District 10, Taurus Wilder 18
"Taurus honey are you almost ready? The workers are coming" Mum called up the stair and I
accidentally let out a groan. Reaping day is the one day of the year I actually have to interact with
these people and it's not enjoyable. I feel like most of them either don't know me or resent me.
Not exactly the basis of an awesome friendship. Instead of answering I just throw on my blouse
and decide to go hang out with Ma in the kitchen until they are all finished.
We make idle small talk, neither of us very invested in the conversation.
"I'm bored. I'm gonna go get the best seat on a wagon" I announce to mum. I don't bother waiting
for a response, instead deciding to head straight to the door. I have to pass the workers though
and thats uncomfortable. Fortunately no one feels like talking so I try and slip by so most of them
don't notice my scowl.
I know a few of them go to my school, so I make a point of throwing the odd remarks their way
now and then. Just so they know who is boss. Can't have anyone thinking I actually hang out with
these poor wretches after all. The most useless people in the district and I have to travel with
them to the Reaping.
Thankfully only my parents join me in the wagon so we can at least arrive with some dignity.
The humiliation doesn't stop there sadly. Once we all check in and all the workers are escorted
back so nobody can see them the eligible workers follow me up to the 18 year old section.
Thankfully they don't try and make small talk and I practically jog over to my best mates. Since
none of us have to take out tesserae we aren't that concerned right now.
"You guys are still on for tonight yeah?"
"Of course man! Best celebration of our lives!" Talon hoots. He's right of course. The
Peacekeepers won't even stop us since it looks as if we are celebrating the games. But tonight
once the Reaping is done we will be released from the Reaping pens forever. We are all going to
head to my house, build a bonfire, have a feast and actually enjoy the opening ceremony. Never
having to think about another Reaping is cause for celebration. We don't even have any siblings
eligible anymore since I don't have any and Talon is the youngest.
The escort enters and we try to concentrate but we juts can't take this seriously. Honestly our
chances are so slim we shouldn't even be standing here. I'm annoyed once they read out the girls
name. I know she works for us and its gonna be a real pain finding a decent worker to replace her,
but since I honestly don't particularly care I go along with Talon and the others with their stupid
remarks. And then we all stop chuckling once my name is read out.
—
District 10, Eden Prindle, 18
I thankfully come to a stop and wipe the sweat from my brow. I reposition my Stetsen and watch
as the Peacekeeper trucks roll in. It's them who are calling for the end of our work day today.
Since the Reaping today we don't have much to do except feed and move the cows. Sounds
easy enough on paper. Their paddocks stretch for acres though, and we have never been
afforded the luxury of horses, so all work is to be done on our feet, often in the searing sun.
I walk begrudgingly towards them and they wait for us all to be herded together just like the cattle
we care for. They then escort us up to the station and divide us. There are ten of us who a eligible
for the Reaping, therefore we need to be presentable. This means we are allowed to take a
shower. This is particularly special since this is the only hot shower we get in a year.
It takes a while for us all to look nice enough to head down. This is why we only need to work for
a few hours this morning. Which would make me excited except Mum and I are desperate for
cash. I join her now as I wait and we lock hands, not saying anything. We are both anxious, but
we aren't exactly the emotional type. This suits both of us just fine, still this is an emotionally
taxing day. Not to mention the extra shifts we will have to pick up to make up for the lost hours.
I've basically quit school as we need the money. Doesn't matter though seeing as this is likely
what I'll be doing for the rest of my life.
These thoughts are all washing over me when he enters. Taurus, the son of the owners of this
ranch, and possibly the richest 18 year old in the whole district.
Since he's probably never worked a day in his life he is dressed in dress pants and a gorgeous
blouse, highlighting his muscles of course. He makes a point not to look at any of us. He probably
can't stand us using his private property right now, and the feeling is mutual. However this was
the deal his parents made with the Peacekeepers for having us work this morning.
It's not so much his money that I hate, it's his attitude. As if he is the most important person at
school.
Once everyone is ready we head down to the wagons, which are another treat only afforded to us
workers on Reaping day. It almost feels like the Capitol is trying to send a message. See how we
take care of you? As long as you do what is expected of you. It is honestly a little convincing. Or
at least it would be if Taurus didn't exist. How someone sleeps at night knowing their workers are
barely getting paid therefore they have expendable income I'll never try and understand.
We arrive at the Reaping and all the adults are herded on to the side streets to watch the Reaping
on large screens set up around the square. Can't have anyone looking shabby and worn down in
front of the cameras after all.
Taurus heads to the front alongside me and five others, so I sneak a glance at him. He seems
unconcerned and almost bored with the days events. A normal person would feel nervous or even
excited that this is their last Reaping. But I guess money can solve everything.
Although I'm not sure how money would solve my situation once my name is read out. I know the
cameras are looking for me so I decide to play it cool. I do a little yawn and stretch, making sure
my muscles are on show. Never too early to intimidate the competition even though I'm
screaming inside.
I guess there is justice in the world since Taurus comes to join me on stage. I'm so pleased I
almost giggle, a sound that has only come out of me maybe three times in my life. He wears a
cocky smile that almost makes me sick, and as we shake hands he actually winks at me! I wonder
if he even recognises who I am. Well try to compete with these muscles and we will see how far
that gets him. This is too good. Finally he will be gone, then there won't be an arrogant prince
around to inherit the farm. Even if I don't live I vow to make sure he doesn't win. Surely the world
isn't cruel enough to let that happen?
—
District 11, Basil Thorne, 13
"Basil let's go" Mum called frantically from our main room. I sigh but push aside the curtain that
separates the sleeping area from the rest of the shack that we call home. I see her sitting on a
stool, feverishly curling her dark curls around her fingers over and over again. I walk over and
gently take her hands in mine. She looks so distraught she may very well rip her hair out.
"The Reaping isn't for another hour mama" I remind her gently.
"So we better not be late then. They won't stand for it" I don't want to be cruel so I simply nod
and reach my arm out to hold onto her small frame. She struggles but manages to get upright.
Honestly leaving so early isn't such a bad idea, considering the long walk.
We hobble out of the house and start our journey. I make sure I don't make eye contact with the
Peacekeepers roaming about. A few others are trickling down the path with us, but I suspect the
rest won't be leaving for another 20 minutes. Have to make sure we look our best after all, which
is tough considering we don't even get hot water down in the slum.
Marcus, our neighbour, spots us and without saying a word he puts his arm around mums other
side. She accepts the help without complaint, probably thankful that he acknowledges us. Most
others won't even talk to us first, which is understandable considering we are the Peacekeepers
main victims lately.
We hobble into the square which is slowly starting to fill up. Marcus continues to help me as we
walk up to the Peacekeepers to sign in. All is going well until I look up at the Peacekeeper's face. I
feel sick and know my face has turned white. I try to turn around, but this only makes the situation
worse as I stupidly let go of mum and she loses her balance and falls pathetically into Marcus'
arms. He glares at me in response.
"I'd like a bit more help, I gotta get her in to the viewing area" he chastises me but I can't respond.
I feel extremely brave since I don't actually try to run. But that may just be thanks to the fear
which is making me stand still and with horror I feel my eyes welling up with tears.
"It's him" I moaned.
"He was there. He shot my husband, and his colleague shot my leg. He is the reason we live like
this" Mum explained quietly and I can see Marcus' face transform as he puts town and two
together.
"Well we have to pass him, so help me already Basil" he demanded so I reluctantly put my arm
back around mum and we walk up without any further comments.
"Well if it isn't little Basil" he crowed. Of course he recognises me. He and his friends have been
hounding mum and I for the last six months, making sure our lives are a living hell.
Marcus signs in without a word and waits for us to do the same, but the Peacekeeper doesn't
seem to want us to leave so quickly.
"Hey guys Basil is here" he jeered over his shoulder, and with dread I see his partner snort and
join him.
"We would like to check in sir" I mutter, casting my eyes down in what I hope is a humble gesture.
"Of course! But you can't check in together, you have to let us do a full body search" the first
Peacekeeper smirked.
"Yeah let go of your mommy and let us do our job"
"But she needs…" I stop as they fondle their batons. I have no choice. I let go without looking
over and move forward. They shove me around and 'accidentally' push me so hard i fall to the
ground. Now my clothes are dusty and tears are falling and I know I look just as pathetic as I feel.
"Go on in, and hurry"
"But mum…" again I try and explain what they already know, and again they cut me off.
"You're right, it's time to search her!" his companion exclaimed in delight.
"Why do I need to be searched, Marcus was fine to go through." Mum quipped and I felt a new
wave of fear. Fortunately they forgot about me. Unfortunately they turned all their attention to her.
"Because these searches are random. Cripples aren't exempt" he growled as his friend came
behind and shoved her, hard, out of Marcus' arms. She managed to wobble a step or two but in
despair I watch as she crashes onto the ground. I can see the fight leave her.
"Hurry up"
"You need to present yourself for inspection"
"Get up or you'll get it"
As they taunted her I start sobbing. I can't even go help her. All I can do is watch as she
scrambles on the ground in a hopeless attempt to stand. Finally they seem to get bored and drag
her into a standing position. She doesn't even look them in the eye.
"How's the leg going? Looks pretty healed" I hear the first Peacekeeper as he tries to provoke her.
Disgusting considering he made her into the cripple she is today. And his colleague had the bright
idea to confiscate her crutches, claiming they could be used as a weapon, therefore the only time
she is allowed them is when we arrive at work. I hate watching her give them back at the end of
the day. And it's always this Peacekeeper who collects them, just to rub salt in the wound.
Eventually they grow tired and throw her in the general direction of the crowd which has become
extremely thick since we got here. Marcus tentatively inches towards her, and when he sees the
Peacekeepers won't attack he grabs her and unceremoniously drags her away. Now it's just me.
The Reaping starts and I watch as the girl walks up onto the stage. She is only a year older then
me which twists my stomach. Curiously she looks determined and strong, not even needing the
threat of Peacekeepers to move her onto the stage.
I wish I could borrow some of that bravery though, as I feel myself sobbing like a child again as
the escort barely glances at the boys name before reading it out. As soon as the name left her lips
the Peacekeepers moved forward and grabbed me, punching me in the gut for good measure.
They drag me up onto stage and I catch a glimpse of our tormenter. He didn't move to come get
me. Instead he just watched from the side of the stage, and once he notices that I am looking at
him he gives me a broad grin which tells me he is most certainly excited for this year's Games.
I am still crying when they force us to shake hands, which she obviously doesn't want to do, most
likely because of all the snot I had to wipe away.
As they walk us out into the justice building one thought enters my mind.
The Peacekeepers are going to have the games of their lives this year.
—
District 11, Summer Wilson, 14
"Girls we have to go stop messing around" calls mum. It's no use though, we can't stop laughing.
"Just come and watch!" I shout back.
"Summer you are not going to endanger us just for Mango"
"We won't be late! Besides I taught him a new trick we've been working on it forever!"
"Then you won't mind waiting until after the Reaping to show us."
I sigh and pick Mango up, signalling that I'm listening. Satisfied she picks up Peach and carries
her out of our room. I share a look with Peara and Willow. Now that Mango can no longer
entertain us we finally have to remember what we are doing today.
They both stand up and after a moment I follow, carefully placing Mango in my pocket.
The walk to the square is depressing. No one has anything nice to talk about so we just follow the
rest of the crowd. I feel myself start to shake when it's our turn to check in but I force myself to
stop. If my family can be brave then so can I.
Mum dad and Peach seperate pretty quickly and the three of us left behind reluctantly head to our
designated areas. Willow is the first to leave us as she joins the 12 year olds. I don't even bother
looking at Peara as my area comes up. It'll only scare me more, so I die her hand a quick squeeze
before she moves up to the 17 year olds. There is nothing to do while we wait and none of my
friends are anywhere near me. I catch myself twirling my curls around my finger so hard I'm in
danger of pulling them out, which would really be a shame. My black curls are perfectly styled in
my rainbow headband and I'd hate to ruin it.
I force myself to focus on anything but the bowl with the girls names and find myself staring at our
victors. Our youngest is called Peara just like my step sister and looks like she might throw up.
This is the second year since we won and I'm pretty sure she's mentoring again this year. Our
oldest victor, Soya, just turned 30 yesterday. There was a required holiday for it. Nobody really
minds though since she is generally well liked and it's always nice to distract someone form their
trauma, even just for a day.
Her games were hard. I've only ever seen recaps, but there is a reason they show her's so
regularly. There were no supplies at the cornucopia that year so tributes had to get creative.
Those that weren't strong enough to kill with their bare hands ended up making their own
weapons, which usually made deaths more painful since they were so hard to use efficiently. The
creative tributes actually made it a bit further then normal, particularly the ones from eight.
"Welcome district 11, on this perfect day, to the Reaping ceremony!" My thoughts are interrupted
by our escort skipping onto stage. I will say one thing for the capitol citizens, they know fashion.
Or they at least know how to make themselves be noticed.
"Summer Wilson."
There it is.
All the thoughts in my head suddenly feel pointless. No matter what I feel I'm still required on that
stage.
So I try and hold my head up high as I march out. I know my parents will see me, my headbands
are the most colourful thing in the square right now.
On the stage I know I look bored, maybe tired. But what is the point of worrying about the future?
All I can do is watch as my district partner is called. Even if my chances aren't the best his is
surely worse. He gets beaten on his way up to the stage and once he is placed next to me he
looks truly pathetic. I try not to look too disgusted as I shake his snot covered hand. Although
looking at my competition with such disdain may actually work for me. I can feel a plan forming,
and suddenly can't wait to meet my mentor.
My whole family squeezes through the door at once, all trying to talk at the same time. I let them
cry for a few minutes then pull them each into an embrace. I know Peara is feeling guilty but I
don't hold any grudge against her, and she needs to know that. So she gets the strongest hug of
all.
"Is your headband going to be your token then?" Mum asks while wiping her face.
"I guess so, I don't really have any…
I trail away as I feel Mango wriggling around.
I pull him out of my pocket and give him a kiss, which I know he only tolerates because it's me.
"Take care of him" I whisper to Willow as I hand him over. She giggles as the lizard crawls onto her
arm.
"Check it out he shed!" I gasp as I pull the skin out of my pocket, then laugh at the sounds
everyone makes.
"Guess my token just upgraded" I grinned.
"Summer that is foul, just use your headband!" Peara almost pleads.
"Nope, it's decided. Wherever I go Mango goes. Or at least a small part of him" I announce, and
just watch as everyone reluctantly agrees.
—
District 12, Colin Dumar, 15
I try not to groan too loudly as I shuffle my feet side to side. I can see others around me doing the
same. We are exhausted. In District 12 we don't have the luxury of arriving at the Reaping on our
own terms. It's not until 1 but the Peacekeepers come around and herd us into the square at 10
just to be sure. No excuses. Last year they even dragged a woman in labour into the square and
hit her when she cried out from the pains.
For three whole hours we have nothing to do except chat. Except when people are late. The
Peacekeepers enjoy dragging them onto stage and whipping them in front of us. In fact I see one
coming up now. He looks around 18 or 19 and is struggling for his life. He must be 18 as I can see
the Peacekeepers murmuring together. Finally they tie him to the post and as required all talking
ceases.
"District 12, take note of what awaits you if you decide to ignore the Reaping" one Peacekeeper
shouts as his colleague unsheathes her baton. 12 hits later and he is finally dragged away and
into the 18 year old section. He obviously doesn't want to be here. At 18 and with that seam look
he probably has too high of a chance of participating in the games for his liking. But it was stupid
to try and escape today. You gotta come and stand, gawk at the poor tributes, then go home.
Later today everyone is expected in the square to watch the recap of the Reaping's, which is
always awkward and depressing. Then we are free to watch in our own time, with guaranteed
coverage wherever we go. Schools, the mines, even the square will be live-streaming every
moment of the Games.
The crying and sniffling is especially louder now, mostly coming from behind me where the
younger kids have to stand. Some are crying from exhaustion. The rest probably from watching
that boy who's being supported by a few other 18 year olds. If he slumps down the Peacekeepers
will descend again.
The signal that we are about to begin comes as a whole new squadron of Peacekeepers come to
stand beside the rows of children, and even more for crowd control. The Capitol just loves to
show off how much control they have over us. As if the whole country isn't already aware of it.
Our escort has been the same man for the last decade. Always wearing a suit no matter how hot
it is, and always with his gorgeous curls sitting perfectly on his head and framing his face. Ever
since my first Reaping I can't help but notice how pretty he looks, even with his Capitol attire.
There is something about the way he holds himself. Or maybe it's the fact that he is assigned to
district 12, but something about this man makes me sense that he is actually down to earth. Or at
least more so then any regular old Capitol citizen.
They better keep him as escort until I'm 18. Seeing him relieves me of some of the anxiety that
curls inside all of our chests come Reaping day.
Although I feel mine coming back so fast it threatens to make me throw up. Because the girl has
just been called. And she happens to be the nicest girl in town. And also my half sister.
I know it's stupid but I've been keeping tabs on her ever since I found out about our connection at
age 12. I sometimes wish I could talk to her and explain, maybe even have a real sibling. But I
couldn't do that to my parents, not after all this time.
I can feel all these thoughts swirling inside me when they suddenly come to a halt, on account of
my name also being drawn.
I ascend the stairs and try not to look as sick as I feel. When the escort asks us to shake hands I
study her face. All I can see is fear though. I feel like I should say something but before I can even
start to form a sentence the moment is over and we are escorted to the Justice Building.
The Peacekeepers enter with my mum and step dad. Instead of leaving they just close the door
and stand in front of it, not interacting but making sure we know they are here. Always need a
show of force in district 12.
My mother immediately comes in for a hug and I feel my drab shirt dampen from her tears. She
finally pulls back and I look at my step dad. It's clear neither of us knows what to say. After a
pause we settle on a firm handshake.
"I don't even have a token for you" mum wails as if its the most pressing issue in the world.
"It really doesn't matter mum" I try to console her.
"Take this" my step dad grunts as he takes off a worn strip of strong from around his neck. I've
never seen him without it, so I pause for a second.
"Hurry up and put it on" he growls, but I can see the blush thats starting to creep up. I open the
locket and look at the photos. I've seen mum's a million times but seeing my face in there
surprises me. I never expected to make it onto the locket. Guess we were closer then I thought.
"Thanks" I choke out, just before the Peacekeepers grab them, no warning and they know better
then to fight.
—
District 12, Alinta Sconson, 16
"Watch me watch me!" Lislie screams at me as I exit the bathroom. She is in her Reaping dress, a
new one made just by dad. It matches mine, which I think is adorable. Lislie's is pale green with
leaf patterns and ribbons tied on her straps.
Once she sees that she has my attention she does a perfect twirl and I clap, knowing that's what
she was after.
"It's gorgeous!" I squeal as I pinch her cheeks.
"I'm proud of yours as well" Dad chimed in as he finishes the last of his coffee.
I look down at myself again for confirmation of what I already know. If Lislie looks like she's
wearing a forest I look like a piece of the sky. My dress is pale blue, but there are darker parts
here and there. Like clouds forming, warning of the storm about to be had. Since it's such a
masterpiece I twirl as well, which means it's Lislie's turn to clap.
We don't bother leaving our homes until we hear the crowd and Peacekeepers approaching. We
live on top of dad's store, so the square is basically our backyard. When we leave I can't help but
stare at the crowd, a million times busier then the square ever is. Dad and Lislie walk with me until
we have to seperate. They get to stand in the crowd again this year. Next year though Lislie will be
joining me. Unless of course I'm a Victor. I can't help smiling at the thought. I'd never survive long
in the games. Besides I'm not as clever as the other girls in my class. Or as fast, or even as pretty.
I look around me in the 16 year olds section and feel myself blush with pride as I count the
number of kids wearing clothes my dad made. It seems like Dad dressed almost every merchant
kid. Although seeing the others makes me feel guilty, which is silly. I certainly don't dictate how
much money every family gets. But I don't enjoy having so much more then others.
Even Dad knows that now.
Last week he caught me trying to steal a dress shirt. Not for myself, or even for a friend. I'd seen a
little boy in Lislie's class going home in a shirt with a million different holes and three sizes too
small, even for his skinny frame.
Usually I only steal a round of fabric now and then. Most parents know how to stitch, and I enjoy
helping others. A roll of fabric could mend or cover holes without that family needing to pay my
fathers prices.
But the shirt was too far. That was the first time I saw Leslie cry in a year. I even cried out,
although I really didn't want to scare her. But I wasn't prepared for how much his belt would hurt. I
can still feel the bump on my cheek, thankfully below my eye.
All these thoughts put me in a tense mood, which isn't exactly helped by the whippings and
beatings being performed on stage at various times.
Finally the Peacekeepers stand a little straighter, the cameras turn on and out struts our escort.
He is a short little man. He always seems a bit silly to me. Slightly out of touch, making weird
jokes that probably only land home in the Capitol.
My name coming out of his mouth is most definitely not a joke.
I force my shaking limbs to move, but it is obvious to everyone that I'm terrified. As I walk towards
the stage I feel a deep, primal fear. As if I'm already being hunter. I stumble as my fear clouds
reason for a second and my legs turn to run, but I stumble as my brain catches up and demands
my legs to continue their march, once again ruled by reason.
It's not like there is anywhere to run after all.
I know I can't hold eye contact with the crowd, so I try and focus on our escort, who has
thankfully moved on to the boys. A little whimper escapes my lips as I hear the name. Helplessly I
watch the owner of that name walk up and stand beside me. I feel my face going almost as red as
my hair, which only intensifies when we are asked to shake hands.
He looks me right in the eye. I'm hoping he isn't some sort of mind reader because my thoughts
right now feel extremely private. I really don't feel like telling him how soft I think his hands are, or
how his eyes are even cuter up close.
I try and smother these thoughts and feelings before my family is let in to see me. After all, we will
be trying to kill one another soon enough. But I can't help it. His ace keeps drifting into my brain,
along with our escorts'.
"Popa" I whisper as soon as he and Leslie enter. I throw myself into his arms and he just holds me
firmly.
Lislie is quiet, but when I glance up I catch a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Hey don't cry for me yet. At least give me a little credit the games haven't even started yet" I
chuckle, but the only response I get is Lislie moving in to make a group hug.
We all know there isn't a whole lot of time left so we break apart and dad starts.
"Will this do for your token?" he asks as he holds out monty, my stuffed bear.
"It's perfect" I sniffled in response. It truly is though. I've had monty ever since I was a new born.
Back then he was the size of my whole hand and a deep, rich blue. 16 years later and his pale
blue almost matches my dress. He is now the perfect size to hold in my palm. I could fit him into a
pocket with ease.
Lislie and dad are ordered from the room. I hold onto monty for comfort, just like I did when I was
a kid and had a nightmare. Except this isn't a nightmare, this is now my life. And there is nothing
monty can do to protect me this time.