Susanna Maynard's POV:

The cows mooed outside, waking me immediately. I grabbed my bow and hurried out of the door, before realizing it was just the cows. Sighing, I went back inside. I was a bit paranoid. By the position of the sun, the Reaping would be soon. And I had slept in. I put on a black skirt and white dress shirt and made some toast. I even decided to treat myself with some butter. I only owned a single cow for myself, and even then, I had to give 75% of my earnings to the Capitol. For some reason, they felt it was necessary to starve us.

The toast was a bit burnt, but I did not mind. I fed the burned parts to my cow. I have her a quick pat on the head before heading inside. I set my bow on its hook near my bed and walked back outside, the breeze chilly but comforting. The sun was out, but barely, most of it covered by the hazy clouds. It set a dismal mood for today.

I quickly adjusted my light brown hair, pulling it behind me into a ponytail. I took a quick break by the pond outside, glancing at my reflection. I stared at my imperfect face, sighing. I had a sprinkling of freckles on my face, and dull grey eyes. No wonder no one ever noticed me. But I guess that way I would not be singled out as much. Maybe that would work for the Reaping too… I could only hope. I blinked as the pond splashed, a small fish jumping out of the water. I started walking down the dusty road leading to town. I looked back at my home one last time.

No one was there for me to say goodbye to, I was all alone. My parents were both dead and my only sibling, Toby, had died in the games. One minute in. I tried not to think about it so much. I jogged to the capitol building, it took about 30 minutes. I lived a bit closer to the city then some of the farmers, but then again- they had families. I did not say hi to any friends on the way- I didn't have many, I even stopped going to school. I had nothing left.

I waited around in the brightly lit square, surrounded by babbling girls, for the announcer to start. He had green hair and pale yellow skin. He looked like a vegetable. "Welcome boys and girls to the 57th Reaping!" He spread his arms out and grinned like an idiot. This was not supposed to be a happy event but he certainly was joyful. Maybe his paycheck made up for the fact that his job was to send children to their deaths. A few old documents were read, then he spoke again. "Now that that's done with, let's start with the girls!" A few people groaned.

"For the lovely ladies" his accent picked up again "Miss Susanna Maynard!" A few girls looked confused, not recognizing the name of one of their own. I sighed. My face was one of shock, but I quickly changed it. Do this for Toby. Avenge your brother! My thoughts goaded me on. I smiled a bit, feeling better. Every step I grew more and more serious, then I confidently walked up to the podium to begin my revenge on the Capitol- and most importantly- The Games themselves.

Anthony Stewt's POV:

As I walked down the road, clutching a bright red apple in one hand, I thought quietly. My older brother had offered to take the remainder of our family to the Reaping so I could be alone for a while. I was the middle child in a family with 7 kids. I was always surrounded by my siblings. It got annoying real fast, so I jumped at the chance to be by myself. I imagined Joseph with everyone clinging to him yelling and screaming, it was a funny thought.

I bit into the apple, letting the sweet juices swirl in my mouth for a bit before swallowing. I wished I could eat fruit more often; I was used to eating various meats and stew. My father worked as a butcher, and sometimes brought his work home, and my mother stayed at home. This year had been particularly stressful- since 6 of her 7 kids were eligible for the Reaping. Only the youngest, Robert, was safe. He was 10.

After what only seemed like 5 minutes, I was at the town square, staring up at the enormous stage, watching the announcer babble on. The sounds were deafening, I almost did not even hear my brother call out my name. But I did, so I went over to him. We talked for a while; we had already set up a plan if one of us was Reaped. But I did not like to think that pessimistically. A girl tribute was called; I recognized her face from somewhere. Oh yes, her brother was a tribute one year. He had been a friend of Joseph's. That had been a tough year for him.

"And for the gentlemen" the announcer said, his Capitol accent weird and exotic, "Anthony Stewt." I could barely believe my ears, but Joseph heard loud and clear. He gave me a look and patted me on the back. Then he saluted me as I was pushed into the stage by a mob of people. His eyes didn't say "See you soon." His eyes only said "goodbye."