District Seven:
Mapelle Green
"Mapelle, the reapings start in two hours," my mom calls. I sit up in my bed and yawn. Great; it's reaping day, and I have a great chance of being reaped. My dad recently lost his job at the logging company, so my mom's had to take a laundry job, and I've had to take out extra tessarae. There's a very good chance that I could be carted off to the Capitol in three hours. I walk over to my closet to find my reaping clothes. I pull out an old tan skirt, a green tank top, and black flats. It's not much, but it's all I've got in terms of nice clothes.
I walk into the kitchen, where I spot my mom, dad, and three-year-old brother Barry sitting at the table. "Morning, Mapelle," my mom says. "Toast?"
I nod. Toast is all we've been able to afford for breakfast since my dad lost his job. I've always wanted to do something brave, like go into the woods to pick berries, or even hunt, but I've been too afraid of the prospect of being caught by Peacekeepers to take a step out of the district boundary. So, instead, I've resigned to taking out tessarae and eating lumpy bread.
When all the toast has been finished, I help my mom wash the dishes. I then head back to my room to grab something I forgot to put on; my favorite necklace. It's got an oak tree charm on it. It's the prettiest thing I own. After admiring it for a few seconds in my cracked mirror, I walk out of my front door, where my family's waiting for me. "Let's go," I say.
Rory Cedarby
My sister and I walk to the reapings, arm in arm, behind our parents. Julianne is thirteen, and we share a pretty special brother-sister bond. We're always there for each other. Today is an example of that. Reaping day always worries everyone. However, I'm not worrying too much. My name's only in there five times, and Julianne's is in there twice. My family isn't as rich as some of the citizens of higher districts, but we've done well in District Seven standards, so we haven't needed to take tessarae. My mom's a painter, taking advantage of District Seven's paper, and my dad works at the logging company.
When we reach the square, Julianne gives me a hug before departing off to her section. "I love you," she says.
"Love you too," I say. Seeing her solemn expression, I try to comfort her. "Don't worry," I say. "Your name's only in there twice. "Some older kids have their name in there over fifteen times as much as you do. Now go find your friends. You'll be okay."
Julianne walks away, and I make my way over to the sixteen-year-old boy section. I reach it just in time. All of a sudden, our escort, Petunia, steps on stage. She's had flowers tattooed all over her body and magenta hair for as long as I can remember. Her makeup is always the same too; vivid purple eyelashes and pink eyeshadow. And she's also got this really annoying voice, and it's not just because of her Capitol accent. Her voice is extremely high and squeaky. As she begins to speak, I realize that imagining her as a mouse isn't a very far stretch. She's also very short. I wouldn't be surprised if she turned out to have mice relatives.
Mapelle Green
The video ends, and Petunia walks over to one of the glass bowls, her heels clicking. "Let's pick the lucky lady first!" she squeaks, as if this is the most exciting thing in the world. Petunia has to stand on her toes to pick a name out. Why hasn't she thought of bringing a stool, after all these years? At last, her short, pudgy fingers clamp on a single sheet. Petunia takes it, and steps back over to the microphone to unravel it.
"Mapelle Green," she reads.
For the past month, I've had nightmares about being reaped. I didn't have one last night, I realize with a jolt. I hoped that meant everything was going to be okay. And now, here I am; my nightmares have come true. It's extremely hard, trying to compose myself as I walk up to the stage. A single tear trickles out, finding a way through the floodgates. Hopefully, the cameras aren't on me. The fact that I am going to the Hunger Games is still sinking in. It's bad enough watching it on television. If that gives me nightmares, what will happen when I go into the actual Games? All the blood everywhere, kids killing other kids- I choke on some vomit, but swallow it back down. Thankfully, my stomach isn't all that full, so it goes down easily. They'll be plenty of time for vomiting when I'm in the Hunger Games.
Rory Cedarby
A pretty fourteen-year-old girl walks up to the stage. From where I stand, I can see she's got shoulder-length, auburn hair, pale skin, and high cheekbones. She's extremely skinny, looking like she hasn't had a proper meal in years. Petunia makes her way over to the other glass bowl. Pulling out another slip of paper, she steps up to her podium, and reads:
"Rory Cedarby."
"No!" I recognize Julianne's voice, shouting above the crowd. Although I'm terrified, I have to look brave, for her. As I walk to the stage, I try to keep my expression blank. I don't want anyone classifying me as a weakling before the Games even begin. I reach the stage, and get a better look at Mapelle. Freckles dot across her nose and cheeks, and her bright, green eyes are wide open in shock. At last, the ceremony ends, and we're led to the Justice Building. I sit down in my room, waiting for visitors to arrive.
A few minutes later, Julianne bursts through the door, followed by my mom and dad. Julianne runs over to me, sobbing. "You can't go into the Games, you can't," she cries.
"Sorry, Julianne, but I can't help being reaped," I say.
"You will try to get back, won't you?" she asks.
"Of course I'll try" I say. "Don't worry."
My mom and dad talk to me next. My dad gives me some advice. I listen intently, because I've always looked up to my father. He works at the logging company; something I planned to do when I got older. Now, those dreams have been shattered. However, I remember, with a jolt, that I've kept a scrap of fabric from my dad's old uniform in my pocket ever since he got a new uniform. I can use that as my district token.
My family is forced out, a few minutes later. Julianne looks like she wants to throw a fit, but decides against it in the end. My best friends Benn and Xander come in next. We like to take walks and hang out in the woods a lot. We're like a family. They spend their allotted time telling me how much they'll miss me, and giving me advice. When they leave, I sit by myself, waiting.
Mapelle Green
My parents come in with my little brother first. Poor Barry; he has no idea what's going on. However, that might be better. I wish I was still three. My parents tell me how much they'll miss me, and my dad gives me some tips for the Games. Too quickly, the Peacekeepers enter the room again to make my family leave. I hug my mom and dad, and give Barry a little kiss on his nose, and they leave.
My next visitors aren't much of a surprise; my best friends Ivy and Serena. "You can't go into the Hunger Games, you can't!" Ivy says. "This whole thing is stupid, the Capitol, the Hunger Games..."
"Ivy, calm down," I say, cutting her off. "They could have cameras in here." Ivy has always been pretty outspoken, but she has a good heart.
"Sorry," Ivy says. "It's just horrible." She gives me a hug.
"We're going to miss you," Serena says. "But don't give up hope yet. You can act well." It's true. I've always been interested in acting. "You're also smart."
"Not nearly as smart as you," I say. Serena's a genius. She's the top of our class. I may be above average, but barely.
Ivy notices my oak tree necklace. "Are you going to use that as your district token?"
The idea hadn't even occurred to me. "I guess," I say. "It is my favorite necklace."
After ten more minutes of Ivy whispering insults at the Capitol and Serena giving me advice, they have to leave. I wave as the Peacekeepers lead them out the door, and slam it between us. I know they'll miss me, and I'll miss them too.
District Eight:
Aria Law
I yawn as I get out bed and stretch my arms. I walk over to my closet and find my reaping clothes; my favorite black and white dress. I brush my long, black hair and put it back in a ponytail. Checking myself in the mirror, I know I have to look perfect. Today, I'm volunteering.
Now I'm not volunteering for pride or fame or anything like that. A few years ago, my sister was reaped at the age of twelve. She died in the bloodbath. I am volunteering to avenge her death. I plan to win, and then live in the Capitol and become a Gamemakers. I've always looked up to them. The Gamemakers are the ones that make it all happen, and I want to be a part of that. It seems like a really fun job.
Downstairs, I meet my mom, dad, and younger brother Henry. He still isn't of reaping age. My family doesn't really agree with me volunteering, but they get it. I must avenge their other daughter's death. We eat some breakfast; pancakes with syrup. Finally, we set off to the reapings.
Lukas Cottingham
I walk to the reapings with my mom and four younger siblings. Annaliese, who's thirteen, is the only other one, besides me, who is of reaping age. She looks extremely nervous, so I give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're name's only in there twice," I say. "You're not going to get reaped."
We reach the square. My mom, five-year-old brother Damien, and ten-year-old brother Robert head off to the spectators' section while Annaliese and I find our sections. I find my best friend Austin standing by himself. "Hey," I say to him. He just nods. Everyone's nervous on reaping day, including Austin, who's very brave.
Our escort finally appears on stage. Her name is Ridonica, and she's obsesses way too much about Capitol fashions and 'etiquette.' She rolls her r's way too much, and almost everyone in District Eight refers to her as 'Ridiculous.' Ridiculous delivers her speech at the podium, shows us the history video, and walks back over to the glass balls to pick the female tribute. Her light blue hand reaches in, and pulls out a single slip.
"Annaliese Cottingham."
I barely have time to register that Annaliese has been reaped when another voice rings out.
"I volunteer as tribute!"
An older girl with jet-black hair walks up to the stage. I don't recognize her. Why did she volunteer? No one in District Eight volunteers just because. When the girl steps up to the stage, Ridiculous asks for her name. "Aria Law," the girl says. Once again, I've never heard of her. Ridiculous reaches into the other glass globe to draw a name.
"Lukas Cottigham."
This can't be happening. All of a sudden, I spot Austin stepping forward. He's going to volunteer for me. "No," I hiss. "I was the one reaped, so I'm the one going up there. You're not allowed to die for me." Austin just nods, and steps back to let me through.
Aria Law
A thin, sixteen-year-old boy with dark brown hair steps up to the stage. He's dressed in a formal black coat over a plain white shirt, black trousers and black shoes. If he has some skills, he could be a potential ally. We shake hands, and then are sent to the Justice Building for our goodbyes.
My family comes in first. Since they already knew I was going to volunteer, we've already said our goodbyes. My mom checks to make sure I've got my district token, an amethyst shard, my dad gives me last-minute advice, and my brother gives me a hug. They leave, and my three best friends come in. They're triplets that live near me; their names are Edea, Linden, and Ama Lee. They knew my plans to volunteer, and have helped me train. They immediately tell me how much they'll miss me until I get back. After that, we just engage in some small talk until they leave.
Lukas Cottingham
My mom comes in with my youngest brother. "Where's Robert and Annaliese?" I ask.
"They're coming in next," she replies. "They only allow three visitors at a time."
I try to make the best of our conversation. Little Damien just sits there with a confused look on his face. I can tell he knows something serious is going on, but he doesn't quite understand what it is. The Peacekeepers take them away, against their will, and the other half of my family comes in.
Robert's always been the troublemaker of the family, so seeing him with a serious expression on his face is kind of a shocker. Annaliese and I talk about the motives that the girl, Aria, could have to volunteer. None of them seem to be the real reason, though. I also tell Annaliese that she has to take over my job of making money for the family with embroidery. Ever since my father died five years ago, I've started up a little embroidery business. It makes enough money for us to have a good life. However, since I'm leaving, Annaliese will have to take on that role. I've taught her how to make embroidery, and even though she's not as good as I am, she'll be able to make a few bucks. Before leaving, she gives me a small, light blue piece of fabric with the names of my family members and Austin embroidered on it. "Use it as your district token," she says.
"I will," I reply. "Thanks so much."
Austin visits next. He tells me he'll make sure my family's doing okay, and that he'll help Annaliese with embroidery since he dabbles in it. He leaves, and I know not to expect any more visitors. I sit on the comfortable couch, folding and unfolding the piece of fabric in my hands.
District Nine:
Harvest Anson
I awake to the sound of my twin brothers running through our house. They're only eight, so they're not too worried when it comes to reaping day. I know my sister Caritta will be nervous, though. She's only fourteen, and she's very scared of the Games. However, I've told her that if she ever happened to get reaped, I'd volunteer for her on the spot. But, this is the last year I'll have that option. Next year, Caritta will be on her own.
Downstairs, I find my dad wrestling my brothers into their seats as they shriek with joy. Caritta just sits in her chair, using her fork to play with her eggs. She doesn't look happy. My mom passes me a plate of eggs, and I dig in. Once my eggs are gone, I look over at Caritta, who still hasn't touched her eggs. "Come on," I say. "Eat. Everything's going to be okay."
I walk back upstairs to get dressed for the reaping. I pull my dress out of my closet; it's a casual, thigh-length, white one. I find my pair of leather brown flats, and then head back downstairs where the rest of my family is waiting. Caritta is wearing one of my old dresses. I've always been told that Caritta looks like a mini-me, and now I've begun to believe it. We do share the same carmel-colored hair and hazel eyes. I can remember wearing that dress to the reapings at fourteen, Caritta's age. "Everyone ready?" My dad asks. I nod, and we step out the door.
Peter Grane
My twin brother, Gener, and I walk towards the thirteen-year-old section as our parents head for the spectator section. We find our best friends, Eric and Evan, who also happen to be twins. We don't say much to each other. We're all too nervous to talk.
Not long after we find Eric and Evan, the ceremony begins. District Nine's escort, Praxis, steps up to his podium. His hair is dyed a dull gray color that goes upwards. I don't know how old he is, but he's been the escort my whole life. I zone out as he talks and shows us the Panem history video that the Capitol requires us to watch. Finally, he's ready to draw the names. "Let's start with the gentlemen first," he says. He reaches into a glass globe.
"Peter Grane."
Shock courses through my body. How could I be reaped? My name was only in there twice! I feel ice-cold as I walk up to the stage. I've never been this scared in my life.
Harvest Anson
A young boy walks up to the stage, dressed in a blue shirt and black dress pants. Sadly for him, it doesn't look like he'll last long. Praxis walks over to the other glass bowl. "Time to pick the lady," he says.
"June Winters."
A loud wail rings out from the twelve-year-old girls' section. I watch as a tiny girl begins to walk up to the stage. Tears stream down her face. I can't take it.
"I volunteer as tribute!"
I jog up to the little girl, and give her a hug. "Calm down," I say. "It's okay. You're not going into the Hunger Games. You can go back into your line." One of the girl's friends steps up and leads her back into the line. Once I'm sure she's okay, I walk up to the stage.
"What's your name?" Praxis asks.
"Harvest Anson," I reply.
Five minutes later, we're dragged into the Justice Building. After a few minutes of sitting in an empty room in silence, my sister bursts in, holding my mom's hand. Caritta has clearly been crying. "Don't cry," I say. "It's going to be fine, Caritta. I'll make it back."
She looks up at me. "You will?"
"I'll try my best," I reply.
My mom then begins to tell me how proud she is that I volunteered for that little girl. "I'm so lucky to have such a great daughter like you," she says.
Just before they leave, Caritta presses something into my hand. "Use it as a district token," she says.
Once she's gone, I look at what she gave me. It's a blunt block of wood. I believe she carved it herself. I place it in my pocket as my next visitors come in; my dad and my twin brothers. It's amazing how much their mood has changed from this morning. My dad tells me he's proud of me, and gives me advice, while my brothers just stare at we wordlessly. Just before they leave, my brothers embrace me in a group hug.
My friends Bran and Peara visit next. They tell me they'll miss me a lot. Peara knew Carmen from the 125th Hunger Games. They weren't really friends, but Peara was in some of her classes. The three of us have been friends for as long as I can remember. The two of them tell me they'll miss me, give me some advice, and leave when the Peacekeepers reappear.
Peter Grane
My family visits first. I'm actually surprised when my mom runs in and gives me a big hug. She hasn't shown much affection for me lately. A few months ago, my older sister Brianna went missing. Since then, my parents have been neglecting Gener and I in attempts to find her. So, I'm very happy that she's hugging me for the first time in six months.
My parents sits in silence for most of their visit. Generally tries to talk to me, but the awkwardness in the air won't let him. However, right before leaving, my mom pulls something out of her purse. It's a tiny family picture, taken just a few weeks before Brianna went missing. "Your district token," she says simply.
"Thanks, Mom," I say, right as the Peacekeepers burst in to take them away.
Eric and Evan walk in next. They're obviously both upset about what's happened, but they try to keep me in good spirits, by cracking jokes and stuff. However, nothing in the world can make me happy right now. Eric and Evan leave, and I'm left to nothing but my thoughts.
Only one more chapter of reapings left! Please review to let me know how I'm doing! :-)