Ch 10: District 9's Reaping
Brydon Mead, 17, District 9 male
I wake up more tired than I ever been in a while. I work in the grain fields of District 9 and it's hard work. I'm glad I'm not working today, but unfortunately, today happens to be Reaping Day.
I got out of bed and went into the kitchen to eat breakfast.
"Brydon, you look tired," my mom said.
"I am," I started. "I worked overtime yesterday because of today."
"You should really quit that job," my mom said.
"I can't, Mom" I said. "I hate it, but I want the money to support you. Plus with the both of us working, it's easier to get food."
"Are you sure you don't want to quit?" My mom asked.
"I'm positive," I responded.
"Well, at least you're off today," my mom said.
"I rather be working than attend the reaping, I hate it," I said.
"We all do," my mom started. "Look at the bright side, you got today and next year until you're freed from the reaping."
"I made it this far, I think I can do it," I said.
"I believe in you, Brydon," my mom said.
"Thanks, Mom," I said.
My mom and I ate breakfast until I had to get ready. I went into my room and putted on my green polo and khaki pants. I went into the living room and I saw the picture of my late father. My dad was executed by the peacekeepers when I was a baby because he was stealing food for me and my mom. When my mom was ready, we left for the square. When we got the the square, I said goodbye to my mom and went to get signed in.
"Name?" The peacekeeper asked.
"Brydon Mead," I replied as my finger is pricked by the peacekeeper.
After I was signed in, I went into the 17 year old pen and found my best friend Kevin.
"Hey Brydon," Kevin started. "Why do you look tired?"
"I worked overtime yesterday," I responded.
"I told you that was a bad idea, you should have left earlier like I did," Kevin said.
"I know, but I needed the money," I said.
"Was it worth it?" Kevin asked.
"If it gets me and my mom food, then it's worth it," I said.
"At least it's only our last two years," Kevin said.
"Yeah," I agreed. "I can't believe it's almost over."
"Me either," Kevin said.
Our escort then came on the stage. Our escort is Chloe Thorne, we hadn't a victor in years, so I think Chloe hopes to have one soon. After the usual speech, the reaping started. Chloe went to the boys bowl and pulled out a slip.
"Brydon Mead," Chloe announced.
I was speechless, not only is 23 other tributes bad enough, there's 48 tributes this year. I was escorted to the stage by the peacekeepers. I wished this was a nightmare, but it's not. Maybe I can win, but I knew it was a long shot.
Morgan Battalin, 18, District 9 female
I wake up feeling excited, one more reaping. Only a few more hours until I can live my life I way I want it, no more interference from the Capitol. I can do this. Plus, I don't have to work in the grain fields today.
"Morgan, breakfast is ready," my mom said.
"I'm coming," I said.
I left my bedroom and went into the kitchen of our apartment. I sat down at the table as mom puts breakfast on the table.
"Morgan, why are you so happy?" My mom said. "You do know what today is?"
"Mom, I know today is Reaping Day, but's it's my last reaping today," I said.
"Well, at least after today, you'll be free and I won't have to lose you," mom said.
I'm glad that today is my last year, today is just horrible. My mom would also hate to lose me. I'm her only child and my dad abandoned us years ago. I don't know what happened to him, but ever since he left, it's has always been me and my mom.
"I have to get you a gift after today," my mom said.
"Mom, a day off work is good enough. You don't have to spend money on me,"
"Are you sure?" My mom asked.
"I'm sure," I said. "After today we'll do something together, but you don't have to spend any money on me."
"Ok," my mom said.
My mom and I eat breakfast until I had to get ready. I went into my room and putted on my Violet reaping dress. After my mom was ready, we left for the square. When we arrived at the square, I said goodbye to my mom and went to get signed in.
"Name?" Asked the peacekeeper.
"Morgan Battalin," I responded as my finger is pricked.
After getting signed in, I went into the 18 year old pen. Just one more hour, no more signing in, no more names in the bowl, I get my life back in just one hour. I can't wait. Our escort Chloe then came on the stage. After the boring speech, the reaping started. After the first boy was reaped, Chloe went to the girls bowl and pulled out a slip.
"Morgan Battalin," Chloe announced.
I was stunned, I can't believe it. I been reaped on my last year. The peacekeepers escorted me to the stage. When I see my mom crying in the stands, I realized something. I can't be scared, 48 tributes is a lot, but I can do this. I will try to win, I won't give up. I will come home to District 9.
Dom Chaissan, 18, District 9 male
"Dom, wake up, it's Reaping Day," my dad said as he woke me.
"Let me sleep a little longer," I told him.
"I can't," my dad said. "The reaping is in 2 hours and you have to eat breakfast."
"Ok," I started. "Give me a minute and I'll be in the kitchen."
"Ok," my dad said and he left my room.
I lay down for a few more seconds until it hits me. Today is my last reaping, after today, I don't have to worry about it anymore. At least I have something to look forward to after the reaping. I went into the kitchen and sat down with my parents.
"So Dom," my mom started. "How does it feel to know that in just a few hours, you'll be free?"
"It feels good knowing that I don't have to worry about the reaping next year," I said.
"Your mother and I are glad that you'll be spared after today," my dad said.
"We look forward to watching you grow after the reaping," my mom said.
"I just need to get through today before we make any plans," I said.
"Exactly, you still have today," my dad said. "But I'm confident that you will get through it today."
"Thanks, Dad," I said.
"No problem, Dom, your mother and I will always be there for you," my dad said.
"You guys are the best," I said.
My parents and I ate breakfast until I went to get dressed. After putting on khaki pants and a black polo, I decided to leave the house early.
"Mom, I'm leaving, I'll see you and Dad at the reaping," I said.
"Where are you going?" My mom said.
"I'm going to meet Kiera before the reaping," I responded.
"Ok," my mom said.
Kiera is my girlfriend, we have been dating for 8 months. I went to Kiera's house and the both of us walk to the square.
"I'm so happy that today is your last year," Kiera said.
"Me too, I just want it to end," I said.
"We'll have dinner together tonight to celebrate your freedom," Kiera said.
"That sounds great, I can't wait," I said.
Kiera and I arrived at the square, we gave other a kiss and I said goodbye to her as I went to get signed in. After getting signed in, I went into the 18 year old pen and waited for the reaping to start.
Our escort Chloe finally came on the stage. After the tiring speech, the reaping started. After the first boy and girl were reaped, Chloe went back to the boys bowl and pulled out a slip.
"Dominic Chassian," Chloe announced.
I couldn't believe it, I have been reaped. I was escorted to the stage by the peacekeepers. I see my parents and Kiera crying, they were taking it hard. I couldn't believe that I won't grow old, and I couldn't believe that my future with Kiera will never happen. Maybe I'll overcome everyone and come home, but there's 47 other tributes this year, the odds weren't in my favor this year.
Brianna Plasky, 17, District 9 female
I wake up to the sound of my alarm. When I turned it off, I signed, today's Reaping Day again. Normally, the reaping would scare me to death, but I as I got older, I grew less scared and I believed I can make it through today and next year.
I go to the kitchen in my apartment and sat down to eat breakfast with my family.
"Good morning Brianna," my mom said.
"Morning Mom," I replied.
"How are you feeling today?" My dad asked.
"I'm feeling ok," I started. "I'm actually not that scared about today."
"Really?" My dad said. "How come?"
"As I got older, I realized that out of all the names in that bowl, what are the odds of me being reaped?" I said.
"Well, it's a lot tougher this year with 48 tributes, you have to hope you name isn't picked. There's two girls leaving District 9 today.
"I hate to be in that arena this year, 48 is a big number," I said.
"Let's not forget that there will be 12 careers this year," my dad said.
"That will be a nightmare," I said.
My parents and I ate breakfast and I went to get dressed for the reaping After I was ready, I waited for my parents to get ready. After they were ready, we left for the square. On the way to the square, I ran into the my boyfriend Nico.
"Hey, beautiful," Nico said when he saw me.
"Hey, handsome," I replied as we hugged.
"I can't believe you're not scared," Nico started. "I'm shaking on the inside."
I laughed, Nico always knew how to make me laugh.
"I used to be, but now I think I can make it though today and next year," I said.
"I hope I can make it through too," Nico said.
"I'm sure you will," I said.
"Thanks, Brianna," Nico said.
"No problem," I replied as we kissed.
When we arrived at the square, I said goodbye to my parents and Nico and went to get signed in. After getting signed in, I went into the 17 year old pen and waited for the escort to show. It felt like forever for the reaping to start.
Our escort Chloe finally came on the stage. After the speech, the reaping started. After the 2 boys and 1 girl were reaped, Chloe went back to the girls bowl and pulled out a slip.
"Brianna Plasky," Chloe announced.
When I heard my name, I went back to being scared. It actually happened, I been reaped. The peacekeepers escorted me to the stage. On the stage I see my parents and Nico shocked. I knew I was going to die.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Chloe started. "I present to you our tributes from District 9!"
We were then taken into the justice building.
District 9 is up and District 10 is next. Only three more districts until we have our 48 tributes. Enjoy the story and leave a review about your favorite tribute so far.