I really struggled with this chapter as I had absolutely no influence. I'm really sorry if it doesn't come across very good, I literally made it up on the spot. I know I shouldn't do that. Please review. It only takes a minute and it is really important to me as your reviews will tell me how I can improve my writing. PM me as well. I don't really talk to anyone... Please review/favourite/follow and let me know if there's anything troubling you :)
Adia Reckless, 14
I knew this would happen. I just knew it. I'm sitting in a soft, ruby red chair, surrounded by drapes of sky-blue curtains, covering the windows. I'm going to have nightmares of this day for the rest of my life, which, by the looks of it, shouldn't be too far down the road. I'll never forget this day, the day that changed my life.
I was standing in the audience, waiting for the escort to arrive. When she arrived, I almost fainted at the sight. What is it with the Capitol and what they wear? She looked like someone had given a baby a paintbrush and let it run wild with it. It's disgusting. Her name is Aria Fitz. She explained why the Hunger Games started and how we deserved it. Rude. You can't blame us for something that happened 125 years ago. She looked around with a sly grin on her face. She has always loved this part. The Reaping. She's been our District escort for as long as I remember and she's always loved seeing who's going to die for the particular year. She loves the Hunger Games and hates the citizens of the Districts, except the Capitol, of course. She actually enjoys watching children die. That's sick!
Just after letting out a snigger, she walked over to the girls bowl. At this point, my heart was beating out of my chest. I felt so nervous. It could be me. She opened the slip right next to the microphone so we could all hear the unfurling of the slip, to put us on edge. Every girl leaned towards the stage to make sure they could hear the name being called out.
"Ahem. Give a round of applause to your female tribute this year: Adia Reckless!" Aria looked around for her. Me. I was the one going off to my death. I slowly walked up to the stage, completely ignoring the cameras as I didn't want them to see my face. They'll see my face when it's time. Even when I was on stage, I kept my hair in front of my face. I could see out to the crowd but no-one could see me. I feel sorry for the other tribute, he seemed terrified, even though he's 18. His hair won't help him in the Games, either. It's bright red. I didn't let anyone see my face and only a few people know what I actually look like.
The worst part of the whole experience was in the Justice Building. I sat there, waiting. My mother burst in with my little sister. They were both crying. My sister has just got to the age where she understands the concept of death. Dad died a few years ago but I can't go a day without thinking of him. I tell my sister to look after mum as she's very weak and I tell my mum the same. Why did I have to get reaped this year? Of all the years, I get reaped when my family need me the most.
I'm on the train now and I can't get out of the chair. The thoughts about earlier today are still processing in my mind and, to be frank, the chair is just so comfortable. My daze is interrupted by my District partner tells me food is ready. Oh my gosh. The food is unbelievable. I've never seen most of these. The bread is the only thing I recognise. I eat as much as I can and I'm stuffed.
Aden Hanran, 18
I stand no chance. I'm up against people who have volunteered. That obviously means they're prepared and they've most likely trained. I walk over to the table and put some food on my plate. As I start eating, I go over what has just happened. I've just been chosen to fight to the death. I only had one year left. One year. My luck just keeps going down the drain, and there won't be a plug to stop it until I die, which should be anytime in the next few weeks.
This was the one day I didn't want to get reaped. I mean, I never want to get reaped but this day was special. This was the day I was going to propose to my girlfriend. The plan was to wait until the Reaping was over then take her to one side and "pop" the question. When that brown-haired girl was reaped, I was so happy. My girlfriend was safe. Forever. She'll never have to go in the games. Everything was going according to plan until:
"... to Aden Hanran!"
What? No. This isn't right. I looked over to check if I heard right. From all the faces pointing towards me, I knew I had heard right. It felt like a punch in the gut. A strong one at that. I guess now I'll never get to tell Jessica I love her and want to marry her. Wait, I remember interviews from past Hunger Games and nearly all of them have included someone mentioning a loved one back home. If I mention Jess, maybe I could get sponsors. Yes. This could work.
While I'm eating, I smile at the thought of possibly getting sponsors. "What's tickled you, Aden?" Aria asks.
"Oh, nothing," I reply. I'm not letting anyone know about this plan until it's foolproof. When I get to dessert, I think back to when I was in the Justice Building. It was horrible. First of all, my mother walked in. There were only tears forming in her eyes. Nothing else. She told me she was very proud of me, as if I was never going to see her again. I hadn't considered that. Never seeing my family again. As I'm eating a tear comes to my eye.
"Now you're crying?" Aria questions, "what's going on?"
"It doesn't matter," I answer. I think back to what happened after my mother left the Justice Building. I sat in my room for about two minutes before Jessica walked in. We both just walked up to each other and cried on each other's shoulders. I told her of my plan to marry her but now all that's a waste as I'm about to die a most-likely gruesome death. She cried even more, struggling to smile, but all that showed was trembling lips. I held her close, promising I'd come back for our wedding. That's my motivation. Jessica.
I finish my food and excuse myself from the table. I go to my bedroom to change into something more comfortable but once I lay on the bed to rest, I practically fall straight asleep. I've never been in a bed so comfortable before. I cuddle up to the pillow and I'm out like a light.