District 1 Reaping - I Know What I Have to Do

Cedric Renier - 18

District 1 Male

"What is rejected by someone

Might be precious for someone else."

Shing!

A bright light entered my vision as I brought my sword down on the dummy one last time. The sword's reflection was harsh, but the blow was harsher. Satisfied, I kicked the stuffing around like a can, asserting dominance over my prey.

"Hey, Cedric!"

I jumped just a little at the sudden mention of my name. I thought I was alone, after all.

"Did you stay here all night?"

I turned to see the kid who had called out to me. I breathed a sigh of relief and responded, "Hey, Harlow. Yes, I did. I couldn't get my mind off things."

Harlow Chester. He's a year younger than me, but always tries to open a conversation. This morning, his long blond hair was pulled into a ponytail, and he was wearing a pretty classy suit.

"It's only six, you're already in your Reaping Clothes?" I asked, putting the sword back on the rack.

"I never miss an opportunity to be fancy," he said. "Are you nervous?"

"Look," I replied. "I have to go home. I'll see you another time."

Without waiting for his response, I left the training facility. I didn't get to where I am now by making friends. I don't mind chatting while training, but those days are over. I have been chosen as a career, and from now on I need to make every second count.

Juno Pierre - 17

District 1 Female

"Kinda bad, kinda boujee."

I stared out the window next to my bed, taking in the sights for the last time. Well, hopefully it won't be the last time. After all, I plan to win.

"Juno!"

I snapped out of my daydream and turned to the door. My younger sister, Eden, was standing there, already gussied up. Her light brown hair was tied up in a bun, not unlike the style she wears while skating. Her face was full of natural makeup and her gown was just a bit too sparkly for my taste.

"Mom said she's ready to do your hair," she told me. "Get out of bed and get dressed! C'mon!"

I sighed as she left the room. I love doing my hair, but I'm rarely allowed to do it myself. My Mom's too worried about my modeling career. She doesn't trust my skills.

I made sure to squeeze a few push-ups and a quick shower in before I got dressed. Like always, my Mother picked out my outfit. A long, strapless white dress and white platforms. Of course she also threw in the black diamond Van Cleef necklace, she calls it my staple. But I'm pretty sure no one cares.

"You're late," my Mother said as I entered the living room. "I had Eden go get you ten minutes ago! I need time to work my magic."

"Let her off the hook, Monique," my Dad said, looking up from his peppermint tea. "It's a big day for her."

"Look," she continued, patting the seat in front of her to urge me to sit down. "It's been decades since a seventeen-year-old has been chosen as a career. This is huge! She needs to look her best so it elevates her publicity."

"She doesn't care about me that much," Eden whispered to me. I giggled.

Cedric Renier - 18

District 1 Male

"What is rejected by someone

Might be precious for someone else."

"What took you so long?" Mrs. Renier snapped as I entered the house. "I thought I told you not to keep me waiting!?"

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Renier," I replied. "I'll go get ready."

I left the room, once again, before I could be responded to. I'm not in the mood to deal with these people. It was 8:21 - I know because of all the clocks lining the hallway. My foster father used to be a horologist before he passed away. My foster mother, on the other hand, is living off her inheritance and has never let me call her Mom.

I tried to take as long as possible putting on my Reaping outfit. A white shirt accompanied by a petrol blue jacket along with black pants and shoes. I looked in the mirror next to my dresser and messed with my hair. My ears were too big for my liking, so I proceeded to hide them under my shoulder-length brown hair. I really didn't want to go back downstairs, but I couldn't stall for much longer.

I walked back into the kitchen where Mrs. Reiner and Annabelle were drinking tea. I never got along with Annabelle. She's my adoptive sister, but she never treated me well. I can say the same about Mrs. Reiner. Dad was the only person who seemed to actually care, but he passed a few years ago. These two witches are the reason I decided to spend most of my time at the Academy. I can't remember the last time I spent a whole day at home. If you can even call it home at this point.

"Cedric, you look great!" Annabelle said. She didn't really think that, she was just hoping to get on my good side in case I won. But she wouldn't feel any grief if I didn't. "Is that a new jacket?"

"No," I responded.

An awkward silence ensued while Mrs. Reiner cleaned up the teacups. I stood there as the water ran, no one making eye contact with anyone else.

"Would you look at the time," Mrs. Reiner exclaimed, looking at one of the three clocks in the room. "We should get going."

I followed the ladies to the square where the Reaping is held. It's only a few blocks away from my house. As we arrived I got a look at the two mentors chosen for this year. I didn't know the girl, but I recognized the guy as Randall Smithe. Smithe won the Hunger Games twenty years ago and personally trained me at the Academy. He has told me multiple times that I have the face of a winner.

"Isn't that Randall?" Mrs. Reiner whispered to Annabelle. "He's pretty ripped…but he's a bit young for me!"

The girls giggled as they walked off to join the crowd, not even stopping to say goodbye. I spotted Harlow and Evan with the 17-year-olds, but I ignored them. I guess it runs in the family. Well, whatever can run between us that is.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnn

The Escort tried multiple times to get the microphone to work, but it eventually was replaced to get rid of the awful feedback. She tapped on the new piece a few times to guarantee that the situation wouldn't repeat, then she held it up to her mouth.

"Happy Reaping Day, District 1," she said. Her voice was deep, and not quite monotone. But it toed the line. She'd been our escort since I was about seven years old. "If you don't know me, I'm Rebecca Musk. Sitting behind me are the Former Victor's chosen to be this year's mentors, Randall Smithe and Karin Grey."

There was a roar of applause from the audience. It was clear why - Randall had single handedly taken out over half the tributes during his games. But if there was any applause for Karin, I didn't know. I found her strange - I didn't couldn't place her. I felt like I should know her, but I just don't. Rebecca continued.

"Without any further ado, let's choose the tributes for this year's Hunger Games!" She reached her hand into the giant glass ball beside her. Knowing there would be a Career Volunteer, she didn't bother making it dramatic. "Our male tribute, Justin Yale."

Without any hesitation, my hand shot up during the final syllable.

"I volunteer as tribute!"

Juno Pierre - 17

District 1 Female

"Kinda bad, kinda boujee."

After enduring the pestering from my Mom, I made my way to Claire's for our Reaping Day tradition. Every year since we were six, we would meet at her house and skip stones in her pond. Her family was much wealthier than mine, and had a back garden that looked like it came out of a fairytale.

"Juno!"

Claire ran over and pulled me into a hug. "Do you really have to?"

"Yes," I responded. "But don't worry! I promise I'll come back."

Claire had a pouty look on her face after I said that, but she knew she couldn't do anything. Unlike me, Claire never attended the Academy. She's very well off and enjoys modeling more than anything. She has no interest in being a tribute.

The two of us made our way into the garden, careful to keep our dresses clean. I watched as a baby dragonfly zipped around and the hummingbirds splashed around in the bird bath. This place is so tranquil and calming. I don't ever want to leave.

"Are you doubting yourself?" Claire asked, making it all the way to a seven-skip in the pond.

"Yes," I admitted.

"I'm sad you're going, I really am. But you've been training for this."

"Claire. I'm scared. I…I don't want to die."

"Don't even say that!" Claire yelled, giving a cute little stomp as she did. "You're the strongest, most skilled person I know. You're going to come home and you're going to win. You're not coming back in a casket. You're coming home in a chariot!"

"Claire…"

I couldn't control it. I started to sob. Did I really want to do this? Is it too late to go back? How can I be so sure of myself? Claire played with my hair, just letting me get it all out. After a few minutes, it was silent.

"Juno," she said. "You can do it. I know you can."

"It's getting late," I said, standing. "We should get going."

The two of us walked into the square and signed in. Unfortunately we had to part ways afterward. Claire is 18. After just a few minutes, a loud feedback from the microphone brought me back to the current moment.

"Happy Reaping Day, District 1!"

Rebecca Musk. District 1's Escort for as long as I can remember. I used to look up to her, Eden still does. How could we not? She's beautiful. Long, silky, curly black hair. A perfectly done smoky eye. Her only abnormality was her long, slender fingers. As a model, I did indeed look up to her. But now she gets on my nerves.

She introduced the mentors, people applaud. The other tribute volunteers, people applaud. Just like every year. I don't know much about the male career. Because there is one man and one woman each year, the Academy is separated into boys and girls. We don't mix much.

"What's your name, lad?" Rebecca asked the career boy.

"Cedric." He said. "Cedric Renier."

The applause returned for a few moments before Rebecca calmed down the crowd.

"And now, our female tribute," she said, reaching her hand into the bowl.

I saw my life flash before my eyes. The same question repeating over and over - do I really want to do this? I'd get shamed for it, for sure. No one has ever failed to volunteer so there's no backup. But I could always just move and change my name. Right? Maybe it's best for me to listen to my mother. Maybe I should go back into modeling, just this once…

"Claire Cavendish!"

Any hesitation. Any anxiety. Any feelings of backing out. They all disappeared. Hearing my friend's name being called made me responsible if anything happened. Not only that, but the fear I could imagine on her face when I didn't say anything reminded me of something. The reason I'm here to volunteer in the first place.

I will prove myself to be more than a pretty face.

"I volunteer as tribute!"

Cedric Renier - 18

District 1 Male

"What is rejected by someone

Might be precious for someone else."

I watched the girl who had just volunteered. Boy, was she beautiful. She had fair skin and wavy, brown hair that cascaded to just below her shoulders. Her large eyes were a honey brown, residing within her refined cheeks. She looked like a model. In fact, I think she might be. I recognized her face from one of Annabelle's magazines.

"And who are you, young lady?" Rebecca asked, handing over the mic. The girl grabbed it out of her hands rather aggressively.

"My name is Juno Pierre," she announced. "And I'm going to win."

The crowd erupted. Some with cheers, some with cries. She appeared to be quite popular among a…certain demographic of middle aged men. But what can you expect from a young model?

After the ruckus died down, Rebecca cleared her throat. "Here you have it," she said, waving her hand towards us. "Cedric Reiner and Juno Pierre, representing District 1 in the 123rd Hunger Games!"

I saw the cameras turn off moments after she finished her sentence. She let out a yawn and made her way offstage as the audience stood around and chat. I felt a firm hand grab my shoulder and I looked up. A peacekeeper.

"C'mon son," he said, with a bit of a smile. "It's time to say your goodbyes."

He led me down and into the Justice Building. The room I was contained to was rather extravagant. I sat myself down on the white couch after deciding to dim the lights. It was just a bit too bright. I waited a few minutes, not expecting much. But then the door opened. The Peacekeeper led two kids - Harlow and Evan - into the room.

"You have three minutes," he said, leaving the room. He shut the door, leaving me alone with my, ah, acquaintances.

"I noticed that Mrs. Reiner and your sister left," Harlow said, scratching his head. "I felt bad that they didn't say anything."

"It's better that way," I replied. Evan sat down next to me. Evan is very quiet, I've only spoken to him once or twice. But he follows Harlow, who can't seem to shut up around me, like a dog.

"I hope you have a good time," Evan said.

"Of course he will. He's going to pummel the competition!" Harlow exclaimed, showing off some boxing moves as he did. I couldn't help but smile. Just a little bit, though.

"Come back, okay?" Evan said, making eye contact. His eyes were an odd shade of green, and his resemblance to a puppy was made clear once again with his pleading look. "I want you to see Harlow go next year. He's gonna do great."

"Don't sell yourself short, Ev," Harlow said, patting his head. "You have just as much of a chance as me to be selected. Seriously! This kid is wicked with a bow, but refuses to show anybody!"

"I'm not that good…"

"Pipe down!"

Harlow laughed and I found myself joining in. I never thought I would be able to just…chill. Like a normal kid. If I win…I can do this more often. I'll watch the games next year, cheer on Harlow - or Evan, I suppose - and hang out with the other. Winning these games. Winning respect. Winning freedom. That's just the first part. I want to be able to live. Live without Mrs. Reiner breathing down my neck, yet despising me all the while. A life without Annabelle constantly bragging about her successes. A life without the constant reminder that my adoptive father was the only one who truly loved me.

I watched as the Peacekeeper escorted them out, after one last hurrah.

I know what I have to do.

I have to win.

Juno Pierre - 17

District 1 Female

"Kinda bad, kinda boujee."

"Let go of me!" I yelled as I was escorted to the Justice Building. "I can walk by myself!"

Reluctantly, the Peacekeeper let me go and just walked behind me. But I could tell her hand was resting on a taser. I saw the boy - Cedric, I believe - a few meters away being escorted into his own room.

The Peacekeeper slammed the door in just enough time after I entered to not scathe me. I guess she's having a bad day. I only had to wait a few moments before it opened up again, my family entering.

"I'm so proud of you…" my father said, but I'm not sure how much I believed him. From his tone, Mom told him to say it. "You're going to do great out there."

"Oh, Juno!" my mom walked over and started stroking my hair. "My little girl is all grown up. Just think about it; after you win, your career is sure to skyrocket! Make sure you talk about your modeling during the interview."

"I will, Mom," I said, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. I knew this whole proud and grown up shtick was a ploy. It's not that she doesn't love me, she just loves fame and money a little more.

"Juno!"

Eden ran up and embraced me in a big hug. I almost started crying. She looked so beautiful. Eden must be the only gorgeous person I can stand…I never noticed it before, but now that I have to leave, I don't want to take my eyes away from her.

"Juno…I love you," she said, doing her best to hold back tears. "I'll be watching every moment! I'll use my allowance to send sponsored goods, I promise! But you have to promise to come back."

I hesitated before answering, "Of course I will." I could tell Eden didn't like that, so I gave her more of a squeeze. "I will."

I couldn't tell her that I was doubting myself. That if Claire's name wasn't called, I wouldn't be here right now in the first place. That would make her worried. I can't worry my little sister.

"When you get back," she said. "Go skating with me. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, but I want to skate. Skate hand-in-hand with my sister - Victor of the Games. We've never skated together before…because you were too busy. I just want to skate."

"We'll skate," I said, squeezing her shoulder. "We'll skate and no one will be watching. Just the two of us. And afterwards, we'll have hot cocoa. My special recipe."

Eden smiled as the door opened. "Time's up," the Peacekeeper said, pointing out the door. "It's time to leave. She has another visitor."

My family gave me one last goodbye, and I sat on the couch as they left. I was holding back tears myself when Claire walked in, all sunshine and rainbows.

"You looked so cool!" she exclaimed, sitting down next to me. "You really strut your stuff!"

"That wasn't really what I was going for," I replied. "But thank you."

"I won't lie…" Claire whispered after a brief silence. "When I heard my name get called…I was scared. Just for a minute. But then I remembered you were volunteering, and boom! You did! I was scared out of my mind, Juno…and I guess I just wanted to say…" she grabbed my hands and looked me in the eyes. "Thank you."

"I just did what I had to do," I said. "I was chosen. There's no reason to thank me."

"I can't wait to watch you," she said, smiling. "I've never seen you train, but I've seen how tired you were afterwards. I know you worked really hard."

"I won't disappoint!" I assured her. We let go of each other and just sat in silence, enjoying each other's company. This could be the last time I ever see her. This could be…

No. Don't think like that. I'll come home. I need to prove that even pretty girls can be brave and strong. I need to make sure Claire doesn't feel guilty if I die, since I technically went in her place. I need to….

I need to skate with Eden.

I know what I have to do. I have to come out on top, guns blazing.

A/N: Hello everyone! As you may have noticed, it's been two weeks since the last update. Reapings take longer to write than I anticipated, especially with my busy schedule. Thus, the updates are moving to every other Saturday (so sorry!). From this point on, under the Fantastical Masquerade section of my profile, there will be an up-to-date list featuring the next chapter, the date of the next update, and the current schedule. I had so much fun writing these two. If any submitter feels something was off, or their character wasn't portrayed correctly, send me a PM and I'll make sure to make adjustments in the future!

I've gotten a few DMs asking about my own character in the D2 Female slot. Since this raised concern for multiple people, I'll explain things here! I had a character I wished to write myself instead of sending off to another SYOT, so I'm doing that here. There will be no biases, and she will be treated like any other character. Same amount of screentime! I also assure you that she will not be taking the Victor Crown. Allowing my own character to win is just cruel! If there are any further questions, once again feel free to send a PM.

Thank you all for tuning in this week! I currently have a reservation for the D2 Male, so depending on how soon I receive him (no pressure!), we will continue with District 2 next week. If not, we'll move on to District 3 and revisit District 2 once both slots are filled. This will be the drill for any other Districts that haven't been filled yet. Once again, thank you for tuning into my silly little SYOT, and have a great rest of your week!

- Rascal Ratface