Jadyn POV
I wake up with one thought in my mind, the Reaping. I glance over at the clock, 5:00 am and then at my twin sister, Skye, but she is still asleep in her queen-size bed. As Mayor Vala's daughters, we are probably the only girls in District 12 with these size beds. Our district is chalk-full of poor, overworked people. You have no idea how many people come to our front door, selling who knows what, from rocks to wine bottles. I always feel bad for those people. Every month we go to the charcoal factory (that's our district's specialty) to remind us how fortunate we are. We don't have to be reminded by the visits to the factory, for we are reminded every day, while walking through the streets. A lot of these kids, in addition to work, train for the Tape Games, which the reaping is for. There is a 6% chance that I'll get picked for the Games, being the child of a man with a position of power. But if I do get picked and I don't win, I'll be sent home, while all of those who don't have parents with power will serve in the Capitol till they die. Well, it's 6:00 am and time to wake up. I roll out of bed and dig through my closet for my reaping dress.
I forgot how much I love my reaping dress. It's a sleeveless dress that comes down to my ankles. It's made out of light gray silk and has a matching shawl. When I wear it I feel like a princess. Skye's dress is a little different. She has sleeves that come down to her elbows, the dress falls short right below her knees, and it's a darker gray. We do each-others hair, mine in a fancy up-do and hers in a long braid down her back. We are so different.
In the square, we get some strange looks from those who wear cotton reaping clothes. But, this will be the last year. 16 is the last age, the oldest age. I take my seat, but immediately stand up, as if I sat on a pinecone. Janie Lant has appeared on stage. The reaping ceremony takes 12 days, because Janie has to be in a different district each day. We are her final stop, and her ever present smile isn't very present. "Now for the contestants, and May the Tape Games to begin! As usual, ladies first!" She sticks her perfectly manicured hand into the papier-mâché bowl. "Jadyn Vala"
Why did I know this would happen?
I walk up to the stage with as much confidence as I can muster. I need to show the world how much district 12 has to offer. I flash a bold smile to the camera, trying to act the opposite of that girl from 2… Basil, wasn't it? She looked easy to beat and that isn't good, coming from a career district. I shake Janie's hand and politely wait to hear the next name. "Skye Vala"
My Skye Vala?
Crud.
Janie smiles and exclaims "Double Trouble!" and then looks at us again. "Aren't you two the mayors twin daughters?!" We both nod and exchange a glance. Janie pulls out the first boy name and I can't breathe. The name is Lucas Bensa. My almost boyfriend. For the next 10 minutes, everything is hazy. The third name called is Xander Topeka, a friend of Lucas. The only thought, spinning round and round my head is
The Odds Are Not In My Favor
The Odds Are Not In My Favor
The Odds Are Not In My Favor
The Odds Are Not In My Favor
The Odds Are Not In My Favor
The Odds Are Not In My Favor
The Odds Are Not In My Favor
The Odds Are Never In My Favor…