Kai Lucas
I have two reasons for giving my life away. For one, it's already endangered already.
When I was six years old my father attempted to drown me in a large bucket of water one spring afternoon. I kicked and flailed, desperately trying to reach the surface but his strong hands held my head in the dark water. Just as I felt my consciousness slipping, I felt the hold on my head lift. Rearing out of the water, my vision blurred, I could just make out a boy about a year or two older than myself struggling to keep my father away. Later I learned that he had a name. Rachan. He grew to be my closest friend for five years. Then one day he died, accidentally disturbed a tracker jacker nest and was stung to death when gathering fruit from the orchards. They say he died peacefully. Others say they heard his screams from miles away.
This is the second reason. This day, Reaping Day, is the anniversary of Rachan's death.
My parents have abused me, both verbally and physically, my entire life. Don't you understand? The games are my only escape. When our escort reads the girl tribute's name, I do not even bother to listen. I stride forward, moving her out of the way emotionlessly, and step onto the stage for everyone to see.
"Oh! How excellent! What is your name, dear?" Our escort inquires. She is an older looking woman, but her Capitol accent is as annoying as ever. I believe this could be her final year as escort. She's been District 11's for years now. Canadia Wallows.
"Kai Lucas" I respond coldly. I try my best to just stare at the ground, rather than at the crowd. Rachan was my only true friend, but people still will recognize me. From school, from the orchards. Around. As large as our district is, there will still be a few. "Wonderful!" Exclaims Canadia Wallows "Charmed, I'm sure-well, Kai Lucas, welcome to the Hunger Games!"
Kekoris Foreman
"Kekoris Foreman!"
No. No no no no no!
I don't want to believe it, but there's no getting around the fact that I'm going to be a tribute in the 23rd Hunger Games. There's a small part of me that hopes uncontrollably for a volunteer, like that girl Kai just did. But that was obviously a one-time deal. She looks like she has some serious issues.
Devil and Leon, my friends that are closest too me, grip my arm and urge me forward. Their faces are in disbelief. When they get older and get married and have kids, will they tell them about their friend, Kekoris, the funny, happy guy who went into the Hunger Games and never returned?
I step up onto the stage and after asking for volunteers, our escort tells us to shake hands. I try to give Kai a genuine handshake but she doesn't look at me and she grips her hand in mine. There is some applause from the crowd. We aren't bad tributes, I'm slightly on the younger side but we may not die right away in the bloodbath. I sneak another look at Kai. She's the one they're really cheering for. As I said, she definitely has problems, but that aside, she is without a doubt a fighter. My eyes wander down to stare at my hands. I wonder if they can kill.
"Hey," I begin as everyone is distracted by the reporters and photographers. "Why'd you volunteer? Watching it on television not real enough for you?" I joke.
"Something like that" Kai responds, looking at a camera.