Her Victory, Their Life| F. Odair

10. The Second Reaping

Finnick and Emory had to separate for the reaping, and each were in their own district, watching what Snow was going to announce for the Quell. It was always something different. The first, tributes were nominated, the second there were 48 tributes rather than 24.

Emory sat in the living room with her family, sharing popcorn with her sister. Her brother took some of his own and threw it at them. Cierra gasped and took some of theirs, throwing it at him. Emory blocked the popcorn bowl. "Don't waste good popcorn! Throw a pillow at him instead!" Emory laughed before the T.V. turned on, showing President Snow's face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 75th year of The Hunger Games. And it was written in the charter of The Games that every 25 years, there would be a Quarter Quell to keep fresh for each new generation the memory of those who died in the uprising against The Capitol. Each Quarter Quell is distinguished by Games of a special significance. And now on this, the 75th anniversary of our defeat of the rebellion, we celebrate the 3rd Quarter Quell," Emory gave the popcorn to Cierra and sat on the edge of her seat. "as a reminder that even the strongest cannot overcome the power of The Capitol. On this, the 3rd Quarter Quell Games, the male and female Tributes are to be reaped from the existing pool of Victors in each district."

Her whole family gasped and Emory's lips trembled. She shook her head, "no, no, no, no, NO!" She got up and started pacing as her family got upset.

"Victors shall present themselves on Reaping Day regardless of age... state of health, or situation."

"THEY CAN'T DO THIS!" Her brother screamed.

Emory stopped and looked at them, "they can, and they just did. I'm going back. I'm going back."

Cierra shook her head, "no, no you're not, we have to do something!"

Emory grabbed her, "there isn't anything you can do. Keep each other safe, promise me that. I won't be coming back and I need to know that you'll be okay."

"You won last time, you can win again," Elliot insisted. Emory shook her head.

"There's one victor. Everyone there has been mentors, they know our weaknesses, how to kill us," she let the tears fall down her face as she ran forward, giving her older brother a hug.

~

The next day was reaping day. She wore one of her best outfits that she had been gifted by Demetri over the years. It was a black dress with gold lightning bolts. She had on black and gold heels as she walked up the stage. On the other side, Evan was wearing something similar, walking up the opposite side of the stage.

Falle walked to the microphone with a large smile on her face, "Welcome. Welcome. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary and 3rd Quarter Quell of The Hunger Games. As always, ladies first." She walked to the bowl and hesitantly pulled out the only name in there. Porter passed a few years ago. She carefully walked back to the microphone just as she had 9 years ago. "The female Tribute from District 5, Emporia Falkum."

"Odair," Emory corrected quietly as she stepped up with a proud smirk as she narrowed her eyes at the camera.

"Wonderful," Falle cleared her throat. "And now for the men." She did the same, walking to the other bowl and pulling out the only name in there. "The male Tribute from District 5. Evan Cornly."

Both of them met in the middle and shook hands. "The Tributes from District 5. Emporia Falkum and Evan Cornly." They grabbed hands and lifted them up in the air. Emory's brother did the three finger salute and his sister followed, whistling.

They were both ready to say goodbye, but the peacekeepers hauled them off the stage. "Wait! Wait! We didn't get to say goodbye!" They both yelled to the Peacekeepers.