The 200th Annual Hunger Games

District Three: Reapings

Ray Cross's P.O.V:

It was hard to believe the Reapings were here. I had always heard the horrific stories of how the children were brutally murdered, but it never before seemed so real. As a twelve year old boy, this would be my first year with my name in the reaping bowl. Unfortunately, it was the two hundredth games, a quarter quell. Not just any quarter quell, this was the ultimate games. Normally, a girl and a boy from each district were chosen. Instead, this year, three girls and three boys were chosen. District three was against districts one, two, and four. If I was picked, I wouldn't stand a chance. Most of the other tributes would be careers, looking for a victim to strangle.

I shuddered at the thought. I only had one mirror in my house. It was a small, hand mirror from the capital. I looked at my reflection. I didn't see me. I was the dirty boy with burns all over his wasted clothes, with bags under his eyes from overworking. Instead, in the mirror, I saw a well rested boy, dressed in a real suit, blonde hair combed back, blue eyes shining. It seemed so unlike me, a simple work boy. The sun was high now, so I quickly headed out. I couldn't afford to own a car, so I had to walk. Lucky for me, the town square was only a short distance away.

When I arrived, I had to wait in line to get my finger pricked. I saw more children than I knew were in the district. I'd never seen so many, but this was the one time everyone was required to attend. I'd always carelessly watched the Reapings from the back, but this was real now. I winced as my finger was pricked, and roughly shoved onto a piece of paper. I headed into the twelve year old section, between a couple boys I didn't know. Then, our escort walked onto stage.

Her name was Electra Zip, and she wore this ridiculous blue and black dress. The reaping bowls were literally attached to the dress on the sides, making her look even more stupid. I heard the clatter of the capital one foot high heals as she walked to the center of the stage. "Hello, children. I am Electra Zip, your escort this year!" She introduced herself excitedly. "This year we will start with the girls, like always."

Part of me was offended that the girls always get to go first, but most of me was glad. I didn't want the boys to be reaped. I didn't wanted to be reaped. Although my chances were slim to nothing, it still chilled me to the bone. "Ashley Brenan!" For a few moments, no one moved. The girls were turning around, looking to see if they see her. Then, I saw a girl step out of the crowd. She had dark brown hair that almost looks like it has red in it under the sun. Her eyes were light blue, fearless. She made her way to the stage.

"What a lovely young lady!" Exclaimed Electra, and Ashley hissed under her breath. "How old are you?"
"I am seventeen!" Ashley said fearlessly, before sitting in a chair in the back of the stage.

"Next up..." Began Electra, dipping her hand into the bowl. She pulled a slip out and slowly opened it, reading off the name. "Ethiel White!" She called out. A short girl stepped out of the crowd. She looked different from the others, and instantly stood out. Her naturally curly and wavy hair was bright red, stunning compared to the shades of blonde and brown found in district three. Her green eyes had a fiery tinge to them. She looked even more fearless than Ashley. She walked onto the stage.
"Oh my, you look feisty, my dear!" Commented Electra excitedly.
"Quit it, this isn't a game, this is lives you're dealing with!" Snapped Ethiel, brave girl.
"Alright then," Electra continued, as though nothing had happened. "How old are you?"
"What's it to you?" Sneered Ethiel.
"Nothing to me, dearie. Your attitude is what's going to get you killed. I am going to ask again, how old are you?" Electra said, threateningly.
"Fourteen." Ethiel spat, sitting by Ashley.
"Alright then- final girl. Who's our next lucky tribute?" Lucky, I don't know about that. She plunged her hand into the glass bowl a final time, pulling out a slip. She slowly opened it. "Cheyenne Booth!" I heard a sob in the crowd. I caught a glimpse of a little girl as she was shoved out of the crowd.
"No," I could hear her sob. "I don't want to die!" She wailed. Peacekeepers dragged the little girl onto stage. Her light brown hair was in a high ponytail, and her green eyes were full of fear.
"How old are you?" Electra asked sweetly, as if she wasn't sending a kid to her death.
"Twelve." Cheyenne sobbed, sitting with the other girls, bawling her eyes balls out.

"Ok, now for the boys! First up, we have..." Electra fumbled with the paper slip, before reading the name clearly. "Colby John!" A boy with blonde hair and green eyes made his way to the stage. He quickly stated that he was fourteen.
Electra plucked another slip off the top and I prayed it wouldn't be me. Unfortunately, the name that rolled of her tongue is "Ray Cross." I gagged on my own breath. It couldn't be. Why me? I quietly stepped out of the crowd. All eyes were on me, and I felt they were burning into my back as I slowly walked to the stage, breathless. I felt like throwing up.

When I reached the stage, Electra held a microphone in front of me.
"How old are you?"
"Twelve." I mumbled, quietly taking a spot backstage. I watched as Electra pulled a final slip out of the bowl and opened it.
"And our final tribute this year is... Jason Acts!" I saw a well built boy emerge from the eighteen year old section. He had dark brown hair, which was neatly cut and combed back. He had dark eyes. Jason made his way to the stage and stated his age- eighteen. Electra clapped happily.

"Ladies and gentlemen of district three, these are this year's tributes! Ethiel White, Cheyenne Booth, Ashley Brenan, Jason Acts, Colby John, and Ray Cross. Happy hunger games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

A/N:
Who is your favorite so far in the games? Who is your favorite in district three? Vote to show if you want an update. Comment to share your opinions or point out errors. Share with your friends! All your support is appreciated. (P.S, my favorites are Azina and Ethiel.)
Bye for now, see you next update!