District 4 Reaping

Kendall Maris D4F 17

It's amazing outside this morning, Granted, here in 4 it is always breathtaking with the sand, water, and sun but something about today makes it extra special.

It's Reaping Day. The day that I have been working towards for as long as I can remember. To get a chance to win the games, and to bring honor to my family and the district.

I have given everything to my training, to this goal. Sometimes I wonder if I gave too much. The time away from friends in favor of training, neglecting some of my studies to make sure I'm in the best shape possible. It'll all be worth it if I can win. Even despite the accident.

My dad was one of my biggest supporters. It took me 5 years to go deep into the water again after the accident, which greatly hindered my training. My dad was a fisherman, which unsurprisingly is a common way to make a living in 4. He worked hard to make ends meet no matter the weather. My mom and I told him he should be more careful, especially in the summer months when the weather is more unpredictable than other months of the year.

He got caught in the storm with his small crew and crashed. The peacekeepers weren't much help. He and his crew were found dead a few days later, washed ashore. I feel bad, I should've been there with him, I could've helped him, but I wanted to train instead. My mom says I would've died too but I don't think so, one person could've made a big difference. I would've made a difference.

I remember I was heartbroken, and I couldn't believe it. Now I am more determined than ever, I have to win, this is how I bring him peace from beyond the grave. It might seem weird but this way he can forgive me for not going with him. He will forgive me, right? He has to.

Sera, a girl from 4 who trains with me from time to time tells me to show her the knife throw again, she doesn't want to volunteer but she likes to see me show off. I start throwing knives against a log propped up against a boat by the dock, I hit all 5 knives I throw. She smiles, and I give her an approving glance.

We don't talk much but she lost someone in the accident too. So, that's good enough for me.

"I gotta go look decent for the reaping, I'll see you there?" I ask her.

"Yeah I'll see you there," she says. We go our separate ways.

I start to think as I make my way home, this has to be my year, I'm trained and I'm ready. I will kill to get home, so I already have an advantage over some of the inexperienced tributes.

The training in 4 has decreased significantly due to people not being successful seeing as we haven't had a victor in 8 years. It is discouraging to some, but not to me. I will break this cold streak and I'm not keen on trying next year with the quarter quell coming up. I don't like surprises, so this year is a safe bet.

I get home and I am instantly greeted by an eager Kalani asking if she can do my hair after I clean up.

Kalani is so sweet and innocent, I can't say no to her. Maybe this will calm her nerves for her first reaping. She has no interest in training so at least I can keep her out of the games for one more year and come home a victor. It's a double win in my book.

"There now everyone can see your beautiful face!" Kalani says with such sweetness all I can do is smile.

My mom walks in after doing some work before the reaping, she had to work a lot more since my dad, and that's why I want to win this for her too, I miss seeing her around so much.

"Are you girls ready?" My mom says while kissing Kalani on the forehead.

"Yes, mommy". Kalani says cutely.

As we walk out I start to think what will happen if I don't make it home. I can't afford to have doubts now. I shake the thoughts instantly from my mind, I'll be home soon and everything will be so much better for me and my family.

Dylan Cove D4M 18

I wake up to chatter downstairs and I realize I don't have much time before we have to leave for the reaping.

Damn, I wanted to fish before the reaping.

So much for that. Fishing has always been relaxing whether that be with a rod, or a trident, it is always a relaxing time.

Back when I used to train for the games my parents, my two older brothers, and my little sister used to have picnics on the beach. We still do but not nearly as much anymore since I don't train anymore. I stopped training a few years ago, I was never at the top of my class and I lost interest in the "glory" of it all. I had no desire to die for my district and realized I could find happiness in other less violent ways. Plus the games are bullshit in a lot of ways. It took me a while to realize that but all it does is make the poorer districts send kids off to their deaths and don't get anything in return.

I am interrupted from my thoughts when Isla, my little sister, yells at me to hurry down to eat.

I throw my brown button-up shirt and jeans on and rush downstairs.

My parents made breakfast of fish, rice, and my mom's special sauce, she never disappoints on reaping day.

"How do you feel about being done with reapings after this year?" my dad said.

"It's great, Bourne, is there any word on the volunteer this year?" Bourne is my older brother and he has the inside scoop on these things.

"I know Kendall is determined this year but nothing for the boys."

"Are the 17-year old's waiting for next year?" I say.

"I guess but that means we won't have a volunteer this year for the boys. I hope Kendall is ready cause we're going to need her". Bourne says as he cleans off his plate.

"Ok guys, let's go, we don't wanna be late," my dad says as he is waving us up.

I get up and clean off my plate, my mom says I have to do dishes after the reaping.

Let's just get this over with.

Kendall Maris

We arrive at the reaping and it's hotter than it was earlier, I kinda feel like I'm baking.

I ignore it and just remember what I need to do, I hug Kalani and send her off to the 12-year-old section.

I take my place among the 17-year old's.

Our escort, a young blonde lady named Willow. She looks nice enough, but her voice is going to annoy me.

We watch the same video again and I can't stop thinking about how hot it is.

I snap out of my trance when I hear Willow say, "OK ladies first!"

I know this is it. I don't let her finish the girl's name before I yell "I volunteer!"

She looks pleased and I'm puzzled why but I keep my scowl and I head to the front.

"What is your name young lady?" she asks happily.

"Kendall Maris," I say with confidence.

I start staring into the camera, I want the capitol to know that District 4 is not playing around this year.

Dylan Cove

Kendall looks stunning as she walks up to the stage, she is beautiful and looks intimidating, she is a contender and I hope she wins, she looks like a fighter.

I'm drooling over myself and I almost miss the male reaping until I hear "Dylan Cove"

What the hell? Me? Really? Me?

I don't move whenever she says, "Any volunteers?" I look around waiting for it, but it doesn't come.

No one volunteers.

I gotta turn on survival mode and I smile and walk up to the stage.

Of course, there is no volunteer but Why me?

I can't think like this, I trained before, I can do this, I just need to be confident.

Kendall kinda just glares at me while the escort asks us to shake hands.

The odds were not in my favor today and I'm pissed.