Chapter 5- Silver Bellcreek
Today is the day I've been waiting for. I stand, ready, waiting, the first one up in the morning. Shine grins at me. "Are you ready for today?" I ask her. "I'm more than ready!" My mother looks over at Shine and says, "Come here! Your hair is a mess. Get me your brush and I'll brush it for you." I go over to the only mirror in the house and take up my brush, smoothing my blonde hair down. I want to look perfect for today. Even Glint looks like he's smartened up for the reaping today.
"Flaire said she'd come and walk with me at ten!" I say, looking back at my mother. "That's just fine, Silver. We'll see you there." The knock comes at the door just as I tie the sash on my blue dress, my best dress I keep for special occasions. And this is certainly a special occasion. I open the door to find a Flaire who is obviously nervous but is trying not to show it. "Oh calm down, Flaire. We'll be fine! Today is a momentous occasion, remember?" She gives a nervous smile that quivers at the edges. "Come on or we'll be late!" I say, pulling her along. "Where's Silk and Ruble?" I ask. "I think they're already there." "Let's hurry then."
When we arrive, we go straight to the registering table for the sixteen year olds. The Peacekeeper is one I've known for a while, Appius. He's always treated me decently. He nods to me in acknowledgement as I sign my name: Silver Bellcreek. Flaire signs hers, then we go and stand together in our age section. I grin at her. "This is it!" She nods; I can feel her shaking. "Are you okay, Flaire?" I ask. She shakes her head. "I'm scared, Silver. I'm so scared!" Her voice comes out as a whimper. I squeeze her hand. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."
I watch the last few people arrive; I spy my sister in the crowd and my family on the outskirts. I keep a hold on Flaire's hand. "Hello everyone!" cries a very interesting looking woman as she walks onstage. Her hair is dyed a bright pink and has what look like stuffed birds sitting on it. Her makeup is garish, her fancy dress too brightly colored. The height of Capitol fashion. "You do not know me yet, but I am your Capitol representative, Cordia Caerellia, and I am here for the great honor of choosing the two tributes of District 1!"
"Ladies first!" Cordia says in a chirpy voice and walks over to the bowl holding all of the girls' names. Flaire's nails dig into my hand. Cordia chooses one paper and struts back to the microphone in the middle of the stage. She fumbles with the paper and drops it. Cordia leans over and picks it up, giggling, "Oh silly me!" She clears her throat and announces, "Flaire Seawillow." Flaire steps backwards, hyperventilating. I stand up straight and yell, "I will take her place! I volunteer to take her place!" The crowd murmurs around me. "No, no! Don't Silver! Don't!" Flaire pleads. I let go of her hand and push my way through the crowd, up to the staircase. Carefully, carefully, I mount the stage, and walk to the center where Cordia waits.
Her smile is broad, too big. "What's your name, dearie?" she asks. In what I hope is a strong voice I say, "Silver Bellcreek, and I am sixteen years old." Cordia pats my shoulder. "That's a brave and eager girl." I feel my confidence draining slightly as I look down at the crowd below. I find Flaire in it, tears rolling down her pale cheeks. Then elation takes over me: I am the first female tribute of District 1! While sorting through my feelings I almost miss Cordia reading the name of the male tribute. "Glow Overlock."
A very handsome boy that I know is eighteen mounts the stage eagerly. He pumps his right hand in the air and yells, "Nobody volunteer for me! The crown is mine!" I look at Glow; he must be at least a head taller than I am. I might be small, but I think I'm quick. My thoughts are interrupted by Cordia grabbing our hands and linking them. "I give to you, the tributes of District 1!"