Chapter 3 Reapings

Lex Wolfsbane, D3F (17)

Sociology fascinates me. Studying the way humans behave. Take the reapings for example, thousands of eligible kids in our district, such incredibly low odds of being chosen, yet every year 2 kids are. Despite the low odds, it's safe to say, every kid in our district is terrified that it will be their name on the slip of paper that's chosen. How each kid handles the fear is interesting to observe. I do feel for the ones that are picked though, it's hard to handle a near certain death sentence before ever getting the chance to grow up.

I finish writing my report and submit it to the lab. I've been chosen this summer to intern at the Capitol to help them develop new technologies for surveillance based on my intelligence in both technology and human behaviour. It's an honor to be chosen based on my merits, but I don't feel very good about helping to give the Capitol more ways to collect evidence to punish people. It's not like I could turn the job down, I have to watch out for my survival too.

After wrapping up my work, I eat a light breakfast of an apple and a handful of nuts. I dress in smart pants and a simple blouse. I bid my parents farewell and head out to the square.

I handle my nerves by talking myself through it. I know my odds are low, I've been lucky enough to not have needed to take out tesserae every year and I've made it this many years without being chosen. Two reapings left and then I'm safe. I'm not having kids. My parents wanted a large family but opted for one kid, not wanting to increase their odds of having any of their kids go to the games.

I arrive at the square and sign in. I find my best friend, Electra, and we give each other a brief hug of reassurance.

Soon after, the escort trots on stage and after reading the treaty of treason and introducing our 5 living Victors, it's time to draw the names.

"And the female tribute representing District 3 is..."

"Lex Wolfsbane"

I can't breathe.

I grip Electra for security but she just looks at me sadly and backs away. Ah yes, can't associate yourself with the condemned.

The games start the moment you're reaped. I can't make myself look weak. I quickly recover and put on a neutral expression as I walk up to the stage, I stare ahead past the crowd and wait for my district partner to be chosen.

Koda Hertz, D3M (14)

Reading is my favourite thing to do. I love learning new things, like history, how computers work, how to code software programs and what plants are edible. I may be young but if I ever find myself in the games, I don't want to die from something stupid like eating a poisonous plant.

I finish my book and put it back in the library. I pick out a new one on software development to start when the reapings are over.

I head downstairs to eat breakfast with my family. My two younger siblings, Spark and Neutro, who are 7 and 9 respectively, are still too young to be reaped. It's a quiet meal as we all chew on our oatmeal. My parents try their best, but they have lowly factory jobs, just automated work because they're not smart enough for anything else. My parents are by no means dumb, but their peers outshone them so that's what they got. It keeps a roof over our heads but I've always had to take out 5 tesserae every year. It makes me nervous. That's why I want to learn as much as I can and get a good paying job so that my kids never have to take out tesserae and not worry about being reaped.

We all finish eating and after getting dressed, head out to the town square together. Once we arrive, I have to separate from the rest of my family to go stand with my age group.

The escort comes onstage. I try to tune out everything to control my nerves. The next thing I know the female tribute is being announced.

"Lex Wolfsbane" the escort says.

A girl emerges from the seventeens section, she has beautiful brown skin, dark brown eyes and curly dark brown hair. She looks determined and confident as she makes her way to the stage. I think I recognize her as the student chosen for the Capitol internship. She's one of the smartest kids in the district, she could have a good chance!

I'm caught up in my admiration that I almost miss the male name.

"Koda Hertz"

No this can't be happening.

I feel tears well up in my eyes but quickly blink them away. I can't let them see my cry, not in front of the cameras.

I force myself to walk normal strides to the stage and climb the steps. I may be able to fight away my tears but I'm not able to stop myself from trembling. I shake hands with Lex and we are led inside the Justice buildings.

Lex Wolfsbane, D3F (17)

My parents come in first. "We're so sorry this happened." my mom says.

For two minutes we're all quiet, both my parents hug me and none of us want to break the silence. Then my dad speaks up "You're brilliant Lex, that can get you far. You learn quickly, focus on skills that will help you survive. Pick a common weapon to learn to defend yourself for when the time comes. And don't be boring. You're more likely to go farther if you give them a show, you don't have to be cruel about it, but you can't sit around the whole time either."

I take in my dad's words "Right, I'll try."

The peacekeepers come in to take my parents away.

"We'll be rooting for you the whole time!" my mom says before they are led out the door.

Before I have time to process, Electra comes in sobbing.

"I'm so sorry Lex, how can this be happening? You're my best friend, please come back to me."

I wrap her in a hug, "I'll try my hardest. Thank you for being a great friend Electra. Please check in on my parents for me while I'm gone, and in case I don't come back."

Electra nods through her tears.

Just as quickly, she is brought away by the peacekeepers too.

I wonder if I'll ever see Electra and my parents again. I have to do whatever I can to make it back to them.

Koda Hertz, D3M (14)

The room I was brought to wait in is so fancy. You'd think they'd supply some tissues. Now that I'm out of view of the cameras I can't help but cry. I find a soft pillow on the couch to wipe away my tears and snot.

My parents come in with Spark and Neutro. Spark is still too young to fully understand what's happening. This was the year we were going to explain to him what the games are, I don't know how my parents will manage that now.

"Why are you crying?" Neutro asks. "Aren't you excited you get to go to a fancy vacation in the Capitol?"

I don't have the heart to break his childhood innocence. "Listen Neutro, I may not be able to come back, just know that I love you and Spark a lot and that you're both the best brothers that I could ask for."

Spark is quiet. I think he knows I probably won't be coming back. I hug my siblings and parents goodbye and vow to try my hardest.

What do you think of the District 3 pair. Who do you think will go the farthest?