Where the Snow Lands (A Hunger Games Story)

3. The Reaping

Snow made his way into the justice building and shook the hand of the mayor of District 12.

'Mr Snow its great to see you again', said the mayor flatly. He quietly shook snows hand and lead him to the waiting area adjacent to the stage.

'I trust Mayor, that you have all the arrangements in place for the extra tributes this year?'

'Of course Sir, everything is ready as planned, I only hope that is it your satisfaction.'

'Marvellous, well let the games begin.'

Snow pushed through the big wooden doors and onto the main stage. He found himself standing in-front of a sea of people, children weeping silently and holding hands. Whilst mothers and families watched from afar.

'Happy Hunger games everyone. As you are all aware there is a twist this year. As Head Games Maker along with the support of my team and the Capitol people have decided that there will be three tributes from each district.'

Snow paused.

'This serves as a reminder to all of the consequences of the districts not working together as one. May the odds be ever in the favour of the tribute who succeeds this year. Along with the title of winner they will be offered a place in the Capitol for themselves and family. Where they will live out the rest of their days in comfort.'

This caused a murmur to erupt from the crowd. They were all restless at the thought of a better life.

'ENOUGH.'

'Lets move things along. Harlie Blu please draw the names of the tributes.'

Harlie walks to centre stage. Much like her namesake her hair bright blue and her outfit more extravagant than ever seen before. Covered in feathers dyed all different shades of blue she looked like a beautiful slender exotic bird.

Harlie reaches down into the big glass balls erected for the occasion and pulls out a small envelope. She hands the envelope to Snow.

'Our female tribute is..'

'Wren Wrexham'

'Congratulations my dear, please step forward. Do we have any volunteers?'

The crowd was silent. Family loyalty only lasted as far as the reaping, after that tributes were on their own.

Wren walks towards the stage. At 15 she was childishly pretty with piercing green eyes. Her face was framed with dirty blonde hair not often seen in the outer districts. She was tall but slight, much like many of the children from the district. Her clothes were rumpled but clean, a hand me downs from her older sister who consequently was also facing the reaping today as one of the 20-21 category. 

'Good Afternoon Game Maker Snow, its an honour to meet you.'

'Well aren't you a polite young thing!' Snow couldn't quite believe the maturity that flowed from this young girl.

'Miss Wrexham, would you do us the honour of drawing our boys name?'

'As you wish Sir.'

Wren plunged her hand into the bowl, swirling the tiny envelopes around before choosing one. She carefully handed it to Snow.

'Are you sure thats the one my dear?' He asked, watching her intently.

'I'm sure.' She replied.

Snow turned back to face the audience. A took a moment to open the card.

'Miss Wrexham has sealed the fait of one young man stood before me. I wonder if our male tribute will be able to conduct themselves with as much decorum and grace.'

Snow looked down at the card.

'Our next male tribute is....'

'Marley Spencer'

The crowd gasped. The male audience parted making way for Marley to come through. Marley shook the hand of the boy he stood next to and made his way towards the stage.

You see Marley was well liked by the district, helping to tutor the younger children in basic reading and writing. He helped with household chores in the homes of those who were no longer to help themselves and provide basic medical care to the minors after a long day in the mines. He was truly the heart and soul of the younger community.

At 17 he was a tall lad, but built like an Ox, gentle in all of his mannerisms but with the bruit force of a Rhino. Devilishly good-looking in a rough around the edges kind of way.

'Come on up Marley the crowd is waiting.' Snow beckoned him forward. 

Marley made it to the stage and shook Snows hand but said nothing.

'Now Marley, please select our tribute from the 20-21 category. It only seems fair as Miss Wrexham had a turn.'

Marley sighed and walked towards the podiums. He plunged his hand down deep and pulled out a letter. He handed it to Snow then walked to stand alongside Wren. 

'Ladies and Gentleman, our third and final tribute..'

'Felicity Gray'

Snow went cold as fear rushed over him. Surely there were none of her family left. Sweat started to bead on his forehead as he scanned the crowed looking for her to come forward. And there she was.

In a ruffled dress covered in all the colours of the rainbow, wearing a necklace in the shape of a snake eating its own tail.

Felicity marched forward not daring to look at anyone as she strode on past. She walked up on to the stage and flashed snow a dangerous smile.

'10 years and I finally get to see what all the fuss is about. Good Afternoon Cornelius.'

The crowd gasped, ripples of whispers formed.

Snow stayed routed to the spot unable to speak. A few moments pass and then he utters. 'Thats Gamesmaker Snow to you.'

The crowd fell silent awaiting Felicity's reply.