Life After: POV of a District 9 Tribute

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The Reaping

We arrive at the square ten minutes early. We hug each other and go into our designated areas. I find Brittany and stand next to her. We have been best friends since birth. I would do anything for her. Neither of us say a word. Our escort comes out and taps on the microphone for a sound check. She tells us the usual stuff, and I zone out. I've memorized practically every word of it. Then she says the annual "Ladies first" and I tense up. I'm sweating. All I can think is please don't be me. Please don't be me. Please don't be me.

"Brittany Starway."

Her hand finds mine and squeezes it. I don't know what to do. She's my best friend. She won't survive. She's too proper. She couldn't kill a fly.

By the time I've gone through the entire list in my head she's made her way out of our isle and gives me one last look. Our eyes search each others. She knows what's coming before I do and tries to run back to me. But she's too late. I let the words spill out

"I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" I hear gasps all around me. I don't care. Brit is safe and that's all that matters. As I walk past her she looks at me and I look at her. She can't hold it in anymore. She starts sobbing. I give her a reassuring look and turn towards the stage. I set my eyes on our escort. Nothing but her. I can't cry. It will make me look weak, an I'm going to need all the sponsors I'm going to get. I've made it up to the stage. She takes me to the middle of the stage and asks me my name and I answer her with Kennedy Sprit. I look out an search the boys. One of them is going to try to kill me soon. I blur everything out until she says his name. No. Anyone but him. It can't be. Someone volunteer! He's beside me already. Max Volta. He's a year ahead of me in school. Next year would be his last year. He probably thought that he could get by, just like me. He's tall. His hair is blonde, kissed by the sun, just like mine. He's handsome. He turns to look at me with those beautiful blue eyes. He's a heartthrob to every girl. Except me. I can't let him get into my head. I'm pulled back into reality by our escort's booming voice over the mic.

"Well, shake hands you two."

We take each others hand and shake twice. The touch is electrifying. I wonder if he felt it too.