Corona Midas, 17, D5F
My eyes flutter open like a butterfly who just got it's wings, still sticky and hard to open. I rub them and yawn while stretching my arms out wide. Today's the reaping; that awful day. I don't think it's ever been a good day. Last year was terrible. A little twelve year old got reaped and her 14 year old sister volunteered for her. I don't remember her name but she died in the bloodbath. I was actually rooting for her, but I forgot her name already. I have a little sister named Alliana and if anything happened to her I would cry. I don't know if I'd volunteer for her though, I'm not that strong or brave.
I'm ready. My mother braided my dirty blonde hair into a bunch of little braids and tied them all together in a bun that sat on the back of my head. Alli put a pink bow in my hair, and even though I hate pink I let her do it anyway. She's only thirteen but even though she's technically a teenager, I still see her as my little baby sister. I don't want to lose her and I know she doesn't want to lose me. But if one of us does get reaped? Would I even have the strength?
When we got to the reaping we went through the usual, finger pricking, lining up, and waiting for our District Escort, Hera Alten, to walk out onto the stage. Her hair was in two big puff balls on either side of her head. She had it dyed a bright indigo and had a big green smile. She had her teeth colored green to make it pop. Her dress was very short and was very… showy. It was as blue and obnoxious as her hair. Her skin was a sickly pale color and seemed to sparkle in the sun. She clicked her heels and strutted over to the girls bowl. "Let's see who our fantastic girl is!" She stuck her whole hand in and pulled out a name from the bottom. With a wink she called out the unfortunate girls name: "Corona Midas!". No. No this isn't right, this can't be right! She must have said it wrong or something! No! I forced myself up to the stage and gave a weak smile. I can't look bad in front of Capitol. I can't believe I've even thinking about the Capitol right now after what they've done. I scan the crowd for Alli and I see her in her baby blue dress. She's slowly raising her hand. "No." I mouth to her. She sees me but continues to raise her hand. "No!" I yell to her rather loudly. She begins to say "I-" but she's cut off by me. "No, no, no!" I shout at her. She puts her hand down and looks at me with sorrowful eyes. What did I just do? I just made it look like I was having a fit! Now I look childish! This has to be the worst reaping yet.
Ross Tulsa, 13, D5M
My eyes widen at the sight of it. A new suit just for me. It was black and had a dark blue tie. The trousers looked freshly ironed. It's brand spanking new! It hasn't even been worn! "You- you got this… for me?" I stuttered. I looked at my mom in disbelief. She never got me anything new, it's always something handed down to me from my three older brothers. The oldest is Ronnie, then Raygen, then Rex, then finally me. I asked my mom why she gave us all names that started with "R"and all she said was "Because it's my favorite letter!" and gave me a small smile. I didn't like it. Having the same first letter as my brothers makes me feel like just another R. Just another letter. Just another kid. Don't get me wrong, I like laying low. I'm not one to stick out of a crowd. I'm not great at making friends either. My only friend is my dad. He's the best dad in the world! I think he likes me best, but maybe it's because I'm the baby. My mom wanted a girl and when I was born she threw a fit. My dad was furious because my mom wanted to disown me. She never did it obviously, but it made my mom so angry that they divorced. "Raygen saved up for one but it didn't fit him." She replied to my disbelief. "Oh, I- I thought you actually got me something." "Don't be ridiculous." She retorted, rather disgusted. "I'd never buy anything for you, the 'unwanted child.'" She hissed at me. "I'm not 'unwanted'! Dad said he loved me and he'd never even think about disowning me!" I shouted straight at her. I pushed her out and slammed the door closed. I started hyperventilating and I ran straight for my bed and threw myself onto it. I tucked my head under my knees cradled myself. I started to sob and wheeze and hot tears ran down my face. I had to pull myself together. Today's the reaping after all.
I get to the reaping late because I had to make sure I didn't go out of the house with tear streaks on my face. I had to calm myself down until the puffiness of my eyes had gone down. One that was settled I slipped into a dress shirt and a pair of old trousers. I'm not wearing that suit no matter if my life depended on it. I got there just in time before I'd get into trouble. And got my finger pricked. I don't know what it was but this time it hurt more, like you jabbed me lightly with the tip of a knife. I sprint over to the 13 year old boy section just as Hera Alten walked out. She looked like she has a case of spinach-teeth. Were the pale, sparkly skin and green teeth really necessary? And don't get me started on her dress. Oh great, now I sound like a girl. Anyways some girl got called and she started screaming "No, no, no!" like a mad lunatic. This games is going to be interesting. Hera struts over to the boys bowl with lack of confidence because of the crazy over there. Her sparkly hand plunged into the bowl and she pulled out a single slip of paper. Her green smile radiated across the audience as she called a name. My name. "Ross Tulsa! Where are you Ross?" You could tell she was hoping for a buff jock, but she would be very disappointed. As I slowly step onto the stage her face droops into a saggy frown. "You need a face lift." I whisper to her. Her face contorts into anger and I sweep by her. Honestly I have nothing to lose, I'm going to die anyway. I shake hands with Corona and we get swept into the justice building.