District One, Timmie Vanderwaal

So today was the day I would volunteer, I guess. I mean, it wasn't like I was opposed to the idea. Of going into the games, that is. But I mean, I have to admit it is a little intimidating after all. It is the 100th Anniversary. Who knows what kind of scary things could be in the arena? Anything is possible really.

What am I saying? My family has trained me for this my entire life! I should be excited right? Right? I take a deep breath, and continue getting dressed for the reapings, that everyone expects me to volunteer for this year. Since this is my last year to enter. I mean, my mom won the 85th games and my dad almost volunteered. Not to mention my blood thirsty sister, who is probably going to volunteer next year, even though I know she has a plan to enter this year with me. I never really liked her that much. To enter the games with your own brother, knowing that you possibly will have to kill him, that's a little harsh don't you think? I pull my dress shirt over my arms, and start to button it up to hide what most girls call "damn hot abs." I don't know what that really means, but I suppose it's a compliment. I take a moment to pause and think about my life here in District One. It's not bad, I guess. I know that a lot of districts have it worse. I mean, compared to them, I guess I've led a pretty comfortable life so far. Although I don't really find any aspect of it all that fulfilling. I mean, nothing really happens to me all to often. Most people don't even remember my birthday. Maybe the reason my parents want me to volunteer so bad is so that I get some recognition? Although, I'm not sure if I even want to be recognized. Is a life of fame really meant for me? It's hard to say. I mean, my parents are pretty famous together, and my sister absolutely loves to pose with them in family photo ops and everything. Usually I just stick around for a photo or two, though, then just stand back in the sidelines. Hell, most of the time none of the family photos in the magazines even show me, kinda ironic isn't it? That boy that has everything in the world, doesn't want anything at all. I let out a quiet low giggle, then clear my throat immediately, to silence myself. It wasn't gentlemanly to giggle at a joke that nobody else knew the punch line to. At least that's what my parents told me.

"Timmie! We're going to be late!" yelled my mother from downstairs.

"Yeah Loser! Hurry up!" That was my sister.

"C-Coming!"

I hollered back to them as I tried the best I could to get my dress pants on. I quickly yanked them on, and zipped them up. Then I scrambled over into the bathroom to check my hair. It looked fine, I guess, I mean there wasn't much to do with it in the first place. It was a normal sort of brown, with some natural bronze streaks through it. I quickly looked back into my deep sapphire blue eyes that I guess were kind of cool. I guess. I exhaled nervously and looked into my reflection seriously.

"Just stay calm and say the words 'I volunteer.' That's all you need to do that's all."

God I was so nervous.

"TIM!"

My mom's patience was wearing thin. She only called me Tim when she was getting upset with me, which was usually all the time since I usually disappointed them a lot, since I couldn't be amazing like my sister.

"Coming!"

I grab my tux jacket and haphazardly put it on as I clumsily ran down the stairs. Some career I am, I can't even put on my clothes right without looking like a moron.

Just relax idiot, and it'll be ok. You have been training for this your entire life after all.

I finally reached the bottom of the stairs and dusted myself off, then I readjusted my tux. A few buttons were out of place, but that was about it. Nothing too drastic, but it was still enough for my mother to chastise me.

"Oh Tim! Look at what you've done! First you slept in, and now this!? You look like a mess! God, why can't you clean up well like your sister? Well it'll have to do, come on, we're late now because of your dilly dallying."

We walked out the door as my mother grabbed me by the wrist walking very, very quickly. She absolutely hated being late, which was bad for me since I was usually very late to begin with. As we arrived to the place where the reapings were being held, I caught a glance at some girl who I think some people refered to as the "PINK" girls. Whatever that means. As we arrive at our seats I hear one of the girls scoff very impatiently as if she was just done with everyone in the whole District. In my opinion, I think that was rather rude, but I don't bring any attention to it. It isn't my place anyway.

The mayor walks up on the stage grinning in a bleach white suit. A bit too quickly, if you ask me, then again this whole ceremony can't go slow enough. I zone out for a bit trying to calm myself down as I feel the rising panic in the back of my throat, urging myself not to do this and just walk away. However, I knew that if I didn't go through with this my parents would probably be disappointed in me forever... I really didn't have any choice in this situation did I?

"And now the moment we have all been waiting for..."

No wait! Give me a bit longer to think things through!

"District One's tribute for this year's One Hundred Annual Hunger Games is-"

Suddenly I watch as a girl burst out from her seat and starts storming up to the podium.

"It's me Lilac Menuric. Now move over pops you're in my spot."

"What the?! You're not allow- Security!"

The nerve of her! How can someone possible so rude and unchivalrous? I watch as she sways her hips side to side as if she thinks that is somewhat remotely attractive. I find it kinda disturbing and revolting.

"First of all, I would like to say that when I come back every one one of you mother fuckers are going to answer to me, your goddess of Panem. So if you think for one second that I am going to die, I will find you and end you."

She gives us a flash of a Cheshire cat like smile, toothy and somewhat frightening, and walks off the stage as a few Peacekeepers go to take her off.

"No need gentleman I can find my way to the Hall of Justice by myself, but I appreciate the offer, thank you very much."

She tells them to shoo and go away as she flicks her wrist at them. Wow she is a bitch!

"Look girlie I don't know what your on but-" he said as he reached out to grab her arm.

She quickly grabbed him and flipped him onto the ground and screamed like a spoiled brat, even more so then my sister.

"How DARE you!? I am the new VICTOR of the hunger games! YOU WILL OBEY ME YOU SLAVE!"

She then proceeded to make her way to the Justice Building, where I guess she will await to be taken away to the capitol with me as my District partner. Do I really want her as a District partner?

The mayor picked himself up and steadied himself after that very unpleasant event.

"Right. Well, since I guess we have our female, let's move on to the males shall we?"

His hand hovered over the glass bowl and reached into grab a name. It was now or never.

"I VOLUNTEER!" I said as I gathered my courage and stood up with my fist clenched.

"I'm sorry boy, what was that?"

I swallowed nervously, every part of me was screaming for me to sit back down. I looked at my mother as she gave me a look that said "Go on now!" then looked back to the mayor.

"I-I said I volunteer?"

The mayor smiled and asked me my name.

"My name is Timmie Vanderwaal and I volunteer as tribute for the 100th games?"

"Well then, may the odds be ever in your favor, and happy Hunger Games!"

I guess there was no going back now. I was in the Games.