Maia Colt:
We were gathered around the tiny television set, watching the reapings with intense ferocity. The screen flickered and danced like a dying light bulb because our reception was so lame, but it was all we had, so we didn't complain outwardly. In fact it was more than what most people in this part of the district could ever hope to own in a life time.
At the moment, we are watching a replay of district four. A handsome boy and a shocked looking girl are shaking hands. The emotions I gather from the scene? Fear, hatred, doubt. Will they make an alliance? Hell, would they kill each other in the end? Or would they even make it that far?
The guy looked like he could handle himself pretty well, it would also be easy for him to get sponsors, he kind of reminded me of another Finnick- strong, and handsome. I bet his weapon of choice would be a trident, maybe a spear. The girl looked plain scared, you could tell she was trying to be tough, but it wasn't working for her. She had volunteered for her friend though, so that must count for something. Right? I mean you've got to have guts if your willing to literally risk your own neck for someone else.
Then came Five, the district before our own. This was where things started to drop, maybe not drastically but you could spot the slowness. There weren't as many volunteers, the tributes began to become less experienced. Most didn't bother training, although there were a select few.
However, this district was perhaps one of the biggest surprises so far. Not only were there two volunteers, but the boy looked like he was about to keel over. He was kind of skinny and worn out looking. When he rose his hand to take the place of another boy, I was absolutely astounded. Everyone in the room was at a loss for words. There was clearly something wrong with him, health wise. He was only 14 years old and he looked like he was 80. His overall appearance could be summed up in one word- tired. Poor guy, I decided I liked him right away. The girl was a bit of a shocker as well, usually volunteers were sparse for Five, but this one looked like a career. She had the overall confidence of one, and looked like a big old bitch. I definetely wouldn't want my neck to be at the tip of her sword.
Then the news person came back on and began talking, "There you have it, so far the tributes have proven to be unique in character. There's no telling what we'll get from them, though one thing is certain- this year will be unlike any other. Since the rebellion started by Katniss Everdeen the Capitol has been stiring with emotions, and now that the Games are back on it will be more exciting than ever."
Mom clicked the T.V off and I turned to see her face. It was filled with some kind of passion, although I don't know whether it was related to violence or sadness. Yet, just as soon as the feeling took place, it vanished. She was good at hiding her true feelings, the reason I was the way I am now was all thanks to her. My mother was a strong willed woman, bent on allowing me as much freedom as she could. Sometimes, though, I wish she would reveal a bit more. The last time she shed a tear was after my father's abrupt death at the hand of a peacekeeper.
It was a long time ago, at least before my brother, Finn, could remember, and he was seven. It happened about six years ago, on a night like any other. Dad had been working all day, trying to pick up extra shifts. When he came home late, he sat down to have a drink. Well, one turned into two, and that turned into about twenty. He didn't usually drink alchol, but that day had been gnawing away at him like a starving dog on a bloody bone.
Our family had been in a deep hole, and no matter how hard we tried to climb out of it, we fell back in every time. Who did my dad blame his issues on? The Capitol, but he couldn't eactly attack the Capitol directly could he? My mom tried to talk him out of it, he still left our house in a violent, spontaneous rage. He said he'd be back soon, and she believed him. That was the first time I'd ever seen him truly angry, and I would never have another chance to after that.
He found the nearest peacekeepers, hurled one insult and was shot; no questions asked. So with him dead, my brother and I were fatherless, and my mother was a widow. Like I said, that's the only time I've ever seen her cry, and so far it's been the last. I don't mean to sound emotionless, but I try not to think about it. The experience has hardened me, made me fear things now that I didn't before.
"That was something." Finn chimed in.
"Not anything that we haven't seen." Mom got up and went into the kitchen to do dishes.
Frowning at her response, he shifted towards me, "I guess so. What'd you think Maia?"
I shrugged. In case you wanted to know, I'm not a girl of many words. Which is why most of my peers didn't want to be friendly with me. The only people I could really relate to were currently lounging on my couch. Delia, Christie, Emmeline, and Lyra were my only good friends, and even around them I sometimes found myself secluded from the group. I was the least attractive of them all, at least that's what I thought. The only thing I liked about myself was the vivid red color of my hair. That was the only thing really memorable about me. Oh, and I guess I had a lazy eye.
You would not believe how bad people are freaked out by lazy eyes. At my school it earned me degrading nicknames and insults, and that wasn't the worst of it. I had a small limp from an accident I was in when I was younger. So I guess you could call me a bit of a freak, that's what everyone else calls me.
"Hey, Maia, want to go get ready?"
I nodded and pushed myself up off the floor, following my friends down the hallway to my room. Changing into a soft, green blouse and a pink skirt, I didn't bother checking my appearance. No make-up to worry about smudging, and I already know what I look like so why would I have a reason to inspect myself?
Journeying back into my bedroom I saw Lyra and Christie putting blush and eyeshadow on each other. Delia and Emmeline were laying on their stomachs on my bed chatting up a storm, and I was just standing there. Remember how I said sometimes I found myself on the outside? Well, right now was a good example of one of those times. The weird thing was, I didn't mind. People just didn't mix well with me.
Sitting at my desk I tapped my fingers on the wood top, waiting for my mom to yell that it was time to go. Was I nervous about the reapings? Yes. I didn't know of anyone that wasn't. Out of all the kids that could be reaped, you think, 'it couldn't be me', the next thing you know you're up on that stage and then whisked away to an arena filled with a bunch of blood thirsty morons.
"What do you think Maia?"
I looked up to see that Lyra had purposely made Christie resemble a dead woman. She was giggling like it was some big secret and I smiled and rolled my eyes.
Christie looked back and forth between us, "What? Does it look bad?"
"Lyra does that to you every time. Why do you believe her when she says she won't?" I suppose Emmeline was the meanest of the bunch, and she wasn't a harsh person compared to most- only when compared to us.
The look on Christie's face went cold, "You promised you wouldn't do that!" Jerking a hand held mirror out of her pocket she practically fainted at her own reflection. "Argh! You're such a snot!"
Throwing the mirror down she took a dive for Lyra, but the blonde was to quick and jumped out of the way. Chasing one another around the room, Lyra ran out the door with Christie hot on her heels.
The rest of the afternoon was something similar to that: getting ready, fighting, messing around. We were all restless for the Reapings to come and go, including myself.
Obviously I wasn't a big fan of the Capitol or its Hunger Games. Who could do that? Who could pit 24 kids against each other just for the fun of it? Then again, I guess it wasn't for the fun of it. I could understand taking drastic measures to stop rebellions, and to keep them from happening once more, but if your government was fair, then it's safe to say there wouldn't be a rebellion in the first place, right? Maybe they saw that, but chose brutaility over justice because peace didn't work so well in the distant past.
The door to my room gently swung open and my mom poked her head in, "Time to go girls."
Suddenly the happy mood turned melancholy. Our movements were slugish and the conversation had died down. I gave each of my friends quick hugs and left with my mom and brother to go to the reapings while they left to go be with their own families.
On our walk towards the square we were passed by numerous cars and people that we knew. My mom talked to some, but mostly just waved and smiled. I can't tell you how glad I am that Finn isn't eligable for the games, it would kill me to see him called up to that stage and have no one to volunteer for him. If it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't understand why my dad had been so angry and rash with those peacekeepers. Shaking the thought from my head, I straightened up and continued on my way.
The reapings were crowded as expected, and the level of shouting and general commotion was almost too much to bare. Giving my little brother a huge hug I kissed him on the top of his head. "I love you." I said into his hair.
Putting his own arms around me he told me he loved me too. I then hugged my mom, and she gave me a peck on both my cheeks. Parting from one's family was always the hardest part about these events, you never knew if it would be the second to last time you ever saw them.
They waved at me until I disapeared into the throng of people. I rammed my way to the sixteen section, and found my group of friends already huddled together, all except Delia who was 15 and couldn't be with us. Lyra looked up, saw me, and squealed, "Hey!"
I waved and joined the tiny party. "How are you?" Christie rubbed at her arms, trying to erase the goosebumps that were the result of fear.
"Okay." I said nonchalantly.
Emmeline exhaled, "Yeah, I knew you'd be totally cool with this."
I cocked a brow, "I'm not cool with it."
She rolled her eyes and stared off into the crowd. I didn't get mad at her for the false accusation, she was simply short tempered- I had grown use to it over the years.
"Look!" Lyra pointed to the stage as our Mayor walked towards the podieum. The audience quieted and listened respectfully as she spoke of past rebellions and District Six Hunger Games victors. Her speech ended with our applause at the advancement of the escort. No one liked the Mayor, she was a ruthless whore.
The escort tapped the mic, and leaned into it excitedly, "Good Afternoon District Six! Are you ready for the 78th Hunger Games reapings to begin?" She looked like a toad, only blue with green spots.
We pretended to be hysterical about the event and roared with pride and anticipation. Even I clapped softly, for fear of a peacekeeper spotting my non-supportive spirit.
"Lets start with the girls!" She dipped a spotted hand into the female's glass ball and mixed up all the names. Plucking one out she waved it around in the air triumphantly, and eyed the slip. "Maia Colt."
The moment she said my first name, my jaw dropped. What the Hell? There was no way she just said my name... right? I heard my friends talking to me, saying goodbye, and crying desperately. That's when I lifted my chin, balled up my fists and stomped my way up that damn stage. Look good for sponsors. Look good for sponsors. When I reached the escort she frowned at my appearance, and I glared at her with boiling hatred.
She waited awkwardly for the volunteer that would never come, and finally turned back to me and beamed, "Congratulations!" She practically screamed it at me.
I looked down at my feet and closed my eyes tightly, not bothering to give the audience that didn't care whether I lived or died the satisfaction of seeing me cry silent tears. The sooner these reapings were through with, the easier everything after that would be. Shit. I don't know how to use weapons, or how to track, or kill or anything useful. What the Hell was I going to do when I got out there in that arena? Looking up I stared past the crowd, blocking out all the sights and sounds until I was some place where nothing could touch me. It would all be over soon...
Erik Traub:
I was up before Andrew, my younger brother. Looking over to the other bed I see his chest rising and falling peacefully, and don't have the heart to tell him to get up and ready for the reapings today. I'll take a shower first and let him wake up, hopefully, on his own. Rolling out of bed I steer myself towards our shared dresser and decide on an outfit. We're not rich, so the choice is easy. Plucking a light blue polo and a pair of blue jean shorts from a drawer I head to the bathroom to take a shower. On my way down the hallway I glance at an old wooden clock hanging on the wall. It's four in the morning, no wonder Andrew's not awake. My parents probably weren't even up yet.
Considering going back to bed, I end up taking a shower anyway. After I put my clothes on and brush my teeth, I spike my short black hair. Out of all the things I don't have going for me, at least I have my hair. Before leaving the bathroom I catch sight of the scale under the sink. My fingers are iching to pull it out so I can weigh myself, but my mind says don't. You wont be happy with what you see. Smiling I wave the thought away and leave the scale all by its lonesome in the dark.
Back in the bedroom, Andrew is still snoring his head off. Somtimes I got a little jealous of my brother- he was skinny. Naturally I didn't like being chubby, so it was obvious I would envy him. I had convinced myself a long time ago that life wasn't about how much you weighed, so it didn't bother me as much anymore. Still, though, every once in a while I felt a painful sting in my stomach. I wasn't fat and if I wore the right clothes, I looked pretty good. However, lately we haven't been able to afford new shirts and such, so I was stuck wearing my tight fitting clothes from when I was younger.
Putting on a pair of clean socks, I tip-toed down the hall to the kitchen for breakfast. To my delight, dad was already there, pouring himself a glass of juice.
"Good morning!" I said behind him.
Whirling he around he spotted me and held a finger to his lips, "Shh, your mom's still sleeping."
I flinched, "Sorry." I whispered.
"It's okay." Taking a sip of his drink, he set it down on the counter top, "We both know how she gets."
"Yeah." I scanned the fridge and picked out a green apple.
"Sorry about today, I hate that you kids have to do this." He shook his head sadly.
My parents were extra worried about us this year because we signed up for Tessarae. When I had asked them if I could sign up, they said that there was absolutely no way that was happening. Parents can't watch every move their kids make though, I went ahead and put my name down. They were furious, but mostly scared. Mom wouldn't talk to me for a week, and it seemed like every time my dad saw me he yelled at me for it. I couldn't blame them, I was their son and basically betrayed them.
Then, Andrew signed up for it. Oh man, all Hell broke loose. They both kind of lost it, and had a major month long break down. No matter how many times we told them it didn't matter, mom cried and dad yelled. Don't get me wrong, my parents aren't violent people, they're just emotional. Neither of them came from wealthy families, so we were the most precious things they had, and it was almost like we were taking ourselves away from them. Mom took it the hardest. She blamed everything on herself because it was her injury that meant she couldn't work in the first place.
"Did you read the news?" I only asked the question to stir conversation.
He nodded, "Yep. Nothing unexpected." Dad was talking about the tributes, "Let's see... District One: Scarred up, girl, Drugged up boy."
My brows rose at that one, and I listened as he continued,
"District Two: Confident young lady, heroic boy. District Three: Sweet little thing, and a smart looking young man. District Four: Brave girl, Strong boy. District Five: Feirce girl, sickly boy."
"Sickly?"
"Uh huh. Poor kid, he volunteered. I think there must have been something wrong with him. He didn't look like the type of person to volunteer for the glory." He cocked his head and looked at me, "Why are you up so early?"
I shrugged, "I don't know, just couldn't get much sleep last night."
He laughed, "Doesn't that mean you should be sleeping in?"
"I guess so." Rubbing at my eyes, I now realized how tired I actually was.
Dad walked over to the table and sat down across from me. "I really am sorry, Erik. If I could change things..."
"It's okay. Everything's going to be great! Don't worry!" I smiled.
Grinning doubtfully he rubbed his hands together, "You know, I never got to tell you-"
"You boys are up early." Mom yawned and stretched her arms tiredly. Her hair was a mess and her pajamas were all wrinkled, I laughed at her presence. Turning she smiled and held up her arms, "What? You don't approve?"
"It's not your best look."
"Get over here, daddy." Mom waved my father over to her and gave him a quick peck on the lips. They talked secretively in the kitchen, then parted from each other. Dad went over to the door and slipped on his shoes.
"I'll be back in a bit. Make sure your brother wakes up soon."
"Where're you going?" I asked as he was hafl way out of the house.
He waved good bye, "Your mom needs some pain killers. I'll be back as fast as I can."
"Bye!" My mom and I shouted simultaneously.
He left in a hurry, and mom rubbed at her still healing back. "How are you doing?" She inqured quietly.
I felt a pang in my heart for her, she didn't like to talk about the reapings because of our position, "Good. Just can't wait til they're done with."
She bobbed her head up and down slowly, and steadied herself on the table top so she could lower her body into a chair. Grunting a little in discomfort, I winced at the scene. Noticing my stare, she put her hand up, "It's getting better, really it is."
I couldn't argue with that, her back had improved. Before, she couldn't bend over to get into bed, or even straighten up to put on clothes right. Now she was kind of back to normal, and of course insisted on everything on her own. "I know."
We were less talkative then, she just looked at me from across the table as I finished my apple off. Throwing the core away, I could still feel her eyes on me. Finally, unnerved I asked if she was alright,
"No. No I'm not." I saw her eyes take on a reflective, glittering look and braced myself for tears. Instead she turned her head away; her voice came out in a ragged whisper, "Go wake up your brother, please."
Respecting her wish, I walked slowly back to our shared room. When I opened the door and saw him, he was still asleep. Moving over to his bed, I put a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently, "Hey. Hey, wake up!"
Andrew began to stir, and pushed me away, "Five more days," He said groggily.
I laughed, "Five days?"
The tiny boy nodded and squeezed his eyes shut even tighter. Shaking my head I continued, "Not today, bro. You got to get ready for the reapings."
His eyes shot open at that, and he pushed himself up tiredly, "Oh." Blinking the sleep away he threw the covers off himself, "I'll get ready then."
Nodding, I went to leave, "Make sure you put something nice on. Okay?"
He rubbed his eyes and stretched, mumbling something like 'Yep, okay.'
I went back to the kitchen and found my mom preparing a bowl of cereal. She saw me come in, and I noticed that she looked completely normal now. She had her pale blonde hair tied up into a high ponytail, and had a light blue, knee length dress on. Mom loved that dress, it was her mother's at one point. She was saving it for a baby girl, but got two boys instead. My parents had considered having another baby, but decided against it. They said they were dead set on the decision, but I think they still contemplated the idea- especially mom.
"You look pretty." I said, she turned at the sound of my voice and smiled sadly.
"Thanks. You look good too."
She put the breakfast on the table for Andrew, and I eyed it a little hungrily. At the same time though, I was too sick to bother asking for anything more than the apple.
I went to the living room and turned on the t.v. The only thing on of course was coverage over the reapings. I got a glimpse of pictures of all the tributes from each district. A few scared the shit out of me just looking at them, and others were pretty typical. None of them looked like they couldn't win the games though, except maybe one. But, he didn't look like he couldn't win the Games, more like that he didn't want to.
"Are those the tributes?" Andrew sat down beside me with his bowl of cereal, and began to consume the meal slugishly.
"Yeah."
He pointed out all the pretty girls, and I laughed at his easy going attitude. He saw the bright side to everything, even the Hunger Games. Dad got back from the store and gave mom her medicine, and went to their room to get ready, but not until after he said, 'Good morning," and kissed Andrew on the head.
You know how when you're anxious to get some place or do something, and time seems to slow down drastically? Well, it's the opposite when you don't want to do something. When you're dreading the days scheduled events and they come crashing at you like a tidal wave. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that the reapings started all to quickly. It was like I was watching my own life in fast forward.
Before we knew it, we were at the square. I was hugging my parents and crushing my little brother in a bear hug. We told each other our goodbyes, and my mother cried like she always does. Not heavy tears, but small, quiet ones. All dad could do was hold her as they watched us disappear into the crowd.
I found my spot, alongside my fellow 15 year old friends and talked to a few people I'd known from my school. Mostly I just talked to Jay though. He was my best friend in the whole world. We were kind of alike, in the sense that we weren't happy with certain qualities about ourselves. The first time I met him was when I beat the crap out of some guy that had been bullying Jay. You see, my friend had some super red hair, and had been called names most of his life for it. I'm not saying red hair is bad, but he didn't make it look as good as what other people could. Anyway, ever since that first day I got in a fight for him, I'd been fighting for him ever since. He was a scared, skinny little kid and didn't have anyone else.
"Did you see the tributes?"
I nodded and squinted up at the sun, "Yeah, they looked like a handful."
"Yeah." We were both to nervous to talk, so it ended up being a conversation of few words. There wasn't much time to converse anyway, because the Mayor was already on her way to the podieum to make her manditory speech.
Listening with boredom, she droned on and on about past rebellions, the coming about of the Hunger Games, and District Six victors. Then the escort took the stage, and was greeted with applause. Putting up a blue hand she flashed a beaming white smile, "Good aftenoon District Six! Are you ready for the 78th Hunger Games reapings to begin?" I shook my head as the crowd encouraged her little act with applause, "Lets start with the girls!"
"Maia Colt!" A girl with red hair mounted the stage and took her place next to the escort. I felt a bit of pride in the bottom of my stomach, at least she looked brave and detirmined.
"Now for the boys!"
That's when my world began to slow, and everything beyond District Six reapings faded away. She fished for a name and plucked out a tiny strip of paper. I think the whole crowd leaned forward in anticipation, "Andrew Traub!"
I choked on the air. My brother? Andrew? I jerked my head around and tried to spot him, I saw movement from the 14s section and saw his slender form weaving through the crowd. Sticking my hand in the air, I ran for him. "I volunteer! I volunteer!" I don't know why I said it twice, maybe because I was afraid they wouldn't notice me if I hadn't.
When I reached him at the front of the stage, he was crying hard. I hugged him as quickly as I could, "Don't worry," I whispered into his hair, "I'll be back."
I turned him towards the direction of his section and shoved him back that way. He stumbled towards his peers and began to sob. Trying to block out the horrible sound, I moved up the steps to stand by the escort.
"Well! Who are you, may I ask?"
She put the microphone up to my quivering lips, "My name is Erik Traub, Andrew is my little brother."
"Oh! Well, there's nothing wrong with a little sibiling rivalry now is there?"
I raised my brows at her, and cursed the woman inside my head. Returning her attention to the cameras she flashed another brilliant smile, "May I present your tributes for District Six!" She held up our hands and practically jerked my shoulder out of its socket. From the corner of my eye I saw Maia rip her limb free of the escorts grip and almost hiss at her.
The escort pretended not to notice, let go of me, and took a step back so I could shake hands with my district partner. The red head stuck out her hand obediently, and I took hold of it. I tried to shake her hand in a way that told her I meant business, but I think it came out more like a challenge. Crap, that's not what I meant. Maia didn't seem to mind, though. Looking into her face I saw she had a bit of a lazy eye. Hmm, that's kind of unnerving, I thought to myself.
She let go of my hand and put a her own on her hip, facing away from the crowd stubbornly. I turned towards them and offered a small smile, waving with little courage. If I was going to be in these Games, I was going to try and appeal to sponsors. They were my only chance. Let the Games begin? I had a feeling deep down that they hadn't really started yet...
Authors note: Finally, it's done! I feel like a jerk for taking so long! Sorry about that you guys! Look at it this way though, only six reapings left! We're half way there!... Want some awesome news? We recently hit the 100th review! WOOOOOOT! You guys are so amazing, definetly the best reviewers I've ever had! Thanks for being so nice and keeping up with the story! I will get points in tomorrow! I just haven't had the time to do it lately. Thanks again! You guys are great! By the way, I didn't realize that when you do a poll you can't see who the voters are, if you voted in the poll can you tell me in a review or PM me? Sorry about that, it's the first time I've ever done a poll. Thanks again!... Ahh! I'm so excited!