Alright, it's the last reaping. Thank God! They're not boring to write, but they're far from fun. Next is the Chariots. I'll be giving a tiny segment on it, not exaggerating too much. Just about two hundred words per tribute, so not a whole lot. Anway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and don't forget to view your sponsor points at the bottom, thank you :)
Linna Lyme's POV:
"Linna" shouts Mom from the upper window.
I groan. She's really annoying at these times. I look up, where she's standing, her sharp eyes, like mine, placed down on me. I then stand up. She can't pull me into anything, she knows that. But today, I guess I'm in the mood the behave, as long as the escort doesn't randomly show up somewhere, I'll be fine. Effie Trinket is a little bit more than annoying. She's a bitch. I can't help but think so. I then make my way upwards. She's doing her hair in the mirror. Hers is black, like mine, except it's straight. Mom thinks my hair is beautiful, and she thinks it's a shame that I don't really care. I dont' think so. Hair's just something I have to deal in the mirror with everyday. I mean, it's nice. But still, it's not like I really care.
"Are you ready for the reapings?" she asks me.
I fall silent. She does this everytime. Not that I'm mad, but I don't see the point in pretting up for the reapings. As far as I know, I've never seen someone come back alive from the Hunger Games in many years. Or at least in our District. I know only one victor, is Haymitch Abernathy, who is drunk and disgusting. I've seen him every year at the reapings. He can't get his hands off his liquor. It would be hell to have to go with him to the Hunger Games, and have him mentor you. I hope I'm not reaped. I shake my head. I'm not going to be reaped, not when there's tons of names in a basket. I look up at Mom, who smoothens my curls.
"Go get dressed, your aunt is coming soon" she informs.
I feel better inside. Aunt Maura is one of those aunts who pop in and out, and bring you lots of gifts. I don't mind the gifts. She's about the nicest person on Earth. Or at least among them. I hope Zeva and Bennel are coming soon too. They've been married for a while, and are still debating whether or not they should have kids. It might sound like an easy decision, but when there's reapings, there will never be safety guarenteed for children. I don't plan any. I'm not in love, and I never want to be. I'm happy the way I am. I'm like a shadow, I guess if that's possible. Mya comes in my room, humming a long tune, which used to be sung frequent here, but not so much anymore.
I look away. She smiles at me. Mya is very outgoing. She makes it her hobby to be friendly and social. I look at her.
"What are you today?" I ask her "A Brat?"
She looks at me and rolls her eyes, but laughs anyway. I don't mean a literal "brat". I mean the doll Brat. I don't know it by any other name. That's what they call it here. It's a bunch of slutty dressed dolls. Not that Mya is dressed in a slutty form, but it's close enough. She wears a kind of "trouble" t-shirt, with short jeans. Her hair is wavy and crimped. She almost looks like a plain Capitol person. Even though she likes some fashion, she absolutely HATES the Capitol, like me. But we don't defy it. We don't laugh at it, and spit at it. It's a normal hate, which we crave to not talk about and ignore.
"Sure" she says, turning around.
I toss a pillow out her, and reach into my drawer. Not much too wear. I don't need a lot of clothes. My usual ones are good enough for me. She stops humming, and then turns up our radio. It's small, and cramped, but worthwhile to listen. She turns it away from the Capitol, onto some mountain music, that's usually on a radio from District 2. They're only allowed to have it, since they are most loyal to the Capitol. District 1 has a benefit too. They have jewelry. And luxury. We don't have anything. It seems like the Districts get worse as they go down. That's true. District 12 is practically a junk yard. Or so it seems to people who haven't been here. I've lived my life here, and it's home.
A knock at the door, signalizes that Aunt Maura has arrived. I only have to look out the window to understand. She looks quite good in her brown dress, which is not ugly. I then poke my head outside and shout.
"Any poppies today Aunt Maura?"
She looks at me and laughs. She's a good aunt, like I've said. I then look up. Clouds hang in the sky. It goes from light, to dark, back to light again. It's something simple, but it's good enough for me. I come back in the room, and settle on the bed. Mya left, and is replaced by my other sister, Jen. We're a tight knit family, with lots of kids. After all, we can't all be reaped. I guess that's why we have so many.
"What are you going to wear?" Jen asks, focusing on her book.
"I don't know" I tell her, pulling out some nail polish, the only "make up" I wear.
"I'm going to wear your black dress" she informs me "If that's okay with you"
I almost scowl. I was going to wear that. But Jen doesn't have a lot of clothes, like me, or good clothes to be specific. She's not much of an indoors person. She gets her clothes dirty a lot, and she's very quiet, like me. Finally, I decide I'll let her wear it. I'll borrow something from Mom. We're almost a perfect fit together, except for the chest...
"Aunt Maura's here?" she asks me, catching it when I throw the black dress.
"Yep, I'm going down" I tell her, and I go down, with my nail polish in the palm of my hand.
Aunt Maura is barely taking off her coat when I come down. Then I realize she's wearing a white blouse with a dark brown skirt. It's a nice combo, and it makes people think of her more as a person, rather than a object. Because she's slightly pretty. Her cheeks are usually pink, despite her age, and she looks ten years younger than she actually is. I dont' know if it's because she's on medication, or because it's just a natural look. I guess she's on medication. She pats my Dad's cheek, and kisses Vone and Kol, who are spread on the floor, playing with the cars.
"It's so nice to see you! Mother will be here soon" she says the first part aloud, and whispers the second into Dad's ear.
He nods back, and heads into the kitchen, bringing out a few dishes. We don't cook much. None of our household is particularly good at cooking. Now Zeva is a different story. She's a great cook. In fact, she stays home and cooks usually, for when my brother comes home. He's a lucky man. He works in the mines, but he makes more money, with selling something, so they live in a decent house.
"Are Zeva and Bennel going to be here soon?" I ask Aunt Maura, as she unwinds her bag.
"I think so" she grunts, as she pulls it open.
She then realizes she hasn't hugged me, and does so. And then Mya, who is sitting diagnol from us. We then all sit down.
"Why aren't you wearing your outfit for the reaping?" she asks.
"I let Jen borrow it for today" I tell her, as the door closes upstairs, and Jen comes down.
I am surprised at how good she looks but not for long. I then turn to my nails, which are ugly. I don't mind making them pretty, because nail polish just kind of gives off personality. I usually paint mine blue, but today I'll paint them purple, to match Mom's outfit that I want. I use purple sometimes, but I like blue better. I then spread it softly onto my nails. It tickles a little bit, but I don't budge to move. Then, like the stupidest person on Earth, Teralyn whizzes in, and knocks into me, spilling paint over my new shirt. I'm not that worried about it, but I am pissed at Terry. She thinks she can get away with EVERYTHING because she's a fucking year older.
"What the hell?" I shout, which raises the head of my little brothers "You just ruined my new shirt"
She leans in, not looking a bit sorry. She's never sorry about anything, but hurting herself. I want to punch her, but I don't want to ruin a family reception, so I sit down, and she sits across from me.
Then Maura sits up.
"Oh! I forgot your presents" she then smiles as we perk up.
She reaches into her bag, and pulls out a few books, which only people like Jen would like. Jen happily grasps it. I don't think I've seen her happier with some book. I shrug. I wonder what she got for me. Three dresses and hair bows for Terry. A scarf for Mom. A new hat, and a tie for Dad. A make up kit for Mya. And for my brothers, a set of new little dinosaurs. I can't help but laugh when I see them. She then turns to me, and hands me something, I at first don't recognize. Then I know it's a compass. What do I need one for? But it's encompassed in pearl, and I can't help but admire it as well. I look at Aunt Maura.
"Thank you! It's beautiful" and I hook it into my pocket, reminding myself to use it sometime.
She winks back, and then leans back. She must've had some work day, she works with Grandmother, who is too aged to write down too much, or to talk too much, so Aunt Maura helps her with her work. The door rings. As I open, I am greeted by Zeva and Bennel, with them pushing Grandmother's wheelchair. She smiles at me, as I bend over to kiss her cheek, and come back to the seat. Mom, Dad, and Aunt Maura help them pull her in, as well all sit down. Aunt Maura will be giving the speech today. The reapings are in thirty minutes. That means we have to leave. First, we eat. Zeva is amazing! She sets down food, from well-cooked, ungreasy pizza, to cold, but freshly made ice cream. But we have to eat fast, if we're going to get the reapings on time, especially when we have a wheelchair with us. I'm unlucky to have to particiapte in the reapings. My Dad didn't. Why do I have to?
We eat and talk for a while, until it's time to go. Maura gives Zeva a new cookbook, which she almost cries over, since it's full of some of the best recipies. She gives Bennel a nice watch. She's pretty rich, with all the work she does, or at least rich as far as the Districts go. We leave then minutes later, and walk down the lane slowly. We must look like a pack. I'm forced to carry to the very heavy Vone, who doesn't exactly like being carried. He struggles against my strong arms, but I manage to keep him in. As we arrive, I see a girl, about Jen's age, walking hand in hand with her father. The Everdeens. I don't know how I know their name, but I do. I remember Mom telling me that when Mr. Everdeen sings, the mockingjays used to stop and listen. I still doubt that, but who knows.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the reapings for the sixty-eighth annul Hunger Games" Aunt Maura greets.
We're standing at the back of the room. I have Kol on my lap now, and he's less fidgety. I smooth over his black curls, which are just like mine. I have swapped outfits with Mom, she now wears a red dress, and I wear a purple, which comes down to my knees. I wonder if I look decent? I really can't see anything, above the crowd. I then stand, so I can see. I hold Kol against my chest, when he looks uncomfortable. Finally, I set him down, and watch the presentation. Maura almost tears up, but doesn't. Finally, she calls up Effie Trinket, who says hello, and makes her way to the box. I guess she's bored with this District. I can't say I blame her...
"Linna Lyme" she calls.
For a second. I don't believe what I hear. Then it hits me. I'm going to die. Suddenly, I let out a shriek, and I feel like I'm going to faint. Why am I acting so weak? Do I want them to think I won't survive? But I won't. That's the problem. Suddenly, like a bomb, my head begins to throb. I need to get out of here. I then race up to the stage, like a weak helpless girl, trying to hold back tears. What am I going to do?
Reyce Ansilen's POV:
I can see Lacie joking with her friends as I cross the street to get the Meadow. I want to go the woods. It's no fun being here at all. I almost hate it. Almost. The world is flawed no doubt...
"Can you believe Annie Cresta?" one girl giggles to another.
"Who's Annie Cresta?" I ask them, turning around.
Lacie smiles at me. I had a crush on her when I first met her, and I think I still do. It's hard to tell in this world, when I hardly know what to think of anyone.
"She's the wierd girl from... I forget which District" one of the girls answers.
"I hear Finnick Odair is in love with her!" snickers another, and they go talk about love.
I really don't get them, but that's okay. I don't need too. It's fine. I move along in the Meadow. It's looking good today, even with the wavering light. The clouds look wierd, maybe even a bit creepy today. They stretch across a dark blue sky, not that dark, but not light either. It looks like it's going to rain, and then bam! The sun comes out. I wish it would just stay behind the clouds. We could use rain. Especially today. I like rain in the forest, where I'm going. I hear two voices, singing. One belongs to a girl, and the other to a man. They sound brilliant together, but I don't feel like anyone seeing me. I lay down my backpack for a moment, and make sure no one is in sight, but Lacie and her friends. She knows to keep it a secret. We met out in the woods one day, and that's how we actually connect in some sort of way. I then pick up my backpack again, and duck under a branch. It's low and jagged. Very easy kill, if someone stepped on it. I shudder.
I then move quicker, and duck lower, which is not hard since I'm very small. To other boys, it's a shame to be small. They think you're not strong. Well, I don't think they've ever heard of small and strong. I'm not that strong, to be honest, but I'm fast and a good hider, because of my size. Even Lacie is about a few inches higher than me, and she's very small too. I then look a the fence. There's a hole in it. That's far from good. It doesn't help the animals keep out. I don't mind them. Most of them are nice, but it's good that the Capitol is worried about our protection, and by putting up these fences, they prove that.
I hear the voices closer, so I scramble back to position, beneath my large branch, and watch as a girl, not older than me, with her father, walk through the forest. What are they doing? Can't they get caught out there? They certainly can, and people have been punished. It's too remind them that the Capitol needs them, and can't afford for them to be torn to peices. They pass slowly, hushing their voices. They don't see me, but they might hear me. I cover my mouth with my hand, so that I'm not caught. They pass by. The girl's grey eyes lay on me, but they obviously don't see. I can only truely breathe when they disappear from sight. I then get up. Whistling, but softly, I place my foot through the opening at the bottom. I then push myself, and pull with my foot. It's a tiny little hole, but I've managed to make it bigger, not noticeable though, so I have to make an effort to get through.
"Don't let them win" I mutter, in tune to my song, as I finally push through. The barbed wire cuts through my shirt, which leaves an open tear. I then examine it. It's alright, not bad. I then move through the woods. It's enchanting, being here. Like being in some magical wonderland. It sounds stupid, but it's real. I walk on for awhile, imagining that the entire place belongs to me. The trees get higher as you down, but I figure it gets more dangerous, so I pull out my pick axe. It's the only weapon I truly know how to handle, and I'm good with it. I then begin to allow my whistle, to get louder, but not too much, because I'm still not very far from the fence. I am afraid, that if I whistle, I might get beat. I hear people get beat, as a warning. But it's only for safety, that I know.
"Hello Sarah" I say, as I come across the older girl, resting in a tree.
She turns around and sees me.
"Oh, it's you" she says, lowering her bow and arrows.
I nod.
"Yes it's me"
"What are you doing here? Isn't it the reapings? They always know when a tribute-to-be doesn't show up" she tells me, leaning back, and I can see the gum in her mouth.
"Oh, I'll go" I tell her, sitting next to the tree.
She jumps down, and examines me.
"You look good, for a small boy" she tells me, and then hands me a peice of gum, I take it.
"You were never reaped?" I ask her.
"Never" she replies, I look down.
I know Sarah's story. She was never reaped. Her brother and sister were though, and you can imagine they both died. It's painful for her. Her parents gave away after both her siblings died. She was an orphan. But she got a boyfriend, and had a son, who is two. She's nineteen, and glad she no longer can be in the Hunger Games. Her boyfriend is three years older. And I hear she's pregnant again, but I doubt it.
"Are you doing to have another baby?" I ask her, softly of course.
"In two years, maybe" she tells me, obviously missing my question.
I shrug. So it was a lie. They think she's a rotten little brat (their words, not mine) because she never married, and had a kid. But I think she's a nice girl, if you get past her world of coldness. She was very cold to me the first time we met, but not mean. She just ignored me, and almost snapped when I asked her something. I was scared of her, and I thought she was annoyed of me because of my age. But she was only testing me, to see if I was mature, or just a stupid little kid. I think she was was, at least. I hope she was, more like it. But we're good now. I know that.
"Where are we going?" I ask her.
"I'm going to meet up with friends" she tells me.
Friends? They know we're not supposed to be out here, I hope. I'm not a rebel. I only come out to admire the beauty, and I steer clear of the place with too many trees. But her expression is earnest, so I follow her. Finally I feel a shudder inside.
"Are you a rebel?" I ask her.
She turns towards me, her face sad, but strong. She looks around nervously, and pulls me quicker. I don't say a thing, wondering why she's pulling so fast. Is she a rebel? Is that why she's taking me here? I don't care about rebeling, I want safety! I just want for us and the Capitol to live well together, like we are now.
"Don't ask anything, not yet" she whispers fiercly to me, pulling me along faster.
I obey, and keep as quiet as possible, except for the quick movement of our feet. I feel anxiety build up. Suppose she's going to a meeting, and we're caught? Then what will happen? This is as nerve-wrecking as the Hunger Games. There's always only one left. I've never understood it completely, but I understand that people die. Then it's their own fault. I move quicker, unable to keep up with her fast legs. But she's fast, for a mother. We end up at a little meeting place, with four people, one a bit older than me, and the rest about Sarah's age.
"Why am I here?" I ask her.
She looks at me with fear.
"They might've seen you with me, and figured you knew something. I can't go back, without being seen. I need to go back in private. But soon enough, you'll be free to go, and they won't recognize you. You were covered well. They can't replay what they see. They can only see it once" she tells me, which I only half get.
Then the girl, who's a bit older than me sits up, and looks over me. I feel uncomfortable, what am I doing here?
"But they don't know I'm out here"
"I know, but we need you to be here, in case they have forces out there. And by staying with us, we'll make sure you get home easily" she informs me.
I then understand. I could be in danger. My curiousity takes over me.
"Who are you?" I ask the one of the older kids.
"We're the rebels" he answers.
I then feel my body shudder. This is exactly what I've been afraid for. To see someone who could've been my friend, likely to die because of her beliefs. I lay in the back, while they speak plans. Eventually, they're part of something, but I don't catch what. My mind is on Monique. She'll be expecting me. Finally I sit up, and look at them, who are gathered around and sharing a map.
"Why don't we rebel yet?" asks one "We have the power"
Sarah grits her teeth at the girl. I've never seen her act this way.
"Because, we don't have support. There's nothing here to work with, to start a rebellion" she pauses to take a breath "Listen, we need the Districts to follow us, if they don't, it's a fail, and we die for nothing" when she says this, her bottom lip trembles.
They all sigh and lean back. It's been an hour. I then stand up.
"I should go"
They all look at me as if I'm crazy.
"You sure?" one asks me, and then whispers to Sarah "This isn't good, we should make him swear to be with us, he might tell the Peacekeepers"
I feel a temper rising. That's not usual. I'm not temporous. But I want to be trusted, so I slam my fist down.
"I'm NOT going to be one of you. I can't. I have too much to care for. But I'll keep what I heard a secret" I promise them.
They talk amongst each other hurredly, and then Sarah comes to escort me out.
"Sarah! You'll get in trouble if they find out, they'll kill Mikey, and Rhett" I tell her.
She shakes her head and looks ahead.
"Don't worry about it, just mind your own business" she then leans closer to me "What you heard is top secret, I led you there for safety, you have to agree, and really promise to keep it secret for me, or we're all dead"
I nod. I didn't know it was that serious. But if they beat people for going out here... What's going to stop them from killing rebels? It's not their fault, I think. It's necessary, at least in a way. I wouldn't kill them. I would imprison them. But even that leads to risks, they might be rescued. I don't want to think about it, so I climb through the fence fast and race home. Monique is home, with Mom and Dad. My other siblings are out at the reapings already. Mom scowls at me.
"Where have you been Rey! Why?" I cut her off, and race upstairs, so they don't see the twigs in my hair and clothes.
I'm back down in fifteen minutes, it took me forever to find clothes and get dressed, since those were my reaping clothes. My parents have no time to do anything, but be mad at me for taking so long. I don't mind. I find my way, as quick as possible to the boy's twelve seats. Only in time to hear to girl's name called. I don't pay attention, until I hear a scream. Not a scream, a shriek of horror. I shudder. Suppose that were me?
"And for the boys" Effie Trinket says, reaching into the basket and pulling a name out "is Reyce Ansilen.
I stand up. That's me. The Hunger Games. I can't make anything of it, besides I have a right to be nervous. I look behind at my parents, and Monique. Monique is dug safely and sercurely into Mom and Dad. I pity her. But why are they like that? Do they think I'm going to die?
Well, that sucked... I'm very sorry about it, but I'm just desperate to move on, to the Chariots. I went back and read my format. I'll do it as planned. It seems as character building is a very important thing in an SYOT. I like to get people attached to a tribute, and then they're sad when they die. It's not cruel, I think it's interesting to watch some favorite characters... Well, all my favorite characters usually die :(
SPONSOR POINTS:
bearberry915: $20.00 (Conner Sun)
thebookreader: $20.00 (Thalia Constellian)
RascalLil'Pixie: $40.00 (Quorra Foxe, Ambrose Trueheart
Bookgirl333: $20.00 (Layla Thompson)
Bowserboy129: $20.00 (Gary Sue)
laralulu: $20.00 (Lilith Adler)
gimmeyopeetabread: $20.00 (Jules Eade)
ligersforlife: $20.00 (Loewen Shade Grenweth)
Sybl Anglekat: $40.00 (Daisy Sheen, Clawdius Halestorm)
Rachina: $20.00 (Quinn/Samyule Pincer)
Skywriter5: $20.00 (Danielle Raye)
WolfRida: $20.00 (Cedar Blackstone)
shadowed13: $20.00 (Abraham Van Alst)
Goddess of nightmares: $20.00 (Bea Nuova)
NinjaSharpie78: $40.00 (Krow Haliss, Mara Mason)
Rivers of Venice: $20.00 (Nate Morgue)
wizard muggle: $20.00 (Aria Charin)
Sonofhell666: $20.00 (Aaron Dait)
GirlL0vesDoom: $20.00 (Kiy Everblossom)
Serpent's Ballet: $20.00 (Reyce Ansilen)
Iluv every book out there: $20.00 (Linna Limye)
K. Dorn: $20.00 (Lux DeLoren)
Claudia Harris: $20.00 (Sapphire Corte)
Jac Danvers: $20.00 (Calendula Bates)
I told you to pay attention, even if you didn't get it. Oh well, sigh, sucks if you didn't. But it doesn't matter. Remember, you can only send stuff on my list, unless you have something really good to send, and I like I said, I'll determine the price. Alright, that's about it. And you know the sponsor system. Anyway, I'll be open if you spot a mistake, like if you needed more or less money. But who wants less money? Yeah, I did my best, anyway, have fun, and I'll be back with the Chariots, I dunno what to say that I haven't said before :)
~lovethemusic PLEASE!