Author's Note: I am soooo sorry for updating so late. I've literally had 2 funerals in a year, and I am going to one tomorrow. It's really late, and I couldn't sleep which lead to another chapter, a semi-crappy chapter but a chapter none-the-less. Sorry again for the wait. I honestly forgot about the book, and lost interest for a while with writer's block. I will really try updating frequently, but I'm warning ahead of time, exams are coming up in two months with EOCT's. Without further words, here is the LONG awaited chapter. :)

District 3 Reaping:

"Zinnia, stay still in your seat," Zinnia sticks her tongue out at her teacher with her olive green eyes glaring daggers when she turns her back to write some dumb, unhelpful for the future equation. She can't help being antsy with the reaping today, and with the final bell ringing any minute. What can a 12 year old do? Snickering catches her attention from the back of the room, so she stands up and whips her jet shoulder length black hair flying around her face with the jerky movement. The bell rings saving whoever was snickering and allowing Zinnia to dash out of the classroom and release some of the pent up energy lingering in her. "How was my little ball of energy's day?" Rose struts over to her younger sister, a smile glued to her face. " .DennarogotontomebecauseIwassquirmingbutheywhatelseisnewand…" Rose interrupts. "Whoa slow down. Remember breath and annunciate your words." Zinnia rolls her eyes. "By this point in our sisterly bond, I would have expected you to understand Zinnia language."

"How are you holding up?" Concern is etched in Iris' olive green eyes she shares with Zinnia. "I'm holding up fine," Zinnia says truthfully. She should be scared, she knows that, but bravery runs deep in her blood. Xandra runs over to them her eyes etched with obvious worry, but her body language an in attempted relaxed state. "Do you want to get ready for the reaping at my house?" Xandra asks. "I honestly want to spend my time with family, just in case," Zinnia smiles sadly. Xandra nods understandingly, but with sadness looming in her eyes. "But, I'll definitely walk with you there." She adds getting a smile from Xandra.

(-)(-)(-)

After a decent sized walk to Zinnia's house, she prolongs getting ready as long as possible, drawing pictures with her younger sisters, Iris, Blossom, and Chrysanthemum. "Zinnia, you were supposed to be dressed," her dad says, deep worry lines etched in his face from having to support a family without having a wife to help. Zinnia smiles attempting to translate "I'm sorry".

"I' , you know?" she asks with her dad looking at her, trying to comprehend what words just flew from his daughter's mouth. "Just go get ready, sweet girl." He kisses her head with worry and fear practically oozing from him, and with the kiss, Zinnia parts to start to get ready with finally the recognition of what is about to happen setting in. She's about to go to the Reaping. She or someone she loves may get picked to go to the dreaded Hunger Games.

(-)(-)(-)

Crass Fare couldn't contain the laugh slipping from his lips when he saw when Avionna tripped on the trap he set. Yes, Avionna was one out of two of his only friends, but his dad was sure enough smiling wherever he went after he died. The only problem with the situation was when she turned to glare at him with her icy blue eyes and started stomping towards him with her face turning red through anger. "What the hell is your problem Crass!? I'm sick of the shit you pull constantly!" Her voice starts drawing attention. "Avionna, I swear it wasn't me. I was doing my Advanced Calculus homework," he shows her the binder that he was using as his voucher. His lies are generally so realistic, they seem to almost be woven into reality and be the considered truth. Avionna squints her eyes, debating internally whether to believe him or not and choosing to see the best in him. "Sometimes I don't get you, Crass." She shakes her head and walks away, leaving Crass to be alone contemplating what to do next to entertain him. He brushes his messy brown hair from his face to see Link coming towards him enacting a sigh from him. Crass instantly starts walking the opposite direction not willing to listen to Links' pity.

The instant he sees Rose, who's just a girl he knows the name of, he thinks of what to do to ward away the boredom. "Hey Rose," he says his fake smile glued to his face. "Hi…" she seems to search for his name. "Crass," she smiles herself. "I wanted to talk about some serious news," the lies flow from him so smoothly and naturally. "I overheard that Davion, the jock who looks like he should be in District One, was going to ask you out." Rose's face lightens for a moment. "Really?" Excitement is evident 100%. "But, then again, he seems to like girls with pink hair, not that jet black mess you have on your head." Rose looks like she might actually pink hair when she seems to catch onto the insult. "Go to hell Crass!" she storms off, running her fingers through her hair insecurely bringing an instantaneous smile to Crass' face, and he looks to the sky. "You like that dad?" Before the Reaping he spends his time screwing with people's lives because it's not like he has anything better to do. His dad's dead, and his mom is too busy with her work. He has a promise to keep to his dad. He will never stop trying to make him smile.

(-)(-)(-)

Like promised, Zinnia walks to her very first Reaping holding Xandra's hand on one side, and Rose on the other side who keeps looking at some boy. "I'm terrified," Xandra whispers. "I'm not," Zinnia begins. "I mean what are the chance we'll get picked. It seems ludicrous." The line continues moving, the needle only hurting a little for those with even a low pain tolerance.

Crass stands next to Link, not really concerned about the Reaping because he's made it to 17 years old without being reaped.

The same boring announcement of the new president comes on with Crass contemplating how wonderful it would be to be president where the capitol residents are so gullible.

"First, the ladies." The tension's thickness could be cut with even a dull knife. Xandra squeezes Zinnia's hand for support when the name is pulled from the bowl. "Zinnia Crest." Zinnia's breath gets caught in her throat and all eyes turn to the twelve year old with sorrow looming in their eyes. It's the first time she has no words. Zinnia waits a second for someone to volunteer as tribute, but when no one does, she moves slowly to the stage losing the warmth of Xandra's hand. Her legs are heavy, and a fog of lightheadedness rises over her olive eyes.

"And, the boys." No time is wasted choosing the name. "Crass Fare," Everyone again is quiet thinking of how poorly they will probably lose this year with the obvious lack of sponsors an inexperienced twelve year old and an unlikable seventeen year old will receive.

Please review to tell me if I portrayed your characters the way you wanted them.