Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 2: Reaping Day

Reaping day.

A day that has heartbreak, fear, and death tied to it's name. Families are forced to watch their children, brothers, sisters, best friends, and cousins sent to their could be deaths.

Helplessly.

My own family has a bad rap with this day, just like everyone else who lives in the districts. It started with my grandmother's siblings. Then my dad's cousin Willow...then my second cousins a few years ago before their mother, Jasmine, passed. She died of heartbreak just like her mother. It wasn't that much of a surprise considering she lost her husband the year before her oldest went into her games.

Then her son the year after that....

Slipping into the yellow dress that used to belong to my mama, I exhale while looking towards the still occupied bed. Aurelia snores away, gripping her stuffed rabbit tight. That same rabbit toy that used to be mine until she feel I love with it as a baby.

"Come on, Buttercup! It's reaping day! We can't be late!"

I walk over, gently shaking her awake as she lets out out a groan. The young girl sits up, rubbing her eyes as a yawn rips through her. Acacius is in the bath, cleaning away the dirt from the fields as Atlas prepares breakfast.

"Why do we have to go every year?"

"Because it's mandatory. Now come on. You need to take a bath as soon as Acacius is done. Here."

I pass her the best dress she owns, moving towards the door as she yawns once again. My hands shake at my sides as I reach the cold kitchen. My dress shoes click against the wooden floors as I pass an anxious Atlas. He hides his nerves well, plating some potato cakes for me to eat.

My stomach groans, hunger very well present as I take a seat. Even with the overwhelming need to chow down, I can't find it in myself to take a bite. The thought of even a small nibble making me want to barf. My oldest brother seems to notice as he moves to fry up more potato cakes.

"Why aren't you eating?"

"Today feels different..."

I gulp, looking down at the steaming, golden brown patties. Our pops used to make these all the time on special days. Usually a birthday or when the harvest was plentiful. Having them on reaping day just-

"It is reaping day. I'm sure it's just that."

"No...." I look up towards him, my eyes no doubt wide and fearful. "This year feels different...like something bad is going to happen."

The ache in my chest tightens as my hands rubs up and down my thighs. Atlas's jaw tightens as he flips the sizzling potato cakes. After a few quiet moments, I look back towards the steaming food before me. I don't know what I was expecting with saying anything to him. Atlas has always been dismissive with talking about emotions.

"What's wrong, Z?"

"I'm just..." I look towards the stiff man at the stove, a gulp setting in before looking down towards my food. "Nothing, I'm just nervous..."

Acacius doesn't seem to believe me, his eyes drifting towards Atlas as he slips on his white button down. He sighs, moving to fix the sleeves as he walks towards the table. He offers me his most comforting smile before moving to fix the collar.

"I know...it never gets easier going to these things."

He looks down, seeing my untouched food before walking into the kitchen. He opens a cabinet before grabbing out a jar of familiar red sauce. A small smile makes it's way onto my face at the sight.