The 275th Hunger Games

~Reapings-Districts One and Two~

Aviana Veletta - District One

I smile as I look at myself in the mirror, where my stylists are getting me ready for the reaping. I have a big light pink wig, a tight light pink dress, and big silver heels on. In my wig are sparkly dark pink butterflies scattered about. Suddenly they finish and I stand up to look at myself.

My dress is strapless and tight, and there are some more butterflies on in just like in the wig.

Mayor Kreed is still doing his speech about the Dark Days, the uprising, and how the Hunger Games were born. When he finishes that's my cue to come out. I smile at the mayor as we pass each other. I step up to the microphone. Surprisingly, there is a good chunk of smiling people. That gives me more inspiration.

"Good afternoon District One! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favour!!" I exclaim happily to them. I first explain the rules of the Quarter Quell this year.

"As you know, there was already a girl's game held, and now there will be a boy's game. The surviving six people from each game will compete in a big Game. Let's get to the drawing shall we?" I say.

I smile cheerily as I cross over to the big glass bowl. I swirl my fingers around and pick a slip. I cross back over to the mic and unfold it.

"Calvin Jameson," I announce loudly. A tall boy with muddy brown hair walks up to the podium.

"Hello, take a seat!" I tell him. "I'm sixteen," he says and sits down. "Next name!" I exclaim.

I pick another name and read it out. "Brayden
Bellamai."

A small boy emerges out of the twelve year old section. His lip trembles as he walks up. Then I hear, "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"

A boy steps out of the thirteen year old section and runs up. He hugs Brayden and then Brayden walks back to his spot.

"And who are you?" I ask the volunteer. "Jonah Bellamai. Thirteen years old," he replies. "Brothers?" I ask. Jonah nods. "Well that was nice to volunteer!" I say. Jonah half smiles and takes a seat next to Calvin.

"And those are the tributes of District One! Calvin Jameson, sixteen, and Jonah Bellamai, thirteen!" I announce loudly to the crowd.

Maxon Liver - District Two

"Hello, District Two! Happy Hunger Games!" The escort, Opal Mandel, trills. She explains the rules of the Quarter Quell and then draws the first name.

I'm praying that it's not me. I'm only twelve, if I get chosen there's little to no chance I'll make it back. I am so scared as Opal unfolds the slip. I hold my breath.

"Maverick Liver!" She exclaims.

My heart drops into my stomach. No no no. It can't be Maverick!

Maverick's my older brother. I can't believe he got picked. I don't know if I should volunteer or not. I mean he is 18 and I'm only 12. He's stronger than me and he will definitely do better in the Games.

I watch as Maverick comes out of his section and begins walking up. His face is blank and I can't tell what he's thinking. As he passes my section, I mouth, Should I volunteer? He shakes his head fiercely and walks up to the podium.

Opal picks the next name, but I'm not even listening. I can't believe Maverick was chosen. It's not fair. Why does this have to happen?

The second name drawn is a fifteen year old named Oliver Thomas.

"Those are the tributes, we have Maverick Liver and Oliver Thomas!" Shouts Opal.

I'm going to miss Maverick so much, but I know he will fight and stay strong. He can make it back. I know he can.