8th District: A Refresh Story

150

   "Welcome district 8! To the reaping of the 150th Hunger Games! This Hunger Games doubles as the 6th quarter quell! As you all may know, this quarter quell states that a pair of brothers and a pair of sisters from each district will be reaped. As always, ladies first!"

   Fresh tried not to listen to the first part. He was 16. Three years left of this. He glanced across the crowd and spotted his brother Error with the other 18 year-olds. This was their last reaping... somewhere on the other side of the walkway his mom and oldest brother waited. Geno had aged out two years ago.

   "And now, for the boys!"

   Fresh watched stone-faced as the woman moved across the stage. She looked so fake, like a doll controlled by some higher power he couldn't see. He knew their chances of being reaped were high. There were only so many sets of brothers in the whole district. But still. Logically he should have expected this outcome.

   "Fresh Queen!"

   People shuffled around him as eyes bore into his back. He moved slowly keeping his face still. Out of the corner of his eye he watched Error take trembling steps out of the line toward Fresh. He looked seconds away from a heart attack.

   Fresh made it to the stage first. He stepped up without the help of the peacemakers. He caught sight of his mother and Geno. His heart broke a little...

   Moments later Error was stood next to him. His older brother was shaking like a leaf. Strange. Fresh expected anger from Error. He just looked... terrified?

   "Welcome, welcome! Tell me your names and how old you are!" The woman held a mic to Fresh's face.

   " Fresh Queen. I'm 16."

   "Splendid! This must be your brother! Your name dear?"

   Error glanced at the mic and then to Fresh before looking straight ahead again. "E-Error. I'm 18."

   "Ah, how wonderful! What a great way to end your time in the reapings! Well! There you have it folks! Your district 8 tributes for the 150th Hunger Games!"