The HungerGames (Clove+ Cato)

Chapter 1 The reaping

Chapter 1 (The Reaping)

      I remember the day of the reaping that we've all been waiting for... The 74th annual hunger games has arrived. I think I'm ready, and trained for this year. And if I volunteer soon enough, I can win and bring the glory back with me. That would make Cato proud, my family proud, and of course the capitol. I remember what Cato told me earlier this morning, he said if either of us don't get to go, they'll always be next year, and let's hope we don't go in at the same time, and that the odds be in our favour for that. We hugged and kissed and we headed to our homes to get prepared for the reaping. I was in my silk white dress with a white bow in my hair.

     My mother gave me a good luck kiss and my father sat there on his big velvet cushion. He has never liked the capitol or the hunger games. He feels so many odd things about them. On the other hand my mother, she supports them so much. My father also doesn't encourage the games, or me going in them, but he got forced to pay the training center because of my mother. Sometimes I think what my father loved about my mother that though his thoughts of hatred couldn't stop him from doing as my mother says. Don't get me wrong though, whenever he puts his mind to something, there's no stopping him. Like when he decided to marry my mother. The warring of the siren goes off telling us to go to the main square.

     Everyone has smiles on their faces and there are balloons and banners everywhere saying," May the odds be in our favour!" or " Happy 74th Hungergames!" After I sign in I stand in my age group. My friend, Gold, turns to me and asks, "Are you excited or what?"

It took me a second to recognize her through all that make up. All the gold glitter on her eye lids and gold lipstick. She waits for my respond for three seconds then without a reply she starts talking again," Do you think I over did my make-up? Is it too much for the reaping?"

"No no it's perfect, in the capitol they'll really make you more shinier."

She kind of annoys me sometimes, acting all glimsy and sparkly and excited. I mean grow up. The smile goes away from her face, " Clove, I kind of don't want to go, I changed my mind about volunteering, I want to stay."

"What?" I say in a suddenly shocked voice.

"You know, I don't want to leave my life, I haven't been training very well and I just want to be an announcer, not a victor, and I love my life and family,and boyfriend, and if I go, I'll surely lose."

I nod in a bit of confusion. "Clove..." Gold starts again, but is interrupted by Emerald.

"Guys! There you are!"

She brings a pack of girls with her and we all start chatting. Since we came a bit early the place is just starting to get crowded. Some peacekeepers, usually our dads, come and ask us to line up. I search for Cato. I spot him among the boys. He sees me. He smirks, then laughs. I wink. This is kind of our little connection.

     Before I know it  Alicia Keys, our announcer, walks out.

"Happy Hungergames!" She says in her cheery voice.

The anthem plays. After it ends she walks to the glass crystal ball for girls.

"Let's get started with the ladies!" She unfolds the piece of paper. My mind starts racing. I have to volunteer. But should I? What if Cato gets picked after me? No I can't let that happen.

Alicia clears her throat and says," Gold Shines!"

Gold turns to me as in saying a silent goodbye. Out of no where I jump in and say," I volunteer as tribute!"

I was planning to just stay out of this year's games for Cato, so he could just go and win and we could both be alive. Well I guess I'll go and he'll go next year, or not at all.

"What's your name dear?" She asks.

  "Clove Pelicone"

"Now for the boys..."

 I just keep saying to myself, please don't pick Cato. No one would volunteer for him, cause if they win and come back, Cato would be waiting to take revenge on how the person didn't let him play his last game. I think he made that clear to everyone who would be willing to get in his way.

Alicia clears her throat again and speaks," Cato Fiercson," I gulp. The odds are not in our favour today. He walks half jogs. He doesn't look me in the eye until we have to shake hands. That's when I see the shot of pain in his eyes.And why wouldn't there be pain? 'Cause I feel it too.