Chapter 8: District One Reaping

~The Partymaker and the Macho Career~

District 1- Paige Halliwell, 17

"I'm telling you, Rob, stop being so annoying!" I huff desperately at the phone, rolling my eyes to nobody in general as I made my way to my house. It seemed that the pre-Games party last night dragged on for too long that I actually stayed over. But that's that, I'm currently on my way home to get my makeup done for the Reapings in a few hours.

"Paige, it's 5 in the morning and you're still out! Are you even rested enough for tomorrow's- today's reaping?!" Rob's voice made my already-light head turn even lighter. I sigh at him. "Shut up, Rob. Stop being a worrywart prick. Do you know who you're reminding me off? That slut girl McKinnon and her boyfriend Cole. Don't make me sick." I nearly throw up at the mention of my ex-nemesis. That stupid girl who took my position as the volunteer for last year's Games. And she died so pathetically too.

"You know that I worry about you, sweetie. Please, just go to the training center and find me, okay? I'll be here so you can get rid of your hangover."

"Don't you 'sweetie' me, Rob. You're like, so boring! At least get a little mushy and stop pushing me!"

"But Paige, you're volunteering this year, so the least I can do for you is-"

"Ugh, Rob, you better stop it before I declare that we're over." I turn off my phone and stagger my way to my house, which is still open at this time of night. Dad must've return home late again tonight. Geez.

Seriously, can't they just do something else but arguing with each other? Dad is way too obsessed with his work as the head of technology department at one of the largest company here and Mom has way too many flings with other guys. They argue like they still care about each other, about me. They make me sick. Everything makes me sick.

My parents, Rob, everyone! I sure am glad I'm going to volunteer this year, because my life has been less than spectacular.

When I knock at the ridiculously large door, I was expecting Alfred, our Butler to open it for me, but I get to meet my Dad instead. He still looks like he's born in District 3, and not how I want my father too look like. I should have a stylish, cool, and funky father and not some tech-savvy like him. I snort at disgust, but I greet him.

"Hey Daddy~" Even I am sickened by my own voice. But I have to do this if I want to have the newest Ocear bag in my room by tomorrow. "Hey, sweetheart." He says tiredly. "I'm going to spend the day in my office, okay? Your mother left earlier today to one of her boyfriend's house." Dad doesn't sound like he doesn't like it at all. After all, he just doesn't care anymore.

A cute smile is spread on my face as I give him a peck on his cheek. "No need to worry, Daddy, I'm a big girl now. I can go to the reapings on my own. Have you got my newest Ocear dress ready?" I ask, my eyes wide and hoping. Dad sighs. "Of course I have, baby. It's in your room. I love you." He says as he leaves me alone in the large house that seemed like a prison instead of a house. I wave back at him before throwing up at the satin carpet.

I'm still so freaking tipsy, I need an aspirin.

I can't remember much, but I remember hearing Alfred's voice, so he must be taking care of me. By the time I actually stop feeling the headache (I work out a lot in school, so my stamina is rather high), I'm already dressed in the newest Ocear boutique's dress, straight from the runway in the Capitol.

A smile grows on my face as I wave to Alfred and the servants and make my way to the Justice Building. I can feel my phone vibrating within my purse but I ignore it. It's probably one of the boys I played with in last night's party, or maybe it's Rob, but I couldn't care less now.

It's the Reapings today, and I feel really great.


District 1- Adam Sparks, 18

"Are you sure that you should be here, Adam? You know I can always walk myself to the Reapings." Livia smiles at me convincingly, but I know by the quiver of her smile that she's actually happy to have me here. I smile. "It's okay, sis, Mom and Dad will be going later. I want to be with you." A smile makes its way to my face as I lightly grasp her hand.

Today is the day for me to shine. Just like how my brother David did on the 17th Hunger Games. I will try my best to win the Games this year... by trying to have romance before the arena. Two years ago, David had foolishly fell for that girl from 4, Sedna Ocear. I have to admit that both Livia and I had thought that she was attractive... if it weren't for the fact that she was practically Aro Alistair's lapdog.

Dave had been so smitten by her, and I can't let that happen in my year. Not when Dad, Mom, and Livia is counting on me to win. And by extension, Lea, Jeff, and Oliver too.

I make my way to the Justice Building, paying a polite attention to my sister's chatters. Livia, like I had been for the last 12 years, is training to be a Career. Mom and I don't really agree with it...

Dad pushed us all to be a Career and volunteer so we can be rich, but Mom thought that it was enough for just Dave and me. She already lost Dave, she couldn't bear to lose me and Livia over the Games. But I disagree in this part. I can make it out and be the winner. Livia is a girl. She doesn't need to concern herself over this kind of dispute.

Oh well, I will just have to try my best.

Livia and I separate to our respective age groups and blended in with everyone else. As I make my way to the middle of the row, Jeff and Oliver come up to me with a grin on their faces. "Yo Adam!" Jeff says as he pats my shoulder. "Yo, Adam. Sorry for not going to your house, yeah? Had to walk Lea to the reapings man." I smile slyly at Oliver's reason.

"Ooooh riiight~" Jeff and I laugh as Oliver's face turns red. This was just a typical reaping day in District 1. Nobody gets scared of this. Today was either a moment of glory, or a moment of relief. Glory for those who volunteer, and relief for those who didn't want to get reaped.

This was one of the reasons why I never worry about Livia getting reaped. Because there would definitely be someone to volunteer for her.

"Happy Hunger Games!" Firaga's chatter cut through all the commotion being made in the lines. Jeff, Oliver, and I get back to our own positions and stand in mock-attention as we hear the speech and watch the video we've watched our entire lives.

"Now, now, let's not waste any time and have our tributes, okay?" The girls chatter in amusement as Firaga took out the slip that'd be useless because-

"Paige Halliwell!"

"Oh my! I was about to volunteer!"

A girl with tight ocean-colored dress that hugged her curvaceous body walked up to the stage, looking as if she was in the runway instead of the reapings. Not an uncommon thing to happen here, one can never be too overdressed for the reapings, after all.

"Scooore!" Jeff says as he ogles at the girl standing in front of the entire district. She looks enchanting though, totally Jeff's type. Curly blond hair, clear green eyes, and slightly tanned.

When it was time for the boy's slip to be pulled out, I waste no time at all and raise my hand. "I volunteer!" Nobody questions me, after all, I beat Gabriel from school fair and square. I am the strongest one to volunteer from District 1.

As I make my way to the stage, Jeff and Oliver cheers at me. I grin back at them, feeling happy that they trusted me this much. When Firaga tells us to shake hands, the girl, Paige, flutters her eyes at me and I grin back.

District 1 stands a better chance than the last two years, I just know it.


Goodbye

District 1- Paige, 17

After my mother and father came (separately, of course) and told me goodbye and whatnot, I sit down on the couch, ready for the Peacekeepers to come and grab me. But no, one more person had to come in.

Of course, Robert Reynard, how can I forget.

Anyways, that kid... my District partner, he's quite cute. He's tall, blond, and has this super cute baby blue eyes. I think he doesn't like to be called cute, though.

But as I look up to Rob's blazing brown, I sigh. "What is it that you want to say, Rob?" I ask nonchalantly. Rob looks exasperated, like he's tired to deal with me. Well, whatever, I'm tired with dealing with him too.

"Why did you say that you want to volunteer, Paige?" He asks, tone a few octaves lower than usual. What's wrong with him? "I don't want to look weak for the Capitol, silly." I answer, not looking to his eyes. I hate it when he gets this sudden-serious streak. I don't need it. I don't like it. It suffocates me to see someone gazing so intently at me.

Like when Mom and Dad told me that they wanted to divorce...

No. No. No. NO!

"Paige, I-" He gets closer, eyes still intent on mine. My heart feels like it's going to burst. No, no, please, no, don't do this. Life is all about fun! Not serious!

I'm not hurt over my parents' divorce. Not at all.

"Let go of me, Rob!" I say, my voice shrill. "Don't... don't touch me! We're over!" Why is it that I'm so emotional? Why? I-I don't want to cry... no, not at all...

"You... are afraid, aren't you? You're afraid to face consequences. That's why you avoid everything that is serious..." Something inside me snaps as Rob's eyes look at mine with pity. I push him away.

"GET OUT! GET. OUT!" But when he gets out, I can't help but bury my face on the pillow, thinking that he was right.


District 1- Adam, 18

My goodbye isn't an emotional one.

I know it. I expected it. And I don't want it like anything else. Mom looks very worried, but I give her a very reassuring hug. I know that the last son she bids goodbye to doesn't return at all, but I whisper her a silent plea. I have a chance in this. Please don't worry.

Dad is of course, proud of me. He makes sure to say it as well. It encourages me though. He says that I make him proud. That I'm his strongest son and I shouldn't fail him like Dave did. I promised that I'll return. He nods to me approvingly and I smile.

Parting with Livia is the hardest though. She doesn't cry or smile, she only looks at me like how she looks at Dave all those years ago. Emptiness. Acceptance. It's as if she doesn't care if we return or not... because caring will hurt her.

Oh Livia...

I pull her to a hug, caressing her hair gently. She buries her face to my chest, not crying, but not smiling either. "Good luck, Adam." She says in a quiet whisper. I nod at her, and she leaves, along with my family.

I stare at them as they leaves, and put a grin on my face as Jeff and Oliver come in.

"We'll miss you bro. Come home as fast as you can, okay? Lea just think of this awesome prank to play at the Mayor's prick son. You gotta be a part of it!" Oliver smiles as he mentions his girlfriend. Jeff smiles as well at him.

"I know, guys. Wish me luck, okay?"

And I know they do.


Song that reminds me of Paige: Tik Tok - Ke$ha (the emotional her is Roxas' Theme - Kingdom Hearts II soundtrack)

Song that reminds me of Adam: Rival Hugh Battle Theme - Pokemon Black/White 2 Soundtrack

Okay. So you guys probably have no idea what's happening in the Capitol when all these Reapings are going on. And what I can say is, shame on you! I literally can't think straight when I'm writing this when I'm thinking about all the awesome stuff that's going on in the Capitol!

And for readers who didn't get a spot in this year's Games and is waiting for the next, you're wasting your time. The winner of the 20th Hunger Games is Echo Tesla, the first 12 year old to do so. Reason? Jay sponsored her all by himself and he asked Lorraine (the Head Gamemaker of next year's Games) to rig it. If I'm going to write another SYOT, it'll be the 21st Hunger Games and the head Gamemaker would be Ventus Halzen (read Love, Death, Hunger, and Games if you want to know who he is, and if you already do... I think you'll understand that these Games are going to be even more gruesome as the year goes by).

God, this year's arena... and just Games in general is so very twisted. There are so many gruesome mutt-deaths. So, I'm planning to make the Reaping chapters shorter so I can get the Capitol and Games chapter so much faster.

Please review :D