Blythe Mellark is the older sister of Peeta Mellark. At 16, she's being reaped for 72nd Hunger Games. She's been lucky to haven't been chosen yet, but the odds are never in anyone's favor.
It was the day of the reaping for the 72th Hunger Games. At 16, this was Blythe Mellark's fifth reaping. At 14, this was her younger brother's, Peeta, third reaping. Her two older brothers have aged out. So far none of them have been chosen for the games, but then again, anything could happen.
Blythe got up early that morning to help her dad open the bakery. Gale Hawthorne would be by soon to trade squirrels for some bread.
Not long after the bread was finished, Gale came by with a couple squirrels.
"Here you go, Mr. Mellark." He said, producing the squirrels. "Does two squirrels for two loaves of bread alright?"
"Sounds like a good deal, Mr. Hawthorne." Mr. Mellark replied.
"Thank you, sir." Gale said.
Blythe wrapped two loaves of bread and placed them in bag.
"Freshly made and still warm." She said, handing him the bag. "You and Katniss enjoy them."
"Thanks Bliss." Gale said. "Good luck today."
Bliss was Gale's nickname for her. Everyone else either called her Bly or by her name.
"You too." Blythe returned.
"Hey." Gale said.
Blythe looked up at him.
"No matter what happens today, we'll be okay."
Blythe smiled and nodded.
Gale took a last look at Blythe before walking off.
Blythe and Gale had been friends since they were eleven. But, everyone at school knew they meant more to each other than either of them realized. A year before their first reaping, Blythe had asked him to help prepare her for the Games. He showed her how to hunt and track. She was also friends with the Everdeens. Blythe had asked Ms. Everdeen and Prim to teach her about medicine and different herbs. Blythe considered the Hawthornes and Everdeens 2nd and 3rd families.
Two hours before the reaping, Blythe started to get ready. She bathed and dressed in a black collared dress with flowers and tan shoes. She braided her hair into a ponytail.
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Peeta had dressed in their oldest brother, Rodger's reaping outfit.
And Graham had dressed in one of their father's outfits.
The three walked together towards the square. Just before they were separated to sign in, Peeta squeezed her hand. The sign in process consisted of them pricking their fingers and placing their blood on the spot next to their name.
Blythe signed in and went to where the other 16 year old girls were. She looked around, spotting her two brothers. Katniss, being the same age as Peeta. Finally, her eyes landed on Gale, who was looking back at her. He gave her a reassuring smile.
Up front, in front of the Justice building, was a stage and two chairs. One was for their Mayor, Mayor Undersee. The other was for a previous victor. District 12 only had two victors. One was Lucy Gray Baird, who won the 10th Hunger Games, who has passed away. The other was Haymitch Abernathy. He won the 50th Hunger Games, otherwise known as the 2nd Quarter Quell. Unfortunately today, Haymitch is better known as the District's drunk victor. It was no surprise that he wasn't even at the reaping. Just before the ceremony started, Haymitch finally showed up. Albeit drunk. The Mayor made a speech and then Effie Trinket, a representative from Capitol, came up to the stage.
"Happy Hunger Games!" She exclaimed. "And may the odds be ever in your favor."
Blythe rolled her eyes at the catchphrase.
"Let's start with the girls." Effie said, going over to a glass bowl. She swirled her hand around before producing one of the small cards.
"Blythe Mellark." Effie announced, after unfolding the card.
Blythe resisted the urge for her jaw to drop, but her eyes did widen in horror and fear.
"Blythe Mellark." Effie repeated. "Come on up, dear."
Blythe made her way up to the stage. At a slower pace than Effie would have wanted. She was getting impatient by the time Blythe made it stage. She practically pulled her onto the stage by grabbing her hand.
It was at that moment that Haymitch rose from his chair and stumbled over her in his drunken state. He uncomfortably looked her up and down before mumbling something she couldn't understand. He then stumbled off of the stage, knocking himself unconscious.
"Now, onto the boys." Effie moved on, going over to the glass bowl on the other side. She picked a name out of the bowl and read it.
"Colton James." Colton James was fourteen years old. Same age as Peeta. He has told Blythe that he eats lunch with Colton during school. Colton made his way up to the stage. His father was the tailor in District Twelve.
Blythe looked out at the crowd. She saw her both her brothers and Gale started to make their way to the aisles, but Blythe stopped them all with a shake of her head. She knew they all had same idea to volunteer for Colton, so she wouldn't have to be alone.
