Sinistra Venus

I stood alone in the 16 year-old section of the stage. I had just 5 slips of paper in the Reaping ball; the odds are in my favour. Two more years and I wouldn't have to worry about being chosen for the Games. Two more years and I would start to work with technology; I'm basically a genius so it seems like a fit career path.

"Let's start with our lovely ladies, shall we?" Our escort yelled out to the crowd in her annoying Capitol accent. She shook the Reaping ball, mixing up the names. 5 of slips of paper with my name on them were in that ball, being shaken all over the place. Our escort stuck her hand in the ball, flitting around till it found the piece of paper it wanted. She purposely waited a couple seconds to make the crowd anxious, and then when she did say the name there was no mistaking who it was.

"Sinistra Venus"

Out of thousands of names, one of my five was chosen. I guess the odds weren't in my favour this year.

"It was bound to happen eventually. . . . Oh well," I muttered to myself. I wore a sad smile as I took my time walking up to the stage. I was savouring every step, because these steps could very well be my last free steps in District 3. When I reached the front of the stage our escort asked for volunteers. Of course there were no volunteers, I had no siblings or friends and really, not many people were that eager to prove themselves here.

"Well if there are no volunteers, let's continue with our guys," The escort called out to District 3.

"Akuma Engel"

Akuma Engel

My name was being called. It took a second for it to register in my mind, but when it did I let out a sigh. Before I went up to the stage I walked to the spot where my brother was. His eyes were wide and tears were leaking out of them non-stop. It was almost like when somebody forgot to totally shut of the tap, and there's still a small but steady flow of water coming out. I ruffled his hair and gave him a hug.

"Listen Mallow, I promise I'll try and make it back as soon as I can, and don't forget how much I love you," I told my brother.

His eyes were still leaking out tears when he gave me a small box. It wasn't just a box either; it was a small music box with a picture of my brother and our mom. He must have snuck it out of the house with him for good luck.

"It can be your token," He whispered to me drying his tears.

"Thanks, I'll take really good care of it," I promised him and walked up to the stage. I was a bit surprised when I saw that my escort had let a few tears escape and was trying to dry her eyes, and that people in the audience also had tears glistening in their eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Our escort announced, "I give you District 3's tributes: Sinistra Venus and Akuma Engel."

I reached over and shook Sinistra's hand, but my eyes were focussed on my brother. He dried his eyes and was looking at me; I gave him a small smile and knew I had to keep my promise to him. I would try my hardest to come home.