THE GREAT WAR (f. odair)

CHAPTER 1.

Aellia stared out at the sea while drawing shapes in the sand as the sun rose over the deep blue ocean.

Reaping days were rough for everyone in District 4. The day was dreaded every single year. By every single person.

The quiet was something Aellia craved. Her house was always loud with her mother and father joking around. She loved the seaside for giving her the peace she wanted  Especially on a day like Reaping Day.

She went home after another half an hour, her feet practically dragging through the streets. She arrived home and took a glance at the clock, "7:30." An hour to get ready.

While bathing, the consistent reminders of, "I won't be picked." Traveled through the 16 year olds mind. It felt like she was giving herself false hope but that's all that could be done.

Aellia got herself put together, clad in a white dress with sheer sleeves that was a bit tight at the top but still modest and flowed out to right above her knees. She towel dried her hair and brushed it out, looking in the mirror with a sigh while she adjusted her bangs and put her hair into two little buns behind her head.

Her parents were awake by the time she walked out of the bathroom, her father, Apollo, looking at her and smiling, "Hey Kiddo!" He greeted.

She offered a soft smile, "Hi dad."

She sat down and quickly ate some of the food her mother had prepared before they all stood up and headed to the Reaping.

Dread was thick in the air of District 4 as everyone headed to the Reaping. There was no talking except for the occasional group of girls who were giggling. Aellia couldn't help but glance over whenever she heard it. She went to school with them. She practically rolled her eyes at the behavior.

Aellia, her mother and father got split up as they entered the reaping, Aellia having to go with her age group. She held out her finger to the Peacekeeper, hissing at the feeling of the needle pricking into her. After being told she was set, she walked over to the group of teenagers and stood with them.

It didn't take long for the Reaping to begin, the previous victors coming onstage first with the mayor. Her eyes looked over Finnick O'Dair. He stood there with a light smirk on his lips while he looked out at the crowd.

They had gone to school together, he was only two grades above her. He didn't really know her. Aellia tended to keep to herself at school. She didn't have any friends. She focused on what needed to be done and would go home to help her parents with the business after school. She had no time for friends.

Looking at him now, he looked the same, more muscular but the same. The same group of girls giggled together as Finnick looked around.

"The things i'd let him do to me." One of them spoke. Aellia shifted uncomfortably in her spot.

Of course they would say that. She shook her head at their District escort, Cecelia, came out. Her outfit was synonymous with the district. Fishing. She wore a baby blue dress with her hair in a powdered blue wig and matching makeup.

"Welcome, Welcome to the Reaping of the 68th annual Hunger Games! Now first, a message from the Capitol."

Everyone looked over at the screen while the video played, explaining why the games were so important to Panem.

Cecelia was from the Capitol. She had never had to deal with the games. It was evident from how excited she seemed to Aellia.

"That video is so inspiring every single time!" Cecelia called out through the microphone, looking at everyone who remained silent. She cleared her throat and immediately continued on.

"Alright, then. We will begin. As always, ladies first."
She spoke with a nod and walked over to the bowl, digging her hand through it.

Aellia gripped the sides of her dress in her hands while Cecelia picked out a folded piece of paper with two fingers and went back over to the microphone.

"My name is only in there five times, many others are in there five times, or more." Aellia repeated to herself in her head.

Cecelia smiled to the crowd as she unfolded the paper and cleared her throat.

"And our first tribute is.....Aellia Stark."

Aellia felt her heart drop while everyones eyes turned to look at her. Her lips were parted in shock. Cecelia was looking around at everyone in search for the, now, tribute.

"Aellia, where are you, darling? Come up!" She called out through the microphone.

Aellia had to practically drag her feet to move, everyone moving out of her way as she made her way out. She looked over at her parents, her mother, Atala had tears streaming down her cheeks and her father had tears in his eyes but held his composure.

She made her way up to the stage where Cecelia waited by the steps and wrapped an arm around her back and ushered her onto the stage. Her eyes looked around the entire area, everyone from the district looking directly at her.

"Our first tribute, Aellia Stark! My, what a beauty she is." Cecelia spoke into the microphone, breaking Aellia from her daze and causing her to look over.

At any other time, the compliment would've caused her cheeks to flare red. At this moment, she felt more emotions than she had in her life.

"Now, for the boys." Cecelia did the same routine, walking over to the boys bowl and pulling a name before coming back to announce it.

"And our male tribute is, Darius Greyjoy!" She announced proudly.

This time, it was different. Darius came out without hesitation and made his way to the stage. She recognized Darius from school. He was nice to her whenever he saw her, he had always tried to be a friend but respected her boundaries. Darius would be the closest thing to a friend she had.

Darius looked at Aellia sympathetically. She looked back at him, the fear in her blue eyes waving around.

Cecelia took the two and pulled them to the front of the microphone, "Alright, you two! Shake hands."

Aellia shakily held out her hand but Darius quickly pulled her in for a hug. Aellia sighed at the hug, a feeling of comfort washing over her as her arms wrapped around him as well.

"And there we have it! Your two official tributes for the 68th annual Hunger Games. Aellia Stark and Darius Greyjoy."

first chapter! i know it seems a bit boring but we are only getting started! this is the inspo for aellias reaping dress. chapter 2 will be out soon!