Xander Arlen- District 3
"Xander, Xander, time to get up!" I open my eyes to see the scariest sight possible. My tree is on fire, my ally dead. The gong sounds as I scramble to my feet. I see the District 1 girl pull back an arrow, aim, and-
"Xander, it's ok, you're dreaming!" I open my eyes to see an even scarier sight- my big brother's face. It's hideously scarred from his Games, where a Career hit his face- well, I try not to think about it. That nightmare was a scene from his Games, and he got out alive, but not all of him. At least he won, unlike 23 other kids. His Games shook our family, but when he returned, we were stronger. I've heard about the families that get divorces because they have a kid in the Games. Oh, well, there's no way I'll get Reaped. I pity the poor 17 or 18 year old who has to die in the bloodbath. "Xander, GET UP! IT'S REAPING DAY" Oh, gee, thanks, I never would have noticed- it's reaping day? I jump out of bed, run into the bathroom and get dressed. I love Reaping Day! See, the chance that I'll be picked as a 13-year-old is about 2 in 7,000, and the chance that we'll have a great meal and a party after the Reaping is 1 in 1. That's me, Xander Arlen, always thinking and calculating. I keep to myself outside, but in my head, I'm the wildest guy around!
At breakfast, I see another good sign for the day- blueberry waffles! My mom can cook anything, except the normal things. Ask for Spanish Toast- sure! You want White Forest Cake- no problem! Want a grilled cheese sandwich- she has no clue where to start. Breakfast is usually oatmeal, but made with barley. But when we have blueberry waffles- AWESOME!
More good signs for the day as I see my best friend, Xanthous, standing right next to me. Of course he is, we're the only X names in District 3, much less 13 year old boys in District 3! "Hey, Xan, what's up?" "Not much, Xan. Can't wait for the party!" Xanthous and I both have the same tastes. We're both smart, and we both love to party! I turn around to try to find Varius, my other best friend (I don't like people unless their name begins with V, W, X,, Y, or Z.). I turn back around, and Xanthous has his serious face on. "Hey, man, you got reaped!" I crack up. "Right, Xan! Who was it this year? Some guy we know?" I must not have heard the Reaping. Oh, well, it's almost over! "No, i'm serious! It was you!" Xanthous was always good at the art of a deadpan delivery, but this is fantastic! "Xander Arlen!" That's the escort. Who is that guy? It takes a while to realize. "Wait. It's me?" I'm stunned. I might have started to cry, I don't remember. The goodbyes are a blur, I'm so shocked. My last memory is looking out the window at my home, watching it fade into the distance...
Katrina Goethe- District 3
I wake up early. Actually, that's not the right word. I never got to sleep last night. I've been so stressed about my choice, but after tossing and turning the whole night, I've reached a decision. I will volunteer!
As I go to breakfast, I reach another decision. I will not tell my parents until I volunteer. This day will be hard, but I'm just going to spend it with my parents. I'm nauseous, but I manage to eat my pancakes so that I look normal. My dad sees my nervousness, though. "Katrina, it's ok, there's no way you'll be picked! You only have 5 slips!" That's one of the reasons that I want to get away. My dad is so clueless, he thinks that I'm 16! "Dad. I am 17. I get 6 slips!" He tries to change the subject. "Oh, that's what I meant. Still, the odds against it are enormous!" "Yeah, I know…" I keep the conversation going, but inside, I'm reflecting on my reasons to volunteer.
See, I'm not a District 3 girl. My mom grew up in 2. She was going to volunteer, but the Academy picked someone different at the last minute. Her parents were furious, and forced her to move to 3. Because she's not from 3, I didn't get the brainiac gene. Sure, I'm smart, but not like those geeks who seem to only live in District 3. "Oh, of course, because of the 4th law of molecular dynamics, the physical state of a boron ion can be altered according to Octavius's equation." "Obviously!" Meanwhile, I'm sitting there like, huh? That's been every day of my life. So of course, I don't exactly fit in with the geeks and nerds. You know, it'll almost be fun to go to the Capitol. I mean, before the whole mutts, fire, sword coming at my head thing.
Finally, the Reaping comes. Xander Arlen, the weirdo, gets picked. You have to feel sorry for him, the way he just broke down in tears. Wait, no, I'm trying to be a Victor. I can't feel sorry for my opponents! Finally, the girl is picked. "Memory Rhodes!" Oh, that decides it. Memory is one of my best friends. "I volunteer as tribute!" As I walk to the stage, I see my parents. My mom looks sad, like she expected this. My dad, on the other hand, is shocked. I shake hands with Xander and try to comfort him. Who knows, maybe he'll be a valuable ally.
Ok, that was District 3. I have changed the format of the story. We'll be doing Reapings one district at a time. Also, since this is taking a long time, I have another idea. We could do the Reapings from a Gamemaker's point of view, and get them over quickly, so that Training can start. Or, we can continue as we are doing. I have posted a poll, please check it out and vote! Plus, please continue to review. All criticism is welcome!