Because the District 1 spots have been filled, I am releasing the first reaping now. I will make reapings in order, from 1 to 12. Radiance Lurez and Bastion Mace are both by darkskiesandprettylies.
District 1, Reaping Day 9:45 A.M.
Bastion Mace (D1 Male, 17)
I wake from my sleep and get up from my bed. It's Reaping Day, I realize. Today is the day I finally volunteer. After all these years, I can finally begin on the path of a victor. On the side of my bed is my reaping outfit, a deep black suit with a red tie. My parents are probably off attending a party, or something else of the sort to celebrate reaping day. Maybe they don't care to include me with their lives now, but one day I know they will, as soon as I win.
Radiance and I decided to volunteer together this year. She will be a good backup, someone to trust, in the arena. The other careers we can ally with, but I'm not going to lower my guard. As long as I don't, no tribute will ever be able to defeat me.
I work with my arena plans in my mind as I get dressed, and make myself breakfast. Due to my parents being victors, we have a big home, with plenty of everything. I have a simple breakfast, comprised of bacon and eggs. Even the strongest of people need to eat simplistic food, occasionally.
Eventually, I finally finish and head outside. A few trainees among the crowd of people heading for the reaping back away from me and whisper to each other as I walk by, but I don't care. Let the idiots do what they wish. We'll see where that takes them.
Finally, I reach the crowd of people at the reaping. One of the peacekeepers takes a drop of my blood and I head for the 17 Males section. I catch a glimpse of Radiance, dressed in her matching outfit to mine. We exchange a nod, and prepare for the drawings of the tributes.
Radiance Lurez (D1 Female, 17)
The District 1 Escort, a lady named Ruby, walks onto the stage and introduces herself. She wears, as her name suggests, tons of red colored clothing, and has red contacts in her eyes so that she looks even more like a ruby.
"I'm as eager as all of you are to start the reapings, but first we must watch a presentation." She speaks, smiling at us with her altered face. "Then we can get to the exciting part!" We watch the traditional video they show yearly before the reapings. Seriously, why even show that old video anymore? Hardly anyone pays attention to it. They don't even show it at the reaping recaps on television...
Anyway, the boring old thing eventually ends, and the eager escort speaks up once again. "Now then... ladies first!" She walks on her high heels over to the reaping bowl and pulls out a name. I don't even listen to it, because it doesn't matter. She looks out to the crowd. "Any volunteers?"
I raise my hand and walk onto the stage. "I am Radiance Lurez, and I volunteer as tribute." I declare, determined in my choice.
"Oh! Okay, nice to meet you, young lady!" She shakes my hand vigorously and moves on. "Now for the boys!" She strides over to the reaping bowl and pulls out a slip. "Dain Ulther!" She calls out.
A young, frail looking boy steps toward the stage, and begins to ascend the steps. On cue, the strong voice of my best friend, Bastion, calls out. "I volunteer as tribute!" His steps strong and steady, he heads out from his section. The boy on the steps looks relieved that he volunteered, and is just beginning to say a "thank you" when he is cut short by being shoved out of the way.
Bastion steps onto the stage, and silent realization seeps into Ruby's face as she looks at our outfits. "What's your name, dear?" She manages to ask.
"Bastion. Bastion Mace. Remember it, because I'm going to be the next winner of the Hunger Games." He glances at me, and we both smile.
One of us is going to come out of that arena alive, for sure.
And with that, the first reaping is finished. I'm looking forward to writing for Radiance and Bastion. Thanks to darkskiesandprettylies for them. Anyway, constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated, so if you see something that I can work on, just let me know! Make sure to submit, if you want to, as well!