Athena May's POV
"3...2...1...FIGHT!"
I hid, crouched in a corner, my small frame concealed by shadows. I observe the two men, one of them is my brother, Zeus, who is twenty five. He charges at the other guy as they fight. Punch after punch is thrown, until finally, a winner is declared. Zeus jumps from the arena waving his arms victoriously. Money is being exchanged and toasts are being poured. I wasn't supposed to be here, for I was told that I was too young to watch the fights. However, with the help of Cesar, my sixteen year old brother, we sneak out and enjoy the rush of the game.
My dad has run a fighting and gambling business for as long as I can remember. The President didn't approve of such things, since they were reserved for the careers. Therefore, it was our family secret. The peacekeepers never enforced taking it down, in fact, most of the fighters were peacekeepers. They'd sneak down here after a long day of work and have some fun.
All of my brothers were trained to fight. Zeus, Tiberius, Hannibal and Cesar. My dad named all of us after great warriors. My name, Athena, came from the ancient Greeks. However, my dad didn't feel that it was proper to train me. I am the only girl in the family and the youngest, at age twelve. But, secretly, my brothers have been training me. Not in weapons, but in agility, strength, and hand to hand. My small size and quick reflexes can out maneuver any large opponent.
However, all of my talent comes with a weakness. I'm too kind, and would never harm a fly. But, if someone threatens me or someone I love, I go all out on them. I've never been able to control my temper. If I get mad, I turn into a green, angry monster, and will fight anyone. But, I'm usually, the sweetest girl you will ever meet.
No one knew about my special talent, not even dad. To many people, I'm the innocent little girl with the little brown pigtails. My dark brown eyes are young and carefree and my skin is tanned from hours in the sun. I'm used to violence, because of my family's career, but I still don't appreciate fighting for recreation, like the Hunger Games.
Even though me and my brothers are the most experienced fighters in District Eleven, we were instructed by our dad to never volunteer, no matter what the circumstance was. So far, Zeus, Tiberius and Hannibal have made it through the Reaping years, and Cesar only has three to go. I, however, am just starting. I'm not too nervous about Reapings, mostly because I try not to think about them. But deep down, I'm terrified.
Suddenly, I realize that everything has gone quiet. Caught in my reverie, I didn't notice that everyone at the arena had left for the night. Dad was probably on his way home now! If he discovered that I was out of bed at the fight, I would be in huge trouble! As fast as a speeding bullet, I run like I've never run before, my feet flying from the ground.
The sun is rising, ever so slowly, I knew I had until the sun was up to be back in my room. With quick agility, I scale the side of my house and jump in through my window. Seconds later, I hear my dad coming in through the front door. That was close, too close. Quickly, throw on my blue dress. Well, it wasn't really as dress, more like a sack made out of an empty grain bag. I didn't really own anything of value, so my nicest thing was basically, a grain sack.
I rush downstairs, just as Dad and brothers are about to leave.
"You coming?" Hannibal asks with a smirk.
I roll my eyes and nod. With that, the six of us head out.
-oOo-
Hayden Cory Grant's POV
I ruffle my spiky orange hair as my dad calls up, yet again.
"Come on! I called you down an hour ago!"
"I said I'm COMING!" I respond, frustrated. I hadn't even begun to get ready. I was just staring off into space, calming myself for the day to come. I'm just over halfway through my Reaping years, and I wish they would go by quicker. I can't wait for this yearly stress to be over with. It's too much to take.
I reach into my closet and grab the first thing I find. A green t shirt and some brown pants. I'm over getting dressed up for the Reapings. None of the guys ever do. The only thing considered fancy that I'm wearing is a silver bangle on my left wrist. I don't really no why I wear it or even where it came from. I just think it's cool.
I'm a true ginger, with short orange hair and pale skin with deep brown eyes. I hate it when people stereotype gingers. Of course I have a soul! I guess it's just one of those weird things that people do, like dumb blondes and soulless gingers. They should just accept who people are and not pay attention to how they look.
On my way downstairs, I bump into my little sister, Pauline, who's fourteen. She looks just like me with the same hair, skin, and eyes. My entire family looks identical. You'd think my parents were related by blood, not marriage.
"You ready for the Reapings?" Pauline asks me.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I respond reluctantly.
With one last glance back, the two of us meet up with our parents and we depart.
-oOo-
Athena May's POV
I wince as I get my finger poked by the peacekeeper. I never like the sight of blood. Just looking at it makes my stomach ache and my eyes well up. I say goodbye to the others as we go to our sections. Cesar gives me a reassuring glance as he stands, tall and proud with he sixteen year olds. The normally dreary and colorless town square had been redecorated with colorful signs and posters of President Cyprus. I'm sure they didn't want to put the dismal District Eleven on television, so they spruced it up a little bit. But, I knew that as soon as the camera crews left, everything would be dreary again, and two families will lock their doors and disappear from the world for the next two weeks.
In a cloud of perfume that could be smelled all the way from the twelve year olds, comes our escort, Pineconia Grassless. She is a complete capital stereotype. Her face is covered in gold makeup, blinding us with the glare and a silver nose ring hangs from her face. Her large gold wig brings the whole thing together into one, big, shiny capital woman.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the 125th Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor! This year, our heroic tributes will be facing their biggest fear! Heres our annual video of the Hunger Games, enjoy!"
We are all forced to watch a gruesome recap of the games, including the past quells and the star crossed lovers from District Twelve. I never liked them. The girl from our district died to save her life, only for that no good Everdeen girl to get killed by the District Two psychopath. The whole love story thing was pretty cheap and totally fake. It was probably just a ploy for more sponsors.
When the video is finally finished, Pineconia proceeds.
"This years female is... Athena May!"
This can't be happening! My names only in there once! I might have a fighting chance, but I'm sure the other tributes will get me! What will I do?
My mind races as I slowly walk up to the stage with tears in my eyes. My vision fogs up as Pineconia chooses the boy...
-oOo-
Hayden Grant's POV
I felt sorry for the little girl who trudged onto the stage. She looks so sweet with her light brown pigtails and childish features. How could people suspect her to be a murderer? I didn't know here, but I knew she wouldn't hurt a fly. However, my pity for her was interrupted by another name being called.
"Hayden Grant!"
Seriously? How could this happen? My heat races as I begin to shale with fear. No! I can't appear as weak, I can get more sponsors. Taking deep steady breaths, I try to walk as confidently as I can up onto the stage. Pineconia's gold makeup and hair are even more blinding up close. I shake Athena's frail hand as carefully as I could, afraid I might hurt her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our District Eleven tributes!"
A/N So what do you think? Thanks Peeta6in6real6life for Hayden and Pineconia and Parrothead for Athena! Only one more reaping chapter left! Thanks for sticking through the more boring chapters! Here's the trivia!
What did Katniss show the gamemakers in her first games?
Thanks and don't forget to review!
Angelofmusic4ever