Deadman's Match | The Hunger Games

The Reaping

Chapter 1

The Reaping

I couldn't sleep that night. My mind was racing, and I felt so stressed. I could only imagine how terrified Katniss and Peeta were.

Katniss and Peeta went to live in the victors village after the games. Even though everyone knew Snow wanted revenge, they still had two children named Rue and Novalin. Rue was only 17 and Nova was the youngest at 14. Knowing that maybe we all would be safe the day after helped me sleep.

Sadly, I woke up to a scream in the home next door. It wasn't unusual to hear those kinds of noises, but it still shook me to the core. I remember when nightmares used to scare me that much.. mother was always there to help me.

As I got up, my mom came into my room and laid a blue dress on my bed.

"Kat is sent it.. isn't it beautiful?" Mother said, shifting in place. I could tell she was excited to see me wear it. It was truly a beautiful dress, riddled with white roses and decorated with button at the chest. I put my long wavy brunet hair into a neat bun on the top of my head and I put on matching shoes. Mother was so happy to see me looking so nice.

"It matches your eyes," she said.

I walked out of my room and went downstairs. Emily was also looking very beautiful. She had such a nice white, long dress with black polka dots. It truly fit her personality. Like a normal little sister, Emily wanted the same hair as me. Mother thought her hair would look nicer in a braid.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door. I turned to answer it and was greeted by Katniss and her family. My parents got ready and we all set out. We got in line and had our blood taken. Soon, we all gathered in a group and settled down, watching as Effie Trinket walked through the doors. She played the anthem and she then started to explain the twist that year.

"Hello everyone! Happy Hunger Games!" She said in her cheery voice, "This year we have put the boys and the girls together in the same glass jar. We will pick 10 tributes and we will send them off the participate in the hunger games," She announced.

"So! Let's get started." Effie walked to the glass bowl and slowly picked a card. She unfolded it and read the name nice and clear,

"Ashton Ferris!"

A boy that, to the looks of it, was only a pre teen walked up to the stage and stood beside Effie. "How old are you?" Effie asked.

"13." The boy muttered. Effie smiled and sat him down and called the next person.

"Stephanie Freemantle!"

That was a name I wasn't prepared to hear. Stephanie, also Steff, was my 3rd and 4th grade bully. She hated me and swore she would end my life if she we were in the games. I never found out why she hated me so much.

Steff had a frown on her face and I could see the tears form in her eyes. She walked onto stage and announced her age as 17.

Steff sat down and Effie plucked out another card. My heart dropped when I heared the words 'Rue Mellark.' I looked all over for Rue and I saw her about to get on stage. I saw the smile of Steff's face when she realized that was my friend up there.

I never could let Rue die to the hands of Steff. So I did something that only a true friend would do..

"No!" I yelled, "No! I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" I screamed. My heart was pounding and I realized what I did. I looked at Steff and she had an evil grin on her face.

"My my my, look at you. Come on up ma'am. What's your name?" Effie asked.

"Oasis. My name is Oasis Daniel Tomlin. Age 17..." I muttered. Well, ladies and gentlemen, our second volunteer of district 12!" Effie started clapping but was clapping alone except for Steff who was clapping louder than Effie.

I looked at Rue in Katnisses arms and I saw the look in Katnisses eyes.. it was appreciation.

I looked at my mom and dad and I saw they were crying their eyes out. I looked at Steff then at Rue and I saw Rue mouth 'Good Luck' to me.

I sat down and I spaced out. I didn't hear the other tributes be called. All I remember was my heart was beating 100 times per minute.

Then I heard something that made my heart stop.

"Lavias Emily Tomlin."