeeper grabbed my shoulder and try to drag me to the stage. I resist him to try to find Shiloh in the back. I managed to see him in the crowd.

"Shiloh!" I yelled.

I reach my arm to try to break free of the peacekeeper, but another one grabs me and they escorted me to the stage. I looked down in defeat, I was going into the games. When I got on stage, Pumice went to the girls bowl and pulled out slip. Pumice went back to the microphone and announced the name.

"Delta Bishop," Pumice announced.

For second, nothing happened, but then a girl with long brown hair and dark brown eyes was pushed out of her pen into the open aisle. Delta reluctantly walked to the stage, her face was blank. Delta then got on stage.

"Tributes, please shake hands," Pumice said.

Delta and I shook hands. I was fighting to keep my nerves under control.

"District 3, I present to you our tributes, Jesse Riesling and Delta Bishop!" Pumice announced.

I was then brought into the Justice Building. I have to do my best. I'm scared, but I can't die. I can't lose Shiloh, he's my only real family left.


Delta Bishop, 17, District 3 female

I yawned as I got out of bed. I'm not much of a morning person, but I have to get early for Reaping day. It's such a horrible day but I only got two more Reapings left. I walked over to the closet and put on a dark blue dress and black flats. I sat down in front if my mirror and brush my long brown hair until it was straight. My bed has a habit of messing it up everyday. When I was satisfied with how I looked, I exited my room and went downstairs to the kitchen. I smiled as I see the rest of my family around the long kitchen table. My dad's a electrician and my mom works at the local food mart. I also have 5 younger siblings who I care very much for all of them. There's Bethany, who's 16, twins Edwin and Luna, who are 12, Sean, who's 5 and Jillian, who's 2. We're all a big happy family and I wouldn't have it any other way. My mom was the first to notice me as I sat down at the table.

"You look beautiful Delta," my mom said.

I smiled. "Thanks Mom," I said.

I eat my cereal and I pondered what could happen today. Four out of the six Bishops siblings are eligible and it makes me nervous. As I said before, I care about my family very much and I will do almost anything for my siblings. I'm the oldest Bishop sibling, it's pretty much my job to look out for them. I quickly snapped out of my trance and I started out a conversion with Bethany since she was my closest sister due to being close in age.

"Delta, guess what Dayta told me last night?" Bethany questioned.

"What is it?" I questioned with interest.

"Dayta felt that she was being followed, but she didn't see anyone," Bethany said.

"Weird," I said.

Edwin then butt in. "Don't worry sis, if anyone is stalking the both of you, I can handle them."

I snickered. "Thanks Edwin but we can take care of ourselves," I said.

"But if you grow a few inches and some muscles, then I'll gladly call you," Bethany said.

"Well, I am only twelve," Edwin said.

"Then keep dreaming little man," Bethany said.

"Anyway, mind if you pass the eggs?" I questioned.

Edwin nodded and pass the plate for me. I was hungry since I skipped dinner last night to make plans with my friends to meet up with them. It was something we always did to ease up on nerves and it kind of works. But for now, I'm focused on having breakfast with my family. I always love the interactions we have together. With 5 younger siblings, there's never a dull moment. Between Edwin and Luna's bickering over trivial stuff or how cute Jillian is, it's always fun in the house.

After I was done eating, I said goodbye to my family and I exited the house to meet up with my friends. After walking for a little bit, I meet up with two of my friends Erin and June on the corner.

"Hey guys, hope I didn't keep you waiting," I greeted.

"Hey Delta and it's fine. Alison's house is close anyway.

I nodded and we head to our other friend Alison's house. She always have a habit of being late and it becomes of a routine of heading to her house. We arrived at Alison's door and I knocked. There was no answer. I knocked again, but again there was no answer.

Erin sighed. "Let me do it. I know how to get her to answer."

Alison was probably still sleeping, so Erin goes for the loudest route and constantly rings the doorbell that would very annoying usually, but it was amusing in this scenario. An annoyed Alison answered the door and as expected, she was still in her pajamas.

"Alison, you're still not ready?" June asked.

Alison shrugged her shoulders. "My alarm didn't go off, what can I say? Anyway, I'll be ready in five minutes, come inside."

We stepped inside Alison's house and we waited in her living room as she went into her room to get dressed. We were talking until we heard a loud sound coming from the garage.

"I bet that was the sound of Gizmo's invention blowing up in his face again," Erin said.

Alison's older brother Gizmo came out of the garage covered in ash. Gizmo is an inspiring inventor, unfortunately his experiments or invention blows up half the time.

"Hey ladies, I didn't know you were coming," Gizmo said.

"Blame your sister, she's still getting ready," I said.

"Believe me, she's worst with school," Gizmo said.

"Anyway, what blew up this time?" June asked.

"I'm glad you asked. It was a robo arm that I hoped would do household chores. It ended up causing more chores when it blew up," Gizmo said.

"I'm not surprised," Erin said.

"That's cold Erin, but maybe you can make it up by going out with me?" Gizmo asked.

Gizmo was also a ladies man who can't get a girl to go out with him. He was too eccentric for most girls.

"Sorry Gizmo, I'm taken," Erin said.

Gizmo turned to me. "What about you Delta, you're easy to manage?"

"Easy to manage? Gizmo, never underestimate me. Sorry, but the answer's no," I said.

"Whatever," Gizmo said as he went back to the garage.

Alison then came out of her room ready to go.

"Alison, you need to put a leash on your brother," June said.

"You're not the first person to say that, anyway let's go," Alison said.

The four of us headed to the Reaping. When we got to the square, we all got sighed in. I tensed when my finger gets pricked, I never was a fan of needles. Alison and I went to the 17 year pens while Erin and June went into their respective age pens. Alison and I continue to talk until the escort Pumice got on stage.

"Happy Hunger Games District 3 and may the odds be ever in your favor!" Pumice announced.

Pumice played the video and I turned away with disgust, I always hated the video. Like almost everyone here in District 3, I hate the games and it's unfair how we don't have a chance most of the time. We only have a few victors here. After the video ended, the reaping started. Pumice went over to the boys bowl and picked a slip. Pumice then went over to the microphone and announced the name.

"Jesse Riesling," Pumice announced.

The name was unfamiliar and for a minute, no one came forward. A Peacekeeper then grabbed a boy with unruly short black hair, blue eyes, and pallid skin. Jesse continued to resist the Peacekeeper and he kept looking towards the back.

"Shiloh!" Jesse suddenly yelled.

Another Peacekeeper grabbed Jesse and took him to the stage. It was sad and I felt bad for him because it's tough to be reaped. Pumice then went to the girls bowl after Jesse got on stage. When Pumice got a name, she went back to the microphone.

"Delta Bishop," Pumice announced.

My eyes widen. That was my name she just announced. I'm shocked and I don't know what to do. My life has been handed over to the Capitol. After a minute and a push from Alison, I slowly walked to the stage in shock. I can't believe this is happening. I really don't want to go.

"Tributes, please shake hands," Pumice said.

Jesse and I shook hands.

"District 3, I present to you our tributes, Jesse Riesling and Delta Bishop!" Pumice announced.

As I was brought into the Justice Building, I started thinking. I got put my mind into a good plan. I'm too young to die.


Jesse Riesling, 16, District 3 male

The Peacekeeper pushed me into the room and slammed the door. I sat down on the couch and started to bite my nails. I have just been reaped and I may never go home. I stood up as Shiloh entered the room.

"Jesse," Shiloh whispered as he embraced me. He was crying.

"Shiloh, I don't want to leave," I said.

"I know, but we both know you have to try your best. Please Jesse, you have to try. You're all I have," Shiloh said.

"Thanks for taking me in all those years ago," I said.

"I don't regret a single thing, you're my brother Jesse," Shiloh said.

I looked into Shiloh's eyes. "I'll make it back to you. I'll make up that night up to you before I die," I said.

Shiloh hugged me. "Jesse you made it up to me a long time ago just by being yourself."

The Peacekeeper then took Shiloh away. He was able to yell good luck before the door slammed. I went back to the couch and continued to bite my nails. I hope I can make up my promise to Shiloh.


Delta Bishop, 17, District 3 female

My whole family was in tears as they came into the room. I was on the verge of crying too after seeing them this sad.

"Baby, I'm sorry," my dad said as he hugged me.

My whole family had me in a group hug. We didn't want to let go and I shared the same feeling. When we finally let go, I turned to Bethany.

"You have to be the big sister when I'm in the Capitol. Please take care of everyone, especially if I don't make it back," I said.

Bethany hugged me. "I promise,"

"Good luck Delta, we believe in you," my mom whispered.

"Thank you Mom, I'll do my best," I said.

After one last group hug, they were escorted out. A couple of minutes later, Alison, Erin and June came into the room.

"Delta, I can't believe it's you," Erin whispered.

"Me either, but I can't give up," I said.

"You think you got this?" June asked.

"I don't know, nothing is for certain. I have to figure something out on the train," I said.

"We know you got this. We believe in you Delta," Alison.

"Thanks girls, I'll miss all of you," I said.

The Peacekeepers then took my friends away and I was left alone as I quickly tried to come up with a plan to try to save my life.


Here are our District 3 tributes Jesse and Delta. Thank you to BloodedInk for Jesse and TheLostTimeLady for Delta.

Questions

1. What do you about the tributes and who do you like more?

2. Who do you think will go farther?

I hope you guys are having a great day/night. We're almost halfway done with the Reapings and I hope you're enjoying them so far. The next chapter will the District 12 Reaping. Please remember to read and review and I'll see you guys at District 12!