Bold - Joseph

Bold and Italic - Ratty

A/N Finally, the reapings are here! I can't wait to see all these awesome characters kill... I mean interact with eachother! From now on, the chapters might be longer because of the incredible boost of inspiration I have at the moment. :)

A/N I'm so sorry for the late update! It's completely my fault; I took up too many things at once and didn't have time. Enjoy!

Chapter Five

Drusa Predator, District Two Female Citizen, 18 Years Old

Reaping Day.

A low growl escapes from my throat as I glare at the girl in the mirror. A person of an average height and weight (for a District Two citizen, at least); with big brown eyes, full lips, and shoulder length hair. One could say she is beautiful. But her dress! It is a disaster. With its hideous floral pattern and bright colors, it makes the girl look like a 12 years old child.

And unfortunately, that girl is me.

"I'm not going to wear this in public," I state, crossing my arms across my chest; my expression cold as I stare the petite woman in the eyes.

"But…But Drusa!" My mother stutters in panic.

"No." I raise a finger. "I don't want to hear it. This year is way too important for me. I finally made it into the Top 10; I am allowed to Volunteer. No one will take me seriously if I'm going to do so in this… dress."

She presses her lips into a thin line before helping me out of the colorful clothing. Once it is out of my sight, I start looking for a normal dress among my clothes. But no matter how long I dig, I can't seem to find a suitable one. I shake my head.

From the corner of my eyes I see my mother holding her floral hideosity close to her chest. Tears start welling up in her eyes, at which I roll my eyes.

"Could you ask Valeria to come over?" I ask, mentioning towards the door. She nods curtly and hurries out of my room. I sigh inwardly. That's why she never got the chance to Volunteer. She is too emotional and week. It's a surprise that father even proposed to her…

Without any kind of warnings; my door suddenly opens and in comes my dear sister: Valeria. She has a goofy grin plastered across her face; her eyes are wide with anticipation. I knew this day would come, but I never expected it to be so soon.

"Oh, my, if it isn't the big and tough Drusa asking for her older sibling's help! Don't worry, I'll do whatever I can to help my favorite sister." She hugged my tightly, completely oblivious to the fact that I'm half-naked. I roll my eyes. That's why I don't like to ask her any kind of favors.

"I'm your only sister."

"All the more reason to help you!" Valeria squeaks and drags me out of my room and down the hallway. With my free hand I try to cover myself as we pass by my father and brother, Tertius. They are already in their Reaping outfits. This only makes me more edgy.

The moment we enter Valeria's room, she begins her search for a decent dress. I wait patiently in the background, but she takes awfully long. After five minutes I begin to shiver. It's not exactly warm in here, plus I've been topless for a good 20 minutes now.

"Got it!" She turns around happily, holding in her hands a simple black dress. It's nothing complex, but serves the case. And I won't look like a 12 years old. "Oh, or maybe this one; its pattern is so nice, I really liked it when I was your age. Or this blue one, or..." Valeria begins to pull out different dresses from her closet. All of them have or an unbearable color or an insupportable pattern. I growl for the second time today, and snatch the black one from her hands.

"We are not playing dress-up." She only laughs at my behavior.

As I'm getting dressed, she offers to do my hair, but I decline.

"My hair is good as it is..." I stop as I look at myself in the mirror. This outfit is way better then the one my mother suggested. "But could you lend me a pair of shoes?" Valeria smirks at me, but before she could say anything I raise my hand. "Forget I asked."

I comb my hair with my fingers in silence, but the look Valeria is giving me makes me uneasy. I try to ignore it but as the minutes pass by, it starts to get more and more on my nerves.

"What?" Suddenly, I turn around. Valeria just blinks at me for a couple of seconds, then sighs.

"I was just thinking... I know that you hate those kind of clothes, but was it really necessary to talk with mom in such a manner?" She looks at me with tired eyes. I raise an eyebrow but say nothing. "You do know that she was saving for months to buy it for your last Reaping. She was so excited this morning... You really hurt her."

"Whatever," I sigh. "That is her own fault. She is my mother, she should know me better then that." Valeria shakes her head.

I frown and am about to give her a piece of my mind, but a loud knock on the door cut me short. I shut my mouth and Valeria opens the door. My father stands in the doorway looking at us expectantly.

"Ready?"

"Yeah." We nod in unison.

I look in the mirror for the last time, making sure that I look good enough, then follow after my sister. My mother and little brother are already standing by the front door. Tertius gives me a small smile and I smile back. Looking at my mother I notice her eyes are slightly red, a sign that she was crying before. I shake my head inwardly.

Together me, my parents, my siblings leave the house and make our way towards the Town Square. It is silence. For which I'm glad for once. I have time to organize my thoughts.

There are nine other females whom are qualified. I'm 99% sure that each one of them will arrive early, just like myself. I need to make sure I stand as close to the podium as possible. The distance between yourself and the escort can be crucial at times like these. And also, after the female Tribute is Reaped I need to yell as fast and loud as possible, then...

"Viktor Predator! Fancy seeing you here this early in the morning!"

My train of thoughts is abruptly stopped by a nerve-racking voice of a male. I snap my head in his direction only to come face to face with the one and only Cassian Bronze; my father's childhood friend. He steps in front of us, with his arms wide open as if awaiting a hug.

"Well, we need to be on time to see my dear daughter's success." Father smirks proudly, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"I wish you good luck, young lady." He murmurs with a wide smile. Then him and my father start discussing some trivial things at which I don't really pay attention.

I've known Cassian for what feels like forever. Him and my father are good friends and he is a really nice person, but his formal behavior always gets on my nerves.

But that's not why I'm here for. I'm here to be the first one on that podium. I'm here to volunteer. I say my quick goodbyes to my family (knowing well, that I'll have an other chance to do it properly later) and dash towards the check-in point with my little brother.

Once we are registered, we take our separate ways and I walk in the direction of the girls' 18 years old section. I try to stand more towards the verge and front. It's such a luck that the older ones are standing in the front and the younger children in the back. It saves us time.

As I find a good enough spot, I notice that the other qualified girls are already here. One of them, Hera Vanadius if I remember correctly, is standing right beside me but the others are behind me with a couple of row. So right now, Hera is my only competition. I smirk. I've seen her during training; I'm definitely faster then her. I have the odds in my favor.

I glance in the direction of my brother, out of pure curiosity. He is standing there with his friends. Good. I also notice that the qualified boys are already here as well. Nero Dean, Hadrian Maximus... They are all here. I notice the Mayor's son, Alabastor Prime, is staring at the Town Hall with determination written all over his face. I wonder which one of them will volunteer first...

Minutes pass by and finally the Mayor comes up to the stage. He reads out aloud the same text as last year about the history of Panem. I know the story like the back of my hand, so I take advantage of the few minutes he speaks and clear my head. The only thing that matters now is my timing. I need to be the first one to get to the podium!

As the Mayor introduces the escort, Alba Aquamarine, I stare up at them with hard eyes. The young capitolite then walks up to the girls' bowl, takes off her pure white gloves and with her perfect manicure, she reaches for the first split of paper that comes into her sight. She steps in front of the microphone and clears her throat.

"Leto Ambrosia!"

A girl from the 17 year old's section steps forward. She walks up to the escort calmly. My muscles are tense with anticipation as Alba asks if there are any Volunteers.

"I volunteer as Tribute!" I yell as fast and loud as I can. Beside me Hera raises her hand a minute too late, because I'm already dashing towards the escort. All the cameras are directed towards me. As I see myself on the big screens from every possible angle; I can't help but smirk.

I take the steps in a very unladylike manner; my dress bouncing up and down as I jump up on the podium. I wouldn't be surprised if the cameras saw my underwear and the whole Capitol is now munching on the images. But right now, I couldn't care less.

The girl, Leto, rushes past me, back to her initial spot in the crowd as I walk up to Alba.

"Oh, it seems we have a Volunteer here!" She chirps eagerly. "And you are?"

A ghost of a smile appears at the corner of my lips.

"Drusa Predator," I declare proudly, looking directly in the closest camera. I did it! I am District Two's female tribute! I search for my family in the crowd, and once I spot them, they start to cheer my name.

Alba then proceeds to the other bowl with an idiotic grin. I wait patiently as she takes her time. Finally, she raises a single slip of paper in the air. She walks back to stand beside me, then she announces the name.

"Achilles Stone." A boy from the 14 years old section makes his way towards us. And just like before, Alba asks if there are any Volunteers. More then enough hands shoot up in the air. I find it really amusing as two boys race up to us. One of them bumps into a Peacekeeper; so the first one to reach us is none other then Alabastor Prime.

"Alabastor Prime," He states and does just like me only a few minutes ago.

The escort mentions with her hands between us. I look in Alabaster's eyes as I raise my hand. 'What a spoiled little brat...' I think as we shake hands. He looks at me with a mixture of emotions. Determination, happiness, eagerness... But of course, the cameras only catch what is most important: his seriousness. I frown inwardly.

After that, we make our way into the Town Hall; away from the peering eyes of the Capitol. Once the big, metallic doors close behind us, I smirk at the 18 years old beside me.

"Good job, Pretty Boy. Getting qualified was way too easy this year, huh? Especially for the Mayor's son..."

Alabastor's head snaps in my direction, but ignoring him, I follow one of the Peacekeepers down the wide hallways of the Town Hall. Out of all people, why does my district partner have to be the Prime kid? Oh, I really do hope that Pretty Boy won't set us back during the games. 'Pretty Boy... Hm, I think I'll stick with this nickname..."

The Peacekeeper leads me in a small room with white walls and small windows. If it wasn't for the expensive crimson red furniture, I'd think I'm in a prison cell. I wait a couple of minutes before the wooden door opens. My father steps in smiling happily, followed my my mother and two siblings.

"Five minutes," The Peacekeeper announces and closes the door behind them.

"Drusa!" My father immediately captures me in his hands. "You did it, I'm so proud of you!"

"Me too!" Tertius chirps "You were so cool out there!"

"Yeah, but there was no need to show the crowd your underwear..." I glare at my sister, but my blood still rushes to my head. "Now, don't be shy. I bet you're going to get a lot of sponsors." I roll my eyes, but Valeria grins even wider then before.

I look at my mother, who is standing silently by the door. Come to think of it, she was unusually quiet the whole day.

"Now, now Bellona... Say something to your daughter!" Father puts his arm around my should.

She smiles weakly.

"Stay alive."

At those words father starts to laugh hysterically, saying something between the lines of: "Of course she will!" and "She's my daughter after all!"

Suddenly, the door opens and the Peacekeeper declares that our time is over. I hug my siblings and mother briefly, then I turn in the direction of my father. He grabs my shoulders and stares deeply in my eyes.

"Hunt them down and show no mercy. Like a true predator!" I'm a little taken aback by his serious tone, but smirk at his words.

"Of course."

With that, he is pushed out of the small room, and I'm left in complete silence.

Ansel Gwilym, District Four Male Citizen, 17 Years Old

Reaping Day.

I feel someone cheering and my blankets being thrown off of me. I open my eyes and then close them again because of the piercing bright light.

"Too… bright…" I mumble, "What time is it?"

"It's time for you to get up," my sister Brenda says, "Mom and Kylie are making breakfast."

"Wait... What?"

"It's Reaping Day! Or, Volunteering Day for you!"

I stretch and sit up. "Oh, right."

"C'mon, hurry up. Don't make all of us wait," she calls as she leaves the room.

It suddenly hits me. Reaping Day. The day I've been waiting for. Ever since I was announced as the chosen volunteer, everything's been a blur. Both of my sisters weren't picked. My parents weren't picked. But I was. I quickly wash my face and almost fly down the creaky wooden stairs. I probably shouldn't, considering how rickety they are. But once I'm Victor, we won't need to worry about that. Everything will be perfect. I walk into the kitchen, where I'm immediately mobbed by my family. My mom wraps me in a huge hug. My dad pats me on the back, telling me how proud he is of me. Even Ricky, my dog, seems to know that's it's a special occasion. He runs around us, looking up at me.

"Hey, aren't we eating breakfast?" I say, smiling.

My mom laughs and begins to place the food on the table. We haven't had so much in a while, but with me volunteering, today is a special occasion. I look at all the vegetables and fish, and for once, I feel truly happy. The sun shining in through the windows makes everything feel bright and cheery, and the delicious smells makes home feel homier…. even though I'm pretty sure that's not a word.

Soon, breakfast is over, and I take Ricky out for a run. I begin at a moderate pace, but he seems to want speed.

"That's what you want?" I say, "Then let's go."

I run by the ocean, the huge blue waves crashing down upon our shore. I smell the salty air, and the breeze blows my hair everywhere. There's not a care in the world. I pity those other districts 'cause we're the only ones that get to know the feeling of the wind in your hair and clothes, the beautiful rolling ocean, and the wonderful pungent smell of fish. I love it all, especially when I run.

Ricky goes barking after a bird, but I rest assured. He's never caught one, so I won't have to stop him. Sure, I'd kill tributes, but I'd rather not kill animals if I don't have to. When you kill a tribute, it's your duty. It's your duty to the Capitol, and it's your duty to your family. But animals? Why put them through anything they don't have to go through? I guess I might think differently if I lived in Ten, but I'm in Four. I continue jogging. Ricky will catch up once he sees I've moved on.

I get home, and I quickly go upstairs to take a shower and change into something nicer for the reapings. I first put on a blue dress shirt, and then khakis and a belt. Finally, I take my shark tooth necklace off my bedside table and put it around my neck. This'll be my token, my way of remembering home.

Before I'm out the door, I hear the doorbell ring.

"I'll get it," I call. When I open the door, I see Edgar standing outside, smiling.

"Congratulations!" he says, "How's it going today?"

"I can't wait," I say, "I can't believe that this is actually happening."

"I know, right? I knew you'd make it. You've always been good at this stuff. I could never do it."

"Hey, don't think that way. I'm sure you could've done it."

"Nah. Besides, I wouldn't want to. That would keep you from volunteering."

"True…"

"Anyway, it's about time for the 'Reaping.' "

"Yep," I say, "Let's go."

We begin to walk, and as we get closer to the Square, the streets start getting crowded. People of all ages are making their way to the center of the District. I feel a tap on the arm. When I turn around, I see a boy holding a notepad.

"Hi-" he stutters, "I- I wanted- I was- I was wondering if- if I could get your autograph?"

I smile. "Sure. What's your name?"

"A-Arlen. I'm 10."

"Okay, Arlen…. do you have a pen?" He gives me one out of his pocket. I quickly sign. "Here you go."

His entire face lights up. "Thank you!" He immediately runs off, looking for his friends.

"That was interesting," Edgar comments.

"Well, you'd better be prepared for more of that," I say, "I'm sure I'll be busy with autographs when I win the Games."

He laughs. "I'm sure you will."

"Was that sarcasm?"

"Nope. Am I usually sarcastic?"

"True…" I say as I step in my section near the front.

We wait, and soon, the escort, Kleora, takes the stage. She's been here for over a decade, and she now a sweet, older escort that's known for her love of our district.

The mayor takes the stage and introduces her.

"Hello everyone! I am so very glad to be here in District Four once again to 'reap' your tributes for the 67th Annual Hunger Games! As always, we will have ladies first!"

She picks a slip out. I look over to the where the 17-year-olds are. Aquacea, the selected volunteer for the girls, stands ready to volunteer. I'm looking forward to working with her. She's straightforward and strong, and I've known her since I started training.

Kleora reads the name, though no one cares. "Jemima-"

"I VOLUNTEER."

What? That wasn't Aquacea. She looks around too, before trying to save herself by racing for the podium. Just as she's about to ascend it, another girl leaps up and stands beside Kleora, who is confused by the two volunteers. A murmur runs through the crowd. The strange girl clears her throat.

"I'm Elle McNamara, and I will be the tribute." Elle. Sounds familiar. Wasn't she… second place? Doesn't she respect our rules? What is she doing up there? A guy beside me nudges me, and I nod in thanks. Kleora is about to pick the boys.

"Pike-"

"I volunteer as tribute!" I shout, not wanting to take any chances. I can't miss this opportunity. Thankfully, no one challenges me, and I get to the stage without any problems.

"And you are…" Kleora says.

"Ansel Gwilym," I announce. "Excited to be here."

The mayor then takes the microphone, and he reads the Treaty of treason before thanking the Capitol. I'm taken into the Justice Building for my final visitations.

First in is my family. Kylee wraps me in a huge hug.

"I'm going to miss you," she says, "But I can't wait to see you on television. You'll miss so much, but we'll tell you all about it when we see you again."

My mom is speechless with joy, and my dad is silent because he's naturally quiet. Brenda slaps me on the back, and we joke and laugh until they have to go.

Edgar is in next.

"I can't believe you're finally here!" he says.

"I'm still in shock myself," I admit.

"You know, when the McNamara girl volunteered, I thought someone might try to take your slot."

"Yeah. That's why I couldn't take any chances. I've gone too far to lose it like this."

He slaps me on the back, and then he's gone. A few more kids come in for volunteers, but it's all a blur.

This is it.

This is what I've always wanted.

Questions:

Drusa has a rather ill opinion on her District Partner. Will it affect their teamwork? In what degree?

What do you think of Ansel's mindset? How will it help/hurt him in the Games?

Which do you like better? Why?