Out in the Battlefield

The Reaping

"Dela, it's time to wake up," my mother whispered into my ear. Her voice was surprisingly soothing. It made me feel like it was an angel sent from heaven whispering to me. She speaks like this every year, particularly during—

My entire body froze when I remembered what today was.

Reaping day.

I tried to stay asleep and ignore her. If possible, I even want to ignore the whole world today. Even just for a day. My body just wasn't up for anything today. I felt like I want to shut myself down.

But she whispered to me again, this time, her voice was a little more... forceful, if that's the word.

She tapped my shoulder repeatedly, but I waved it away.

"Delancy Lesyk! You are getting out of bed when I tell you to," mother shouted. Even if I'm turned away from her, I could feel her anger. I could even imagine her face that usually turns red when she's angry.

"Yeah, I'm coming," I moaned into my pillow, whilst waving my hand dismissively.

After a few moments, I could still feel her standing beside my bed, judging from the sounds of her slipper tapping against the wooden floor. Every once in a while, she would sigh impatiently or shift her weight, which makes the floorboards creak.

'She's not going to let this pass,' I thought to myself.

Sighing softly, I sat up from my bed and showed her that I'm already awake. My eyes squinted when the bright light hit it, but they adjusted quickly.

"Stand up and fix yourself. You look like a mess," she ordered, mumbling the last words. Sometimes, I wish she would just be my mother; not a commander, not a master. Just a mother. She huffed then walked out of the room after I nodded.

I caught a glimpse of what was happening outside my room when she opened the door.

It was still dark outside, which didn't surprise me. She always wakes me up this early during reaping days. Which means we're going to the beach in district 4.

I never liked it there. The people are so snobby, arrogant, and full of pride. Some people would even bump me and continue walking like nothing happened. It's not fair that just because they're careers, they can treat us like this. It shouldn't be based on positions, but on the person's abilities and skills.

I was brought back to reality when someone, who I strongly assume is my mother, knocked loudly on the door. "Delancy! Move your lazy self out of bed," she yelled. She must've known that I was still sitting when she didn't hear footsteps. Our house is pretty old, so any step you make would make a sound like the whole house would collapse.

After locking the door, I grabbed the same outfit I wear during trainings, which is only plain t-shirt and shorts. Mother didn't bother buying me some new outfit, but it's fine for me. It still fits anyway.

I took off my clothes and wore my self-claimed swimsuit. I didn't mind going to the bathroom. It's not like anyone's gonna see, since there is no window in my room. Mom said she's going to get someone to build one when I come home from the games. But I don't think I'll be coming home soon.

There was another knock on the door.

"Delancy, aren't you finish yet?" Mother yelled, her voice fading quickly like she was quickly walking to the other side of the hall. Maybe they were not yet done with the packing? They never pack anything for trainings. Well, except for the equipment needed. But they usually pack only their swimming clothes for swimming trainings.

"Yeah, just a second!" I replied, while quickly folding my clothes. After brushing my long hair and putting it up in a ponytail, I rushed out of the door to the dining room.