The Sixty-Fifth Hunger Games

Nico

I shuffle forward in the dirt road heading toward the town center where the reaping takes place. I honestly couldn't care less about the reaping and I'm sure that nobody would even realise that I'm even missing except for the odd sap that actually cared for everyone.

I accidentally bump into someone as I'm thinking and look up. It's Leila. With her blonde hair and brown eyes, she looks like a freaking fairy. In fact, almost everyone in District 9 looked at the very least similar. It's only me with my black hair and pale skin that sticks out like a sore thumb.

She smiles at me, "Hey Nico it's almost time for the reaping! You should hurry up." I snap at her, "What are you doing then?" She laughs, "I was looking for you, of course."

I scowl at her and start walking again. I pick at the orange band around my wrist. The words on it have faded but it still serves as a reminder of what I am to the people of District 13. A freak and a weakling.

While we're walking she nods at the bracelet, "I've always wondered what that was."

I jerk back and hide my wrist in my jacket pocket. There really is no need for a jacket, the weather in 9 is almost always warm. But it gives me a sense of security. I look down at my attire, just some regular pants and a shirt. We were supposed to dress up for the reaping but it doesn't really matter. Not like I was going to get reaped.

When we reach the town square Leila is still talking. I snap back into reality, "Sorry, what were you saying?" She stops and looks at me, "I was asking you again why you have that bracelet thingy." I frown, "No need for you to know." she grins that infuriating smile again, "Okay, okay, Mr. Cranky pants." She disappears into the crowd and I'm alone again. Finally. A man is standing on the stage in the most ridiculous outfit i'd ever seen. His head is bald and tattooed with colorful snakes on it to look like they were slithering all over him. His suit is bright blue and had small golden stars on it which were flashing on and off. When I look close enough I can see that his dark skin has snakes tattooed all over it. Most people are looking up at the screens to watch the other districts.

I take small glances up each time a new district comes up. From 12 a scrawny boy who looks like he never took a bath in his life and a muscular girl with burn marks. From 11 a pretty girl with reddish brown hair and multi color eyes is called, along with a boy with blonde hair and blue eyes.

From 10 a girl who looks like a boar that got turned into a human. Also a boy with the body of a wrestler but the face of a baby. I can't help smirking a bit.

Suddenly it's our turn. The man speaks up with a surprisingly high voice for a man. Why do all Capitol people have such strange voices?

He speaks up, "Good afternoon people of 9! My favorite district! Shall we see who the lucky winners are?" Without waiting for the obvious answer he goes right ahead to the girls names. "Of course, ladies first!" He plunges his hand in and hunts around like he's trying to find a specific name.

He pulls his hand back out and calls, "Leila Gardener!" I look around in the crowd trying to find her and I see her heading toward the stage.

I can't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Even though she is annoying she had the best intentions. The man was already moving on to the boys and putting his hand in. At this point I get a bit interested. Honestly knowing my luck it would be me. Then again I told myself that every year and it never was me so maybe not.

He pulls out a paper and reads out the name, "Nico di Angelo!" I scowl. Of course it was me. Why wouldn't it be? But who knows, I might actually survive hellhole place long enough to get out alive. And if I don't, well I don't really mind that either.

I walk up to the stage and stand next to Leila. We shake hands and she gives mine an extra squeeze. The mayor stands up and does some sort of speech that I tune out of. Next thing I know Peacekeepers are pushing me toward the Justice Building where we get to say goodbye to our friends and family.

I stop and turn around to the Peacekeeper behind me, "Save it, no one will want to meet me anyway." He hesitates for a second then nods jabbing me in the back with his gun toward where the train is waiting.

I roll my eyes and shuffle forward again. When we get to the train he growls at me, "There are servants if you need anything and guards outside the door. So don't try any funny business." I nod and step inside. A boy not much older than me is waiting for me.

The man tells him to take me to my room. The boy nods and starts walking, and I assume I'm supposed to follow him, so I do. The train has so many turns I wonder how anybody can keep track of them.

The boy eventually stops and opens a door for me. He bows and walks away and I walk into a surprisingly nice bedroom.

I don't really pay attention to any of it except for the bed. I just want to escape this shitty day. I collapse onto the bed and sink into it. Literally. The bed pushes me down into the pillows. And I fall asleep easier and faster than ever. 

This was written by @marsh_meowllow .

-Toodles!