District one.
Jace.
I hear the music playing in the distance. It's joyous with an underlying tone of melancholy. I really could care less about the games. 23 Kids die. One lives. End of story. I don't find the act of killing another a glorious thing, but it's survival. We, as humans, will do what we must to continue on.
I sigh. I might as well get a good seat. I hate being towards the edge of it all. Then all you can do is look at the cameras. Walking towards the Reaping, I see children in brightly shining dresses and slacks, chasing each other. Its sweet. They are so innocent. But I only have a few more Reapings left. Then I am done, thankfully. Then the new generation of children can begin. Begin fearing the people that were supposed to keep them safe. To protect them.
I stand alone. My father spends his days at home, asleep on the couch. Slowly getting rid of another hangover, getting ready for another one. The crowd is wild with anticipation. I stand and wait, wondering how would I react if I was chosen. Definitely not scared. Heck, it might even be fun. Almost a sure way to die. Yes, I would go out in style. I smile, my eyes imagine me in the middle of the bloodbath. I honestly hope to be chosen if not, I'll just have to volunteer. This time, the Careers will be one short.
I stand and wait for someone to come onto the stage.
Jayden.
My little heart is racing. I can barely see above the crowd. My mom tells me over and over not to fret; 12 year olds never make it to the games. I still can't help but worry. Things happen. What if someone doesn't take my place? What if I am laughed at? I would surely die first. There's no chance I'd win. Zip.
The crowd quiets down. I look at the screen nearest me. My mom clasps my hand in hers. Her eyes are closed. She is praying. I can't really hear what's going on but a cheer erupts from the crowd. A older girl practically leaps on stage. Her long, raven hair flying everywhere. They zoom in on her face, her green eyes are ablaze. Her smile is haunting, almost glad to be in the games.
Slowly, the crowd boils down to a simmer. I can hear now. My heart is throbbing. Blood is rushing everywhere. It seems that time has slowed. I can see the man up on the stage say a name. I look up at him, and he is gesturing for me to join him up there. No. I had only one name in thousands of boys. I can feel myself pulling away from my mother. I hear her sobbing, but its miles away. The crowd parts, as if I am the holy one. The messiah. I smile at the nice man. I am in awe of everything around me, not remembering any of my earlier fears.
I walk onto the stage, taking my place next to the girl, jace is her name. She grabs my hand. I smile at her, and she grins back.
"Are you ready for the bloodbath?" she says to me. I star at her. It's just me and her for a moment. I nod, and all around her is a blur. We turn back to the crowd and raise our hands together. The crowd goes wild. I see us on the screen; we're beautiful together. I am not scared anymore. She'll protect me. I know it.
Jace
I look at this small boy next to me. Maybe I should wait to die. Maybe I should try to save him. But then again, maybe not.
