District 12 Reapings
Katniss Everdeen, Victor of the 74th Hunger Games
There was silence in the square. For years, the people of District 12 had been powered forth by one driving force—hope. But now the Capitol had proven to them that even hope itself was an illusion. There was no such thing as being safe from the Capitol.
Katniss panned over the rows of faces, tired faces, faces belonging to people that had long since stopped trying to scrub the coal dust out from under the nails and the folds of their skin.
She should have just eaten the berries and died like she was supposed to, Katniss thought. She was the reason they were all here.
District 12's escort held back tears as she strode toward the female reaping ball. Only one slip of paper was inside.
"The female tribute from District 12… Katniss Everdeen."
She held out an arm, beckoning Katniss toward her. She slowly walked into her embrace. Twenty-three people were about to die because of her. And there was no doubt that she would be one of them.
Peeta Mellark, Victor of the 74th Hunger Games
"Wonderful," the escort remarked. "And now for the men."
Haymitch. Haymitch. Haymitch. Peeta turned the name over and over in his mind. Haymitch had to be reaped. That way, Peeta would be able to volunteer to keep Katniss safe in the games. The slip of paper tucked between the escort's fingers couldn't hold his name. It just couldn't.
"The male tribute from District 12… Haymitch Abernathy."
"I volunteer as tribute," shouted Peeta, turning to walk toward the microphone.
Haymitch placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "I can't let you do that."
"You can't stop me."
"Peeta…"
"Let go!" Peeta hissed.
And so it was that two star crossed lovers gave up their lives for the second year in a row…
A/N: It feels so satisfying to click the complete button on this story. Thanks for tagging along! :D
