Chapter 45: First Reaping

"Ssssh… ssssshhh….. only a nightmare….. just a dream….. that's all it was…. you were dreaming….. you were dreaming…." Mama's voice is soothing as I sob into her nightgown.

"It was me!" I weep. "It was me that came out of the Reaping Ball!"

"It's your first year, Riley. Your name's only in their once; they're not gonna pick you…." But Mama seems to be convincing herself more than me. She eases me back onto the mattress and pulls the coverlet back up to my chin. Her voice now lilts beautifully as she sings to me the song I've known since I was a baby.

"Deep in the meadow, under the willow. A bed of grass, a soft green pillow…."

She smiles once she sees I am calm. "You remember that song, right?" I nod and she rises to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"The woods," she says sweetly. "Daddy will be up to get you and Zephyr soon, and then you all will help Grandpa Haymitch over to the Justice Building. But I'll be back and meet you there. I love you."

And she's gone.


A few hours later, I register with the Peacekeepers for the first time as an eligible Hunger Games contestant. Daddy, Grandpa Haymitch and Zephyr peel off from me with hugs before proceeding to the platform in front of the Justice Building. As Victors, Grandpa and Daddy have to be present and seen so the Mayor can show them off to the whole district. Being still too young for the Reaping, my brother - well, half-brother - gets to sit behind their chairs. As long as he stays out of sight and keeps quiet, he'll be fine.

By the time Nanny Effie, our District's escort and close friend of my parents, takes the stage to draw the names, Mama has slipped into the seat next to Daddy and given him a sweet kiss.

Nanny Effie reaches for the girl's ball. I close my eyes tight, wondering if the odds are in my favor. Even if they aren't, I send up a prayer: Father…. be with me.

"Lilac Thigpen!" Nanny calls.

I deflate like a tire. It's not me. It's not me! I barely register the 14-year-old girl taking the stage, or the name of her male counterpart. Soon, the Peacekeepers escort me, my family and the tributes onto the train, as they have done my entire life. Time for another normal trip to the Capitol to see Mama, Daddy and Grandpa's friends.


A/N: Just two chapters left! Ahhhhh! The next one is super long, but the ending will be pretty short. Thanks for all the feedback I've gotten so far, especially from IgNighted, ZhiZhu and IcyClarissa. Y'all are the best! Keep those reviews coming!