Sharp Tools

Chapter 3: The 66th Reaping

Clove's POV:

It's the day of the Reaping. Am I nervous? A tad, but more for Dallas. He's 18-years-old. It's his last year to be reaped, but you never know. Quietly, I get up, go through my morning routine, and head to the kitchen. Mom, Dad, Aunt E, and Dallas are all at the table talking quietly. I assume the twins are still asleep.

"Clove!" Mom greets. "You're awake!"

"Yup,"

I sit next to Dal and give him a big smile. "Are you ready for your last Reaping?"

"You bet it sis," he ruffles my hair.

"Hey, I just combed it!" I complain while smiling.

When Mom gives me my breakfast, I start chowing it down, wanting to spend as much time with my big brother just in case he gets picked. 

"Slow down, Clover!" Dallas jokes. "Ya might choke."

I give him a grin but keep eating. "I'm seven, I always eat fast."

After breakfast, we all head to the ceremony. I watch Dallas get his finger pricked by one of the weird people and look for his head in the crowd. Eventually, I lose sight of him and can't see because everyone is so tall.

"Dad, I can't see." I complain.

"Shh Clove. It's about to start."

"Hmph"

"Clove!" I hear someone yell.

I turn to see my friend Macy waving at me. "Dad, can I go say hi to Macy?"

He gives me a nod before turning his attention to the front. I see my aunt give me a frown, for she doesn't really like Macy and her family for some reason. I don't know why, but whatever.

Quickly, I run to my friend and give her a hug. "Hey Macy! What're doing here. You don't have any family eligible, don't you?"

"Hi! Nah, but I know Dallas is, so I wanted to support you."

"Aw, thanks. But he probably won't be picked anyway."

"True. And even if he is, someone usually volunteers."

She pauses before saying, "Is your aunt mentoring this year?"

"Yep, she got chosen. And she's been teaching me to throw knives!"

"Really? That's so cool!" 

"I know! She's actually been teaching me for a while. Mom just doesn't know because she doesn't want me to."

"I wish I had an aunt who won the Games."

"Yeah, for some reason everyone thinks Aunt E is scary, but she's like my best friend."

Before Macy can respond, a woman's voice pierces the air. "Hello District 2!" Oh, it's the District 2 escort, Petal something. 

"I should get back to my family." I tell Macy.

She nods and I head back to where my family stands. 

Aunt Enny looks at me. "You shouldn't hang around that girl."

"Why not?" I ask her. 

She just ignores my question. "You have other friends, don't you?"

"Yes, but Macy is a really good friend of mine."

"Yeah right." I hear E mutter.

"What wrong with Macy?"

Suddenly Mom butts in. "Guys, the ceremony is about to start."

I still turn to my aunt. "Shouldn't you be on stage with the other Victors?"

She rolls her eyes. "I can do whatever I want. The Capitol can't make me do anything."

I look at Mom, but she just shrugs.

"Okay, now for the boys." I hear Petal say. I've been so engaged in our conversation that I didn't even hear the yearly video or who the female tribute is.

I start to daydream when Petal's next phrase rocks me to my core. "Dallas Kentwell."

No. It can't be.

Slowly, the crowd shifts and I see my brother walk to the stage.

Weirdly, no one volunteers. "Why isn't anyone volunteering?" I ask Aunt E.

"There's no male volunteer this year," she whispers back. "The one chosen backed out last minute. He's now an outcast."

"No," I start to cry. "He can't go. Aunt Enny you have to do something."

But she just stays silent, jaw clenched facing front.

I look to my parents and see that they are covering Crystal and Carter's mouths. When I start to whimper, my aunt does the same. 

"Quiet Clove. Your actions will reflect on him. He can't seem weak."

But I continue to cry. "Clove," Dad hushes.

I try to slow my cries, but I can't. Turning to Macy, she gives me a sympathetic look and mouths, Take a deep breath. It's gonna be okay.

Closing my eyes, I imagine him returning and we all having the life we deserve. I can barely watch and Dallas shakes hands with the female tribute. Turning away from the scene, I hug Aunt E tightly. "Will he be okay?"

"I don't know Clover."

I suddenly feel so exhausted. Like all my energy just got pulled out of me.

"C'mon Clove," Dad whispers. "We're gonna visit him. One last time."

Cato's POV:

Dad scoffs. "Seriously? Did that guy even train at the Academy?"

It's him. Dallas Kentwell. Did he train? I don't remember. I want him to win. I don't care what my father says.

"He looks strong," I offer.

"Strength will only get you far enough," he adds, "I doubt we'll have a winner this year."

"You never know," 

Without warning, he sharply turns around. "Are you arguing with me?!" 

I bow my head down. "No, sir. Just an observation."

"Good, now stay quiet. I don't need you discrediting me for laughs."

 Dad grabs my arm and takes me wherever he's going. Confused, I ask. "Where are we going." 

"To the Academy."

"Isn't it closed?"

"Not for Hadleys."

"But you said I could have a day off."

"Cato, look at me." Slowly, I look into his angry blue eyes. "Do you think you'll be a winner by taking days off. NO! You are going to train every day from now on."

"But school-"

"Does NOT matter. I will talk to your teacher. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"That's my boy."

Slowly, I follow him to the Academy. But not before thinking of a certain young girl with green eyes.