Aurora Virginia "Rora" Hitchens's POV
I woke up to a wet, slimy feeling on my face, Koda, my six month old Beagle puppy was jumping all over me, licking my face.
"Koda, stop it", I say playfully. However, seconds later, my two other dogs, Pyper and Zeke, hopped onto my bed and joined Koda. There was no better way to wake up than three dogs running all around me and the smell of my mother, Adelaide making coffee while opening up her bookstore, "Addie's Place", which is under our apartment. Mom had always wanted me and my ten year old sister, Alexis, to own it when we turn eighteen. So far, that was the plan. For my eighteenth birthday in two years, Addie's Place would be owned my me, Rora Hitchens. My real name is Aurora, but I think it's too fancy and apparently, a really long time ago, there was a fairy tale about a princess with that name. I really didn't want to share a name with a sleeping princess. I don't mind owning a book store, I think it would be quite fun. Maybe I'll start a tutoring business as part of the store. For years now, I've been a tutor in History, Math, and English, mostly for Alexis, but sometimes a kid or two will come by with questions for History class. However, Alexis needs the most help because she is dyslexic and needs lots of help with English. But she has been getting better. In fact, last week, I helped her write a poem about the things that she loves. I hop out of bed and try to straighten my waist length copper hair, which of course does nothing since it seems to have a mind of its own. Therefore, I quickly pull it into a ponytail. Then I realize I'm missing something. Do I have a test today? Doctor's appointment? Then, it dawned on me. Today is Reaping Day. I had compliantly forgotten. I pull on my Reaping outfit, a light green knee length dress that flatters my narrow waist and broad shoulders and pull on my favorite black, studded combat boots. I really hope my name doesn't get drawn, since I've never trained because I was too busy tutoring. Well, there's usually volunteers every year, but I'me not sure how many we get for Quarter Quells.
"Well Koda, I guess it's off to the town square. Wish me luck!" He looks at me and barks a response. Oh, I forgot to mention that I sort of talk to animals. I know it's weird but, to me they're just like people. I don't believe in killing animals for food, so that's why I'm a Vegan. I walk down stairs to see what my dad, Even, has cooked up for breakfast. I'm shocked to see that hamburgers are being cooked on the stove. Dad must have seen the shock on my face for he said that they were these things called Vegetarian Burgers, which don't include meat. To my surprise, they actually taste quite good. Once I'm finished with my breakfast, I leave Mom, Dad, and Alexis to tend to the store and head for the town square.
Marble Monarch's POV
My alarm clock goes off with a loud, obnoxious beeping sound, and I spring up out bed. Today's the day! For years now, I have been waiting for the day when I would be chosen by the academy to volunteer for the 125th Hunger Games Quarter Quell. It's an extreme honor to be chosen to volunteer for a Quarter Quell. I sprint to the bathroom and comb my short, brown hair. I've got to look good if I'm going to be on live television. I look in the mirror and a tall guy, about six foot, four with deep blue eyes and a stocky build stares back at me. Ive got to impress the ladies. The audience always goes for romance in the arena and it will definitely get me sponsors, not that I need them off course. I look down at the long scar on my left arm that I got in a sword fighting accident at the academy and debate whether or not I should cover it up. Nah, it'll make me look tougher, if that's even possible. I pull on a black tank top that will show off my biceps and pull on some jeans. Lastly, I slip on an emerald ring from my great great grandparents. That will be my token for the games, I decide. I love the Hunger Games, it's a great opportunity to show off our fighting skills and bring glory to our district. Now, it's my turn to be the victor. I practically fly down the stairs and meet up with my parents, Henry and Farthine who are diamond miners and, much to my protestations, insist on coming to the Reapings every year. I take One last look at our large house, almost the size of a mansion and know that the next time I see it, I won't just be some nobody from District one, I'll be a Hunger Games victor.
Rora Hitchens's POV
As I make my way to the sixteen year olds section, the District one escort, Trinka Garblow, makes her way onto the stage. I prepare myself for a mini one person prep rally as she and her super long, wavy blond hair swishes onto the stage. Before she begins her yearly speech, I notice that she somehow managed to fit more piercings on her face than last year. Seriously, you can barely see any of her light pink skin through the thick layer of rainbow metal and what little you could see was cover up by swirly blue tattoos. As she began to speak with her big, puffy blue lips, the audience cringed at the loud high pitched excited tone that came from her mouth.
"Good mooooooorning District One and happy Hunger Games!" she shouted shrilly. "As you all know, this years tributes will be facing their biggest fears in one of the most terrifying arenas yet!" My fear is being alone, probably not the worst one to face in an arena. Some people are probably afraid of giant spiders or something like that. "so, Ladies and Gentlemen, as usual, we will pick Ladies first." Please don't be me, please don't be me, please don't be-
"Aurora Hitchens!"
No! Then, everything went black. I'm not sure how long I was out, but I awoke to a painful snap in my right arm. I slowly open my eyes to see a Peace Keeper dragging me roughly to the stage by my arm. I look in horror to see that it's bent backwards. A nauseous feeling arises in my stomach and I close my eyes in horror. As I am pushed onto the stage and forced to stand upright with my broken arm, which is crying out in protest. Trinka is purposefully walking over to choose the boys name.
Marble Monarch's POV
I sort of recognized the girl who was dragged onto the stage, Aurora Hitchens. I was two years older than her, so I probably knew her from school. I never saw her at the training academy, though. I waited for my friend, Shimmer Ruby, to volunteer like she was supposed to, but she was probably so caught up in the drama unfolding on stage that she forgot. Shimmer was always an airhead. I did feel bad for Aurora, for it looked like her arm was broken and nobody wanted to into the arena as a cripple. The stylists will probably find a way to fix it. Finally, after everything settled down, the escort, who looked like a circus freak went over to draw the boys name.
"Erik-"
"I VOLUNTEER!", I shout at the top of my lungs before she could finish. I sprint up to the stage with a triumphant grin. "And what's your name?" Trinka asks. "Marble Monarch", I say with a smile and just for good measure, I wink. I turn to face Aurora and reach out my left hand so I wouldn't hurt the broken one. I may be deadly in the arena, but I'm not cruel. She looks at me, a great full look in her blue green eyes as we shake hands.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this year's District One tributes!"
A/N
Thank you, Emmaline C. Thornbrook for Rora and Peeta6in6real6life for Marble and Trinka! I hope you ate enjoying the Reapings so far. I will try to have District Two up tomorrow. Also, I have a poll on my profile page for who should win the games. (You can't vote for your own tribute) Here is the trivia Question:
What is Finnick Odair's weapon of choice?
Thank you and don't forget to leave a review! :)
Angelofmusic4ever