Learning To Let Go

My palms were slick with sweat. I glanced nervously at Rene next to me. She smiled nervously back at me and gave my hand a small, encouraging squeeze. Just then, from on stage, Rochelle spoke into the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the reaping in District Twelve. However, there are slight changes to this year's Hunger Games. Instead of having two tributes from each District, the Capitol has decided to conduct a Hunger Games with twelve tributes from District Twelve only. This change has been made in accordance to the Rebellion that happened a few months ago. Therfore, this year, twelve tributes will be chosen from District Twelve, six girls and six boys."

 A murmur spread through the crowd. I threw Rene a wild look. "It's gonna be alright," she whispered, patting my back. Despite being four years my senior, she was my closest friend, and one of the few people in our district who knew the real me. "Come now, settle down," said Rochelle from the stage. "Now let the reaping for the 80th Hunger Games begin!"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. My heart was pounding away in my chest. I opened my eyes and glanced up at Rochelle. She had just picked a piece of paper from the bowl, holding the names of all those eligible for The Hunger Games. This year, there would be ten more going, and eleven less coming back. Deep in my heart, I knew it was payback for the uprising District Twelve had caused back in June. Now in September, it was time for the reaping. Snapped back to reality, I saw Rochelle unfold the slip of paper. I began to murmur a prayer under my breath, my heart taking off like a helicopter. She glanced at the name and said clearly into the microphone, "Alicia Stone." My heart slowed down a little as I watched a small, petite girl with caramel blonde hair climb up on-stage. She stuck out a trembling hand and shook hands with Rochelle, before walking over to the side of the stage. My green eyes followed Rochelle as she dipped her hand into the bowl once again. She unfolded the piece of paper and I saw her shoot Rene a look before clearing her throat and saying, "Isabella Black."