Chapter 2: Reaping Day

Josie – District Four

"Don't forget, folks!" Cesar Flickerman's grin flashed at the cameras and I glared at the TV, "The reaping day for the 71st Hunger Games is tomorrow! Happy Hunger Games everyone! And may the…"

The TV shuts off and I turn. Finnick is holding the remote by the door, a frown on his face.

"…Odds be ever in your favor," I finish for Cesar. Finnick sighs and drops the remote on the table and then collapses on the couch next to me.

"Why was the TV even on?" he asked wearily. His tan skin is wet from the surf and there is sand in his hair.

"Johanna was being…strange," I said elusively.

He raised an eyebrow, "And since when do you watch the Capitol's channels."

"Since nothing," I said.

"Josephine," he said, drawing out my name.

I can't meet his eyes. "I was just…checking…"

"The gossip about me?" Finnick guessed. I shrugged.

"Don't worry," he assured me, "Snow kept his word. I'm good."

I throw my arms around his neck.

"Wow!" he laughed as we fell back against the pillows. "What the heck, Josie!"

"I'm so happy," I whisper in his ear.

"This was months ago," he protests.

"I know," I toss back my hair and stand. I'm much calmer now. "But new Hunger Games mean new gossip, if they haven't talked about you yet…"

"They won't ever," Finnick finishes. We grin at each other.

"I can't get over how alike you look," a musical voice comments softly from the door.

Finnick's smile widens and he goes to the new arrival.

"Good morning, gorgeous," he tells Annie before sweetly kissing her. She blushes.

I smile, "Hi, Annie!"

"Hello, Josie," she said why she recovers from the kiss. But she has eyes only for Finnick. Then she gets serious, what day is it?

Oh, no.

Finnick swallowed hard, "Why don't you sit down?"

"It's today, isn't it?" the hysteria is already creeping into her voice.

"Annie…"

"Is it!?" she looks accusingly at both me and Finnick.

"It is," says an old voice. Mags has entered the house. Annie screams and falls to her knees, her hands flat over her ears.

"Annie!"

"Annie, it's okay, it's okay…"

"Death! Blood!...and I have to mentor! I…have…to…"

"No you don't," Mags said firmly. "We talked to the Capitol – you don't have to come. I'll go. Finnick will stay with you."

"It's approved?" I asked as Finnick repeated Mags' words to Annie. He said each word firmly, kissing her softly on her hands, her cheeks.

"Just got off the phone," Mags replied.

Annie had finally understood.

"I…I don't…"

"Never," Finnick replied.

"You won, Annie," I tell her. "They can't hurt you now."

She nods, and jumps at the sound of our obnoxious clock dinging and donging 11 o'clock. We all look at each other and laugh, even Annie.

Wait…eleven…?

"Shit!" I jump to my feet and race upstairs.

"What is it?" Annie all but shrieks. "Josie!"

I stick my head over the balcony, all smiles. "I need to get dressed. I've got to go, but don't worry. I'll make fish stew tonight, okay?"

Then I quickly slip into my favorite green dress. It's the same sea-green as my eyes – as Finnick's eyes – with a golden sash. My hair is loose except for a thin golden hairband that Annie wove for me on one of her good days. She weaves a lot – it's her talent but the Capitol didn't want a long segment on someone who's completely crazy when the Games are mentioned.

I fly down the stairs. Mags has already left to greet the train and start preparing it for the tributes…

Oh god, oh god…no don't think about it…

"Finnick!" I shout, "Fin! Where are my shoes?"

"By the door!" he shouts back. He's out back, sitting on the beach with Annie. The water calms her down.

"Not my sailing shoes!" I say, exasperated. "The nice ones!"

"How would I know?"

"In my study!" Annie shouts, unexpectedly, "I cleaned them up a bit!"

I ran outside and gave her a huge hug, "Annie, you're amazing!"

She giggles and I run to fine my shoes. I pull them on and keep running until I join the solemn procession of children and teenagers getting registered for the lottery.

I slow down. My heart is beating painfully fast, and my breath is a bit shallow.

My name is only in there once. Finnick's was much more, and so was Annie and so was Mags…the probability of me getting chosen is so slim…but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. At least, I'm scared until I see my little cousin joining the boy's line. He's only twelve, at least I'm almost sixteen.

Then I'm only worrying about my little cousin and the other little kids and Annie…

I don't pay any attention to those around me, lost in thoughts that are all but rebellious, until someone taps my shoulder.

"Josie-phine!" says a loud, jolly voice, "How're doing?" I can't help but twitch my lips up into a smile, even with the gravity of the situation. Sky Allwright may be a citizen of the Capitol, but he's okay. As the official liaison of district four, he's helped out with every Hunger Games since I was eight – which means he's worked with Finnick every year he's been a part of the elaborate ritual involving the games. I know him because he was the one to interview me during Finnick's games and then every after when they do their annual catch-up on favorite past victors. Finnick's always been a favorite…

Don't think about that either.

"Hey, Sky," I reply. I turn and give him a smile, "How are you?" Then I do a double-take.

Sky laughs, "Like it?" he asks, flipping his shocking neon blue curls out of his face. "Got it done especially for the games. Blue like the ocean, get it?"

"Sky," I say firmly, "The ocean isn't that color."

He looks a bit crestfallen and I can't help but add, "But it brings out the blue in your eyes." He has blue and green speckled eyes…speckled….I don't even understand why.

He smiles again, once again his bubbly self. "I've got to go to the stage, have a good day!"

"Yeah," I say grimly, watching his bright blue hair weave its way through the crowd. "A good day."

Sky climbs onstage and the Capitol's video about war begins and I'm once again thinking about Annie. Was she watching? Finnick probably wouldn't let her….so was he watching? I had mixed feelings about that one. On one side I could be picked – I probably wouldn't but I could – and I wanted my brother watching…though I'm not sure why since it would do no one any good. On the other side, it Annie saw it she'd probably fall to pieces and she wasn't one to wait in another room quietly by herself…I almost wished we'd sedated her like Johanna, a past victor from district had suggested. Finnick had yelled at him for that one…

I'm not paying attention until I hear Sky say, "And now, ladies first!"

I hate the cheerfulness in his voice and I wonder how he can be so happy, he's seen about six pairs of tributes die, minus Finnick.

He's pulled the paper. He's cleared his throat and now he's staring at it.

Why isn't he talking? I wonder.

He clears his throat again and;

"Josephine Odair!"

"What!?" it escapes me involuntarily.

But my name…only in there once…how…?

I feel like all the air has been crushed out of my lungs. And…oh god, oh god…Finnick? Are you even watching?

I feel alone. Mags is on the train, Annie and Finnick are probably on the beach. No one I actually care about…

I need to start walking, the peacekeepers are moving in on me. Sky is talking, telling the crowd that Finnick is my brother. They know, they know!

Why is the stage so close now? I don't remember walking to it…I climb the stairs…my clean shoes a sharp contrast with the dirty wood…oh Annie, did you know you cleaned them for this? To walk me to what may be my death?

I stand on the stage, and I look at the ocean shining behind the crowd. I can't help the tears that start to form in my eyes.

Ash – District Twelve

"Ash!" I hear the scream then feel a small body land on me. I only got home from the mines an hour ago and had just fallen asleep when this goofball wakes me up.

"Macie! Get out of Ash's room! Let him sleep! He was out this morning!" my mom whisper-yells as she steps into my room. "Oh! You're awake. Sorry, honey, I was trying to let you sleep more but this thing decided she wanted a playmate, though she has four out there!"

"It's okay, mom," I say chuckling. I pull Macie to my chest. "As long as I get a cuddle buddy."

My mom smiles at us.

"How much longer do I have?" I ask hesitantly.

"A couple of hours. Get some rest," she answers, then leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

Macie flips over so she's looking at me and asks in her innocent five year old voice, "What's today?"

"The reaping for the Hunger Games," I reply.

"What's reaping mean?" Macie asks innocently.

"What's with all the questions? Don't worry about it. Now, I need some sleep so either sleep with me or go play with Derek," I flick her nose compassionately.

I've tried to have my name put as little as possible in the dreaded bowl, but in District Twelve it was a struggle not to. I don't even know how many times my name is in there and I really don't want to think about it.

"I want to stay with you," Macie says in her sweet little voice as she lays her head on my arm.

I hear the door creak open and I looked over to see Jaxx, my thirteen year old brother, standing in my doorway. "Can I sleep with you too?"

I nod, noticing the tear stains on his face as he approaches. I scoot to the far edge as he crawls in on the other side of Macie.

I close my eyes and quickly fall asleep.

I wake to my mom stroking my forehead. "Sweetheart, time to get ready." Then she leaves the room.

I close my eyes and stretch, and hit something with my foot. I look down to see Coley curled up with her head on my chest, Macie curled up by my side, Jaxx curled around her and Derek by my feet. I stroke Coley's hair out of her face, startling her awake. She looks at me, nods, then climbs off me. She stretches and walks to her room. Then I flex my fingers and scratch Jaxx's back, waking him.

I whisper, "It's time."

He nods and rolls off the bed. There's a thud and an "oomph"

"I'm so sorry Leo! I didn't see you there!" Jaxx says. I sit up to see Leo, my ten year old brother, and Jaxx sit up; Leo's glaring at Jaxx but a smile is tugging at his lips.

I smile at them and crawl out of bed, picking up Leo and putting him on the bed in my spot. I ruffle his hair then grab my nice clothes and walk into the wash room to wash up before the reaping.

When we finish cleaning ourselves up, I pick up Leo and squeeze him tight. Then I pick up Macie and Derek, one in each arm and squeeze them too. They each get a kiss on their cheeks.

"We'll see you soon," I tell them. "Hold down the fort for me while I'm gone." I flick Leo on the end of his nose. My three youngest siblings nod.

Jaxx, Coley and I walk out the door. Coley jumps on my back, just like we do every year when we go to the reaping together. Jaxx walks behind us a bit till Coley grabs his hand and holds it so he was walking with us. We turn the corner out of our 'neighborhood' and we see someone familiar.

"Dad! Hi!" Coley says as she jumps off my back and goes to give him a hug.

"Hey kids! Collette, no hugs I'm full of dust," he says with a smile and backing away from Coley. For some reason, I'm the only person who is allowed to call Collette, "Coley."

"Oh boo hoo, I'm giving my dad a hug I don't care," she says stepping into his arms.

He smiles and kisses her forehead. Then, he turns to me and holds out a hand for a handshake but I pull him in for a hug too.

It's Reaping Day, we have to show affection sometime and if it's ever, today is the day. He gives a hug to Jaxx and ruffles his hair then says, "I'll see you guys in the square. May the odds be ever in your favor." He grins, trying to lighten the mood. Then, dad turns the corner and is gone.

Coley jumps on my back and this time, Jaxx takes her hand without hesitation, then he loops his arm through mine.

We walk into the square and go to check in.

I give a hug to Coley and kiss her forehead. We sit there for a minute, with her in my arms. "Everything will be fine, Coley. I promise," I say looking her in the eyes and kissing her forehead once more before she turns and walks away.

I turn to Jaxx just in time to see him finish hugging a girl his age.

"Hey Ash," I turn to see Teargra, a girl in my class. She is also the girl people peg as who I'm going to marry. Though she is beautiful, I always feel as if she's never liked me. I've always had a little crush on her, but could never pursue it because I was always trying to find ways to earn a little more money for my family. Life in the Seam sucks.

"Hey Tear, good luck," I say politely.

"Thanks, you too," she replies shyly. She stands there for a second, making it awkward. I opened my mouth to ask her if everything is alright when she suddenly steps closer and kisses me passionately on the lips. I barely have time to respond before she pulls back, gives me a quick hug and walks away.

I run my hands through my hair, then turn to Jaxx. He had politely turned away but when I touch his shoulder, he smirks at me. I ruffle his hair then put my hands on his shoulders and lead him to his spot.

As we approach, he loses his smirk and starts hyperventilating. I make him stand in his spot before kneeling down so I'm eye level with him.

"Everything's going to be fine. Your name is only in there once. Breathe. You know how. Pull yourself together. It's gonna be ok." I reassure him.

He nods and I stand up and hug him. He holds on tight for a long minute.

"Children, please make your way to your spot."

I let go and walk away, glancing back one last time to see he's put on an expressionless face, looking forward.

I make it to my spot and give a head nod to my best friend, Nano.

Effie Trinket comes out and gives her stupid speech and whatnot. I don't pay attention. I find Coley's head and I'm searching for Jaxx's when Effie announces that she's picking the girls first.

I start to sweat as she picks up the slip of paper and walks back to the microphone. All I can think, is about my sister, my best friend. I chant silently, Please not Coley. Please not Coley. Please not Coley. Please not Coley.

"Collette Faunen!"

I can't breathe. I press my fingers into my eyes to stop the tears from falling. Not now. They can't fall now. I have to be strong for Coley.

I see her walk up the stairs, pale. She isn't crying or crumpling to the ground which I see as a good sign. This would be a terrible time for her seizures to come back.

I keep my eyes locked on her as she searches the crowd for me. We lock eyes and she doesn't look away.

Effie congratulates "Collette Faunen," then walks to the boy's bowl. She picks a slip. I look away from Coley's stiff form to the back of Jaxx's head.

They can't both in the Games. I can't help but chant in my head: Please not Jaxx. Please not Jaxx. Please not Jaxx. Please not Jaxx.

"Ash Faunen!"

I let out a sigh of relief; it wasn't Jaxx. Then I look up and realize everyone was staring at me.

Ash Faunen.

Crap.

Finnick – District Four

"I want to watch, Finnick."

"Annie, I don't think that's a good idea," I tell her gently.

She shakes her head, curls bouncing every which way.

"If I'm not going to mentor the least I can do is know their names…I…I won't be able to watch the games but I want to know their names…"

I kiss her gently. "Okay, let's go."

I lead her to the TV and turn it on. I'm watching her, though, not the screen.

"Sky's hair…is…blue?" Annie says. I look at him.

"What is he supposed to be?" I ask, bewildered. "A neon blueberry?"

"He looks like a coral fish…"

Her voice is strained. She's trying to be cheerful, but I hear the hysteria in the back.

"It's okay, Annie," I tell her soothingly, rubbing her shoulders.

"The female tribute is..." Sky's voice trails off. Something is wrong. Annie and I turn and watch the TV. He gulps twice, before announcing, "Josephine Odair!"

I can't breathe. It feels as if I'm drowning.

The cameras zoom in on my sister; I see the shock on her face, and then, the fear.

"Nooooo!" The shout of denial is torn from me before I can stop it. I'm on my feet, but I don't remember standing. "No, no! Please, no! Not my sister...not my little sister..."

I remember killing those kids, I remember feeling their blood, hot and sticky, raining down on me as I stuck that damn golden trident through their hearts as they begged for me to spare their lives.

"Blood! Blood!" Annie is shouting, rocking back and forth, staring at her hands. "So much blood!"
"Annie, Annie!" I grab her. I'm sobbing, my heart is breaking. But I have to stop her before she hurts herself, "Annie, look at me! Please, look at me!" She doesn't. She just stares at her hands. "Annie, you're not in the games! It's okay, okay..."
"Lies!" Annie shrieks. "Lies! She'll die! Blood everywhere and she'll die! And if she doesn't, if she doesn't…!"
I'm sobbing, I just want to run and run and never look back. Just follow the beach until the end of time. But I have two girls to protect, two...oh god, oh god. Not my sister, not the only person I have left who the games haven't touched...my blood freezes in my veins and Snow's face swims before me. No, no you wouldn't...
 But he would.

"Finnick! Annie!"

Mags is here. She grabs Annie away from me and sits her back down. She's calming her and I back against the wall.
My fault. All my fault.

"Mags..." I try to begin, to explain.
"Get out!" Annie screams at me.
"What?" I stare.
"Get out and keep her alive! Damn you! Don't come back until she's won! Don't come back without her! You hear me? You're nothing if she dies! Nothing! She can't die...she can't…die…Blood! Blood everywhere!"
"Annie," her name escapes my lips as a whisper. I want to hug her, kiss away her fear, but the horror in me is overwhelming.
"Out!" She screams. "Out!"
"Finnick, go!" Mags says firmly.

"But…"

"I've got her! Go! Your sister needs you, young man," she's scolding me as if I were still fourteen. "Be her mentor and bring your sister home."

I nod and run. But not to the train - straight to the tributes. They get visitors and I can't wait. She needs to know I saw...because I left her there alone to get called into the games.
Oh god, what have I done?