Kai From Four

The Reaping

The morning that would change my life started out as just another day. I got up early, took a swim in my family's expansive backyard pool, showered, and began to eat breakfast alone, as I always did.

My daily morning routine was then interrupted. My fork was halfway between the plate and my mouth for my first bite of salted eggs when I spotted my mother and father, dressed in fancy attire, out of the corner of my eye. I put the fork down with a soft clink, and hesitated before facing the two people who'd left me to basically raise myself for eighteen years.

"What a surprise," I said in faux delight, pressing the palms of my hands together. "My parents—in person! Definitely my favorite time of the year."

My father blinked once, slowly, before talking as if I hadn't said a word. "Dry your hair and make yourself look presentable. We are leaving for the Reaping in approximately twenty minutes."

My mother adjusted the shiny, cream-colored pearls around her neck. She looked above me with her wide, sea-green eyes and added, "Your suit is in your room. Custom-made, of course."

I felt the anger that had been dormant since the last reaping rise again within me. "You still can't look at me, can you?"

They didn't respond, instead choosing to turn and walk away, back to their room.

"Nineteen minutes," my father said before he shut their door.

I stood up, chair legs harshly screeching against the tiled floor. "I'm an adult now. I deserve to know why my own parents avoid me. I deserve to know why you can't even look at me like I'm your own son!" With shaky breaths, I sat back down and scooted my chair in, knowing there would be no response.

I tried eating, but the eggs tasted flavorless. I pushed the bowl away and sighed, pressing my forehead with a hand and leaning my elbow on the table's surface. Standing up again, I took the bowl and fork and threw the food away before setting the rest in the sink. I headed to my room.

After putting my suit on and drying and roughly styling my hair, I glanced at the mirror. Bright blue eyes stared back, offering me a sympathetic look that read, Let's get this over with. It was my final Reaping after all, no matter the outcome.

My mother and father stood near the doorway, displaying no reaction as I made my way towards them. I gave my mother a half-smile as an apology for earlier, but she abruptly looked away. I nodded curtly. Of course.

The walk to the Hall of Justice was utterly silent, save for the rhythmic click-clack of my mother's coral-red high-heels. I kept my gaze locked in front of me. My mind was racing, thinking of what would happen once I got separated from my parents.

Seven, our escort, would announce the girl tribute first, as usual. I wondered who it would be, and if there would be a volunteer. Same for the guys. Whoever the "lucky ones" would be, I'd know them. I knew everyone at the training academy. I often flitted from group to group, clique to clique, seamlessly fitting in and easily slipping out, not getting too attached to anyone.

Soon, my path diverged from my parents' as I stood in line to get my finger pricked to get registered while they joined the other citizens that did not meet the age requirement for the Games. They left me in silence. I barely felt the prick of the needle.

"Next," the woman who held the needle said, motioning to the guy behind me.

I kept walking until I decided where I'd stand for the Reaping. I waved to and smiled at several potential tributes before resting next to Brandon, a raven-haired seventeen year-old who was deadly with a curved sword.