The Yellowjacket and The Mockingjay

The Reaping

"I think it's our tradition. It comes out of a particularly... painful part of our history." Seneca spoke.
"Yes. Yes." Caesar agreed.
"But it's been the way we've been able to heal. First it was a reminder of the rebellion. It was a price the districts had to pay. But I think it has grown from that. I think it's uh- something that knits us all together.." Seneca explained.

District 2... masonry.. one of the largest and wealthiest districts out of the 13 in Panem... closest to the Capitol from the way oneself would look at it. It was the year of the upcoming 74th Hunger Games, the districts sacrificed one man and one woman each year as a reminder in that sense. Iri Kentwell was looked as the most popular girl in the districts, not because she was from District 2 or came from a well known family, but because she was smart and she used her smarts against her enemies so well, the Capitol was afraid of her. Afraid of a 17-year-old girl. Clove, Iri's little sister, was always so proud to be related to Iri, because that fame was laid onto her. Iri and Clove trained together, Clove copied Iri's favorite weapon; a dagger, Clove did everything Iri did. It didn't bother Iri as much as it bothered others, the way she looked at it; if she could have Clove beside her at all times, she'd know she was safe. The last dusk before the Reaping arrived much sooner than Iri could've expected. Clove was more excited than ever, her way of looking at it was she could be just like Iri... she said that because Iri was the Victor of the 73rd Hunger Games...
"I want to be just like you if not better!" Clove said.
"That's not something you should be happy about, Clove. Being a Tribute is an honor, for a time. Then, you die, Clove." Iri answered angrily.
"Then how did you survive?" Clove asked with a tone.
Iri didn't want to answer and wouldn't. Clove was 14 when the 73rd Games happened and didn't watch or listen to it, though Iri didn't really care that she didn't. She couldn't help but be angered at her sister for being proud to be a Victor's sibling, hell, even training to be a Career. Iri never wanted any of it her parents did, and the look on their faces when she was picked last year almost broke Iri's heart... joy.
Iri kept having nightmares of the Games until they became a constant recurrence. The same dream, or nightmare. She'd open her eyes, open wound on the side of her right leg, blood pouring out, the last tribute, a District 2 boy by the name of Trude lunges at her and before can kill her she throws a dagger into his throat, then a second into his heart. What would always scare her awake was the sound of the last canon.

BOOM

and then... she'd wake.

Only the morning after her and Clove's chat, Clove startled her awake.
"It's Reaping Day."
Her heart started to beat ever so fast as she got out of bed and into her reaping outfit, it was a yellow-gold colored dress with black lacing on the bodice and waist. She put her hair down and left one thick strand out which she then braided. Clove's hair was pinned up in braids and her dress a light red with a pink ribbon. Their parents walked them to where they were to stand, Clove was the only one in the family who had to prick her finger and check in, since she was the only one who had a name in the bowl (as of in their family). Before Clove was separated from Iri she gave Iri a button-like pin of a yellowjacket.
"They're one of the most dangerous wasps on the Earth. They sting before anyone can get them... like you. Wear it please... and think of me when I'm picked." Clove smiled.
Iri flipped her off before putting the pin on her dress.
"Go stand with the other girls, I'll be over by mother and father, I'll find you after I promise." Iri said.
Iri hugged Clove as they parted ways.
A woman walked up to the microphone as silence filled the place. She's wearing an orange dress with yellow feathers, she also wore heavy makeup to match the dress, cakey to say the least.
"Welcome. Welcome. Welcome... Happy Hunger Games! And, may the odds be ever in you're favor. Now, before we begin. We have a very special film. Brought to you all the way from the Capitol." Atala spoke.
Iri mocked quietly to Clove who laughed to herself before the film started.
"War... terrible war. With those... orphan... and a motherless child. This was the uprising that rocked our land. Thirteen districts rebelled against the country that fed them, Loved them. Protected them. Brother turned on brother until nothing remained. Then came the peace. Hard fought. Sorely won. The people. Rose up from the ashes and a new era was born. But freedom has a cost. And the traitors were defeated. We swore as a nation we would never know this treason again. And so it was decreed... that each year... the various districts of Panem would offer up in tribute. One young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage and sacrifice. The lone victor... bathed in riches... would serve as a reminder of our generosity. And our forgiveness. This is how we remember our past. This is how we safeguard our future." Snow explained.
Once the film was over, Atala laughed and smiled as she turned back to face the audience.
"I just love that. Now, the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman. For the honor of representing District 2 in the 74th Hunger Games. As usual... ladies first." Atala spoke.
There were white folded papers with names in the bowl as well as gold papers to represent Careers. Atala took her time picking a paper, and then finally she grasped one and opened it up to read.
"Clove Kentwell!" Atala shouted joyfully.
Clove smirked as Iri stood in shock. Clove made way out of the crowd and slowly walked to the stage. But before she could make it, Iri broke away from the crowd and yelled her name.
"Clove? Clove! Clove! No-no- I volunteer! I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" Iri screamed.
"No-no! Don't listen to her! I volunteer over her volunteer! I was chosen!" Clove yelled back.
Peacekeepers separated the girls and took them both up to the stage. Since they both "volunteered" a decision would have to be made, not by Atala, but by Snow.
"This is a first from District 2! Two volunteers! As I recall, Iri, you were the Victor of the 73rd Hunger Games last year, correct?" Atala asked.
"Yes." Iri said as her voice cracked.
"And you, my dear, must be her younger sister." Atala said.
"Yes." Clove answered.
"Well, the one who serves will be up to Snow... but as we wait for his response, onto the boys... Cato Hadley!" Atala answered.
Clove gasped and smiled as Cato made his way up to the stage. Cato was a Career as well, he also had a thing for Iri's sister. Iri didn't like it one bit and found Cato untrustworthy. A Peacekeeper walked up to Atala with a response hopefully from Snow.
"And we have our answers now! Snow has decided... that both Clove and Iri Kentwell will serve in the 74th Hunger Games!" Atala smiled.
The was distant yelling as people became angry with Snow's response. People yelled "Iri is a Victor" or "Victors were exempt from further Hunger Games" or even "Iri shouldn't be in the Games anymore". All were right and all were true. She swore to her parents she would keep Clove safe as they were taken away onto a train which would take them to the Capitol.