Irrational

Reaping

I stood up, stony faced and walked to my closet, the reaping would begin soon and I needed to be ready.

I pulled out a pair of dark, skin tight jeans and a scarlet top. I pulled the pants on, thankful to the years of training for keeping me so fit. Then I slid the top on, the silken material caressed my skin and fell perfectly on my body.

I glimpsed in the mirror, my green eyes narrowed at the sight of another scar underneath my left ear. I quickly tied my strawberry blond hair in a low side ponytail, covering the horrendous blemish. I smirked, satisfied with my appearance.

I lithely stepped down the stairs and dashed out the front door, carrying my brown combat boots. I heard my mother calling after me. I kept walking, my socked feet daintily picking their way down the road.

I stopped a few blocks from the District center and pulled my boots on, zipping them up quickly and then continuing on my way down to the Justice Building.

“Next please.” A man called and I stepped forward, the familiar stinging prick meant that they had successfully jabbed my finger.

“Next.” The man said, he was finished with me. I walked into the roped in section for the 17 year old girls. I could feel the harsh, judging stares, I mean how could I not? I was the only girl wearing pants. All of the others wore pretty dresses and flats.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” I snapped at one of the girls. She skittered backwards, terrified by my outburst.

Finally the escort stepped on stage, Melodia Larke, her beautiful voice tumbled through the air. The Treaty of Treasons was read and the reaping began.

“For the girls, Tessa Holmes.” Melodia sang out, having pulled a slip with a single name on it from the reaping bowl. There was some scuffling and an 18 year old walked forward with a fierce expression on her face.

“I volunteer!” I shouted, not having the patience to wait for Melodia to ask first. I strode forward, walking past rows of anxious gazes.

“Oh wonderful, we have a volunteer.” Chirped Melodia, she clasped her hands and ushered Tessa off the stage. I moved forward and took Tessa’s place next to the escort.

“And what is your name, dear?” Melodia asked, she held the microphone under my nose with a quivering hand.

“My name is Thalia Lockwood.” I said with a smirk, I stared out into the crowd. My eyes locked on my father, his arms were crossed over his barrel chest, an amused look in his eyes. My eyes became slits, I glared at my father. I would make sure I could come back to kill him.

“Now for the boys,” Melodia Larke sang into the microphone, she fluttered over to the reaping bowl and selected a piece of paper. “Xander Greymark.”

A tall, broad boy with blond hair walked up to the stage with a half smirk plastered across his face.

“No volunteers please.” Xander said coldly once he reached Melodia. She smiled and turned to address the audience of District 2 citizens.

“Xander has requested that there be no volunteers,” There was a massive groan let out from the front row of boys, “So there you have it District 2, your tributes, Thalia Lockwood and Xander Greymark.”

The crowd applauded and Melodia led me and Xander off the stage into the Justice Building.

Well... What did you think? -CT