The reaping is Hell, as it's always been.
I stand side by side with Allison. Allison and Azlyn. Azlyn and Allison. Incomplete without the other. We cannot live if the other dies.
The lady who reaps us-don't ask her name, I have no desire to learn it-walks up to stage. I expect her to say, "Ladies first!" as everyone before her has, but she doesn't. Instead, she reaches into the male bowl, to her left, to reap the male name for the 99th Hunger Games.
She clears her throat. Allison and I back towards our mother. I can't deny, when the female tribute is reaped, I want to be it, somewhere. To see my father, the Avox.
The male name is called. I grip onto Allison's hand. "Duncan Lawrence!" The name is called.
I have no clue who he is. Blonde haired, with just a touch of gold-from the sun. He looks to be my age, but I don't know.
The female tribute drawing seems to go forever. But the name comes out of the bowl…
I grip my sister harder.
"Allison Joschka!"
Allison…Allison…..ALLISON!
I can't let this happen. I see the fear and confusion light up on her face. I can't let her walk up there, see her weakness.
I shove my sister lightly and walk to the stage. My blue eyes stare at no one. No one can tell that it's not Allison.
If it was me going in, I would have no chance, being myself. I have spared Allison her dignity. I will act her part.
I will die playing her part. I will die today, not as Azlyn Michaela Joschka, but as Allison Carmen Joschka.
Today, with my blue eyes trained out on a point far away in District 10, I give my life to Allison. I will act her part.
And I will win with her part.