We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong.
The amount of work is the same.
-Carlos Castaneda
The Carlson Residence, June 16th, 12:00 pm
Brian Spencer (17) POV
District 6 male
The day of the Reaping is an off day for workers in District 6, but when you love your job as much as I love mine, you find yourself actually wanting to be there. Most workers in District 6 are menial laborers. Not me though; When I was 15, I passed a test that allowed me to stop work in the train parts manufacturing factory an begin to physically design the parts, figuring out what can fit where, and how things will work together. I like my job because it sets me apart, makes me feel like I'm different from everyone else, like I'm not just some face in the crowd. Some say that makes me seem stuck up, but that's never my intention. It's just that when I see an opportunity, I take it.
However, since it's the day of the Reaping, we were all given the day off from work, meaning that I'm at the next best place- my best friend Ted's house. Well, he hasn't always been my best friend. See, a few years ago, we hated each other more than anything and fought like cats and dogs. Funnily enough, I don't even really remember why we didn't like each other. It must have just been the principle of it. So while I'd like to be working, hanging out with my friend isn't bad either.
Unfortunately, my time with Ted is cut short by the very force that allows it. With the Reaping in just an hour, I take it upon myself to say goodbye to my friend and walk myself home in an attempt to get ready. As much as I'd like to spend more time together, since we're always busy due to work and family, I know that getting ready for the Reaping takes precedence, so I begrudgingly leave.
I take the walk home as an opportunity to just think. Not about anything specific, just whatever comes into my head. It's always been calming for me, and a part of my subconscious has always led me to just trailing away on various thoughts just to myself. That's always been what sets me apart from Ted. While we were both introverts, especially growing up, everyone was always shocked that we weren't friends from the get-go, but as I always told myself and everyone else, I was quiet and thoughtful, whereas Ted was quiet and sullen. Even still, we related to each other because we were both seen as the weird kids that should be avoided at all costs. Strange what brings people together.
I get home in a reasonable amount of time, since Ted and I don't live too far away, and as soon as I've walked in the door, I'm greeted by the Welcome Wagon that is my little sister, Nina. Since she's only 7, she doesn't really get the concept of the Hunger Games, so she's as cheerful on Reaping Day as she would be if it was her birthday. Upon my entrance, she grabs hold of my legs and smiles up at me from under her eyelashes.
"How was your play date?" she asks, voice muffled from her face being buried in my leg.
"It wasn't a play date, Nina," I say lightheartedly, prying her off of my leg.
"Was it a business meeting?" she asks. "Daddy has lots of business meetings."
"I was just hanging out with Ted," I say, resisting a laugh. "Remember Ted?"
"Teddy!" she exclaims. "I like Teddy!"
"I like Teddy too," I say. "Where's mom and dad?"
"Eating lunch," she says. "I'm not there because I finished early so I could wait for you."
"Well why don't you eat more," I say. "I need to go get dressed for later."
With a final grin, Nina runs merrily back into the common area while I go the opposite direction into my bedroom. Our house is pretty basic- three small bedrooms, the largest of which is taken by my parents, the smallest of which is occupied by Nina, and a bathroom off of the common area, which consists of a couch, a small television, an old wooden table with four chairs, a stove, a sink and a refrigerator with some cabinets.
Once I'm in my room, I go to the small trunk at the foot of my bed which holds my clothes. Checking to make sure the blinds are closed, I pull out my designated Reaping clothes; nothing too special, just a button down shirt over the t-shirt I wore today with some shorts. Once dressed, I glance around my room until my eyes land on the friendship bracelet that Ted made me when we started being friends- my just-in-case token since I was 14.
I walk out of my room, closing the door softly behind me. I hear the sound of silverware scraping against plates in the common area, and I know that my parents and sister are still eating. Once I'm in the room, I see them eating something that looks to be made from tessera grain. There's some left in a pot on the stove, so I help myself to it, and sit down to eat with them. There's no conversation, because in my family, meal time has always been a time for just eating, not socializing.
Before I can finish my meal, the bell goes off, signalling that the Reaping will begin in a half hour. The bell will go off at a different time depending on your distance to the Square, to ensure everyone has enough time to get to the Reaping. The further away you live, the earlier the bell goes off. Sighing, my mother twists up her hair into a bun at the nape of her neck and collects our plates, stacking them up and placing them in the sink.
"I'll worry about them when we get back," she says. "We can't be late. Nina, grab your jacket, it's chilly."
Once Nina gets her jacket and shoes on, the four of us set out the door on our way to the Square. More than once, we have to tell Nina to stop skipping, because it's a serious day, but she only stops for a few minutes before starting up again. Eventually, I kneel down and let her climb on my back, carrying her the rest of the way.
Once we reach the Square, I put her down, and she runs into the "Spectators" section, followed by my mother who chases after her. I stand with my father in a few seconds of thick silence before he claps me on the shoulder.
"Good luck," he says with a grimace.
I return with a sort of half smile, and he goes after my mother and sister. I get into the ever growing line of teenagers waiting for their fingers to be pricked, and then to be herded into our sections. I wait for about ten minutes, and once the Peacekeeper takes my blood and states my name, I walk to the 17-year-old section and wait.
The Suzuki Residence, June 16th, 1:00 pm
Alayne Suzuki (16) POV
District 6 female
"There's still almost two hours until we have to leave for the Reaping," I say. "What do you guys wanna do while we wait?"
"Hide and seek?" my friend, Lizzie suggests. Lizzie is easily the nicest person I know, and it doesn't surprise me that she would suggest something like hide and seek.
"We're not little kids anymore, Liz," says Jake. I knew he'd shut that idea down. He likes to live a bit more recklessly than the rest of us; since his uncle is the Head Peacekeeper, he has the least to lose out of all of us, so if he does something stupid, he's the least likely to be punished. "How about truth or dare, or never have I ever?"
"I don't know," Erin says. "Don't games like that usually make people say things they don't mean to say?"
"What, do you have something to hide?" Jake asks, jokingly.
"No!" she protests, her face flushing. "It's just... It's not my type of game, you know?"
"Erin, it's not a big deal, it's-" Jake is cut off by Miles.
"If it's not something you want to play, Erin, we're not going to make you play it," he says. "Do we have any other ideas?"
"Alayne!" a voice calls. "Alaaayne!"
"Is that your sister?" Jake asks.
"Probably," I say, smiling. "She should go away soon enough, it'll be fine."
It's not that I have a bad relationship with Lynn- in fact, I love her to pieces, along with our older sister Hana, who's 19. It's just that since I'm two years older than Lynn, she's always trying to hang out with my friends and I, and sometimes, I just need a break from her. I see her all day at home and at school, and I just need time to myself, or with my friends.
"Alayne!"
Sighing, I respond "Yeah, Lynn?"
"Mom says you need to come get ready for the Reaping!" she calls. "And your friends need to leave right now!"
I smile apologetically to my friends.
"Sorry, guys," I say. "We'll hang out after the Reaping, right?"
"Of course," Miles says.
"See you then," says Erin, as she picks up her bag. "I should probably go get ready anyway."
My friends disperse, and I follow Lynn into the house to get ready for the Reaping. Once we get into the house, we separate from each other. I've always been happy that everyone in our family gets their own room- especially since I know that me being a middle child would doom me to sharing a room with either Hana or Lynn, and I definitely need my space from them sometimes.
I walk into my room, and my first instinct is to flop down onto my bed and shut my eyes, but I know that if I lie down, I'll never want to get back up, so I heave a sigh and walk over to my closet. After some careful decision, I select a turquoise dress that falls to my knees, pairing it with some ballet flats.
Since I have some time before the Reaping, and since I already ate, I sit down at my small vanity table and twist my hair into a knot at the top of my head, pinning back the front sections with a shimmering silver and turquoise hair clip that my family pitched in to buy me for my 16th birthday. I shake my head from side to side a few times to make sure everything is secure, and when I find that it is, I sweep on a touch of blush and mascara, just because it's a special occasion.
Once I'm done, I go downstairs to see my parents and Hana sat in the living room around the television, watching some Capitol news show anchored by Magnus Griffin, who replaced Severa Eta after she committed suicide.
"He's pretty cute," Lynn muses as she wanders lazily in the room.
"And extremely gay," says Hana, with a bit of a hair flip.
"Hana!" our mom exclaims.
"How do you know?" I ask, perching myself on the side of the couch.
"Because I know these things," she says with a shrug. "Trust me, it'll come out that he's coming out."
"I hate you," Lynn says, laughing.
Before our parents can scold Hana more for making assumptions, the bell goes off for the Reaping, and our happy demeanor immediately shifts. Wordlessly, we shut off the lights and walk out of the house together, me, Lynn and Hana walking a few steps in front of our parents.
"Hana..." Lynn starts.
"You're not going to be Reaped, Lynn," Hana says, sounding slightly exasperated.
"How do you know?" I ask, meekly.
"Because I lasted all seven years without being Reaped," she says. "And I took tessera. Neither of you did. If I can do it, so can you."
"But-!"
"No buts!" she says. "I believe in you."
We walk in silence the rest of the way to the Square. Once we get there, Hana gives Lynn and I a sad smile before walking our parents to the edges where family stands. Since Hana's 19, last year was her last year of eligibility, but I have two more after this, and Lynn has 4. We wait in line together for the Peacekeeper to take our blood, and once she does, I walk Lynn to the 14-year-old section, then walk by myself to the rest of the 16-year-olds. I immediately find Erin, and the two of us stand together in silence until District 6's escort, Celeste mounts the stage, looking slightly off-kilter, as usual.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages!" Celeste sings out. "Welcome to the Reaping for the 227th Hunger Games! Gosh, I absolutely love this time of year, don't you? Everything is so festive and bright!"
She looks at the overcast sky and sighs slightly.
"Anyway! Let's get on with the Reaping, shall we? I know all of you are just as excited as I am to know who will be representing your District. As usual, ladies will be first." She crosses painfully slowly to the Reaping bowl on her left side, digging around for a moment before deciding on a slip. She opens it next to the Reaping ball, reads it, and squeals in delight before migrating back to the microphone. "This year's female tribute is Alayne Suzuki!"
It's... Me? Like, me me? I feel the wind get knocked out of me, and brush a few tears from my eyes as I shakily walk forward.
"Alayne!" a voice calls. I spin around and see Hana struggling against Peacekeepers, my dad just behind her. "Alayne!"
Biting my lip and shutting my eyes, I shake my head at them. What's done is done. I'm going into the Games, and I don't want them to be hurt because of it. I walk up to the stage and clasp my hands together behind my back, trying desperately to keep myself grounded. This is real. I'm going into the Games. Okay.
I'm vaguely aware of a male tribute being called- Brian Spencer, Celeste says. A skinny guy from the section in front of mine stumbles out of his section with a nervous smile on his face. Once he climbs up the stairs to the stage, he reaches forward and shakes my hand, his mouth set in a line by now.
"District 6, your tributes, Alayne Suzuki and Brian Spencer," Celeste says through the ringing in my ears. "Tributes, good luck. And may the odds be ever in your favor."
The Justice Building, June 16th, 2:30 pm
Brian Spencer (17) POV
District 6 male
Reaping. Justice Building. Train. Chariot. Training. Games. Then what? What happens after that? If I die, what happens? But what happens if I don't die? If I... Win? Is that even possible? Should I even entertain that thought? Yes, yes of course I should. If I don't believe that I can come out of this alive, nobody will. I need to believe that I can win this. I need to.
As I'm sitting on the plush couch of the waiting room, the door creaks open and my family walks in. Nina grabs my legs, just as she did when I got home earlier. Was that really earlier today? It seems like a lifetime ago.
"Can I come with you?" she asks, looking up at me with wet eyes.
"No, Nina, this is just for me," I say, gently. I wasn't prepared for this, and I really hope she doesn't ask any questions, because I'll have no clue how to answer them.
"Can I come with you next time?" she asks.
I hesitate, looking at my parents. My mother looks about ready to burst into tears, while my father just looks stoic, and gives me a slight nod.
"Sure," I say. "Next time."
My dad clears his throat, and Nina slowly lets go of me. He comes over to me and envelops me in a hug.
"You can do it, Brian," he says into my shoulder. "Make us proud."
He lets go, and I nod at him. Mom looks at me from the door sadly.
"Do you have a token?" she asks. I flash my bracelet at her, and she smiles. "Good. I saw Ted outside. He's waiting to see you."
"I'll miss you guys," I say, my voice cracking.
"We'll miss you too," Dad says.
A Peacekeeper comes in to collect my family, and they leave without being asked, so as not to start a scene. Once they leave, Ted comes in, looking at me, then averting his eyes.
"I can't believe it's you," he says, distantly.
"Me neither," I respond in a similar tone. "It's just..."
"I get what you mean," he says.
With nothing else to talk about, Ted spends the last of his time just sitting quietly next to me, just as we've been doing for years.
The Justice Building, June 16th, 2:30 pm
Alayne Suzuki (16) POV
District 6 female
This can't be happening. This absolutely cannot be happening. I'm not really sitting in the Justice Building waiting to be brought to the Capitol for the James. No. Just no. I'll wake up tomorrow morning, on the day of the actual Reaping, and I'll tell Hana and Lynn about the dream, and we'll laugh about how ridiculous it is that I could ever be Reaped. Thinking this makes me calm down some and I'm able to relax as I sink into the chair.
No. I need to face facts now. I've been Reaped, and I just need to run that through my mind. I need to accept it in order for me to get anywhere.
Once I come to this realization, my family walks in; Mom, Dad, Hana and Lynn.
"We believe in you," Mom says.
"You can come home, Alayne," Lynn says.
"You just have to try," Dad says.
"Really, really try," Hana says.
"Thanks, guys," I say. "I'll try, you know I will. I'm just nervous about the competition. The Careers are just..."
"Do you need a token?" Mom asks, digging around her purse. "I'm sure I can find something..."
"I have my hair clip," I say. "I'll be fine, don't worry about it."
"Be sure to make alliances," Hana says. "You're super sweet, everyone will-"
Before she can finish her sentence, a Peacekeeper comes in to escort my family out of the room. I didn't even get to say goodbye. I blink back tears as they're replaced with my friends.
"Alayne-"
"We're so-"
"It's just-"
"It's fine," I say, sitting on the floor. "Everything happens for a reason, I'll be fine."
"Are you scared?" Jake asks. I nod in return. "Well don't be. You have everything in you to win, we all know you do."
I look around the room, and before I can say anything, they're taken from me too.
See. I. Um. Stop interrogating me, what am I, a criminal? Just... Just... Okay? Just... Okay?
Thanks much-ly to Galactic Fairydust for Alayne and AgentWriter for Brian!
Questions!
1) Who do you like better, Alayne or Brian?
2) What did you like about them?
3) What didn't you like about them?
4) Any predictions?
-No one says no to Gaston!