Reaping of District Four

The water was pure, and motionless this day. The weather may not have been perfect for fishing, but it was for a swim.

Bloodlily smiled as she lifted her blue dress just above the water. As she stepped into the sea, a cool rush of air whistled past her ear. Why did it have to be such an emotionless day? Why now, of all times, did the Capital choose to do such revolting things.

"Hey, Blood!" The girl turned, her red wavy hair fanning around her shoulders. A wider smile crossed her face, showing her pearly white teeth. It was her brother, Lazar, standing at the waters edge. He wasn't out fishing today.

Bloodlily ran to him, and wrapped her arms around his torso. "I missed you."

"Missed you too." He whispered, as he stood back away from her. "We have to go, dad wants to speak to all of us." All of us… Her eyes fell as she followed Laza away from the beach.

~Home~

"Bloodlily, you are the only one eligible for the games." Her father spoke up, as he paced around the room. "I am not happy about that. You are my only daughter, and you are also the last gift your mother ever gave me." Her brothers, Lazar and David, watched as Blood's reaction grew colder.

"Dad, she will be fine!" David shouted from his spot. Their dad stopped, and looked to his youngest son.

"How do you know?" He looked back to Bloodlily. "All your life I asked you to just be cheerful, but if you are reaped you will become the person you were always meant to be. A fighter. You are strong, and I have taught you how to use a spear. Your brothers have taught you how to fight. You must let yourself fade away, unless it is needed."

It was true. She was strong, and her aim with a spear was perfect. All her life she was taught to be a fisher, and you have to be strong for that. Killing people seemed so hard to do though… She was still innocent, and sweet. Almost the ideal kind of girl.

"Father I will make you proud if I must." Her voice only showed a hint of fear. Bloodlily smiled slightly, as she walked up to her dad and gave him a hug. It would be hard for him if she left and died. That is the only thing that made her fear the games. She wouldn't be afraid of death if the circumstances were different, but that wasn't the case.

A bell sounded, calling them away from their family conversation.

"Take a deep breath." Lazar whispered in her ear as they left.

~The reaping~

The stone center was hot under Bloodlily's bare feet. It was nothing like the calming, cool sea. The sea that she would return to if fate allowed it.

The man's voice boomed loud and clear. "Welcome, District four, to the first ever Hunger Games! The games were established to bring order to the districts, and to return to them the kindness the Capital offers." What kindness? Giving back a kid that is forever traumatized? Their thoughts were in the wrong place. This isn't how you bring order or kindness. This is how you get forced obedience. Soon the false order will crumble.

"Shall we start by drawing the girl's name? I mean after all, ladies first." Oh, what a gentlemen. "Hmmm is this a name? Honestly? This just can't be! Bloodlily…?" Bloodlily didn't know what to think. It was obvious, yes, that she could be chosen. There were only fifteen girls to choose from. The smallest slip in the pool was an expected choice. But the fact he insulted the name her father gave to her. The name that stood in honor of her mother. No, that is the only thing that set her off.

Bloodlily pushed herself from the crowd of girls, and marched up to the stage. "Oh, looks like I was mistaken. The name was legit." The man muttered, as the tribute girl made it to his side. Bloodlily wanted to kick him off the stage, but instead she offered up a smile. She had been thinking of a plan all night, and this wasn't going to ruin it. "On to the boy's then." He reached into the pile of slips, and chose one near to the bottom. "Luke Mantel."

He emerged from the crowd. A boy with light brown hair. It was obvious he was part of the Mantel family. By his looks you could tell he came from one of the wealthier families. No doubt his parents will try to buy him out of the games.

Luke looked to Bloodlily with interest. He was clearly not scared of the false curse people put with her name. Slowly, Blood bowed slightly to show respect to the fellow tribute.

"District three, I present to you your tributes: Bloodlily and Luke Mantel!" Soft clapping filled the center, as the tributes were guided away.

~Bloodlily's Goodbyes~

Her family came to see her one last time. It wasn't as mournful as she had pictured it last night. Though it's not like she expected anyone to cry.

"You were right to worry, father. This if my fate, and that cannot be changed." Bloodlily spoke from her place on a table. "Let's not try to thing of possible outcomes. There are only two, and none will end too kindly."

"You are right." Her dad spoke up. "Just remember, no matter what happens, I will always love you."

A smile crossed her face. "I love you too. Lazar, David, Never forget me." Her brothers nodded, quietly. They both probably wanted to be with her, to protect her.

Lazar picked her off the table, and held her in his arms. He was shaking. It was him who watched over her. He practically raised her while their father was out fishing. Her death was going to effect him the most. "No matter what, you will always be here with me, and I will be in the arena with you. Be strong. I will be watching the entire time."

The small girl nodded into his chest. "You will be there." She echoed. Then David grabbed her shoulder, and turned her so he was able to give her a hug.

"I am sorry I was never there for you." He murmured. Once their mother had died, David was the one to fall in deep depression. He was young at the time, only five. It was hard for him to understand death, and for that he never really spoke to Bloodlily at all. She didn't hate him for that though.

"I was never mad about it. You had your reasons. I love you anyway." Suddenly the peacekeepers came in to get her family. Bloodlily felt her heart drop, as she raced to her dad's arms. "I am sorry!" She shouted, holding onto him. "Be okay. All of you." Bloodlily was ripped from his arms and thrown back into the room.

The door slammed in her face before she could get a better look at her family.

~Luke's Goodbyes~

"They wouldn't take you from the games." His mother cried. "Only a volunteer could do that, but it's too late now." Luke didn't know what to say. Reality began to sink in. When his name was called he didn't really think they would let someone of his status be killed. Apparently in the games, family status didn't matter.

"It is ridiculous." His dad grunted. "That devil girl got called with you! They should be trying to kill off the lowlifes like her. She wasn't even wearing shoes! That shows how poor she was." Luke frowned. Was his dad really talking like that? Bloodlily wasn't poor at all. Her family chose to live simple, and she chooses not to wear shoes. He found that out from the only time speaking to her.

"Stop, okay?" Luke spoke up. "I might not make it back alive, and I don't want this to be my last memory!" Luke's mom dropped her head and began to cry harder. "The games don't sound all that bad. There is a chance for me. No one is prepared. I love you guys."

"We love you too." She sobbed.

"Son, I know you are brave." His father responded. "I love you no matter what you will do in the arena." That was all they could say. The rest of the time they sat in silence, soaking up the reality. This was happening. Luke was really going to enter a game of death. Now was the time to decide if he wanted to kill or be killed right away.