Face Me in the Desert

Watchers Reaping

Many fine choices this year, wouldn't you say?

Indeed. It will be hard to pick just fourteen.

I do see some that seem to hold more promise.

Is that so?

Yes. I can tell that some of them are more unstable than others; more driven to kill. And others, that are weaker than the rest, but will do what it takes to survive. Take Martyn for example, his anger towards us makes him a strong fighter. Now let us compare that to Grian, a poor boy from the village. He is weak, no doubt about it, but he can be a mighty hunter if it means his family will eat.

I see what you mean. There are others who stand out to me as well. Scar has much promise in my eyes, sure, he is fragile, but he is also loyal and a good soldier. He would stand by a friend even if it killed him. And Tango has his brain. He will use his intelligence to keep himself alive, as he knows it is his strength.

Of course. I believe some underdogs should be included as well. They obviously will not last long, but it will, of course, be amusing to us. We will make sure Jimmy is included. Let everyone have a laugh about his inevitable death.

That is an excellent idea. There are some others I have came up with.

Do share.

Impulse, Etho, Rendog, Bdubs, and Scott.

Those are good choices. They will do well in the arena. I believe that leaves four. How about Cleo, Joel, Skizz, and BigB? They are not the best in any ways, but they do have potential. Plus, it keeps the games interesting.

Well then, I do believe we have our fourteen.

Then it is time to send the collection team for our tributes. They should all be here by tomorrow afternoon, and will meet their stylists after a night of rest. Thank you, for you help.

Of course, Brother.

· · ─────── ·☪︎· ─────── · ·

It's cold. The end of autumn always is. But it's also beautiful; it compliments the old buildings in our town, at least the ones that are still intact. I watch the multicolour leaves fall as I wait for our next meal to arrive. I notch the arrow and draw back the bowstring, aiming the shot at the bird that had just landed in the old oak tree. He has no idea that in just a few seconds it'll be over for him. I release the arrow letting it hit the bird. He falls out of the tree only making a small thud when it hits the forest floor. I start to walk towards my prey when a twig cracks behind me. I whip my head back and see two end city soldiers about ten feet behind me. They would only be here for one reason. I could outrun them, but I know that if I tried they would end up hurting the ones I love. I stand, waiting as they approach.

Grian. You are to come with us. You have been chosen.

They grab me and hold my arms behind my back as we walk so that I can't run. I know that they'll be taking me to the stage, to announce me as one of the tributes they have chosen for this season of their sick games. I've never understood how they could force people to fight to the death for their own entertainment. And the Watchers are so respected by the end citizens for the games. How could you admire the people who have brought so much death to this world? We finally get to the stage after about ten minutes of walking. I see everyone gathered around scared to see who had been chosen, hoping it wasn't a friend or family member, whispering to each other nervously as the end representative walked onto the stage.

Welcome everyone, to the seventeenth Watchers Reaping! Today I am here to announce that two tributes have been chosen from this town! Now, lets get a round of applause for our specially selected tributes!