Hi everyone! Apologies for the late update, I've been really lazy lately at getting to the keyboard and writing. Also, my winter break is now over, so I won't have as much time as I would like each day to write. Fortunately, my school is now on yellow (Half the kids go to school on Mondays and Wednesdays and the other half go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays), but I'm not sure how long that will last. I'll try to get as much writing in as possible before and after school. I hope you guys all had an amazing new year!
Haven Carver, 16, District 8 Female
I wake up to the chirping of mockingjays outside my window and I sit up, stretching my arms above my head. I shiver from the unexpected cold and wrap my arms around myself. I get up and tug at the covers so they are neat and only slightly wrinkled. I rummage through my drawer and come across a colorful dress that is a hodgepodge of fabrics. It is one of my favorites because it is so very soft and extremely smooth.
"Haven! Breakfast is ready!" My dad shouts up the stairs.
"Coming!" I reply loudly. Trudging my way down the stairs, I spot my dad in his usual place when cooking, in front of the stove. He picks up the pot of oatmeal he has cooked off of the burner and sets it down on the counter. It is still steaming as I stand up and walk over to the cabinet where our bowls are stored. I grab two and close the cabinet. The oatmeal smells amazing and it can be expensive here in Eight, so many people cannot afford it. Usually, we eat a more simple breakfast, but today is special. It is reaping day. I pray that I don't get picked, because I am very scrawny and weak. My only strength is my brains. I can also be very nimble and delicate.
"Do you like it?" My dad prys, trying to start a conversation in the silence of our eating. I can tell he is trying his best not to break down and hug me. It is hard for my family on reaping day, because my siblings have all had friends that have been chosen, then have come back stone-cold in a wooden box. Even Alie, my twin has had a breakdown during the games when her best friend Elm died. My dad told me last night that Connor, Alex, and Alie were all at friends houses sleeping over. They wanted to spend some time with their friends in case one of them was reaped.
I take a look up at the clock and say, "It's time to head to the square." My dad nods his head and sets his bowl in the sink. I get up to do the same and then walk down the foyer to the front door. I undo the lock and pull the handle. I am just praying that the odds are in my favor today. We always walk to the reaping since the square that it takes place in is only a couple of blocks away. Plus, it is always good exercise, and we all like to do it. As we approach the spot where we have to separate, my dad holds onto my arm for a second and mouths, "I love you." I smile weakly at him and nod, telling him the same. I get to check in and give my hand to the cold woman in a pristine white blouse and leggings. She pricks my finger with a slightly dull feeling needle and presses it down firmly on the sheet next to the last person's bloody fingerprint. I was one of the last to arrive and get checked in, so after the few remaining children get pricked, it starts.
"Welcome to the District 8 reaping!" Our long-time escort brightly says. "Today, one brave man and woman will get selected to proudly represent District 8 in the 131st Annual Hunger Games!" He proudly states. Even though he knows we never win, he always seems to be both proud and excited. He speedily walks over to the girls bowl and plucks out a name. "Haven Karver!" My stomach begins to churn and I become nauseous. I feel as if I am about to throw up, but I manage to make my way up to the stage. I really don't pay attention to the boy that got reaped along with me, because I am in my own world. I know, that I won't be coming back.
Spence Grantel, 13, District 8 Male
"Spence! We have to go to the reaping! Hurry up!" I hear my older sister Meredith shout. I hurry downstairs and snatch an extra scone from the plate that sits on our counter. We bought them a couple of days ago, so they taste slightly stale, but it will do just fine. Sometimes, we are lucky we even have breakfast. I hurry out the door with my sisters, Rachel, Meredith, and Alison. I'm the youngest in the family, so I am the one that my sisters look out for the most. After about 5 minutes of walking, we arrive at the reaping square. I get checked in, along with Rachel. She's 15, so she is still eligible to be reaped. Meredith and Alison head over to the section marked off for spectators that are either too old or too young to get reaped.
"Hello everyone! Welcome to the District 8 reaping, where we will select 1 brave man and woman to represent District 8 in the 131st Annual Hunger Games." The overexcited escort gleefully walks over to the girl's bowl first, and picks out a name. "Haven Karver!" The girl who is reaped looks pale, and as usual, nobody volunteers. She walks up the stairs on the side of the stage, and stands on the left side of the microphone.
The escort then strides up to the boy's bowl and grabs a name. He walks over to the microphone and opens the crisply folded and taped paper. His squeaky voice calls, "Spence Grantel!" To not seem as weak as I am to everyone else, I simply shrug and walk up to the stage. I knew this might have happened, but if I don't come out alive, I'll finally be with mom and dad. I will finally get to see them again after so long. But I can't be like that in front of my siblings. I will tell them I will win, but really, I am hoping to die.
I hope you guys liked this chapter, and don't forget to review. I love to hear your feedback. Two more slots before we have a full tribute list! Remember you can submit as many tributes as you want. A poll will probably be going up soon to help me decide on the arena. Have a great day/night wherever you are!