AN: So I know that Clove hasn't shown a lot of emotion so far but think about it this way. She has to cook, clean, work, she's gron up quickly and loses herself in routine. She basically doesn't have a life. I'll put more emotion in from now though. Promise.
I wake at sunrise, as per usual and make breakfast. I make toast, a rarity, to celebrate Clara's freedom.
"Clove." I hear. I turn around and see Mother.
"Why are you up Mom. You should be sleeping. Have you been up all night working?" I ask, alarmed.
"I couldn't sleep. And we need to buy you a pretty, new dress for the reaping." She smiles and I hug her tightly.
"You should've tried, mom. I don't need a new dress, don't work yourself too hard. Not for me." She smiles at me and caresses my cheek.
"My little girl. You've grown up so fast! You'll always be my daughter, my little Clo-clo, I'll never stop loving you." I smile and hug her again.
"Mommy, Clovey, what's going on?" I spin around and see Clara.
"Come here, Clara." I say and she joins in with the hug. Tears sting my eyes but I stay strong, for Clara and mom, I will not let them fall. Everything will be fine, there has to be at least 1000 other girls who could get picked. Just from my district. We sit down and enjoy breakfast, though it tastes bittersweet. A beautiful breakfast on a sorrowful day. At noon every family is required to meet in the town where the Mayor hands out the letters to families with eligible children. We wash, dress and head to town.
The ceremony is just beginning when we arrive.
"Welcome, citizens of District 2. I will now present the letters to those lucky enough to be eligible. The Adams family," A tall boy, muscular and handsome takes to the stage and is given his letter. He walks back down to a sobbing mother and 4 other children. "The Apollo family." The mayor continues to call out names and people slowly disperse.
"The Fuhram family." I drop Clara's hand and walk to the stage, where I am handed a letter and then I walk off the stage and we go home. We all sit in the lounge as Mother opens the envelope.
"Do you want to read it?" Mom asks, her voice cracking, hands shaking. I take the letter and begin to read.
Dear Mr and Mrs Fuhram,
We are pleased to inform you that your eldest daughter, Clove Isabelle Fuhram, aged 15, has been approved eligible for the reaping that will take place on Saturday 21st May. All members of your household must attend the reaping. You must be dressed in formal and neat attire. Those eligible must arrive at 10am promptly for signing in. The rest of District 2 must therefore meet at the Justice Building at 1pm and the reaping will begin at 1:30pm.
Miss Fuhram must arrive at the Justice Building at 9am promptly on Monday 15th,dressed smartly.
If your daughter is reaped then you have 30 minutes to report to the Justice Building to say goodbyes. The chosen may take one token, whether is be a locket, ring, picture or dress, as there token.
You are required to watch the interviews, Sunday 22nd at approximately 6pm, the scoring, Thursday 26th, approximately 8pm, the interviews, Saturday 28th, 7pm promptly and the conclusion, Sunday 29th, 2pm promptly.
Thank you for your understanding and co-operation,
Yours sincerely
Mayor Camorlia.
I look up and send my mother a small smile. Everything will be fine...won't it?
"Clovey, why are you so happy if you might go?" Clara asks.
"Because your not coming too. And if I do go, it will only be for a little bit and then I'll be back. And we'll have a big house and you can have all the prettiest party dresses that you want and we'll never have to work again!" I tell her and her eyes light up slightly before she frowns.
"But I don't want you to go Clovey." I smile at her cuteness.
"It'll only be for a little bit and then I'd be back. We don't even know that I'm going at all." I hug her and she flings her too-skinny arms around my neck, catching me off balance and causing us both to fall backwards, onto the couch, a laughing mess.
"It's time you two went to bed." Mom tells us, grinning despite trying to keep a calm face. Clara lets out a little whine but obediently slopes off to bed.
"What about you Mom. You're going to sleep, right?" I ask her, worriedly.
"I'm going to start taking in a little more work. I didn't realise you'd be needed so soon. And so early in the day! At dawn I'm going to go buy you a new dress and then we'll sort you out. Got to have you looking perfect." I frown slightly.
"Mom, you don't need to-"
"I want to." She interrupts firmly. "Now go get some sleep." I nod and head off to bed myself, not before hugging my Mom goodnight and kissing sleeping Clara's forehead.
I slowly drift off to sleep of dresses and princes and pretty girls.
When I wake there is a warm bath ready for me. I slip into the water, enjoying the warmth, heated baths a rarity, even for our district. When I'm out, Clara hands me a bowl of porridge and Mom comes over.
"Lean back a little sweetheart, it'll be easier to do when it's wet." She begins to style my hair. She straightens, brushes and whatever else. When she's done I can tell that my hair is in a messy bun. It's secured by a red velvet bow. I touch it slightly, the fabric warm and soft. It must've cost more than a days worth of food.
"Mom...you shouldn't have." I trail off, stuttering.
"It went with your dress. The shop owner was feeling generous and threw it in for half price along with the shoes." I smile. Everyone's there for each other, even strangers, on days like today. One of the few times we become united.
Mom gets out her small bag of make up for emergency days. For meetings, reapings and other official malarkey. She applies some foundation, blusher, a natural eye-shadow that makes my eyes glow, mascara, a pale pink lipstick and lip shimmer. I look beautiful. Mother paints my nails a beautiful glittering red. While they dry she fetches my dress.
"Clovey, I can't wait until I see you in it. It's so beautiful and so are you and if you add something beautiful to something beautiful it equals something even beautifuller!" Clara giggles and I chuckle despite myself. If this how I feel today how am I ever going to survive a reaping? God save me! Mother comes back and tells me to close my eyes. I feel a beautiful, soft fabric surround me. When I open my eyes, I gasp. I look beautiful. The dress has thick straps that rest on my shoulders, and the skirt finishes half way between my knees and above. It's the same gorgeous ruby red velvet as my bow and so are the dance slippers that are slipped onto my feet.
"I-I-I look a-amazing!" I stutter and Mom chuckles.
"Of course you do! You can do this Clove!" I smile, despite myself. Imagine what the day of the reaping will be like. Actually... maybe don't.
"You look like a princess!" Clara exclaims and my smile falters. There's a chance that I could be in 2 weeks. I shake the thought from my head. Why would I win out of 1000's of other girls? Even if I am picked I won't win. But I'll try and enjoy these scarce happy moments where we can share beauty. When those 4 eligable's are sent off it will all be gone. I check the time on the clock that stands, old and rusting, on the kitchen wall. 8:30am.
"You need to go love." Mom tells me as I nod. I hug Clara good bye and walk out the door. Here goes nothing!