Malinda Harris POV
I wake up with a start to crying. It's Lilly. Again. My parents rush down the hall to her room.
It's like I don't exist.
I fall asleep holding onto Simba – my only friend. That's what my life has gotten to. My friend is a dog.
When I wake up again, the house is silent. I crawl out of bed and to the kitchen. There is a note on the table for me.
Malinda –
We took Lilly to work with us. Everyone there loves her. Be at the Town Square no later than 5 minutes before the Reaping starts. Do NOT be late.
Mom and Dad
It's on their fancy stationary that says "From the desk of the Mayor"
I follow their instructions and get dressed in my black strapless dress. I consider putting my hair in some sort of fancy braid but decide against it and end up throwing it into a high pony as usual.
At the square I tae my place surrounded by girls in beautiful, colored dresses. They are like birds, twittering and tweeting. I am the lone crow that stands in the middle.
And then I hear my name. Reaped.
I am so shocked. I put on a face of stone. No big deal – right? Just the fight to my death.
Maybe someone will volunteer. I am the mayor's daughter. Silence. I be they would have volunteered for Lilly.
No one comes to visit me. I finger my chocker with its one turquoise bead in the middle. My token.
I am loaded on the train. I say goodbye to Simba. It is probably my last.
Otto Lawrence's POV
I wake up to see Cam pulling at my covers.
"Up, up!" He yells. I smile at him. He is like my little brother – the closest I have to it. I throw him around the room and the squeals with joy. He is not old enough to know the dangers of today. And in two years – I will be past reaping age.
Unlce Might lays down breakfast – a crusty biscuit and some water. It's not much, but sometimes we don't get anything. Might works a long shift in the train department and since I am not old enough to work yet, he has one more mouth to feed.
I really thank him for taking me in. My parents both died of morphling addiction and his wife – Sarafina died in childbirth with Cam. He is a strong man.
I make it to the Reaping a little early to talk with Danny and Kane. We chat for a while and soon the square is full.
"Malinda Harris" That's the mayor's daughter. She is kind of creepy-goth looking. She doesn't look shocked – keeps her cool. You have to give her props for that. When there are no volunteers, her face sort of falls.
I am still looking at her when the escort pulls out the male's name.
"Otto Lawrence"
I make my way up to the stage – walking with a purpose. I am brave. I am actually pretty tall and strong.
As the Peacekeepers push Malinda and I towards the Justice Building, I look back to see her parents returning to their office. Looks like she won't be getting a visit from them.
Danny, Kane and Uncle Might and Cam however visit me.
And then I leave – to fight to the death.
