Escher Darknight
The town square of District 1 was crowded today. Of course it was crowded, it's Reaping Day. Most likely I won't get chosen, either way I'll have a lifetime of guilt from killing on my conscious so it wouldn't matter anyway.
I pushed past kids to get to my age section. While I stood alone waiting for our escort to call the names of the tributes I glanced around at the other kids. Some were giddy with excitement, desperate to prove themselves and others were nervous, hoping they would have one more year to train for the Games.
As soon as everybody settled down, our mayor read out The Treaty of Treason and told us the history of Panem. It was always the same old boring story, so I droned them out until our escort, straight from the Capitol stepped up to the podium to announce this year's tributes.
"Let's start with the males this year," He called out to all of District 1.
As he called out the boy's name I saw a 15 year-old walk up to the stage. He was nothing special, I could take him out in 5 seconds, and he probably wouldn't even make it past the first day. That's when I had the idea of volunteering for him. Maybe he wouldn't like it much but I would be a much better tribute, I also wouldn't have to do my job for a while. Sure I would have to kill but for survival not just for some stupid order.
"I volunteer," I said as I walked up to the stage.
Heaven Opel
I watched as a guy from the 17 year-old section volunteered for the original male tribute. I have to admit he wasn't that bad looking; he was tall, blonde and muscular. He stood at the front of the stage waiting for District 1's escort to announce the female tribute.
"Heaven Opel"!
This isn't happening. This can't be happening. I had children to take care of, they needed me. I stumbled up to the front of the stage and took my spot next to Escher. Forcing myself to be strong for the children, I shook Escher's hand and faintly heard our escort talking.
"Give it up for the tributes of District 1: Escher Darknight and Heaven Opel".
District 1 exploded into applause for their new tributes. We were a good pair of tributes, maybe one of us would make it back home.