Reapings

District 1 Reapings: Adrienne Moor

The day dawned cool and clear. Reaping day was the most terrifying day of the year for most, but I knew I would be fine. I was planning on volunteering, but I also had one more year left before I was out of the Games, so I could just wait another year, perhaps prepare more so that I could come home in a parade of glory as I brought District 1 yet another victory.

I stood next to several of my acquaintances in the rows of 17 year old girls. The Escort stood on the platform, high above the town square, and looked around at all of us before walking slowly over to the glass bowl filled with girl's names. I supposed she must have already said the entire speech on the history of the Games, but I didn't care.

I wanted to know who would be chosen, just to ease the tension of the wait. Even if I was chosen, with a plan of how to win, and even with wanting to go into the Games at some point, the anxiety of waiting and not knowing was difficult. Then her hand slipped into the bowl and brought out a sheet of paper, thin and insubstantial. "Adrienne Moor."

I realized that was me and walked forwards, my heartbeat accelerating. I forced myself to look calm, but I realized how nervous I was becoming. I shouldn't be nervous-I had trained for this after all, but something about the Games was foreboding even for those who knew they would win.

I watched as my district partner came up onto the stage. He looked dazed, as if he didn't really know what was happening, but I brushed him out of my mind. Within three weeks, he'd be gone, so there was no use thinking any more about him than I had to.

I left the stage and entered a small room next to the Justice Building. The door opened and I saw my mother. She opened her arms to me and I hugged her tightly, breathing in her comforting homey smell and closing my eyes.

I knew I could win this, but I hadn't planned on going into the Games this year. It would be alright though. I would come home and see her again. She slipped off her pendant, a small triangular turquoise stone, polished and smooth. It wasn't glamorous or fancy, but it was sentimental, and it meant a lot to her, and so to me. I slipped it on and tucked it under my shirt.

"I'll give it back to you when I come back."

She nodded, a small smile on her face as she gently brushed my hair out of my face.

"Your sister would be proud."

I nodded. "I'll win for her. She should've won, but I will win."

The door opened, and my mother left. I took a deep breath and waited, but only a few minutes later a peacekeeper came in and took me to the train. I didn't see Xavier anywhere, but he must be here too. I was directed to a dining car and instructed to wait for my mentor and district partner.

District 1 Reapings: Xavier Lanner

I laughed and joked around with my friends as we wandered through the streets, avoiding my best mate as he tried to shove me into an alley and make me stumble. The Hunger Games weren't scary for me- I knew what I was doing, and though I wouldn't necessarily volunteer I knew that it would be a piece of cake to win. My father had taught me hand to hand combat and had me practicing since I was nine, and after he passed away I had been admitted into an Academy that had taught me the survival skills I would need for the Games.

My life was actually pretty good- my father had found great wealth and fortune and passed it along to my mother and I. We had never had much trouble getting food or clothing, and I knew that whatever happened today, I would be fine. If I was reaped I'd win, and if not, I could live the life I had planned to all along.

We crossed the main street and continued towards the square. Kids were filling up the rows around me, with varying expressions of nerves. I stood next to Easton, my best mate, and his twin, Marco. Marco was practically the exact opposite of Easton; where my best mate was outgoing and exuberant, he was introverted and shy, where Easton was strong and intimidating, Marco preferred intellectual studies and being indoors. He definitely looked more nervous than most, I thought, but we were 18, almost out of the system, and as close to safe as anyone could be.

I watched with little interest as the introduction speech was presented, and then as the District 1 Escort pulled out a 17 year olds name: Adrienne Moor. The Escort then walked over to the boys, and fumbled around.

One more year. I thought to myself. I was just about done.

Then I realized that the boys' name had been called, and Marco was stumbling up towards the platform, a look of terror in his eyes as he tripped up the steps. Easton was shaking and pale, but wasn't moving. I felt a flash of anger at him, not even brave enough to defend his twin.

I felt my legs carrying me forwards and I looked up, not even fully knowing what I was doing, but seeing the desperate look in Marco's eyes.

"I volunteer."

The next half an hour was a blur. I remembered looking up into Marco's eyes, seeing the disbelief and gratitude as I took his place, remembered seeing the disdainful look in Adrienne's eyes as I shook her hand, the goodbyes full of worry and thanks from Marco and Easton, and the complete belief and lack of concern from my mother. Then I was on the train, speeding towards the capitol. Whatever had made me take Marco's place, I knew that I could win this. I had trained, and I had good mentors. Within three weeks, I would be back in District 1.

Hey everyone! This is the first Hunger Games fanfic that I've posted, so any constructive criticism is very much appreciated. The next several chapters will be descriptions of the reapings. They will be hopefully written similar to this, to give a little bit on the personalities and situations of each character before we start with the events in the capitol and then the Games themselves.

I hope to hear from everyone on your thoughts, and to see who you want to win as the Games progress!

~Elle