Trigger Warning! D/V in Aspen Water's section
District 7, Aspen Waters, 16
"I think it'd time to go Aspen" Leif whispers. I don't respond for a second, simply continuing to
stroke his hair. I can certainly hear the others shuffling around in what equates to our living room.
Auntie and uncle probably want us to leave then.
"Let them come and tell us. I don't feel like getting up right now. Or talking to them" I murmur
back.
"But Aspen!"
"Shhh" I try to soothe him. "Just try and relax."
"Ha" Aspen responds with a heartless laugh. He's right though. This is the least relaxing day of
the year.
"Boys time to go!" Auntie chimes as she sticks her head through the door. I feel Leaf tense up so I
hold him tighter. Neither of us responds though, which doesn't seem to bother Auntie as she
merely smiles and disappears. We share a look and know its time to leave. We enter the lounge
just as everyone is filing out the door. Auntie and Uncle and my other four cousins, all of whom
are eligible for the Reaping this year now that Willow is 12. I watch her as she holds my older
cousins hand and tries not to sob. I hear a little one escape though and she turns, terrified, to look
at her parents. They don't react though, so she keeps moving.
I can't believe the Peacekeepers don't even bother to stop us and ask questions on our way to
the Reaping. One look at Leif and my's face would tell you all you needed to know. Even Willow,
whose bruises from last week are thankfully fading, unwillingly shows our situation to anyone
passing by just by the bruises on her arms.
Nothing is said as we all check in. At the very end though Uncle reaches in to hug Willow and
Rowan. At 12 and 13 the terror of the Reaping is still fresh. I see them tense up and only relax
when he releases them to give Jasper a pat on his back. He barely acknowledges it and simply
trudges off to the 18 year old section right at the front. I turn around and pull Leif after me. I won't
let the Reaping break our vow of silence. How long it'll go for I have no idea. It just feels good to
make some sort of stand. I've often considered running away to the community home. If I dint
have so many cousins. Maybe once Jasper turns 19 and moves out we could follow. Its a slim
chance, but still better then nothing. I drop Aspen off and walk one row up to stand in the 16 year
olds section. It's almost time to start. You can tell by how tightly we are crammed together that
nearly every kid is here. I want to turn and see how my younger cousins are doing but I wouldn't
even stand a chance in this crowd. Instead I watch and wait as our escort hops on to the stage.
The girl looks like she is about to throw up as she pulls her hand out of the girl next to her and lets
the Peacekeepers surround her to the Stage. Wren. It's a pretty name, and she seems to suit it.
I'm sure I've heard that last name before. I spend a few seconds trying to remember, before being
rudely interrupted by the escort reading the boys name. Which seems to be my name. Which
means I need to head up to the stage or face off with the Peacekeepers. Since neither seem like a
good option I decide to go with the Peacekeepers. At least I won't get anymore bruises just yet. I
try to look brave but feel as if I'm failing horribly. Hopefully if I don't cry, Capitol citizens will see
this and the bruise on my face and decide I'm not too bad of a bet.
I hold out my hand to shake my district partners hand. Sorry, Wren's hand. Instead she apparently
can't hold back anymore and dry retches right here on the stage. Looks like I'm on the money
today.
My family immediately enter my room and I stand up and throw my arms around Leif, who's a
sobbing mess but is too afraid to be too loud. Until he gets in my arms. I see my other cousins
tearing up and I know I need to reassure them.
"Next time you see me I'll be able to buy you all the sweets District 7 has to offer. But you gotta
stop by my house in the victor's village to get them!" Yeah right. If I win all my cousins are coming
to live with me. As a Victor I'm sure I won't have a problem getting them. Goodbye auntie and
uncle, hello to a life of freedom. Speaking of them they apparently want to hug me too, so I call
the Peacekeepers in to remove them. I don't think they approved but who cares. They went
without a fight. Why wouldn't they? I'm not sure how sad they'd actually be if I die. While I'm
mulling this over and holding my cousins close more Peacekeepers come and escort them out,
along with herding me towards the train. Guess it's time to actually meet Wren Blackwood.
—
District 7, Wren Blackwood, 15
Nobody has anything to say, at least not out loud. The only words I've heard today are from mum
telling me to wake up. Mum and Dad haven't even glanced in my direction, and Dad has
obviously been crying. So we sit and eat in silence. I wish we had saved the pine nut toast for
tomorrow. It's my absolute favourite, but a rare treat. I can barely taste it though, and I have to
swallow water with every bite my mouth is so dry. Not that I mind. I've drank so much water that
I'll have to go to the well tonight to replenish our supply. But at least that will keep me busy, if only
for a while.
I can tell it's time to go when Mum sighs and gets up, dad following her lead. I run into my
bedroom quickly to fix up my braid. I love braids, they're practical yet still pretty. Since they are
my go to there is no need to shake things up today. Then a thought comes into my head. I
remember doing almost the exact same thing last Reaping. Before I can stop myself I pick up the
yellow bow and place it in my hair. It goes well with my auburn hair, and with my muted green and
brown clothes it gives a sunrise type of vibe.
I go down and join my parents. As soon as dad sees me he notices my bow and immediately
starts crying again. Not loud, emotional sobs like I'm now used to. Instead he tears up and just
lets the tears run down his face. I don't know what to say. I didn't consider my parents when I put
the bow in. It just seemed like the perfect accessory, given the circumstances. I almost reach to
pull it out when mum comes over and gives me a hug. "You look gorgeous. Thank you" she
whispers. Then there is nothing left to do except leave.
We find ourselves walking in silence. We are surrounded by a fair few families but I notice most try
and keep their distance. Understandable. Since we live in the working people's area of the district
it is a fair walk to the town square. I say town square but really it is just a large patch of dirt where
our merchants set up their stalls. The Justice Building looms in the background, but we never use
it besides for the Reaping. At least we can walk right past the old growth forest. Grover, Maple
and I sneak in whenever we can, usually when there is a beating or something to take the
Peacekeepers focus. It's just an old forest that we gave up on, therefore letting it turn wild again.
It's way too quiet. A few people are muttering, but only to their neighbour, and none are talking
loud enough for me to be able to snoop.
"I won't be with you guys tonight" I announced. The only response I get is a nod. No point in them
worrying, but while the bonfire is being lit I'm going to be hanging with Grover, Maple and Ava.
Ava was Rosie's best friend, so we occasionally stop to chat. I had to invite her, it just seemed
right. I don't feel like having the district's eyes on me tonight, so a small group is best, especially
in our favourite spot. I used to sneak Rosie in sometimes as well. She loved the thrill and having
our own space was exciting for her. Mum and Dad need to be there tonight though. They need to
mourn with the other families. After all, thanks to Rosie, this is their year to light the bonfire.
The mood of the crowd in the city square is grim and nervous. I can feel it in the air as if I could
see it. My parents give me a tight hug, then arm in arm they go stand in the crowd. It feels weird
checking in by myself again.
Maple is already standing in the 15 year old section so I immediately shuffle myself in next to her.
We have 20 minutes before the Reaping starts, which feels like torture. As the minutes trickle
down the Peacekeepers get rougher, starting to shove parents and children into their areas. Can't
be late after all.
I wish I could stand next to Grover as well. I can't even see him from here, but Maple says he is
already in his section.
The mayor finally comes onto the stage, welcoming us and the escort. Maple grips my hand and I
squeeze back just as hard, but I can't look at her. I might start crying. I can't even bear to watch
the stage. Being here and in the same position brings last years Reaping back as if it's happening
again, and I feel like throwing up. Which means I don't get to actually see the escort read my
name out. But I can feel the energy. It feels as if all the girls released their breath at the exact
same time, relieved that they get to live another year. The energy from the 18 year old section is
almost electric. Finally they will never have to stand here again. Now they can grow up, have
children and watch them die in the games instead.
Maple is gripping my hand so tightly it has started to go numb, but it feels good. I choose to focus
on it so I have some sort of a distraction to hopefully help me swallow back the bile that has risen
in my mouth. I can feel my feet falling as I make my way out and into the Peacekeeper formation
that is waiting to escort me to the stage.
As I arrive they release their batons, an obvious threat. That's when I realise that I'm still clutching
Maple's hand. I try and release myself but se becomes hysterical, holding on and sobbing my
name. I can't look, otherwise I'll do the same. Instead I wrestle out of her grip and into the
Peacekeepers.
Once on stage I can't bear to look at the crowd. Who cares who my district partner is? I didn't
hear Grover's name, and that's all that matters. Instead of shaking his hand I need to turn away,
putting my hands on my knees. Nothing comes out though except for the sounds of me gagging,
and after a moment I reluctantly stand up straight. The Escort keeps us there for a few moments
so the cameras can gobble us up, then the cameras are off and we are shoved into the Justice
Building.
Mum and dad don't say anything. We all just stand and hug. After a minute I pull away.
"I guess I already have my token" I say with a halfhearted smile while pointing at my bow. Rosie's
bow. Our bow.
"Make us proud. Make Rosie proud. And think of us when you're in that arena." By that I can tell
they don't expect me to come home. They probably expect me to die in the bloodbath. And who
can blame them? Rosie was ten times tougher than me. She was always playing rough with the
other kids, even punched a boy out once for calling her stupid. She had heart and was fierce, yet
she still never made it home. We really thought she had a shot. What am I compared to that?
Another dead kid, thats what.
Grover and Maple come in together.
"Ava couldn't stop crying so her dad took her home" Grover began, but I really don't mind so I
shut him up with a hug.
"Take care of her. And please make your parents check in on mine. They only have each other
now. I'm not sure if they will survive."
"We promise, but only if you actually try. Give it your all and let's just see what happens" Maple
says with conviction. I can't speak so I just nod.
I wonder who my district partner actually is? Guess I'll find out in a minute, I'm assuming they'll
be dragging him to the train right after me.
—
District 8, Buckram Florence, 17
Another burn. You'd think after years of working in the factory I'd know how to be more careful. I
can't help it though. These days I'm lucky to survive my shift. We are down to our last Tesserae
rations, the hardest time of the year. However tomorrow we will get more, so it's not all bad.
I have to lean down quite a bit to reach the first aid kit we keep in a few of the desks. It's
extremely annoying to be this tall. I try not to look at all the other marks on my hands, reflecting
back years of me being stupid and injuring myself in this damn factory. The scars are particularly
ugly against my olive skin. Annoyed, I shake my hair out of my eyes.
Our shift is over, leaving us a short hour to change from our overalls into whatever clothes have
the least amount of holes in them. I take a few extra minutes to make sure I've treated my burn
properly, then look around. Most of the workers have cleared out, including Penni. Unsurprising,
but it still hurts. She hasn't talked to me for over two weeks and I'm not sure when she is planning
to break the silence. I'm leaving it up to her though.
Once I jog home I see that everyone has already beaten me. Mum, dad, Penni and even the twins.
Penni is wearing her best dress, a long sleeved dull green thing. I have to take a few minutes to
recover from the walk home. Between the overtime and lack of food my energy is at an all time
low.
"I've laid out your clothes, hurry up and change" Dad calls over his back as he continues playing
marbles with the twins. It's an obvious distraction but it's working so who am I to criticise?
Anything to keep your mind off the Reaping, especially your first one.
I walk into my dingy closet of a bedroom and throw on my outfit, faded brown pants and grey top.
I try not to look in the mirror. I know what I'll find. Hair that is in serious need of a cut and eyes
that have had dark circles underneath for the last month. I'd also like to look not as starved as I
feel. I really don't enjoy seeing my ribcage so prominently every time I take my shirt off.
Once everyone looks as presentable as possible we are of. I notice Penni is carrying one of the
twins and walking as far away from me as possible. Once we reach the check in mum and dad
hug us each individually. I notice mum only hugs me very briefly, which I feel isn't very fair, but oh
well I guess.
Penni immediately grabs both of the twin's hands and walk them up to the 12 year old section.
Before I can say good luck she nudges them in and they are lost in a sea of terrified children.
Then she walk determinedly into the 15 year old section without another look back. I don't even
bother trying to catch her. She would probably scream just so a Peacekeeper would beat me.
Instead I sulk all the way into my section. I know it's pathetic but I can't help it. I miss my little
sister.
The escort doesn't waste any time and practically runs up to the boys ball. I can feel the collective
fear surrounding me. Then comes the relief as the escort reads the doomed boys name. Which
just so happens to be me. I don't even fight it. I don't have the energy. Instead I walk right up to
the stage and just stand passively, waiting for the doomed girl and hoping beyond hope it's not
one of my sisters. At least my little brother is safe.
Instead it's some girl named Lacey. Never heard of her. That should make it easy to look away
when they slit her throat at the bloodbath.
My family all rush in at once. The twins are quietly sniffling.
"She won't even come to say goodbye?"
"Why are you surprised? Surely you never expected her to?" Mum responds sharply. I guess she's
right but it still hurts to know my sister doesn't care if I live or die. I let the topic drop, as there
really isn't much else to say.
"You know she doesn't see you as a brother anymore?" Dad puts in somewhat hesitantly.
"I guess I just hoped. Should we really let a simple punch get between us? I was only trying to
protect her."
"Protect her by harming her?" Mum responds, no trace of sympathy for my situation left.
"If she just accepted that I was taking all the tesserae out for the family I wouldn't have had to! She
was just being too stubborn." I retort. All that earns me is a roll of the eyes and not so much as a
goodbye as mum walks out.
"That's not how you treat a lady Buckram" Dad mumbles after a minute.
"I'm going to see if they're okay, but please don't do anything like that on live tv?" Dad pleads as
he leaves. All he gets is a snort and eye roll from me. I was just trying to provide for the family.
Why don't they get that?
—
District 8, Lacey Thimble, 16
I accidentally let out a small sigh. The twins are trying to be goofy and take our mind off the
Reaping, but it's honestly annoying. I just want to finish my breakfast, go stand in the square then
come home. My parents are encouraging them as well.
"Do you guys want to see what I picked up yesterday at the warehouse?" I ask as I try to keep the
subject away from the Reaping.
"You didn't steal did you?" Mum fretted, no doubt imagining a squad of peacekeepers descending
onto us. In response I just run to our room. Our meaning mine and the twins. We don't exactly
have the luxury of more then two bedrooms in this house.
I walk back in to the kitchen slowly with my hands behind my back. Once I have everyones
attention I reveal my treasure, blushing once I finally take note of all the faces staring at me. I look
down at the perfect trail of lace that I scooped off the reject pile. It was risky but it's lace, and lace
is my all time favourite thing, so I had to.
"I already drew up some designs and I might do a few more this afternoon" I confided. My parents
had a sad sort of smile playing on their lips.
"It's beautiful just like you"
"Thanks Papa" Dad huffed a sigh and stretched. "Guess we should get this thing over and done
with so you can go back to your designs" he said and I can immediately feel the temperature drop
as we all automatically freeze. We head out and after a few lame jokes from the twins, head down
to the square in silence. My hands are already shaking when we enter the square but for my
parents sake I try and hide it. We all sign in and part ways, with my brothers coming to a stop at
the first pen, the one for the 18 year olds. What a weird feeling that would be. Terrifying as your
chances are the worst they've ever been. But also relieved as this would be your last year in these
pens.
As the Reaping starts I notice my hands still haven't stopped shaking so I try and distract myself
by playing with the lace in my pocket. It almost feels like a good luck charm, carrying something
so beautiful to an event this horrific.
"Lacey Thimble" rings out in the square and I feel all the others around me turn and watch, which
immediately makes me blush. Before the Peacekeepers can come and take me I pull myself out of
the 16 year old section and command my feet to walk towards our freakish escort.
"Lacey!" two strained cries ring out and I turn and see the twins shoving others in their section out
of the way. The Peacekeepers stop them from following me though, and they know better not to
mess with them, so they just watch as I turn and continue my journey. I can't understand why the
Peacekeepers haven't beat them senseless yet. I guess the Reaping is punishment enough.
Since my face is already beet red I died to just look out into the crowd and wait for my male
counterpart. But I feel nauseated when I see everyone's eyes on me. So I turn my eyes down and
don't look up again until the Justice Building.
They all enter at once. Even the twins can't come up with a good joke at this morning.
"You have your lace with you from this morning?"
"Yes Momma"
"Turn that into a gorgeous bow or headpiece. That'll be your token. To remind you what you'll be
capable of when you get home"
She's right. If I make it home I can actually create the dresses I want, instead of resigning myself
to just drawing and dreaming. I bet the Capitol would pay really well for Victor designs as well.
"Can you guys promise to make one of my dresses someday? I don't care how long it takes. I just
want something beautiful left behind in the world"
"That's no way for a Victor to talk!" Poppa practically shouted. Once he saw my expression he
seemed to force himself to be calm and gentle.
"I promise we will though" he added softly. I appreciate his practicality, and as they leave I stare
down at my lace. What I once thought of as a good luck charm may actually be a curse. And if so
I'm carrying a curse into the arena.
—
District 9, Thistle Reed, 16
"Thistle, sweetheart, time to wake up" I hear my mum say gently. She has obviously already
gotten the others up as I can already hear their squealing coming from the kitchen. The only
response I give is a groan. Maybe she will just leave me alone and I can sleep and not attained a
Reaping.
"Please hurry honey your dad needs you." This gets me up. I throw some clothes on and make my
way into my parents room, where Dad is lying silently on the bed. He doesn't even respond when I
enter. I can tell he hates my help, not that he's ungrateful though. I help him get dressed in
silence, then support him entering the kitchen. Because of Dad we need to leave slightly earlier.
Dad can barely walk these days. When he doesn't have me or my mother or siblings he is forced
to rely on his crutches, which barely help.
I turn and smile at Harvest, who returns it after a pause. He is obviously nervous about his first
Reaping. The other two barely take notice though. After all it's years until they have to worry about
this stuff.
"Did you sleep okay?" Mum asks while we leave the house.
"Amazing actually. Mostly because I didn't have to get up for work though." As soon as the words
left my lips I regretted them. I can see Dad frown and stubbornly try to walk faster. Mum's smile
becomes strained.
"But don't worry I'll be back at out tomorrow!" somehow I can't figure out what to say to mend
this moment, so I have to let it go. The Reaping should take my parents mind off of it.
Once we finally arrive Harvest gets the biggest hugs from everyone. I get some as well of course,
with mum raking her hand through my blade hair. It's a wonder she can reach that high at all.
Standing at 5"11 I'm the tallest in the family. I'm glad she does since I barely took notice of my
appearance this morning. To be honest I never take much notice. I'm always tired, so tired I can
barely keep going these days. 12 hour days six days a week is harder then it sounded. But what
choice to I have? Ever since dad had what the doctors called a heart attack he's been unable to
work. Thankfully I'm old enough, but this year was the first I had to take tesserae out, which I
know caused my parents pain. We can finally receive our rations next week, so I'll surely have
more energy then. If I can hold on that long. Now that I work so long the only meal I have is
breakfast. Not that we have enough food for any other meal of the day.
I look around me at the 16 year olds. Many of us are too lean for our age, without muscle to
compensate. We would be useless in the Games.
As this is all running through my mind the Reaping starts and the girl is quickly announced, some
14 year old who looks an equal mixture of angry and terrified. I can feel all my pity be swept away
once the boy name is read out. Looks like I better go quickly and join her on the stage. The
Peacekeepers don't take nicely to slow pokes.
Omri, my best friend and work mate is finally thrown out of the room once my family arrived to say
goodbye. He was allowed to stay longer since my family took so long and I don't have any other
visitors apparently. I wave and try to smile as he is pulled out of the room. My parents can barely
look me in the eye, and Harvest is still sniffling.
"Omri could take Harvest" I start, but mum quickly cuts in.
"You know they don't allow kids out in the field."
"So what are you going to do? Starve?"
"We will have to manage on the tesserae until you get back. Nothing we can't handle.
"Mum you must know I probably won't come back. So what's the plan?"
"The plan is to survive off of the tesserae until you come back Thistle!" Mum has started to cry and
I let it drop because I can't fight with mum if this is the last conversation we will ever have.
I take her into my arms and hold her as she starts to sob. The Peacekeepers arrive so quickly I
can feel myself getting mad. Not that I can do anything about that. As my family is herded out the
door, Harvest supporting dad and my sisters supporting mum, I realise that I have to make it back
home. Because who will take care of them if I can't?
—
District 9, Millicent Wheatley, 14
"Millie honey, someone at the door for you" I groan in response. Not that I'm doing anything
particularly special. It's just that no work today means free time. Time that I will not be wasting.
I've already had my first sleep in in a year. Between that and some spare time on my hand the
Reaping actually doesn't sound too bad.
I reluctantly drop my shoes on my bed and head down. I've already got one pair suited to my
needs, but I'd like to be able to wear my second pair of shoes to work as well. Work is exactly
what this woman wants to talk about. As soon as I get to the door she starts gushing, so I have to
pull her inside before a Peacekeeper overhears.
"I'm so sorry but I'm desperate. My youngest is no longer eligible for the Reaping so I don't know
what to do."
I quiet my intrusive thoughts as I stare at her swollen belly. Conceivably she only has to manage
12 more years before she can get some tesserae legally again.
"I've let everyone know. No more tesserae until after the games. Once it's good and done and
everyone can finally collect their rations business will be back. It's just a matter of time."
"But I don't have that long! Surely you collected some yesterday?!"
"Stop acting like such an idiot!" I exploded in frustration.
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't desperate"
"I know" I respond with a sigh as I feel the anger seep out of me. After all we are all struggling to
get by. I can only imagine how much pride she had to put aside to come here and beg for food.
"How about I give you some today, enough for a loaf maybe" I start as I see her eyes brighten with
hope.
"But you gotta pay double. Let's call it hazard pay."
"Hazard pay?" she responded, confused.
"I never sell this time of year because the Peacekeepers are so strict. No rebellious activity
allowed, especially when the games are on. It's just too much of a risk. It would put my whole
business in danger. So don't come again. I'll send word when business is back." I stated firmly.
I watch as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a few coins and one note.
"This is all I have."
It's barely more then what I usually charge. But I feel my conscience creeping back. How
annoying.
"Okay here" I reply, pocketing the cash as I climb onto the kitchen table so I can reach on top of
the highest storage cupboard we have. I've been collecting tesserae for the last week as usual.
Selling is too dangerous though so this was all meant to be for after the games. But if she's willing
to give a few more dollars I can let go of some now. I'll be back in the factory tomorrow. Hopefully
with the new altered shoes! Then I can continue brushing it into my shoes as usual. By the time
the games are over I'll have enough to sell to all my regulars. Even though they will be receiving
their tesserae most still need some extra. That's where I come in. Mostly my colleagues at the
tesserae mill are too scared to steal, as we get checked daily. But I've created such a full proof
system I would bet money that they will never catch me.
"Thank you!" the woman practically sobs. I make sure it's well concealed then shove her out the
door again. The sooner she's gone the better.
"That was a bit harsh Millie" mum comments after a second.
"If I just let her have it for the regular price she would come again during the games. And she
might spread it to others. Then everyone won't care that the games are on they'll still be begging
for extra tesserae. Fast forward a week and I'm tied to the whipping post fir stealing, because
obviously I'll be caught!"
"I guess" Mum hesitantly agreed.
"Ugh lets just go. Sooner we get this over with the sooner I can get home."
I'm slightly annoyed as we enter the square. I could have finished fixing up my shoes in the time
that customer stole. But I can feel that slipping my mind as we head over to sign in. We only
manage a quick hug before a Peacekeeper separates and shoves us opposite ways, mum into the
crowd and me into the pens.
14 years old means my pen this year is half way towards the front. This gives me a nervous tickle
somewhere down in my stomach. It was easy to not get too nervous the past few years. But the
older you are the higher your chance of competing. I still take tesserae out as well. But I'm not an
18 year old with a family to feed. Statistically I'll be okay.
Statistics don't really seem to matter though since the escort just read out my name. Somewhere
far off I can hear sobbing, most likely my mother. I've never heard her sound like this though, as if
someone had just cut her arm off. It's raw and loving at the same time which completely turns my
stomach. I know I look like a silly little girl walking up to the stage. The most I can do is not cry. I
can't have anyone count me out yet.
I finally get to the front of the stage and watch the Reaping continue. Everything feels muffled, and
I vaguely notice the boy, only a year older then me, climb on stage. I can hear mutterings of anger
and pity rumble through the crowd. This is not good. The Peacekeepers seem to agree as they lift
their guns, signalling the district to clap. I wonder if those grumbles are coming from the
customers that depend on me? My mum doesn't work in the same factory, so their supply is
essentially cut off. I try to block out the images that jump forth, with no luck. Mothers crying,
children unable to walk from weakness, and ultimately more citizens killed from starvation. It
almost distracts me from all the horrific ways I could die. Almost. This is turning out to be a very
unproductive day.