User blog:ItstimeforD4torise/The First Annual Hunger Games

Prolouge (President Ridd's PoV)
I couldn’t believe it the Capitol had actually destroyed District 13. I didn’t want 13 to ever be destroyed because I knew what the plan was once District13 was destroyed. The Hunger Games and I could have stopped them. I could have stopped all the pain and suffering that will most likely be followed right from the beginning but I was the coward who couldn’t stand up to the other government officials. I am a respected figure to all the districts all of them respect what I do but after I announce these Death Games all of Panem will hate me. Like they rightfully should I hate myself for doing this.

I was nervous on what would happen after. Would there be another up rise or will they be cowards like me and hide? No I can’t worry about that now I have more important things to worry about. I look down at my clothes nervously I am dressed in my usual tight black gown, which I am told makes my pale skin look white. I can see the dark etchings of my lacy tattoo near my eyes clearly out of the corner of my eye and my green hair has become awfully overgrown. I look down at my watch and think that the broadcast should start soon and I look over at Jim Mills, the host of a very popular show in the Capitol. He's decked out in a bright yellow pinstripe suit. His skin is dyed the usual magenta. His deep blue lipstick is smudged. The cameras are about to turn on and I step away from them and take one more glance at the picture of the ruined Justice Building of District 13 before I disappear out of site of the cameras.

"It's happened, people. District 13 has finally collapsed. The Dark Days are over. Now, President Ridds would like to make a special announcement..." I am still out of site of the camera and I am fully ready to go out there and read them my speech on how District 13 had saved his life during a battle but decide against because then it would lead to the revelation of District 13 still being alive. I go out into the cameras view and look out at the huge crowd of Capitol citizens clapping for me and then I get to the podium and pull out a piece of paper with the speech that people wrote for me and I clear my throat then look out to the crowd. "'Due to the Dark Days,'" I read, "'I am issuing that two children from each district - one boy and one girl - must fight to the death to show that each district must bow down against the Capitol.'" I pause as I imagine many mothers gasping and then hugging their children tightly and then starting to sob and it brings tears to my eyes but I hide them and then I clear my throat again and continue. "'Every year,'" I continued, "'twenty-four children shall be in an arena, killing each other, trying to survive. These children shall be between the ages of...'" I choked and started crying in front of all of them to see but I manned up and continued. "Twelve and eighteen, if your name is drawn, then a person may volunteer to take your place. The names of these games shall be called the Hunger Games.'" The Capitol audience is stunned no applauded or anything and Peacekeepers come onto the stage and roughly make me fall down to my knees. The Gamemaker then comes out of the shadows and onto the stage. “Any last words before we kill you Mr. President?” The Gamemaker asks holding a knife onto my heart.

“District 13 saved my life and I praise them for that.” I say before The Gamemaker stabs the knife into his heart killing him instantly and then the Peacekeepers grab my dead body by the arms and hang me just below the flag for District 13 that still stands proudly to this day as a reminder that no one can defeat the Capitol.

Tribute Form
Name:

District:

Gender:

Age:

Age-group:

Weapon: (One or two)

Strength: (Besides weapon, up till four, atleast two)

Weaknesses: (Atleast two)

Fears: (Atleast one)

Appearence:

Personality:

Backstory:

Reaction when reaped: (Optional)

Private session:

Strategy for bloodbath/games:

Token: (Optional)

The Reaping: Arianna Mae's PoV
That announcement this morning was weird. ''What could possibly be wrong? ''I thought. ''Whatever it is, it probably won't affect me. ''I looked through my closet and pulled out a t-shirt riddled with holes and a pair of old, stained jeans. Then I pulled up shiny blonde hair into a ponytail. I ran to the other side of town to my best friend Milo's. Gregory and Jacob were already there, laughing at Milo's rendition of the president's speech. I had to admit, he pulled off President Ridd's nasal-y voice really well.

"Hey, Arianna," Jacob said, "Today is your day to pick what we do."

"Yeah, where are we going?" Gregory asked.

"I was thinking something along the lines of messing with the Peacekeepers. They should be fun today, what with what the president was saying and all."

"Good choice," they agreed.

We climbed up the big tree on the east side of the square and made our way out on the branch that hung over the platform where the Peacekeepers carried out whippings. But the post that they tied the criminals to wasn't there. Instead, there were two huge crystalline bowls that were full of tiny sheets of paper. Next to them were four chairs. On the other side of the bowls stood a podium, we all exchanged a confused glance. Then, eight Peacekeepers walked up to the platform. This was getting too weird, even for me. As far as I knew, that was all of the Peacekeepers of District One had. They all stood an exact distance from each other around the whole platform, but there was a big gap up front where it looked like two more of them could stand. I started grabbing the nuts that hung from the tree ready to toss them and hit each of them square in the forehead when two more Peacekeepers walked up. One was with Mayor Fleet, the other with an abnormally tall woman next to him. She had Capitol written all over her. She had ridiculously long, pin straight pink hair that reached the back of her knees and was wearing a short, shiny orange dress that was way too tight. Freak, Gregory let out a wolf whistle and I cracked up.

"There!" shouted a Peacekeeper pointing at us. I threw an acorn and hit him right in the nose. A whole new mob-maybe ten more or so-came running at us from the west end of the square, I knew the fun was over when they pulled out guns. We ran like squirrels through the tree. I climbed higher and jumped to the roof of the butcher's. I kept hopping roofs until I reached my house.

"Where have you been, young lady?" my stepmom growled. I hated her. It didn't matter to me that because of her, we weren't living on the poor side of the district. I didn't care that we ate well because she was rich. I love my dad, don't get me wrong, but Regan Hemming, for one is too young to even act like my mom. And, she's a bitch.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">"Get your butt up those stairs this instant!" she screeched. "You must look your best for whatever is to happen in the square, I can't have you representing my name like that! Oh my God! Thirteen minutes!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">There wasn't much I could do in thirteen minutes, so I wound up leaving the house in one of Regan's dresses. It was a midnight blue number with spaghetti straps that crossed in the back. The back laced up and Regan tied it so tightly that I had trouble breathing. The bottom was cut so that some parts were longer than others and ribbons hung down. Then Regan raked through my hair and left it hang down my back. She did it purposely, too. She knows I hate my hair down. I grabbed my diamond heart necklace that Milo had given to me. He said his father had given it to his mother before they passed away. Sure, the chain was rusty, but I loved it. The day he gave it to me, he said, "Something pretty, to match your personality." That was one of the best days I could remember. My twin brother, James walked in then.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">"Time to go," he said. I leapt up and ran. Just outside the square, I met up with Milo, Greg, and Jake. They were wearing what they had been wearing this morning there were the Lucky ones. Milo bent down and ripped one of the ribbons off the bottom of my dress. Regan would kill me for that.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">"What are you—" I started to say, but he cut me off. He pulled up my hair and tied it with the ribbon.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, thanks," I said. He just nodded. We walked in silence for another minute, then Milo said, "This isn't good. Something terrible is going to go down." Finally, we reached the square and were greeted by two Peacekeepers who separated us. Boys went to the right, girls to the left.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The clock tower rang, signaling that it was 12:00 and the whole square went quiet. Mayor Fleet walked up to the podium.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">"Good afternoon, District One," he began. "The speech I am about to give you has been sent to me directly from President Ridds in the Capitol. So, without further adieu," he cleared his throat and began.

''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">After the collapse of previous civilization, Panem rose from the ashes in a land once known as North America. This previous civilization was brought down by snow storms in the north. Most people froze to death, and if the cold did not kill them, then they perished from starvation. In the west, earthquakes swallowed the land and anyone left standing on it. To the south, one hurricane after another drowned the places people called home. Droughts in the middle of this once shining country caused food shortages everywhere. These droughts dried up so much of the land that only a small spark caused rampant fires. With all of this happening, those who survived the disasters were left to fight for sustenance. An all out war broke loose. Friends killed friends. Brothers murdered brothers. Peace and prosperity came to those left alive as our shining nation of Panem began to form. First, the Capitol was built at the heart of the old country. Those who knew how to survive told the Capitol how to move on. A man from a place called Appalachia, for example, founded the land we know as District Twelve. This man taught survivors how to mine coal. They became the residents of District Twelve. But in thanks for the man's help in setting up one of the first industries of Panem, he lived the rest of his days in the Capitol. All was running smoothly in Panem until the Dark Days. The districts of Panem rose up against the Capitol for reasons that are unclear. But Panem was—and is—strong. The Capitol defeated twelve districts and obliterated District Thirteen. The Capitol then wrote up The Treaty of Treason. The Treaty of Treason was formed to set new rules upon the districts and ensure that another rebellion never occur upon the soils of Panem. One week from today will be the one year anniversary of the end of the Dark Days. In remembrance of the past, we now have ''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Hunger Games. The rules of The Hunger Games ''are easy. Each district will send two tributes, a male and a female to participate in The Games. These Tributes will be aged twelve to eighteen. Each year, every citizen in this age group will have a slip of paper with their name on it added to the bowl. For example, a twelve year old will have their name in once, a thirteen year old twice. The exception is this. Now, tesserae are only available to twelve to eighteen year olds. For each tesserae that you sign up for, your name will be added to the bowl once. Tesserae are cumulative. For this year, all tesserae that adults have signed up for will go to the oldest eligible child. Each tribute will be allowed a token of remembrance from their district. The Hunger Games will be a televised festival that will consist of The Reaping, Opening Ceremonies, Training Scores, Tribute Interviews, The Games, and finally The Victory Tour. The Victor of The Hunger Games will go home and live lavishly for the rest of their days. As another perk to winning, once a month, the district of the winner will be given food, among other things. Only one tribute will make it home. And now, our District One Escort, Adonia Turner.''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Only one will make it back? I thought as Mayor Fleet walked back to the row of chairs. Adonia skipped to the podium. She was the lady in the orange dress from earlier. I got a closer look at her now her eyes were a stunning shade of purple.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">"And now ladies and gentlemen, the Reaping, may the odds everbe in your favor," she smiled.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I finally figured out what the mayor had meant. Twenty-three kids were going to die. And the Capitol sees this as a ''game? ''Sick. I was only pulled out of my head when I heard my name.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">"Arianna Mae!" Adonia smiled. "Please come up here."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Sixteen years old, and I was given a death sentence.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Reaping: Dasma Rath's Pov
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The mayor had just finished his speech and I was speechless. A few around me gasped. One guy who look around my age even fainted. Could it have been this morning that I was throwing knives with Hector? Was it yesterday that I bought Katriana's birthday present? Would I see little Diamond again? What about my twin, Jesmina? Yes. I would. I had to. Mom can't care for my dad all by herself. I bring home the money for his medication.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I didn't hear Adonia call the girl's name, but when I saw her, I was pretty sure it was Arianna. She had an early birthday, so even though she was a year younger than me, we were in the same classes. It's a strange feeling, knowing that you will have to watch someone you know, or at least kind of know kill and be killed for some painted person's entertainment.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Dasma Rath? Dasma, please come up to the platform"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">It's a stranger feeling knowing you may be the one to kill her. And then, I may die myself.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The Reaping: Becca Kenwell's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Mom and Dad were fighting. Again. Whenever that happened, it meant I was in charge. But it would be a much more difficult job today because of what happened earlier with the message from the president. Everyone had to be in the square at noon. I thought it would be a big deal event, so I dressed in my best outfit, a simple sleeveless black dress and my favorite necklace. It was from the only friend I had ever known. A boy I once knew who was shipped off to District Twelve. He said the wolf reminded him of me because the wolf's hair is the same color as my own. I brushed out my short hair. It was cut choppy, but I did it myself and really liked the way it turned out. Satisfied with the way I looked, I walked to the other end of town to the Averys looking for Ethan. Ethan was my little brother. His best friend was Capri Avery. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh, Becca," said Mrs. Avery, "I was just about to send Ethan home, we need to get ready for whatever the president planned." <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"That's exactly why I'm here, Rita. Let's go, twerp," I laughed. Ethan ran over to me with a homemade bow in hand and a pouch slung around his shoulder filled with what I assumed to be arrows. It was pretty impressive I have to say, especially for an eight year old. He said Capri's older brother taught them how to make and shoot it. On the way home, he showed me how to use it. Fairly straight forward, Load arrow, Pull string, Release. Determined to get the hang of it, I shot at every tree on the way home. I hit most of them. When we got home, Mom and Dad were still fighting. I dressed Ethan in slacks and polo. Then, I went to my little sister, Grace's room. She was playing with a doll she had gotten for her twelfth birthday. It had blue eyes, like us. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Gracie boo," I said from the doorway. "You like dress up, right?" She smiled. Grace used to be really outgoing, but she hasn't spoken much since Evan died. Evan was our brother and Ethan's twin. And, it was my fault he died. I craved my parent's attention, but they fought too much to notice me, so I would do dangerous things in hopes of getting even bad attention. My favorite thing used to be sneaking into the woods outside of the district. There was an old abandoned house that was right on the electric fence that encircled our district. A big tree grew on the other side. One of its limbs just reached a second story window. One day I convinced Evan to go with me. That day, we were caught. The Peacekeepers beat him up. They beat a five year old to death. "Well let's play!" She skipped to her closet and pulled out a cute dress, snowy white with cap sleeves and all different colored polka-dots. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We walked to the square leaving Mom and Dad to fight in the kitchen. When they whisked Ethan off to the boy's side, I'd have no way to protect him. As we stood tentatively, a voice came from behind us. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'll take care of him," the voice said. He was a big guy, built like a truck. The phrase if looks could kill ran through my head. He had the palest skin of anyone I'd ever met, short brown hair and gray eyes. If it weren't for how red his face was, you would have thought that he had never been outside. Despite how intimidating he looked, I trusted him. "Be good, Ethan," was the last thing I said to my brother. With that, Grace and I entered the square.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The Reaping: Wren Hayes's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My family was pretty nervous about what the president had said that morning. Even me, the brave one, But, life would continue, I mean, right? So I went like I had done every morning since God knows when to fencing practice. I loved fencing and was really good at it too. Both of my older brothers, Zach and Matt had tried fencing, too, but they didn't like being beaten, especially by their baby brother. I met my best friends there. I dueled Dylan while Xavier and Erik dueled each other. Erik was the only one left not worried by the president's speech. We left our fencing school with an hour to get ready for the square. At home, my parents were already set to go. They sat fidgeting in the living room. Four more people were there, too. My brother, Zach stood with his fiancée, Kit and Matt, the oldest sat cross-legged by the chair where his heavily pregnant wife, Ren. We only gathered like this for holidays.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Let us off after the president's speech at work earlier," said Matt. "Rumor has it that they are going to kill a boy and a girl, but no one knows why." Ren was visibly upset about this, she's a teacher, so that means one of her students could die. Zach eyed me carefully.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Be careful, bud, you hear me? You're in the age range. Don't do anything even slightly stupid." I knew earlier he had said 12 to 18 year olds, but now I was even more scared. I nodded once and went up to get dressed. A simple green dress shirt and black trousers would do. I went back downstairs and we walked together to the square. I said my goodbyes as they all walked around the barricades to where those outside the age range were told to stand. I took a deep breath and was just about ready to go in when I saw a girl and what must have been her siblings. She was scared. As I walked closer, I knew why. She couldn't take care of her brother once in the square.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'll take care of him," I said. She looked me over as if to see if she could trust me. She never said a word, but nodded her head yes.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Be good, Ethan," she said and she walked into the square with her sister.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I gave the boy my hand and he accepted it readily. "So your name's Ethan?" I asked.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yes, and those were my big sisters, Raven and Grace," he said. "Raven takes care of us because our parents fight all the time. I don't even think they are here."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Well, this kid sure was open. "I'm Wren. I have two older brothers. We are both the babies in the family."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He smiled and went on and on about his sisters and his best friend and anything else he could think of until the mayor walked up to the podium on the stage.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Mayor Gart talked about the rebellion that ended last year. It sent a shiver up my spine remembering everyone who died. Dylan, Erik and Xavier lost their older brothers. Zach fought, but he made it home. Matt didn't. He was married and couldn't even think about leaving Ren alone. Then the mayor went on about a new festival we would have to remember the Dark Days. But it didn't seem festive. Twenty-four kids would fight. Only one would come home. I was in shock. Zach was right. Then he called a woman up to speak.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Good afternoon, District Two! MY name is Amelia Feletee and I will be your tribute's escort!" she said. She had a terribly affected Capitol voice that, under other circumstances would be funny. The skin on her face was pale white and stretched to the limits. It gave her a starved look. She had crazy purple hair and wore insane make up in shades of blue and purple with tints of silver. "Well, let's see who our female tribute is!" She fished a slip of paper out of a big glass bowl and read the name.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">“Becca Kenwell! Please come up to the stage!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">It was the boy's sister. I knew at that moment that I would take care of him and his other sister. And I would have, if she hadn't called Jeremy Pace. Jeremy was my ex-girlfriend's brother. He was only twelve and was deaf in his left ear. He wouldn't survive the first day in the arena, where as I would stand a chance, being eighteen and able to wield a sword.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"May I take his place?" I shouted. Everyone went quiet.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Come up here young man," said Amelia. I took Ethan with me and spotted Dylan.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Dylan, take care of this boy. His sister is up there. Oh and he has another sister over there."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He knew exactly what I was doing and if it were the right person, he probably would have done the same thing.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"After deliberating with The Hunger Games Council, we see no reason why volunteering shouldn't be allowed," said Amelia. "What is your name, sir?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">" <span style="line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Wren Hayes ," ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"> District 3 Reapings  ==

Reapings: Ruby Hyrglass's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ruby, time to get up"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"ugh it's too early," I open my eyes to find my father looking down at me. He has the same dark brown hair and brown eyes as me; we are very similar.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It's not early, it's twelve; the reaping is in two hours!" He replies.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh I forgot; why did you not wake me earlier!" I say slightly annoyed.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Aw don't be like that Ruby" He says with a silly fake frown on his face. He picks me up and carry's me in his arms downstairs which makes me scream but laugh at the same time.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He puts me down when we reach the kitchen downstairs and we both sit down at the kitchen table. My mother is already sitting down waiting for us. My sister Katie who is nineteen walks in and sits down, she lets out a huge yawn. She must have just woken up; which explains why her blonde hair is all over the place. My brother Thomas who is eleven also walks in and looks just like Katie does; his blonde hair all over the place. He looks like my mother who has blonde hair and blue eyes; and Katie is a mix of both our parents with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. We all talk and laugh like we do every morning and then the awkward conversation about the reaping comes up.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You scared for the reaping Ruby?" asks Thomas, not fully understanding what it's about.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Not really" I lie, obviously I'm nervous, and who wouldn't be.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Please let me choose your outfit and do your hair and make-up, please, please, please!" Katie begs I don't see why she wants to; it's not like I'm going to cooperate with it all.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Fine" I say.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We walk upstairs and I sit in my room waiting for Katie. She comes in fifteen minutes later looking immaculate like always, completely different to earlier this morning. She is holding a baby blue halter neck dress, which I have to admit is beautiful.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I am not wearing a dress!" I protest. I hate wearing dresses, you can hardly move in one and I remember when I was younger I had to wear one to a wedding and I tripped and made a massive fool of myself. It put me off wearing them from then on.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh but you would look so pretty!" She says trying to convince me. "Just this one time,"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ok you get your way," I say looking annoyed.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yay thank you," she says clapping her hands happily.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I put on the dress and she ties the back up for me. She then tells me to sit down so she can do my hair and make-up. She brushes my hair and it comes just below my shoulders. She leaves it hanging loose but pins part of it back with a pin to match my dress. She puts a little mascara on my eyes and puts some light pink lipstick on me too. When she's finally finished she gives me some black ballerina flats to wear and drags me over to a mirror to see myself. We both stand in front of the mirror just staring at me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You look so beautiful; I wish I looked like you" She says quietly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You're joking, why would you want to look like me?" I say confused.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You have no idea how pretty you actually are do you?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I don't reply, I just stare at myself. It doesn't even look like me. I actually look like a normal girl. The blue dress goes nicely with my pale skin. It hovers just over my knee and compliments my slender figure.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thanks Katie"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You're welcome Ruby, now come on or you'll be late for the reaping."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Breeze Mere's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I lay in bed thinking about what today has to come. Today is the reaping and today is where two innocent kids just like me will be sent into a fight to the death. To be honest I find it pretty stupid and illogical because sending 24 children to their death is not going to stop people from hating the president and the capitol. But hey-ho; if that's how they want to be,

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I look across the room at my older brother Bane; he is still sleeping soundly and seems to show no signs of waking up any time soon. I always wonder how he can be so lazy but so smart. He's so different from my older sister Kenzie; she's eighteen and only three years older than Bane but she's always on the go and constantly thinking about a new idea. Kenzie works with both my parents at the districts main power plant. My parents have very high ranked jobs and Kenzie has just started out and yet we still haven't much money. Don't get me wrong; we can survive easily, but to support all the family Bane now has to get a job there too. I would as well, but I am only twelve so I'm way too young; and power plants are dangerous, I should know.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I climb out of my bunk bed I share with my younger sister Jaylin who is 8. She is also sound asleep; I don't see why not, she doesn't have to worry about the reaping. Like I guessed, Kenzie's bed is empty; she probably got bored doing nothing as she doesn't have to go to work today because of the reaping. Everyone gets the day off today including my parents. It will be nice having them round for a few hours. I quietly creep out of my room trying not to wake anyone and walk down stairs. My parents sit in our small living area with Kenzie. They are all talking about an experiment in the power plant. Even when they're not in work there talking about work, I sit on an empty chair and they don't even seem to notice I've come in. I try to listen intently to their conversation but I will never be able to understand what their talking about. I'm not thatsmart.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hi Breeze I didn't even realize you had woken up," says my mother in a calm, sweet voice.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Are you nervous for today?" Kenzie asks, I can tell by the look on her face she is.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Kind of," I say, my voice is barely audible.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well don't you worry about it, you'll be fine," Adds my father.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I just look down and don't say another word. I prefer to stay quiet, it stops me from saying something stupid or something I will regret.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well, I better go get ready for the reaping and you should too Breeze," Kenzie says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Wake your lazy brother and sister while you're there too," my father laughs jokingly, his bright white teeth standing out against his dark skin.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I laugh too and run up the stairs to wake up Bane and Jaylin. All four of us start getting ready, we all run around chaotically trying to find something to wear except for Jaylin who calmly wanders round without a care. I look in my clothes draw and find some kakis bottoms and a short sleeved, light green button down shirt which is presentable and I match it with some brown shoes. I use a comb to calm down my curly light brown hair and walk over to a mirror to see if I look ok. My long scars on my arms show up even on my dark skin. My skin is mixed of white and black as my mother is white and my father is black. I try to cover up my scars whenever possible ever since they were made during a power plant explosion but it is hard when it is warm outside. All together I look like an average thirteen year old which is good; it makes you less noticeable. When we are all finally ready in my house we all leave to go to the reaping.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We reach the reaping just as are overly dressed escort is just about to announce the male tribute.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I think we'll be different and choose the male tribute first," she announces.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I quickly run over to the twelve year olds section and Bane and Kenzie run over to their sections too. I stand away from most of the other boys. I don't have many friends and I can't seem to see any of the ones I have. I realize I'm shaking slightly so I must be nervous.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Breeze Mere"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">This can't be happening <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">. The crowd looks around for the Breeze Mere she is talking about. I walk to the stage, nearly running. I just want to get up there and get this over with so everyone stops looking at me. I reach the stage and I see the escort quickly look at my arms with some sort of look on her face. Maybe Pity, I realize that everyone must be looking at them and I quickly try to cover them up feeling self conscience. She then walks over to the other side of the stage to pick the female tribute.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ruby Hyrglass"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A pretty girl looking not much older than me walks up to the stage looking actually quite calm.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort says under her breath to herself "very young, not good, not good".

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well here are our tributes, Breeze Mere and Ruby Hyrglass!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I decide to give the crowd and the cameras a quick smile to show I'm not bothered about getting reaped and so I don't worry my family. I'm led to the Justice Building, where I will give my final goodbyes.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh Breeze" my mother says sadly, she's been crying, I can tell.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It's ok mum I'm fine" I say trying to sound convincing.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It's not ok; you're going into the Hunger Games!" Bane shouts, he actually looks quite angry.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I just look down at my feet, not wanting to say anything. I hug my parents and my brother and sisters.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Have you got a token?" Ruby asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yes, I'm going to take this" I say, I reach around my neck and pull out a dog tag necklace. On the front is a lightning bolt with a 3 engraved under it and on the back is a picture of all my family smiling and looking happy.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"That's pretty" Jaylin says in awe.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We all say goodbye one more time and my parents start to cry and so does Ruby and even Bane. Jaylin starts to cry too when she realizes I'm leaving. I don't cry though, I try to stay strong; for them. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">

Reapings: Ruby Hyrglass's Pov
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I reach the reaping and walk over to the fourteen's section. I see my friend Bethany and notice she is crying.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It will be ok" I say comforting her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stand around for a bit and an older girl walks into me on purpose, nearly knocking me over.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Watch it!" She snarls at me. Some of her friends also walk over and they all start sniggering. "Look at her dress" They all laugh and walk away.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"There only jealous" Bethany says after they have gotten far away in fear of them hearing her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I don't take any notice, it happens a lot. It's mostly because I'm smaller so they like to pick on me but Katie also says there just jealous, I think she's just trying to be nice. She shouted at one of them once for picking on me and they all got scared for a bit, but that wasn't for long.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">While this is all happening I have missed the beginning speech. The escort with horrible yellow hair in spiraling curls walks over to the males' names and quickly picks one.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Breeze Mere"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">From where I am I can hear a gasp from another girl; but one of the older ones, she must be his sister. The boy who must be about twelve almost runs onto the stage he's walking that quickly. He stands trying to cover his arms and I can see why. He has long scars going up his arms and he obviously doesn't like them much. The escort then wanders over to the females' names and picks one again quickly. I smile at Bethany to reassure her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It won't be you" I mouth.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ruby Hyrglass"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Stay calm. Stay calm. I look at Bethany who's started crying because she realizes they have called my name. Stay calm. I walk towards the stage. Stay calm. I get to the stage and look into the crowd. My family stands on the edge, no longer looking happy and cheerful. Don't cry. Stay calm.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well here are our tributes, Breeze Mere and Ruby Hyrglass!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I get lead of the stage, into the Justice Building.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Bethany visits me first, running in and hugging me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Kadence this is horrible you can't go into them games!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I have to don't I there's nothing I can do."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You're smart you can do this" she says. I know she's lying. I'm nearly the bottom of our class.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I guess so."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Here, take my bracelet as your token."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She hands me a bracelet that's made out of thread. I remember I made it for her as a friendship bracelet. It's made with a mix of blue and pink thread.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thanks Beth"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We say our final goodbyes and she leaves. My family comes in next, all still looking terribly sad. We all hug and they cry and I cry a little but I try to stay calm, I have too. We also say goodbye and it's horrible, knowing that I probably won't see them again. They all leave and I'm left alone, something I'm not used too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reapings: Antero Lisin's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk up and down the beach next to my house. I've been doing this most mornings, but on this occasion I've been here longer. I like to feel the soft sand between my toes and listen to the calming crashing of the waves against the shore. It keeps my mind clear so I am able to think.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I look out into the sea to find a few people swimming and fishing. I see someone in particular, a girl who must be older than me; I think her name is Aria. She has long wavy brown hair, bright sea green eyes (which are very common in District 4) and golden tanned skin like mine. She's also very skinny but has quite an athletic build for a girl her age. Overall she's very beautiful and she's known for it, seeing as most of the boys in the District want to date her. The thing that makes me notice her is that again for the fourth time this week, she has been swimming non -stop for about an hour. She swims most mornings, but she's been swimming like this for the last couple of days for reasons I don't know; and normally she will start running up and down the beach for about an hour too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I carry on walking down the beach but then I notice that she has stopped swimming and is just floating in the water. I walk a bit closer to the sea to get a better look and she doesn't seem to be moving. I look around in panic; no-one seems to have noticed either. I guess I'll have to help her. I quickly run into the sea, the water around me spraying up in the air, soaking my clothes. I swim out and grab hold of Aria, pulling her face out of the water. I drag her to the edge and lay her where the water meets the sand. I start to perform CPR which they teach everyone in District 4 seeing as there's always someone who drowns every year. Suddenly she starts to splutter and coughs up lots of water. She looks dazed and confused.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What happened?" Aria asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You were swimming and then I saw you just floating in the water so I swam out and saved you, no thanks needed," I laugh jokingly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I was training and it's not funny!" She argues, I don't know whether she's angry or messing about but I don't want to ask.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I didn't say it was funny," I raise one eyebrow at her and she lets out a little girly giggle, but quickly covers it up. "So, what happened out there" I ask.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I was training, and...I... got distracted by something... I was thinking about and I started choking on some water and that's all I remember," she replies, acting like she has done something wrong.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well, I hope your ok and everything... but I've got to go now, the reaping is soon, remember?" I say, hoping she isn't nervous for the reaping and will start breaking down right in front of me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh how can I forget!" she says grinning. "I can't wait!" She turns around and starts running off in the opposite direction. "Oh yeah, thanks for, you know, saving me" she shouts towards me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Don't worry about it," I mumble, more to myself than her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I head back towards my house. It's one of the biggest in the district seeing as my family are pretty wealthy. I walk in to see my two older brothers, Jamie who is 19 and Samuel who is 21 wrestling on the ground; they're laughing so I know it's not a real fight. I jump over them and run upstairs towards my bedroom. I can hear someone calling my name.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Poe? Poe is that you?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">It must be my other brother Zachariah who's 17.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yeah it's me Zach," I reply.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Can you come help me up please?"He asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yes sure," I walk into Zach's bedroom to find him sitting in a large arm chair.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Zach has something wrong with his legs, so he has trouble walking from time to time. Most of the time he can get up and use his crutches, but he must be having one of his bad days. I put my arm round his back and lift him up so he is standing while leaning against me. I pass him his crutches and he thanks me while wandering off probably to get ready for the reaping. This reminds me, I should be getting ready myself. I walk across the hall to my own room and look in my wardrobe. I pick out come khaki trousers and a smart blue button up shirt to match my sea blue eyes. I comb my short curly brown hair and then I am ready. When all my family are ready I help Zach downstairs and we all leave the house to go to the reaping ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reapings: Imogene Odana's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I'm swimming laps in the sea; the cool water relieving my body from the past hours work out. My thoughts keep referring back to that day a year ago.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I was taking my afternoon jog around District 4 when I tripped over a broken paving stone and grazed my knee. I limped over to a house near by just so I got out of peoples way while I checked my knee. I was already humiliated by falling over so I didn't need people seeing me in pain. That would not be good. If I'm supposed to be volunteering for the games I don't need everyone thinking I'm weak. I sat down on one of the benches in the houses front garden and made sure my knee wasn't bleeding and that I hadn't done any more damage to my leg. Once I found that everything was fine I decided I would take a short cut home. I climbed over the houses gate to walk through their back garden to reach another fence which would lead to my houses garden. On my way through I caught a glimpse of a familiar looking man. My Father. I peered through one of the houses windows to see my Father getting way too close with a woman who was not my mother. That's obviously where he had been when he has said he's been '''working late'. ''Before I saw anymore, I ran across the garden and jumped of the fence. I didn't come out of my room for the rest of the night and refused to talk to my Father''. ''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I mean, I know my parents have been having problems ever since my brother Fargon died in the war two years ago; but they love each other! They got married when my Mother was sixteen and my Father was nineteen, and they've always been so in love. When Fargon died, it all changed. My parents became depressed but they only stayed strong for me and my younger sister Anita. I thought my Father might have come to his senses after a few weeks of having an affair with my home-wrecking neighbour, but I still catch him sneaking off to meet her. And now I'm trying to decide whether to tell my Mother about the affair before I volunteer for the games or she might never find out.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">So, I was carrying out the swimming part of my vigorous work out when these thoughts kept disturbing my focus. I started having a slight panic attack realising that if I was to tell her it would be in a couple of hours and I suddenly swallowed lots of sea water and started choking. I felt my airways slowly closing up but the more I panicked the more water I swallowed and I slowly started to lose consciousness. The next thing I know I am being brought back to life by a boy looking no older than sixteen. He had curly brown hair and sea blue eyes that looked like the water I had just been near to death in. I felt so ashamed, I am supposed to be volunteering for a fight to the death in a few hours and I nearly died by choking on some water.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The boy looked at me strangely, not like how most of the boys do, where they just see my beauty and my nice figure, but like he actually cared that I was alright.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What happened?" I ask.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You were swimming and then I saw you just floating in the water so I swam out and saved you, no thanks needed," he laughs. Is he laughing at my stupidity? I glare at him slightly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I was training and it's not funny!" I argue, trying to make myself sound annoyed. Why am I so bothered about what he thinks? He's only a kid.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I didn't say it was funny," he raises one eyebrow at me making his face look cartoon like and I giggle slightly, but I quickly cover it up. "So, what happened out there" he asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I was training, and...I... got distracted by something... I was thinking about and I started choking on some water and that's all I remember," I reply, not wanting to say what I was truly thinking about.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well, I hope your ok and everything... but I've got to go now, the reaping is soon, remember?" he says, how could I forget.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh how can I forget!" I say grinning, trying to sound excited. "I can't wait!" I turn around and start running off in the opposite direction; Trying to get away from the situation. "Oh yeah, thanks for, you know, saving me" I shout back, trying to be polite.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I run back home to get ready. I go to my room to find Anita looking through my clothes.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hey! What are you doing" I run at her and tackle her to the ground playfully. We have a mess around wrestling match and like I expected I win. She's still good though for her age. She's been training for the games as well but is going to volunteer in a few years time. I started training as soon as I found out about the games a year ago and the only reason I'm volunteering for the games this year is because I am eighteen and it's my last chance.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I haven't got anythingto wear!" she says, standing back up. I laugh at her. Even though she's only twelve she's so image conscious. We look very much alike; both of us having golden tanned skin, sea green eyes, wavy brown hair and a slim athletic figure. But were so different in personality. Anita is very popular and outgoing, having lots of friends and always out doing something new, while I'm more shy and quiet, only having one close friend. I plan out what I am going to do, while Anita just does things as they come. I haven't really got time for a social life as I'm always training but Anita says that all the boys like me and that they all say I'm the most beautiful girl in the district but I'm not too certain.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Being the kind sister I am, I help her find an outfit and then I pick my own. I choose a long strapless light blue dress made of silk which is tight at the top and then floats to the floor. I put on some natural make-up and tie half my hair back into a bun, and leave a few strands down which frame my face. I put on some matching blue shoes and then look in my draw to find my token. I find the black string bracelet, with three coloured beads, black, yellow and green and tie it round my wrist. The bracelet was Fargons so I treasure it. I walk down stairs to find my family waiting silently by our front door. We all leave, without saying a word.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Are you definitely volunteering Imogene ?" My Dad says breaking the silence.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yes," I refuse to say more than one word to him.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well, I think you'll be great," he says. I just ignore him and act like I have seen something interesting somewhere else.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I've noticed my Mother has been very quiet since we left.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You ok Mum?" I ask.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm fine honey, I just worry about you and your sister; you're much too eager for these horrible games" she replies as if she is slightly disappointed in us.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I haven't been training for nothing Mum!" I start to become annoyed at her. Why show your true feelings now?Especially when I'm about to volunteer in less than half an hour.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I know it's just, I don't want to lose another child!" It must be the first time I've ever heard my Mother shout at me, and it hits me hard. Her eyes start to fill with tears and my Father holds her hand comfortingly. I just give him a look of disgust and walk off into the crowd.

==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Antero Lisin's Pov  == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We all finally make it to the reaping and Zach and I walk into the crowd and head off to our separate sections. I start talking to my friends; I have got a big group of friends but I wouldn't say I was exactly close to any of them. They all don't seem bothered about the fact that they could be sent off to fight to the death and they probably wouldn't come back. I realise I am actually kind of nervous and my hands are shaking slightly. After minutes of waiting, our escort walks onto the stage. She has obviously gone for the sea/ beach look. Her hair is a dark bottle green like seaweed, she has died her skin a dark sea blue and has patterns on her skin that make her skin have the effect of waves. You have to give her credit for making an effort. She struts onto the stage and gives the crowd a dazzling smile. Her whitened teeth glow brightly against her blue skin.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Welcome everyone to the first annual District 4 reaping!" She says enthusiastically. We all stay silent except for a few who cheer just for the laughs. She carries on, "Here is a message from the president."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We watch a short video about the rebellion and the games and then the escort starts to pick the tributes.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I think we should pick the female tribute, so ladies first!" She gives another smile, but now everyone just groans at her annoying behaviour.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She walks over to the girl's names and puts her hand in the glass bowl. She grabs one quickly and walks back over to the microphone.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Patricia Caroway"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Patricia must only be my age, but at sixteen she seems not too scared. She walks up to the stage and keeps her face plain and un-readable.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" shouts a familiar voice.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I can see Imogene running from the eighteens section up to the stage. When she gets there she has a beaming smile and curtsies to crowd. Some of the crowd cheer and some of the older boys wolf whistle which makes her blush. Patricia hugs Imogene in thanks and walks off the stage.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And what is your name?" The escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Imogene Odana"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort smiles at her and then walks over to the boy's names. She does the same thing she did when picking the girls names and then walks back over to the microphone.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Zach Imogene Lisin"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">This can't be happening. My brother cannot be picked. He can barely walk let alone run and fight. He would die in the first five minutes. Without even thinking I step forward and raise my hands in panic.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" I shout as loudly as possible. Zach hasn't even reached the stage yet and is struggling to get there. I run past him and climb onto the stage.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Wow another volunteer! What is your name?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Antero Lisin" I pant, slightly out of breath from the running and shouting.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I bet that is your brother, am I right?" she says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yes, that's my brother" I hear few people in the crowd 'aww' and I look down embarrassed.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What an exciting first reaping! Here are our brave tributes, Imogene Odana and Antero Lisin!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The crowd cheers but I can see my family finding Zach and hugging him. They all look up at me and Zach tries to say something but I'm dragged off the stage towards the justice building.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Imogene Odana's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I couldn't bear to look at him anymore. The way he acted with my mother when he was probably with that other woman a few hours ago. I had to get away from him, so I ran off towards the reaping. I found my friend Sandrine. She has cropped blonde hair and green eyes like mine. She's not as quiet as me, so she does most of the talking when were together.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Imogene, are you excited? You're going to volunteer right?" she hugs me and then smiles at me excitedly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yes definitely."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You're going to be amazing!" she goes to carry on but we're interrupted by the escort who is showing us a video from the president.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Should I tell my Mother about the affair? It could ruin the whole family and think about Anita; she doesn't need that trouble. ''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">These thoughts keep running through my mind and distract me from what's happening. I see a girl about sixteen, Patricia I think her name is; walk up to the stage calmly. Now's my chance.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" I run up to the stage, smile to the crowd and curtsy. People cheer and some of the boys wolf whistle and I feel myself go red. Patricia hugs me and whispers thanks in my ear and walks off the stage.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And what is your name?" The escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Imogene Odana"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort smiles at me and then walks over to the boy's names.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Zach"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I see a boy on crutches struggling to walk up to the stage. Poor guy, he won't be able to survive in the games.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer" Suddenly, I see a boy running up from the sixteen's section waving his hands in the air to show he is volunteering. He reaches the stage and I realise I know this boy. About two hours ago this boy saved my life.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Wow another volunteer! What is your name?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Antero Lisin" he says. This is not good. How am I supposed to kill him and survive when he saved me already?

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I bet that is your brother, am I right?" she says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yes, that's my brother" a few people in the crowd 'aww'. Great, everyone's going to love him for saving his brother and they'll want him to win.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort then finishes, "What an exciting first reaping! Here are our brave tributes, Imogene Odana and Antero Lisin!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk off the stage, annoyed at my partner's brave outburst.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Imogene !" Sandrine runs into the room and hugs me. "I'm going to miss you so much!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm going to miss you too!" I say, and I mean it, I will really miss my best friend.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We stand hugging and Sandrine won't stop talking about what she thinks capitol will be like. The peacekeepers tell her to leave and she goes and then my parents and Anita come in.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Honey, I'm going to miss you so much," My Mother says walking in and hugging me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'll miss you too, but I'll be home soon so don't worry" I say reassuringly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I start to say goodbye to Anita and she tells me how when I get back I've got to help her train some more. I promise I will.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Mum, Anita, can you leave me and dad for a minute I need to talk to him"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">They both agree and we say goodbye, then it's just me and my Dad left.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Listen, I know about you and our neighbour and I want it to stop. It's not fair on Mum. If you want to leave Mum and go with her fine but don't cheat behind Mums back!" I end up shouting at him. I didn't want to tell my Mum but I can tell him to stop.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Imogene ... I..."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Don't say anything, just choose what you're going to do and leave"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I love your Mother. I just got depressed and lonely that's all, of course I'm going to stay with your Mum" he says, he looks so guilty.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Good, you can leave now" I say. I walk up to him and give him a hug. I haven't hugged him since I found out about his affair; and I miss it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"See you soon Dad" I say.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"See you soon Imogene " He walks out of the room and it feels like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaoing: Antero Lisin's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit in the room I must say goodbye to my family in. The expensive velvet seat I am sitting on feels like the one we have at home. Home. I might never go back there. If I'm up against someone like my district partner whose been training for the games how will I even survive. I'm pulled out of my thought as my family all come in. Zach slowly walks over to me and wraps me in his arms.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You didn't have to do that Poe; but thanks," he says, looking more guilty than sad.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I had too, who else would of?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He doesn't answer. I'm saying goodbye to my parents and Jamie and Samuel are trying to give me pointers on how to fight.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You've fought with me and pretty much beat me so that's got to mean you at least stand a chance." Jamie says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And you're really quick!" Samuel says as well. I try to picture myself killing someone, but it doesn't seem to happen. I don't think my brothers realise how bad the things I'm going to have to do are.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I say goodbye to my brothers as well and then Zach walks back over. He's been quiet most of the time they've been here.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Here Poe, have my shell necklace. Remember when you gave me it?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I do remember. I was about thirteen and Zach had been having another one of his bad days. I felt bad not being able to help him and when I was walking along the beach I saw a cool shell which I knew Zach would like. I picked it up and when I got home I put it on some thread and gave it to him. He loved it and he never takes it off.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thanks Zach, you sure I can take it?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Definitely" we both smile at each other and I say good bye to him too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit back down on the chair and think. I've saved two lives today but how will I take away someone's life?

==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">District 5 Reaping  ==

==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Daniels Xena's PoV  == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit on a wall outside my house. I watch the empty streets and listen to the wind whistling through the silence. It's so quiet because the reaping is today so no-one has work or school and everyone can sleep in. I hear a door open and close behind me and my younger sister Cloha comes and sits on the wall to join me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You nervous for today Daniels?" She asks, her big brown eyes looking up at me. You can tell were related. We both have brown eyes, unruly black hair, ghostly pale skin, and were both small and skinny.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Not really, I doubt I'll get reaped" I say confidently.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Cloha is only ten so she couldn't get reaped and she has nothing to worry about, but even if I did get reaped I could easily win.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm bored of talking, I'm going to get ready," I say, I leave Cloha sitting on the wall by herself.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk in my rather small house. My Mother is sitting by herself in our living room crying. She cries a lot now, ever since the rebellion.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My Father supported the rebellion but was killed in the fight. My Mother and Cloha didn't take sides and consequently they are my only family alive. I don't know how I feel about the rebellion; I hate the fact that it killed my Father and left my family poor and alone but I'm not sure whether I support it or am against it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It's ok Mum, there's no need to cry" I sit down next to her and hold her hand.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Where's Kiro, is he still out in the war?" she looks at me with hope. Kiro is my Dads name; sometimes she gets a bit confused and thinks he's still alive.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"No Mum, remember; Dad died about a year ago" I hate having to say that. She looks at me with the same big brown eyes as Cloha and they start to fill up with tears.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh...right..." She starts to breakdown crying and I sit with her for a bit until she calms down.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I have to go get ready Mum; will you be ok for a bit?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Of course, go get ready Daniels" She waves her hand shooing me upstairs.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I go into my room and look in my clothes draw for some decent clothes. I find some smart black trousers, and a drab grey long sleeved shirt. I put on the only shoes I own which are some plain black trainers. I try to sort out my unruly hair and I straighten my black glasses so they rest nicely on my face.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk downstairs and find Cloha so we can leave. I hold my Mother's hand in one hand, and Cloha's in the other and we walk down the road towards the reaping. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Illuminate Sensorium's PoV   == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I lay under my covers, not wanting to get out of bed. I can hear the footsteps and voices of the other seven people who live in the house. The bedroom I am in is so busy and packed full that I think if I get out of bed I might get trampled on. There are six of us that sleep in the room. My older sister Brynn who is nineteen, my cousins: Amy who is nineteen, Red who is seventeen, Kole who is also seventeen, Ember who is fifteen and me; I am also fifteen. We all live in the house with my Aunt Camilla and Uncle Brutus. The reason I live with them is because my sister and I are basically orphans. Our Mother died giving birth to me and my Father died in the rebellion. Luckily, my Aunt and Uncle took us in and have raised us as their own. Even though I am very grateful for their kindness, it isn't exactly the best life. I came in to an already full family and we barely have enough money for us all so Brynn and I have had to get jobs to support the family.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I decide to get out of bed and I am shocked to find that the room is empty now. ''Where's everyone gone? ''I jump out of bed and run downstairs. Everyone is sitting round our large dining table. I sit in an empty seat and decide to start some conversation.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"So, how is everyone this morning?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Not very good, I'm kind of nervous" Ember says, even though she is the same age as me she seems much younger. She tends to be very quiet and shy most of the time. The reason she is nervous is because the reaping is today to decide who goes into the first ever Hunger Games. Out of the six kids, four of us can be reaped today: Ember, Red, Kole and I. Red also seems quiet this morning, normally he is very talkative but he just sits not saying a word. Kole seems ok though, replying if someone talks to him and he seems ok to talk about the reaping so I decide to talk to him about it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What about you Kole, how are you feeling about the reaping?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm ok about it actually, I mean, the odds are pretty good because if you think about it it's probably about a thousand to one but on the other hand..." he carries on for about 5 minutes talking about the odds of being picked and not being picked. I can't really understand his intelligent mind so I zone out and act like I'm listening; nodding when I think it's appropriate. After that beginning awkward conversation we all seem to be talking like normal again. Normal as in very loud and non-stop. I decide after a while I should go get ready so I duck out of the room quickly before anyone notices and decides to take the bathroom before me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I go into the bathroom and lock the door. I go into the shower start singing like I normally do. I love singing and its good practice in the shower as you're the only one who can hear you (well I hope no-one can hear me). I do like singing for people though, I will if they ask me too, I don't get nervous like others might.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hurry up Illuminate I need to use the bathroom!" Brynn shouts from the other side of the door. ''Damn this house only having one bathroom! ''I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around me. I rush past Brynn and into the bedroom. Luckily no-one else is in here so I can get ready in peace. I decide to wear a brown skirt which reaches my knees and a cream short sleeved shirt borrowed from Brynn with a fake rose in the corner. I put on some brown flip flops with it and a pearl necklace which is Embers. I brush my dark reddish-brown hair and decide to wear it down and wavy instead of in its usual French braid. I look in the mirror in our room. My light blue eyes stare back at me, there so light that there almost white. My porcelain white skin would look ghostly if I didn't have rose colour cheeks, which are dotted with little freckles. Brynn walks into the room looking a lot like me but older. I'm glad were alone, I'm at my happiest when we are.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I forgot to ask how you were feeling about the reaping" she says tucking my hair behind my ear; which I move back.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm not really sure to be honest" I say.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You don't need to worry about it, you'll be fine."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She takes a hold of my hand and we walk downstairs to join the others. When all of us are there we walk out the door to the reaping.

==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Daniels Xena's PoV    == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">When I reach the reaping, I let go of my Mothers and Clohas hands and walk towards the other fourteen year olds. No-one seems to acknowledge me and the ones who do just ignore me. I'm used to it though, I don't really talk to any of my classmates and they don't really like me because you could say I'm quite outspoken.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Our escort walks onto the stage. He has red hair and tattoos covering all his body including his face. He walks over to the microphone and starts to talk about how he's glad to be here and other boring stuff. Then he shows us a video from the president like he's trying to waste our time even more!

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Get on with the reaping already," I mumble. A few of the boys give me looks but I don't really care.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I think we'll choose our male tribute first. He walks over to the big glass bowl containing the boys' names. I wonder what poor kids going to get chosen.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Daniels Xena"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Oh it's me; oh well I could win these games with my eyes closed. I mean, look at me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I just give a small shrug and walk up to the stage. I give the crowd a confident smile and I can see some of the boys I was standing near are laughing. They won't find it funny when I come back as victor.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort then picks the girls name.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Illuminate Sensorium"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A slim, pale girl around average height walks up to the stage with a blank expression. She tries to give a small smile but I can see she is shaking. I couldn't be less interested, I might have to kill her anyway to come home as victor so I don't really care about her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The weird looking escort of ours announces us as the districts tributes and then walks us off the stage. I'm not paying too much attention as I'm getting slightly bored.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit in the room I was given to say goodbye to my family in. My Mother walks in crying and Cloha is crying too. They both come over and wrap me in their arms.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Why are you crying?" I say. "I'll be home as victor soon anyway." I just love that word. Victor.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">They both look at me weirdly but don't say anymore. I say goodbye to them and they leave crying still. I am left to wait for my district partner to finish talking to her family and then I can leave for the capitol. I just want my victory to hurry up. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Illuminate Sensorium's PoV     == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We all reach the reaping and Kole and Red go to the seventeen's section and Ember and I go into the fifteens section. I see all my friends and we start talking and laughing like normal. Our escort walks onto the stage. He has red hair which almost looks on fire and even though he has tattoos over his body and face he still looks somehow attractive. He tells us how happy he is to be here and then shows us a video from our president. Then he announces the males' name.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Daniels Xena"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A weedy looking boy with glasses walks onto the stage and gives us some sort of smile which I think is supposed to be confident. He just seems to be overly cocky to me and I would hate to be his district partner. Spending days with him in the capitol. Euugghh. The escort then walks over to choose the females name.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Illuminate Sensorium"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I look over at Ember in shock and she gives back the same expression. Why me? All I've ever been is nice to people. ''Try to see the positive side to the situation Illuminate, at least Ember wasn't picked? ''I can't help but find the negative though. 23 people are going to die in the games, and what if I'm in that 23.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk up to the stage and try to give a slight smile. I am shaking from head to toe. I didn't realise I was this nervous.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Here are your tributes for District 5, Daniels Xena and Illuminate Sensorium!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I am led off the stage, to where I must say goodbye to the ones I love.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Illuminate!" Brynn runs in the room pulling me into a tight hug.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You can't leave me; you're the only proper family I have left!" she argues. Tears start streaming down her face. "I can't say goodbye to someone else."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Brynn, you're the best sister anyone could ask for and I love you so much but you need to stay strong for me. I'm going to try my hardest to come back." I say, and I try to mean it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The rest of my family fall in and I say goodbye to each of them. I thank my Aunt and Uncle too for taking care of me all these years.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I don't have a token!" I say. We're allowed to take one thing in with us into the arena to remind us of home or some sort of good luck charm.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Here have this" Ember pulls up her long sleeves and takes off my lucky charm bracelet her and Brynn made me. "I thought I could use some extra luck" she says looking down guiltily. I can guess what she's thinking; maybe if I had worn it I wouldn't be here right now.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thanks, maybe it will bring me some extra luck" I smile at her hoping it makes her feel better. We all say goodbye and they leave, most of them crying.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit down on the floor and hug my knees. I don't like this type of alone. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">District 6 Reapings      ==

Reaping: Amazon Purfum's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I'm hiding behind my bedroom door trying to be as silent as possible. Next to me is my little brother Hedley who is twelve, he stands next to me doing the same thing but not being very successful. We wait for a few minutes until I can hear my older sister Adela who is twenty walking up the stairs.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Amazon... Mum said to tell you to help me get the Kids ready for the reaping" Adela calls. "Amazon...?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I can hear her getting nearer to the door.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ready Hedley?" I whisper. He nods smiling at me. He looks like a smaller version of me. We both have wavy brown hair which falls to our ears, light blue eyes, skin that's neither porcelain nor darkly tanned-more in the middle and were both quite small for age.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Adela walks through the door and Hedley and I jump out at her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"AHHHHH" She screams holding her hands up in defence.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We both burst out laughing.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You guys are so annoying!" she storms out of the room.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"That was SO funny" Hedley laughs. He loves doing pranks but I think it's more that he likes spending time with me. It must make him seem more grown-up somehow. I can hear someone else laughing which must be my other younger brother Axel who is nine. He has blonde hair and big blue eyes – the adorable one of us children. I creep over to his bed and grab him while he's still tucked in his blanket. I hold him in my arms and spin him round and round so it makes him dizzy.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Stop Amazon!" He shouts, but he's laughing so I know he's ok. I put him down and he tries to walk but he falls over. The two of us start laughing watching him try to get back up.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Come on you guys we better do what Mum says and get ready for the reaping" I see Hedley's face change slightly making him look scared and little. I've been trying to avoid that conversation this morning as I knew how scared he would be. He tries to act brave but he's still only a twelve year old.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I tell Hedley to go put on some smart clothes and I get some for Axel too and then I go to get ready myself. I look in my wardrobe and find a collared black short sleeved shirt and some long khaki trousers. I finish getting ready quickly and go downstairs to have breakfast.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">All my family are sitting round the table. My Mother and Father sit next to each other. My Mother has light brown hair and emerald green eyes and is very sweet looking and my Father has blonde hair and blue eyes and is rugged but handsome. Adela is sitting at the end of the table, reading one of her magazines that are apparently from the capitol; I'm not really sure how she got it. Her blonde hair is in perfect condition and she has bright blue eyes, she is the beauty of the family for sure. Then opposite my Father is my other sister Natalia who is fourteen. She has the same bright blue eyes like the rest of us but she has light brown hair like my Mother and she is also very pretty. Then next to her is Axel and next to him is Hedley. I sit down at the other end of the table and notice there is a slight awkward silence.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Why's everyone so quiet? Hey did you hear that joke about..." I start to talk but I am interrupted.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Please can you not tell anotherone of your jokes; it's not the right time!" Natalia says, she's obviously worried for the reaping too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ok sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood..." I sit there quietly looking around at everyone. My parents have a look of worry on their faces like any normal parent would; Adela is her normal self; ignoring us and not paying attention. Natalia looks stressed out Hedley just looks incredibly nervous and like she's about to be sick and Axel is in his own little world. Adela and Axel can't be reaped today so obviously their not worried; and me... I don't really know how I feel, I could get reaped today but I'm just trying to make everyone else feel better about it all. We wait until everyone has finished breakfast and then we leave... well we leave after Hedley was done throwing up from being so scared.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Amanda Hawks's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The brave knight ran through the woods, looking for his princess he was to save. He reached the tall tower and the beautiful princess was gazing over her balcony. ''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"''Knight have you come to save me from this wretched tower?" the princess calls.''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"''Yes my love, I..." ''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I am interrupted from my story by my sisters high pitched squealing.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Tess! Where is my mini skirt? You know the one with the pink pattern?" Tia looks at me as if I would actually wear her mini skirt. Seriously?

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You actually think I would wear that thing?" I say, looking at her confusingly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She just puckers her red lips at me and struts out of my room.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She calls back at me, "Maybe if you cared more about how you look and less about books a lot more boys would like you."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"As if I care?" I say, I doubt she hears me though. Tia is nineteen but I seem so much more mature than her and I'm only fourteen. So what if I like reading? To be honest I don't just like reading, I love reading! It's like being able to go into a different world and leave your own life. After my grandfather who I loved more than anyone and he also shared my love of reading died in the rebellion, I relied on being able to get lost in books to get through the pain of losing him. It was the same when I found out some of my friends had died during it too. I guess it was some sort of coping mechanism, and it worked.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The reason I was reading this morning is because it's the reaping today and I didn't want to think about it. If I was reaped, I don't know what I would do. I couldn't hide in one of my books then. I sit in my room for a while just thinking until Tia and my Mother come into my room.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Time to get ready Tess!" My Mother says enthusiastically. Oh great, they're going to want to choose my outfit.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Tia walks over to where my clothes are kept and is looking through everything.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What were you thinking, ugly, you'd look like a boy..." She carries on describing everything I own like this. "God Amandado you not own anything decent looking?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I start to say something but my Mother interrupts me. "Tia darling, why don't you go and pick something for her from your clothes"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"No Mum really that's not necessary..." I am not wearing anything of Tia's. She's pretty and popular, which basically means all she owns is miniskirts and anything that shows a lot of skin.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Tia runs out of the room excitedly and comes back in with a few dresses in her hands.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She holds them up one by one, "Too pink, too frilly, too orange... what were you thinking when you brought that one!" I laugh slightly at my imitation of my sister.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She pulls a face at me and holds up another dress. "I actually like that one," I say, surprising myself. I put on the dress and look at myself in the full length mirror. The dress is a mint green and it comes in at the top and floats down to just above my knee. My Mum then brushes my red hair which comes down to my shoulders and Tia applies some light make up to my hazel eyes to make them 'pop'. She barely puts any make-up on my actual face because she says my freckles look sweet how they are and the green of the dress makes my skin look pale but in a nice way.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You look so beautiful, just like your sister" My Mother says, you would think I would like that comment, but I don't. The reason is that notice how she said 'like your sister'. She's constantly comparing me to her and wants me to be more like her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thanks" I mumble.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My Father walks into the room and looks at me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You look so lovely, very grown-up."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thank you Daddy" I smile and hug him. My Dad and I get along much more than we do with anyone else. He doesn't compare me to my sister and he treats me like a grown-up which I like.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"We better go to the reaping or were going to be late!" My Mother says to us.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Tia has to touch up her hair and make-up one more time and then we can finally leave. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Amazon Purfum's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We reach the town square and Natalia, Hedley and I head into the crowd of children. We wait for a bit until the reaping finally starts. A tall man, who actually looks rather normal except for the tattoos covering his arms and the piercings on his face, walks onto the stage. He must be our escort. He introduces himself and shows us a video from the capitol and then begins the reaping.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Let's choose the young lady first" he says in a very low voice.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Amanda Hawks"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I hear a scream coming from where our families wait. I see a pretty girl trying running at the stage trying to volunteer and I notice there is some sort of commotion coming from the girls section. The girl who must be Amandais kicking and screaming and she is crying waves of tears as the peacekeepers drag her up to the stage. She stands next to the escort and she is still sobbing really loudly. I feel really sorry for her. Then the escort walks over to pick the male tribute.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hedley Purfum"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">No. Not my innocent little brother who loves to laugh and play pranks. He can't go in that arena; he'll be slaughtered. Hedley walks up to the stage, he is shaking and his bottom lip is trembling too. I see his eyes fill up with tears and decide it's enough.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Any volunteers?" the escort asks with a grim expression, both his tributes are young and have cried a lot, he obviously hopes for a volunteer for one.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" I shout, everyone turns around and looks at me. They know Hedley is my brother and some even give a small smile at my act of bravery.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I run up to the stage and hug Hedley.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It'll be ok, don't worry your safe now" I comfort him but he just cries into my shirt. "You need to go now, go find Mum and Dad and I'll see you in a minute"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">All he can do is nod and he runs off the stage crying. I stand up straight trying to make myself look strong and tall. I can't look weak now when everyone in Panem is watching.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And what is your name young man?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Amazon Purfum" I say bluntly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh I see, you must be brothers, right?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I nod and do nothing else. I stare expressionless into the crowd.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ok then... here are your District 6 tributes, Amanda Hawks and Amazon Purfum" He tries to make it sound like a good thing but the crowd just stays quiet. They all have a look of disgust on their face; they obviously disapprove of the games now.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I look at Tess, she seems so small. She reminds me a bit of Natalia seeing as their same age. Maybe I can protect her like I would my younger sister. At least I would be doing something good in the games. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Amanda Hawks's PoV  == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I reach the reaping and stand amongst the crowd of girls. I pull out the book I was reading earlier which I snuck out of the house with me and begin to read.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"''Yes my love, I have come to save you and give you a better life, please come with me" the knight shouts to the princess. A tear escapes her eye, realising she will finally get away from this life of sorrow.''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Let's choose the young lady first" I look up and slam my book shut. I see the District 6 escort walking over to the glass bowl containing the girl's names.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Amanda Hawks"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Not me. It can't be me. I'm going to die. I'm going to die. A sob comes from deep in my throat and I collapse to the ground. I shake on the floor and my eyes are overflowing with tears. I hear screams coming from the part where my parents and Tia are.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"No, get off me, I VOLUNTEER, I SAID GET OFF ME!" Tia is pushing her way through the crowd and she tries to climb onto the stage. A group of peacekeepers come to drag her away and I look up to see a few have come to get me too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"No I can't go ... . !" I kick and scream as they carry me up to the stage. They throw me up there and I get up from the floor and wipe my wet cheeks. I can't stop sobbing though. Knowing that I'm going to die, I can't bear to think about it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ok, let's get on with picking the male tribute"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hedley Purfum"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I see a sweet looking boy come from the twelve's section and he is shaking. When he reaches the stage I notice his bottom lip is trembling and he is starting to cry. In the crowd I can see an older boy around seventeen pushing through the crowd.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Any volunteers?" The escort asks. He doesn't seem to like the idea of us both being young.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" the boy I was looking at runs through the crowd and onto the stage. You can tell he's his brother, they look exactly the same. He hugs his brother and then Hedley walks off the stage crying.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And what is your name young man?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Amazon Purfum" he says, looking somewhat angry.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He looks up at me, and smiles a crooked smile, which is verycute. He obviously doesn't want to kill me. That's one off of the twenty three.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort announces our names and then we have to go to the justice building to say our goodbyes.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Tess, I couldn't do anything, I'm so sorry" Tia bursts into the room and wraps me into her arms. We are both crying into each other's shoulders.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It doesn't matter, I'll be fine" I say, more trying to convince myself than her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We stand crying and my parents walk in and join us in the hug.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm so proud of you Tess, you're so brave" My Mother says, running her hands through my hair. I know I wasn't brave, I acted like a child, but it means a lot her finally being proud of me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You can do this Tess, you need to try and you can't give up now" My Father talks to me like I am an adult. I normally like this, but I wish he would just treat me like a little kid and tell me it's all going to be ok.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I hug them all and they all walk out crying, including Tia who I think might be having a mental break down. I didn't realise she would miss me so much.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sink to the floor and hug my knees. I wish I had a knight to save me now. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Amazon Purfum's PoV   == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" My family all burst in and Hedley won't stop thanking me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hedley, you don't need to thank me, I did what I had to do."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Who's going to make us all laugh now?" Adela says, her cheeks wet where she's been crying.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hedley will" I say smiling at my younger brother.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You haven't got a token!" Natalia says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My Father speaks up "Your token can be the sky. As long as you don't lose it, you'll be safe" I smile at my father's wise words. It makes me feel good to think that we will all be looking at the same sky even when I'min the arena.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I look at them all; I can't seem to find anything to make them feel better.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My eyes fall on Axel, I hope he never becomes in this situation, he just seems too young. I then look at Natalia; I wish I could protect her from all this danger going on around her. I wish I could protect all of them. I say good bye to all of them and they leave the room leaving me alone.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk out of the room to go to the train and a camera is filming me. I give it an angry stare and the person filming turns away. I know one thing; smiling and joking around is not going to help me in the arena.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Yesina Root's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I wake up at 6am and get out of bed. I put on some old worn out trousers, a short sleeved shirt and some boots. I tie back my light brown hair into a pony-tail and creep out of my door before anyone can notice I've gone.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I run through the streets of District 7 as quietly as possible trying not to wake my neighbours and reach the woods where my father works. It seems to be empty so I walk through at my own pace. I reach the districts edge and a tall fence faces me. I climb into a nearby tree and balance along a high branch. When I am far enough I let myself drop into the soft grass on the other side of the fence. I look around me and there is no-one in sight. I sit in a large meadow in a district I don't know. It might not even be a district, it could be just a space that separates them, but I doubt it. I have thought about venturing further but if I got caught I would probably be killed. I like this place more than District 7. It's so calm and I can get away from everything. I spent a lot of time here during the rebellion as there were a lot of arguments in my house at the time.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My Mother and Father supported the rebellion, but for some reason my older brother Hatch was on the capitols side. There was constant debating and I got sick of it and I just remained neutral. I use to escape here when things got tough and it helped me. My Mother was killed later on in the rebellion by someone from the capitol and I hated them for it. I decided to side with my Father which obviously made my Brother feel guilty and unwanted because he ran away and I have never seen him since. I sometimes wonder if he climbed this fence like me, but carried on walking and found a different life.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">When I have been in the meadow for what I feel is a long time I walk along the fence trying to find the place where I can get back over. I find the fence panel which contains a gap where I can fit my foot in and boost myself over. I land with a thud and realise I have cut my skin on a loose nail. Blood drops down my tanned skin and I hold my hand over it to stop the blood flow. ''I hate blood. And it's going to leave a scar. Great.''I walk back to my house and the streets are still empty; probably because of the reaping. I reach my home and close the door quietly. I walk into are quaint living room where my Grandmother is sitting in her arm chair. She was my Mums Mother and she lives with us as she isn't fit to live by herself.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hi Grandma, how you doing?" I say joining her.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm fine Yesenia, how are you feeling for that reaping going on later this afternoon?" she looks at me with same soft big blue eyes, my Mother had, and that I also have too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm not sure, sometimes I feel terrified and others I'm fine, I think the training I have been doing helps" When the Games were announced, my Father thought it would be a good idea for me to practice basic fighting skills as I am only twelve; so even if I didn't get picked this year I could in the years to come and the training would help in the games. I think it was just him being overly protective of his little girl but I didn't argue.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You are tough you know Yesenia, like your Mother, at your age you shouldn't have had to deal with as much as you have" She runs her frail hands through my hair, letting it out loose.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Will you braid my hair for the reaping?" I ask. She nods and I sit in front of her chair. She begins to braid my hair into two braids which rest nicely on my shoulders.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thanks Grandma" I kiss her on the cheek and skip off to my room.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I find the green dress that I was planning to wear to the reaping. The light material feels nice against my skin and it falls to my knees. I look in my small trinket box and find the golden chain necklace which was my Mothers. I secure it round my neck and run my hand over the chain. I find some shoes which were hand me downs from my Grandmother, there small flats that match my dress. I walk downstairs and find my Father tending to the twins. The twins are my brothers Alec and Crowe who are five. I go and help him, I get Crowe ready and he gets Alec ready. It's speeds up the process and we are able to leave for the reaping sooner rather than later. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Quin Ley's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Mum it will be ok, calm down, please," I sit with my Mother holding her hand. She is rocking back and forth and won't stop crying.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Where have you been Michael, you've been gone for so long," she looks at me, her blue eyes shining with tears.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It's not Michael Mum, its Itzel" I stare back at her. I hate seeing her like this. So vulnerable and confused.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Is my Father with you, and Leo? They've been gone for too long, too long..." She carries on mumbling to herself.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Michael was my Father; he died in the rebellion supporting the rebels and so did my Mums Brother Leo and her Father too. I wanted to help fight with them, but I wasn't old enough. She lost a lot in the rebellion and I am her only family left. Sometimes she has break-downs when she is depressed and especially when she sees me. I look incredibly like my Father, the same shaggy blonde hair and green eyes. Of course she could get confused.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"They all died Mum, don't you remember?" She doesn't. Its torture having to tell her that. The light in her eyes fades and she sits staring into nothingness.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I think if I had fought in the rebellion and died as well, I doubt she'd be alive. I know it's horrible to say but she would have most likely ended her own life.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Mum, I have to get ready for the reaping; remember, the reaping is today?" She stares into the space in front of her and doesn't say a word. I groan in defeat, she normally gets back to normal now, maybe she does know it's the reaping and is worried she'll lose me too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I leave the room and go into my room next door. We only have a one floor house as we can't afford anything big. My bedroom is more of a cupboard space, but I don't mind. I wanted my Mother to have the bigger room. I open my one clothes draw and find my only smart clothes; a brown suit. It was my Fathers, and I know it won't help my Mothers confusion but it's the only thing decent. I go back into the room my Mother is in and she seems back to normal. She is wandering round the room tidying up; I'm not sure why now but I don't question it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Mum it's time to go," I say, hoping she will at least reply.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ok Quin let me just grab my coat" She smiles at me and walks into her bedroom. She comes back out a few minutes later and we walk out of the house.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You could have at least brushed your hair!" She lectures.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She's definitely back to normal. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Yesina Root's PoV  == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stand amongst the other twelve year old girls. I am tall for my age and they are mostly all small so I tower over them. I try and blend in and make myself smaller, I don't want to draw attention to myself. Our escort walks on to the stage; well more wobbles, in about 6inch heels. I think if I wore them I would topple over. She's quite pretty for someone from the capitol even though her skin is a light green colour. She tells us she is delighted to be here and then shows us a clip sent by the president.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I think we will pick the Ladies first," the escort says. She slowly walks over to the bowl containing the girl's names and nearly falls over but grips the bowl for support. She reaches in and picks one.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yesenia Root"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">It's me. Don't cry Lili that will not make you look any better.I move my head from side to side frantically until I spot my Grandma.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What do I do?" I mouth, I seem to be frozen in place and I can't move.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She moves her hands telling me to go up to the stage. I start shaking as two peacekeepers grab one arm each and walk me up to the stage. When I reach it the escort hugs me, like I've known her for years.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It will be fine" she whispers in my ear. I nod back to her, not wanting to talk in case my voice shakes.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Now for the male tribute!" She does the same thing when she picked my name.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Quin Ley"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I see a boy in the fourteens section who is also taller than everyone his age. I can see he has some muscle; ''he could be hard to fight. ''He walks up to the stage and stands next to me. He doesn't even glance at me, just stares straight ahead. I see a woman where the parents stand and she cries out. She sits on the floor and starts shaking. A few people crowd around her trying to help. She must be his Mother.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort also goes to hug him but he doesn't hug her back. He just stands still looking ahead.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Here are our tributes, Yesenia Root and Quin Ley! Shake hands you two."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He looks at me and then just walks off the stage. I shrug and follow. The escort stands still on the stage looking confused and then tries to follow us but she's too slow to catch up.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh Yesenia this is such a shame" My Grandmother walks in the room I've been allocated in the justice building. My Father follows with my brothers.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Lili you need to stay strong and fight! You know how to, so use them skills!" My Father talks about what I can do to help myself in the arena.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stand there for a while wrapped in my Grandmothers arms. She is like my Mother in some ways, very caring and loving.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Grandma, I want to take something from the district with me as my token, so have Mums necklace," I take the chain off my neck and fasten it around my Grandmothers.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I have just the thing," she reaches into her large handbag where she keeps about everything. She pulls out a piece of string and a leaf which must have blown into her bag. She pierces the leaf and ties it on the string. She then puts it round my neck replacing the old necklace. ''Who can make a necklace in about a minute? ''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"There you go something from the district and you won't lose it now."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Thanks, this is actually pretty cool" I say.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I say goodbye to the twins, then Gran and then my Dad. He takes my face in his hands and stares at it; like he's trying to remember what I looked like before I go into the games. He turns and leaves the room, and I sit down on a seat in the room. It's made of the most expensive material I have ever seen. I put my hands round the leaf on my neck and feel the smooth texture. I won't be able to forget my home now, and I think I might actually miss it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Quin Ley's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I reach the reaping and my Mum wave's goodbye. I stand amongst the other fourteen year olds. Some try to start conversation but I just ignore them. The escort talks for a while but I don't really listen. She then picks the female tribute.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yesenia Root"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A twelve year old girl gets walked up to the stage by two peacekeepers because she wouldn't move. She seems like she could survive the beginning of the games, but she looks quite weak so she wouldn't get very far. The escort then walks over to the males' bowl and I start to pay attention.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Quin Ley"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I huff and begin to walk on stage. This was bound to happen. I reach the stage and look out into the crowd. My Mother cries out and falls to the floor. A group of other adults try to help her. I just stare ahead; if I look at her she will make me weak and I might cry and that can't happen. The escort then tries to hug me but I just stay still. I don't even know her, why would I hug her?

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Here are our tributes, Yesenia Root and Quin Ley! Shake hands you two." The escort says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I just look at my district partner and walk off the stage. She seems to follow and so does our escort. Great.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stand in the room I've been given in the justice building. I pace back and forth nervously. I look around the room. It probably costs more than my house. My Mother gets brought in by the Peacekeepers and I walk over and wrap her in my arms.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It'll be ok" I whisper comfortingly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Where are you going Michael? Is it the war again?" She says looking at me blankly. This can't be happening now.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm not Michael I'm Itzel, and listen Mum, don't do anything stupid ok? And I'll be home soon."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She must of heard me because she mumbles, "Ok Itzel, I love you." She grabs my hand and presses something into it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She walks dreamily out of the room tears streaming down her face and I look at my hand. My Fathers wedding ring lies in my hand. My Mother wore it as well as her own because she didn't want to lose it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I slide it on my finger and smile. She must have known it was me.

District 8 Reapings
==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Samara Emett's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Come play outside Joni!" I tug on my younger sisters' shirt begging her to come join in on the fun.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Leave me alone Samara, I just want to read!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Please, please, please..." I could have gone on for longer.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Fine! Just for an hour because the reaping is soon!" she walks out of the door and I follow.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">You would think it would be the opposite way round, the younger sibling annoying the older one, but this is a onetime thing. I just don't want to have to think of the reaping, so I need a distraction and I thought something fun would do just the trick. Both Joni and I are quiet and shy, but with each other we are completely different. I am more loud and bubbly and she doesn't even think about her precious books.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We both stand on either side of the road and throw a ball back and forth. My friend Sophia comes to join us too; she must be nervous as well. I'm pretty good like I am at most things but Joni isn't the most coordinated person; basically she drops the ball nearly every time. But I don't mind, it's something to laugh at. We do this for a while until I see a group of people around my age maybe older walking towards us. I try to ignore them, but I feel slightly awkward as I'm not the most sociable person.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hey Fred, Nena why don't we play catch with the kids," The taller boy says, he must be around 6ft... He's very handsome, his shaggy brown hair falling over his forehead slightly covering his chocolate brown eyes.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm not a kid" I mumble.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What was that?" the boy asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Nothing, we don't really want to talk to you so maybe you could just leave us alone? Ok?

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Just leave them alone Chase, I don't think they're the joking around type" says Fred.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What? Do you find me hard not to look at?" Joshsmiles a seductive smile at me. He is very good looking but too arrogant for my liking. And I'm only fourteen, so I'm not exactly hunting for boys at the moment. I have time for that when I'm older.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He walks over to me and leans in towards me. He whispers in my ear, "You're not bad looking yourself" He puts his hand on my back and pulls me closer towards him.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Get away from me!" I squeal, pushing him away. He just shrugs and strolls away with his friends.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What was that?" Sophia asks confused.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Do you like him or something Jaz?" Joni adds curiously.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ew of course not he's a creep!" I say, truth is I didn't think he was too bad, but I couldn't let them know that, they wouldn't let me live it down!

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I think we should go get ready for the reaping Joni, see you there Sophia," We wave goodbye to my friend and then Joni and I go back inside.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We both go to the room we share to find something to wear. We have a few nice outfits as we have enough money for things like that and our parents didn't want us going without. I live a normal life, with my two parents and Joni, and we rarely struggle for money or food.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I choose a white dress which comes to my knee and some black flats. The dress shows off my tanned skin, it makes my raven-black hair look even darker than it is and it highlights my curves well. I tie my hair into its normal braid and leave my face natural with no make-up. We finish getting ready and we leave for the reaping with our parents. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Josh Eagleye's PoV  == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk down the road with my two best friends Fred and Nena. We laugh and joke, Fred and I teasing Nena about her latest crush. This is the way I like things to be. We get to the end of the road and I notice some people playing catch. There is a girl on one side; I think I've seen her in school, she is very pretty, with verynice curves. We walk over and I speak up.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hey Fred, Nena why don't we play catch with the kids," I look into the girls eyes, there an onyx colour, very mysterious.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm not a kid" she mumbles.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What was that?" I ask.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Nothing, we don't really want to talk to you so maybe you could just leave us alone? Ok?" She says. I don't like how she's treating us, and when I don't get my way, I tend to act ... differently.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Just leave them alone Chase, I don't think they're the joking around type" says Fred.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What? Do you find me hard not to look at?" I give her a flirtatious smile and I see her blush slightly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk over to her and lean in close to her. So close that I can hear her speeding heart. I whisper in her ear, "You're not bad looking yourself" I rest my hand on the lower part of her back and pull her closer to me so our bodies are touching.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Get away from me!" she squeals, pushing me away. I shrug and walk away.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I wasn't always like this; I was the shy kid who wouldn't talk to anyone, but things change.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">It all started when my parents died in an accident ten years ago when I was five. I was sent to my aunt- who I don't even think I'm related to and she was very abusive. She used to kick me when I was down-literally and when she was drunk it was worse. When I was thirteen, she was severely drunk and came home and raped me. I couldn't defend myself; I was only a kid. I have been scarred for life from that incident and I went through a stage when I would rarely be home. I would leave school, and come home late, spending my time in the woods singing and studying new plants around the area. After a few months of doing this I had time to think and I decided to change. I changed my personality and looks, and in the next couple of days I gained instant popularity.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I leave my friends after a while, to get ready for the reaping. I don't know how I feel about this fight to the death the president has made; it could be a way out of something I guess. I walk into my home, which smells of alcohol and smoke. You couldn't really call it a home; it's more like a rubbish tip. I peer into the living room to find my Aunt Rose lying on the sofa, passed out. Even though I could easily beat her in a fight, I am still terrified by her. Like I said, I was scarred for life. I walk into my room, and put on a pair of black trousers which are becoming way too small, a white shirt and some black shoes. I don't want to wake my Aunt, but she has to go to the reaping, so I leave the house, slamming the door loudly so I'm sure it will wake her up. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Samara Emett's PoV   == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We reach the reaping and I watch Joni walk over to the twelve year olds section. She blends into the crowd, her being small and quiet, and is barely noticed by anyone. I join the group of fourteens and find Sophia.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Are you scared?" I say.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Uh you could say that..." She stands her hands shaking.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I look ahead and watch as the escort for our district walks onto the stage. She is a tall woman, looking very elegant and regal. She has definitely had work done on her face, but nothing too extreme.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stand talking to Sophia, trying to make her feel better. Suddenly the escort is walking over to pick the female tribute.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Joni Kaede"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Joni starts to walk to the stage, I can hardly see her over the other people. My little sister can't go into the games. She's too shy and quiet. Being good at reading won't help her there.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Any volunteers?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" I shout. I don't realise what I have done until it has happened. I try to stay calm, but I am so scared. I hold my composure for Joni so she doesn't get upset and I walk up to the stage.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What is your name young lady?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Samara Emett" I say quietly, but because of the microphone my weak voice echoes through the district.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"That must have been your sister correct?" she asks. I nod, "Well you are very brave indeed" She replies.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She then picks the male.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Lyle McKee"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A boy who's in Joni's class at school walks up to the stage. He is trying to act tough but I can see he is scared. Suddenly, I hear a shout from the fifteens "I volunteer!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Everyone looks around shocked to see this boy. I look too and realise it is Chase. The boy who got a bit too close to me earlier this morning. It's as if he realises what he has done and he covers his mouth with his hand. He walks up to the stage and won't stop looking at me. ''What is his problem? ''He notices I see him looking at me because he tries to cover it up by winking at me flirtingly. I just roll my eyes and look into the crowd. The escort announces are names and we are led off the stage to where I must say goodbye.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Sophia walks into the room I am in and hugs me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I can't believe what you did, you were so brave" she says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I know, neither can I, and can you promise me something? That you'll try and get Joni to make more friends, I was going to but I can't now really can I," I look at her and she looks back awkwardly. She nods and we say goodbye and then she leaves.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My family and I have what I expect normally happens when someone volunteers for a family member. My parents praise me for saving my sister and Joni cries because I have to go and I'll probably never come back. We say goodbye and there are lots of tears and they leave; just like that. It's so weird how some one's life can change so quickly and I didn't think it would be my life that it would happen too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Josh Eagleye's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I get to the reaping and join Fred in the crowd. The reaping starts and before I know it they are already choosing the female tribute. I feel slightly nervous for Nena and hope she doesn't get reaped. I can see it in Fred's face too, he's secretly liked Nena forever and he wants to tell her how he feels soon.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Joni Kaede"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I recognise this girl from somewhere, but I can't think where. She seems very quiet and timid.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Any volunteers?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" the girl who just called out walks to the stage. I now know where I recognised that girl from. She is the sister of the girl I was flirting with earlier, and now that girl is on the stage.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What is your name young lady?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Samara Emett" she says nervously, it's barely a whisper.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"That must have been your sister correct?" the escort asks. Samara nods, "Well you are very brave indeed"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She then walks over to pick the male tribute. Maybe volunteering for someone wouldn't be that bad. I'd be doing something good and I would get away from that disgusting Aunt of mine.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Lyle McKee"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A small boy walks up to the stage looking so scared.'' I could help him. I wouldn't have to live in that alcohol smelling dump anymore.''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I volunteer!" I shout. I can't believe what I have just done. I clamp my hand over my mouth in shock, but it is too late. I walk up to the stage and the boy Lyle has already run off the stage. I look at Samara. She looks beautiful .I never realised that before. She catches me staring at her so I wink at her trying to make it seem like a joke.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What is your name?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Josh Eagleye"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Our tributes, Samara Emett and Josh Eagleye!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The crowd claps for their two volunteers. I follow Samara off the stage and am led to the justice building where they expect me to say goodbye to my loved ones.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Joshthis is so horrible, you can't go!" Nena is crying and Fred is holding her hand in support. They really would make a cute couple.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I say goodbye to them both and they leave.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I wait, but I know no-one else is coming and I don't want to see my Aunt anyway. I'm glad to get away from that abusing, disgrace of what's supposed to be family.

Reaping: Lilac Infinity's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Wake up Lilac; I said wake up!" My Uncle Spur shouts at me. I lay still, not wanting to wake up. He grabs the back of my neck and drags me out of my bed. He throws me on the floor and I curl up in a ball hugging my knees. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm going to get a drink..." he slurs, I can smell that he's had alcohol already. "You can find your own way to the reaping... let's hope you don't get picked hmm" he walks drunkenly out of the room. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I lay there for a minute, just crying. You're being a baby, stop crying and stand up for yourself. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I can't, I can't it'll make things worse!" I say to myself. I stand up nearly falling over from dizziness. When was the last time I ate? Or had a proper night's sleep? I look into the mirror and lift the back of my shirt. The swollen bruises on my back which kept me up last night have doubled in size and some of the marks are nearly the same colour as my red hair. I push my long hair to one side so I can get a better look. ''They really are bad. If my parents saw this they would kill my uncle.''You would wonder why my Uncle, someone who is supposed to be family, would do this to me. He's had a tough ten years, but so have I, and I think I've had it worse. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Ten years ago when I was seven, there was a tornado that came through one of the grain fields. My family and I were all there but I'm quick, and I ran fast into a safe place. I thought my family would follow, but they didn't survive it. My Parents had died, but I never realised afterwards that my Uncle which is my Fathers Brother, had been at home ill and wasn't there. I then later found out, that my Uncles wife and his son, both died as well and it drove him into a bad place. He started drinking and I rarely saw him. Then, he was told he was to look after me as he's my only family left but I turned into something to take his anger out on. He's made me feel like I am worth nothing and I literally have no self esteem. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I face the mirror and stare at myself. ''You're nothing. You're just like a little kid, scared and weak.'' <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I do look like a little kid. I am mostly skin and bones and I am smaller than even most of the fourteen year olds in my district; and I'm seventeen. I look at my skin, I have naturally light tanned skin but you can hardly see it with the amount of bruises I have. I have dark red hair, pale blue eyes and freckles that come over the bridge of my nose. I have a bruise on my cheek where Spur slapped me yesterday for no reason I can think of. I go red in anger. I shouldn't have let him do that. Angry tears fall from my eyes but I quickly wipe them away. I will not give him the satisfaction of making me cry. <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I need to get ready for the reaping as it must be soon so I put on a blue blouse I got when I was ten which is actually too big on me now. I put on a white skirt which is ripped down the side. I look terrible but there the only good clothes I have. I leave the house, hoping I don't run into Spur on my way.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Henry Ricktor's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit at home, alone like normal. Well, you couldn't call it a home; it's more of a shed. I sit, eating a piece of grain I stole from the field outside my 'home'. My stomach rumbles for more, but I eat slowly, trying to convince my stomach that I am eating much more. When I am finished, I curl into a ball and try to get some sleep. It's hard, the wind is loud blowing through the space where a window once was and every time I hear a noise outside I worry.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I finally fall asleep and dream of my old life before the rebellion. I had a Mother and Father and we were all together and we seemed the perfect family; but then the capitol took it away from me. They killed my parents and left me alone. I wouldn't let the orphanage take me; I've heard bad things about it. I expect everyone thinks I died with them, but no-one knows I am alive and living here. I rarely leave the shed I am in, escaping in the night to find food and water but I retreat back as soon as I see the slightest sign of dawn. I must leave today though, because today is the reaping and if you aren't marked in, they will come to find you. I am so unrecognisable to the person I was before, not even my old friends would notice me. I doubt they even remember me. I used to be quite bulky; with shiny nicely cut black hair and light brown eyes. I'm now small and thin from lack of food, long dirty black hair and dark brown eyes where I rarely see light. I wear ripped brown trousers and a grey shirt which used to be white. The only nice possession I own is my Fathers gold chain. I thought about selling it, when I got sick and needed medicine but I am glad I have kept it, it reminds me of the life I used to have.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I slowly open the shed door and peer round, its light and the sun is shining. Such a nice day for something so horrible. I walk out of the door and take all the back streets. I don't need people asking questions. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Lilac Infinity's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I get to the reaping, having not seen my Uncle Spur. I blend into the crowd and get ready to listen to the escort. A man, who is very small and plump, walks onto the stage.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Welcome, to District 9's first reaping for the Hunger Games!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The crowd stays silent, so silent that you can almost hear the wind blowing.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Let's get on shall we... I think we'll choose the young man first," he says eagerly.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He walks over and reaches into the bowl.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Henry Ricktor"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Who is he? I don't know a Henry Ricktor. A small, thin boy is dragged up by the peacekeepers and he is placed onto the stage. He stands there, his eyes filled with tears. He looks so tiny compared to the large man next to him. Henry looks like he hasn't washed for days or had a good meal for a while. I can see his eyes shifting from left to right, as if he is trying to find somewhere to escape. That's not going to work.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The escort then walks over to pick the female tribute. My heart starts to beat slightly faster.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Lilac Infinity"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I can almost see Spur's face smirking in the back of my mind. I start walking up to the stage. ''What you going to do, cry? You're pathetic. You're going to die and your pathetic excuse for a life will be over.''

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Shut up." I whisper.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Go on cry, do what everyone expects you to do. Be the weak kid that you are and realise that you are going to die. You're going to die. You're going to die. ''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I keep a straight face but when I reach the stage I cover my ears to stop my horrible thoughts. I can tell everyone is looking at me like I am crazy. I see the escort look at my bruises on my face, arms and legs and his mouth forms an 'O' shape. I look down ashamed of myself.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Here are your tributes... Henry Ricktor and Lilac Infinity"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The crowd remain silent. They know it's wrong for two kids who look barely alive they are so thin and weak to go into a fight with much stronger kids who have had a good life and actually stand a chance.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk off the stage ashamed and go into the justice building.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit in the room I am given. It's beautiful, soft seats made of velvet, the walls are even lined with what looks like silver! I don't expect to get any visitors, Spur made it very clear that he doesn't want anything to do with me. I am surprised to see him fall into the room.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hello Reina" He says, his breath stinks of alcohol.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Stand up to him. He can't do anything to you anymore. You're free. ''<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Get out!" I shout. The anger comes from the pit of my stomach and it feels good.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What are you talking about, come give your Uncle a hug goodbye" he smiles. His teeth are yellow and broken, he repulses me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I want you to leave, now go!" I push him and he falls to the floor. He must be verydrunk.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You can't hurt me anymore, and I don't want to see your nasty face again!" I scream into his face, tears come to my eyes but I blink them away.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Fine, I brought you this, that's what I get for being nice" He smirks and throws something on the floor. I stare at him back and he wanders out of the room.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I pick up the small bracelet on the floor. My Mother had given it to me for my 5th birthday but Spur thought it would be nice to take it off me when I came to live with him because I didn't deserve anything nice.It's made of rough grain and it scratches my wrist slightly but I don't care. I slip it on my wrist and it reminds me that I was once loved and cared about.

Reaping: Henry Ricktor's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I follow all the back streets and am left unnoticed. I reach the reaping and join the other thirteen year olds. They all give me odd stares but I just look down and act like they're not there. The escort walks on; he's a short but large man. ''I bet the capitol get a lot of food. ''He welcomes us and then goes to pick the male tribute. I keep wondering why they talk so weirdly, it must just be the place. He reaches into a large bowl and pulls out a piece of paper. He reads a name into the microphone:

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Henry Ricktor"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">They've picked me. I can't go I won't last five minutes in those games. I look around, no-one knows who I am, I make a run for it. I reach the side of the crowd before I am caught by a peacekeeper. He drags me along and puts me on the stage. I can see everyone looks confused. One because they probably don't know me and two because of the way I look. They must think I am one of those people who are so poor they live on the streets. I guess I'm kind of like that. I look down embarrassed and my hair covers my face. The female tribute is then picked.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Lilac Infinity"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A girl who is also thin and bony like me walks to the stage. When she gets here I notice she has bruises all over her body. Wonder how she got those? She also looks down as if she is ashamed of herself. I think of smiling at her but she never looks up so I can. You can see the crowd are not happy. Two innocent weak children being sent to their most likely death.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Here are your tributes... Henry Ricktor and Lilac Infinity"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I am led off the stage where I am supposed to say goodbye to someone. I sit alone as I have no-one to say goodbye to and admire the room. My parents would have loved it. I wonder if they're proud of me; I hope so.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Myristal Haze's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Daisy isn't getting much better Dad" I say sadly, Daisy is our cow and she was the only hope for us to be able to the pay the full rent for the ranch this month.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well... we'll just have to keep looking after her and have a bit of hope" he pats me on the shoulder and walks off to clean out some of the animals.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My Parents, Sister Alexis and I, live on a large, prosperous Ranch where we keep lots of animals. Even though we supposedly own it, we still have to pay rent on it. It causes slight problems but we always deal with it. I have been working with animals since I was able to walk and it has helped me a lot. I learnt how to heal animals as well as people and it has made me a hard working person. My Father and I tend to the animals while my Mother and Alexis do things like household chores and cooking; we make a good team.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I do my daily rounds; I feed the animals, check on Daisy, then I might check the health of some of our main animals and then I'm allowed to go ride my horse for a bit. Its hard work but I don't mind doing it; especially today as I am trying to keep my mind off the reaping. I have to admit I am quite nervous, but more for what I leave behind. If I was to go, my Father would struggle to keep everything in check. I am the only one that is able to treat the animals and heal them and he wouldn't know what to do. Even though Alexis is nineteen and four years older than me, she still doesn't know as much, but she is perfectly happy to stay at home. I think she's too lazy to do any manual labour, but I don't dare tell her that.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Dad, I've got to get ready for the reaping, I'll see you later," I shout. I don't think he's heard me but he waves his hand to let me know he heard.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stroll in side and take my muddy boots off.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I'm home Mum and I'm going to go get ready" I call.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Ok sweetie but be quick you haven't got long!" she calls back.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk upstairs into my bedroom and look for an outfit for the reaping. I put on a light green top with a high-waist white skirt and some brown cowboy boots; It will do. I throw on the clothes and let my hair lose so my long sun streaked light brown curls fall to the bottom of my ribs. My warm brown eyes are left bare and I don't put on any make-up. I find my horse shoe pendant necklace which I believe brings me good luck and fasten it round my neck. Let's hope it works for the reaping.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">When I'm finished I walk downstairs to join my family.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Why are you wearing cowboy boots Savannah?" My Mother asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"They're comfy ok!" They laugh at me and I just pull a face at them.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">When their done making fun of me, we all leave for the reaping. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Mark Bull's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Claude, what are you doing?" I ask.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Just...nothing can you leave me alone I'm trying to work Luka" he doesn't take is eyes off the computer he is working on.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I said, what are you doing? What's the problem of spending five seconds to tell me?" I feel my face start to go red and my voice getting louder.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And I said leave me alone!" he raises his voice at me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"DON'T SHOUT AT ME!" I shout angrily, I push him from behind and he jolts into the table. I hear him let out a pained groan but he quickly covers it up.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"All I've done is be nice to you Luka, help you out, and lately you've been acting like a spoiled brat, why are you being so ungrateful!" he is starting to go red too, I just give him a blunt look and storm off into my bedroom and slam the door behind me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I sit on my bed and put my head in my hands. Why do I act like this? I should just be grateful for Claude but I'm just being an immature kid. I think I'm just worried for the Reaping, that's why I am acting so strange. Yeah, that's it.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">If you're wondering Claude is my legal guardian... He was my Fathers best friend since they were five and my Father trusted his life with him. Six years ago when I was nine, my parents and my two younger siblings; my brother JJ and my sister Modrashy were killed. I never found out what happened to them but I suspect the Capitol. My Father wasn't the person to follow rules and he tended to do some illegal things so that could have been a reason. I was at school when it happened and I got home to find them dead. It changed me I guess, going through that emotional pain and I tend to have slight changes in my behaviour from time to time; but Claude is right I should be grateful of him. I'm just not in a right state of mind at the moment.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I find some black trousers, a black shirt and a purple coat to wear for the reaping. I run my hands through my light brown hair trying to make it look presentable. Parts of it stick up slightly but I decide it will do. I walk slowly down stairs hoping Claude isn't still annoyed at me. He should understand that it's going to be a hard day due to the reaping. I walk over to him and go to apologise. He stops me and rests his hand on my shoulder.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"It's ok Luka, I know you just lost your temper and I forgive you" He smiles at me and then walks away to grab his coat.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I look down and scratch my head confused. Is that it? He isn't even angry?

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Come on Luka it's time to go" He walks out the door and I follow him where we stroll down the road happily and I almost forget where I am heading to. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Myristal Haze's PoV  == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Let's pick our brave young women who will represent District 10 in the first annual Hunger Games!" Our escort says enthusiastically. She is a thin woman who has pink hair like candy floss and ghostly pale skin.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">She walks over to the bowl containing the girls' names and places her hand in carefully. She mixes the names and then snaps one up.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Myristal Haze "

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I've been chosen for those deadly games. Why me? All I do is help people and try my best in everything I do. Tears appear in my eyes and a few escape streaming down my face. I let them stay there; why give the capitol the satisfaction of me covering up my tears; they should know how evil they are. They've already hurt me before physically and now their sending me to my death. I walk to the stage with my head held high. When I reach it I look straight at a camera and give it an angry stare. That should annoy them; a thin, weak looking little girl not being defeated by their games.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And the male tribute is..."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Martin Mesuti"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Martin walks to the stage, he came from the twelve section and he is very small for his age. Suddenly, a tall boy from the fifteens shouts,

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"No JJ stop... I mean... I Volunteer!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Everyone gasps. Why did he say JJ? The boys name is Martin... this boy is either deaf or stupid; and I'm going to go with the latter. You'd have to be to volunteer for the games.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">The boy I realise is Mark Bull; I was in a class with when I was younger. He was a nice boy but when his family were killed he changed. He looks slightly ghostly now... almost dead. I guess finding your family dead can destroy a person. He walks up to the stage boldly and stands next to me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And what is your name?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">He stands not saying a word.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hello?" she waves her hand in front of his face and he carries on just staring ahead silently.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Um... his names Luka" I say, my voice echoes around the square and I find myself giggling slightly at how weird I sound.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh thank you, here are our tributes...Myristal Haze and ... um ... Luka"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We both walk off the stage and we look at each other quickly but I look away awkwardly. I can still see his icy blue eyes looking me up and down as if he's analysing me. Maybe he remembers me from when we were younger? Or he's just looking at the competition. He's very tall for his age but also thin; I think I would be stronger than him if we were to fight.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I pace up and down in the room I was given in the justice building. How can you say goodbye when you know you probably won't come back? My parents come in with Alexis and we all have some sort of group hug. They all cry and I try to stay strong but it doesn't work and I end up crying too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Alexis, you need to start studying health and healing so you can help Dad on the ranch ok? That's all I need you to do." She nods but it doesn't convince me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">They all leave and I decide something. I need to try and get home because I know that they need me a lot more than I realised.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Mark Bull's PoV
<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I find the escorts' introduction speech a tad boring so I zoned out for basically the whole thing. It was something about how she was glad to be here blah blah blah... a message from the president blah blah blah. The escort then picks the female tribute.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Myristal Haze "

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A pretty girl walks up to the stage bravely. Her head is held high but her cheeks sparkle with tears. The escort then picks the male tribute.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Martin Mesuti"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">A small boy who is twelve walks onto the stage looking terrified. He has light brown hair and pale blue eyes... like me. JJ? Is that my little brother? It can't be he's dead, or is he? I can't let him go into the Hunger Games! I've got to stop this.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"No JJ stop... I mean... I volunteer!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Everyone gasps and looks at me. I walk boldly up to the stage, my face hard and determined. Why is everyone looking at me weirdly? Of course I'd volunteer for my brother!

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I get closer and go to hug him... wait that's not JJ... what have I done? I really am messed up aren't I. I stand next to my district partner and stare blankly into the crowd.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And what is your name?" the escort asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stand not saying anything. I can't believe what I have done. But I couldn't have let JJ or even that little kid get sent into the games. Maybe it was my sub conscious telling me it was JJ so I acted faster and volunteered. I've done something good anyway, so maybe luck will be on my side for doing so and I will win. I can wish.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Hello?" she waves her hand in front of my face. What is she doing? Crazy capitol woman. This is going to be a long week.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Um... his names Luka" Myristal says, she giggles slightly, what's so funny?

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh thank you, here are our tributes...Myristal Haze and ... um ... Luka" the escort says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I get taken off the stage and led to the justice building. I look at Myristal and her big brown eyes stare back at me. She quickly looks away obviously embarrassed but I don't care. She looks quite strong, I'm sure her family owns one of the biggest ranches in District 10; maybe she helps out and it gave her some muscle.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I wait for Claude in the room I am in. He walks in and just stares at me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Why did you volunteer Luka?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I ... um... felt bad for the kid, him being small and weak" I don't want to tell him the real thing; he will definitely think I'm mad.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well... I guess that was rather nice of you, and I'm very proud of you" He smiles and wraps me in his arms. It feels just how it did when I used to hurt myself when I was younger and my Father would comfort me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Have you got a token?" he asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yeah, I'm going to take this watch" I hold out my wrist and I have on it a fob watch my Dad got me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">We say goodbye and he looks at me with sad eyes as he leaves. I realise I'm the only family he has left. I wonder if he sees me how I saw my family when I found them. Already dead. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">District 11 Reapings == ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaphing: Asha Caprice's PoV == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I soar from tree to tree, the wind rushing on my face and through my hair. My heart races every time I jump from a tree, not knowing if I will make the other. I get to the end of the orchards and climb down to the grass beneath me. I run through the meadow, brushing my hands against the high corn stalks. I can hear voices near me, and I peer through the thin stalks to see who it is. I am covered by the stalks as I am very short and skinny and I can see my younger siblings who are twins sitting on the floor opposite each other talking.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"You know it's the reaping today don't you?" My sister Hayley says.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Yeah how can I not? Anyway we can't be reaped so we're fine." My brother Kale replies.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I know but Linden, Lynley and Asha could get reaped" Hayley says. Linden is my older brother who is seventeen and Lynley is my older sister who is fifteen.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I think if any of them were to be reaped, I'd be worried for Ashley" Kale looks down in what looks like sadness.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"And why do you say that?" Hayley asks.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Well... Linden is really big and strong like a typical District 11 boy and Lynley might not be the strongest or fastest but she can climb and she is outgoing and friendly so people would love her. Ashley... she is just really quiet and I doubt she is good at running and climbing; she's just so small!" He looks slightly ashamed of what he has just said, but he believes it and it kind of hurts.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I have to admit, I am really quiet and shy but they haven't seen me in the orchards. I can climb higher than Lynley and I'm faster than her too.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Hayley carries on, "I guess... but I think if any of them were to go, I'd miss Asha the most".

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">That makes me feel good; knowing that if I was to go my family would miss me.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I agree, I'd miss the others obviously but Ash the most, she's the nicest of the three."

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I don't hear anymore as I head home to get ready for the reaping.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I walk through the door and my Mother is standing by the door waiting.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Where have you been?"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I was... at the orchard" I look down guiltily.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"What did I tell you, I understand being there when you have to work but they're not safe when no-one is there to keep an eye on you!"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"I know Mum I'm sorry," I walk upstairs to my room and close the door. I understand why she is worried, but sometimes it can be annoying not having any trust.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">When I was younger, my father was out harvesting in the Orchard. No-one was there as it wasn't technically harvesting season. There was an accident, and my Father died because of it. My Mother get's very worried about her children being there but we have no choice, we have to harvest.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I get my outfit out for the reaping; it's a white sun dress and some brown sandals. My caramel coloured skin glows against the white of the dress. I leave my dark brown hair down and it comes just past my shoulders. I find my necklace I always wear; not at the orchards though, I'd hate to lose it. It's a silver chain and on it is my Fathers ring. The silver ring is engraved with a pattern like a tree's branches; probably to do with the district. I fasten it around neck and I head downstairs.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">My family wait by the door, we all look so similar; except for Linden who looks like our Father. The same caramel skin, straight brown hair, big brown eyes and small and thin. I am the smallest, even smaller than Hayley and she is younger than me. We all leave, and I decide I'm not annoyed with my brother and sister for saying what they said, I couldn't be at mad them, I love my family too much. ==<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Reaping: Crizz Chaster's PoV  == <span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I stare at the wall; I've been doing this for days now. Why? I'm not really sure. It could be the fact that I no longer have anything to live for. Or that I have constant regret every day. I can't help but think that I shouldn't be alive right now; that I should be up in the sky looking down on my beautiful family, but the opposite has happened. I don't mind being alone now, there is no-one else alive that I do care about, so what's the point of being with people who I don't care about. I put my head in my hands.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Oh Malaya, I wish you were here right now"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I can almost clearly hear the sweet sound of her voice replying.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Stop being silly Brock, I am here with you and you need to get your life back together... you know the reaping is today you've got to go or you'll be in trouble, now get up and go get ready"

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">I follow her orders in some sort of robotic fashion. I go to my cupboard where I keep my clothes and put on some black trousers and a dark blue shirt. I rummage through a draw to find a comb for my hair and I come across a small bit of blue cloth. It was Theo's.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Theo was my son. Malaya and I had him when she was fifteen and I was sixteen. Even though he was an accident, I couldn't have loved anything more. I met Malaya when I was twelve and I loved her the first time I saw her. The way her brown eyes shined when the sun hit them and how she could run for miles or climb to the top of the highest tree. We didn't mean for her to get pregnant but after she had Theo we couldn't have been happier. My life was perfect but then it all changed during the rebellion. I was out fighting against the Capitol and I thought my family would be safe at home; but I was wrong. The capitol dropped a small bomb on the road we lived on and it destroyed it. I returned from the war, to find my parents house and my own wrecked. Malaya and Theo had been in our house and they were killed as well as my parents. I didn't know what to do with myself and I guess I've taken to imagining Malaya as kind of a conscious to get me through everything.

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">"Now, you need to go to the reaping and I'll see you soon" her voice fades into a whisper and she is gone.

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<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">

<span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 135%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">