Chapter 2
The morning of the Reaping had finally arrived. I couldn't wait to get out of the house my dad couldn't be less supportive. He keeps telling me how my sister is so much better than me, blah, blah, blah. Like I hadn't heard it all before. My 22-year-old sister, Hollis, won the hunger games when she was 17 and she's everything I'm not. She has gorgeous long blonde hair and bright green eyes and gets everything she wants because she's pretty. I'm not glamorous; I have long black hair and dark brown eyes. People like her while people fear me. That's all right I'd rather be feared then liked. I'll show them, when I win I'll get my own house in Victors Village and they won't be living with me!
I pull out my reaping clothes, black pants, a flowy gold shirt and strappy sandals. Most girls wear dresses, but I prefer pants. Dresses make me feel exposed and weak. I pull my hair into its standard ponytail and start walking to the Town Center.
When I get there I sign in and go stand with the other 16 year olds. When I join the crowd everyone around me scoots back as if I was contagious. Sometimes it's annoying not having any friends. It's hard to always have this emotionless mask and portray myself as this heartless person. Sure I'll enjoy going to the games and killing anyone who gets in my way, but I do still have a heart.
Finally our escort walks on stage, and she looks as ridiculous as always. Her name is Jaylia and this year she's wearing a bright orange dress and her hair is styled into big green curls. I mean seriously she looks like a human carrot. She walks up to the mike and welcomes us in her strange Capital accent
"Hello District 2! Welcome to the 74th Hunger Games! Is anyone as excited as me?"
The crowd is silent so she decides to move on. She shows us the same boring video as always and then finally starts the Reaping.
"Ok ladies first!" She reaches into the bowl and pulls out a slip of paper " Riley James"
I know the name she's a year above me. Before she can even move I yell, "I volunteer" I walk to the stage with confidence and go up to stand next to Jaylia.
"Ok what's your name honey?"
Ugh gross. I try not to look disgusted as i say "Clove Sevina."
"Do you have anything to say to the people watching?"
I lean in towards the mike and say in a confinement arrogant voice "Your looking at your new victor. I'll see you soon" I flash a scary looking smile at the end. Jaylia looks intimidated
"Ok let's just get to the boys." She calls a boy who I don't know and of course Cato volunteers. Jaylia has Cato and I shake hands and I can't help get lost in his gorgeous blue eyes. Cut it out Clove, I tell myself. You're going to have to kill him. Cato and I are then escorted off stage and into the justice building.