The 99th annual Hunger Games

District 1 reapings

District 1 reaping

Mimzy Morgan's POV

I stand in front of the mirror, admiring the floaty sky blue dress that my parents bought for me. I slip on matching silky suede pumps and hurry down the polished staircase into the kitchen

As I burst through the door, I inhale the delicious scent of chocolate and pastry. "Mimzy, you look beautiful today!" my mother chirps, serving breakfast on the white china plates. "Yes, our wonderful daughter is going to do us proud" my father smiles, pulling out my chair for me.

As we eat the warm croissants and foamy hot chocolate, my parents chatter about the games. "We have no doubt you'll win, honey" my mother beams, patting my hand. I grin back at both of them, I can't wait to make my parents and district proud.

We walk to the town square together, decorated with bright and glittery flags and posters. "Bye mom, bye dad!" I shout as I head off towards the 17 year old pen. They wave and blow kisses as I join my friends.

I greet my friends with a hug and we stand together, eagerly awaiting the reaping. "How does it feel, going to volunteer?" Ruby asks excitedly. "Wonderful!" I smile happily, and Rosie shoots me a jealous look. "But don't worry", I add, "I'm sure one of you guys will get chosen to volunteer next year!"

Leo Gold's POV

I enter the pen for 18 year olds, following behind my twin brother. "Ace, please listen to me" I beg, but he ignores me and faces the stage. I don't want to do this. I don't want to volunteer. "Ace please, you can volunteer, I'm sorry". He continues to stare straight ahead.

In district 1, the reaping system is complicated. There are multiple volunteers every year, so all who want to volunteer put their names into a reaping bowl, and two are picked out the day before the reaping. My parents forced me to put my name in as well as Ace's, but I never dreamed I would be picked.

I can see the other 18 year olds glaring at me scornfully. I see several pat Ace on the shoulder before sending glares in my direction. Everyone has always favoured Ace over me. Even I would, if I were them. I'm the failure, the reject, the weakling.

Unlike Ace and the rest of district 1, I hate the Hunger games. The pain, sadness and bloodshed is horrific. This is my worst nightmare. I will definitely die in the games, there's no chance I can win. I know how to fight, but I could never kill someone.

I am going to die, and bring shame on my family and district. "Ace" I beg one last time, tugging on his sleeve and looking into his bright blue eyes identical to my own. He glares coldly at me and shakes off my hand. "Leo, I will never forgive you. I don't care if you die in the games. You are not my brother"

As the Grace Gossamer, the district escort, mounts the stage, I begin to cry.

Grace Gossamer's POV

"Good morning district 1!" I shout as I skip across the stage. I am greeted with enthusiastic screams and whistles, as every year. I beam at the colourful crowd as I wait for them to quiet down a bit.

I politely take a seat while the mayor recites a speech about the rebellion and how the Hunger Games were formed. "Now, over to you Grace!" the mayor says as I step up on the stage.

"Again, greetings district 1 and welcome to the reapings for the 99th annual Hunger Games! The time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman to fight in a pageant of honour and bravery!" I announce, evoking more cheers from the crowd.

"As always, ladies first!" I exclaim, dipping my shimmering pink nails into the girls reaping bowl. I dig my hand to the bottom and pick out a name. "Crysta-" I start to read, but I am interrupted by a loud shout.

"I volunteer!" a tall, muscular girl yells, striding towards the stage. She has long, golden hair and sparkling blue-green eyes, the typical district 1 look.

"Wow how exciting!" I say, "you sure are eager! what is your name and age?" "Mimzy Morgan, age 17" she smiles, giving me a hug, "and I am going to win this years games!"

"That's the kind of attitude we like to hear!" I laugh, as she begins to giggle too. "Now tell me Mimzy, what word would you use to describe yourself?" I question.

She pauses for a second, fingering a strand if her hair. "Well, using just one word, I guess it would be enthusiastic!" she says, grinning at me. "That's for sure!" I reply, "thank you Mimzy, can you please take a seat now while we reap the male tribute". She waves at the crowd and bows before bouncing over to one of the two empty seats.

I turn back to the crowd, who are still chanting Mimzy's name and whistling loudly. "Calm down, everyone!" I laugh, "now it's time to reap the boys!"

I plunge my hand into the boys bowl and draw out a tightly folded piece of paper. "Ace Gold!" I shout, "that sure sounds like a career name!"

I hear a silence spread over the crowd and look down at them, wondering why suddenly all noises have ceased. I see everyone staring at a blonde haired boy in the 18's section with tears running down his face.

Several peacekeepers start to hurry to the 18 year old section, and the crying boy slowly steps out into the aisle. "I volunteer" he whispers, as the peacekeepers begin to escort him up to the stage.

"What's your name sweetie?" I question as he steps onto the stage. "L-Leo Gold" he sobs as he wipes tears from his face. "Oh dear, what's the matter?" I ask, patting his back softly. He is small and short for district one, but still has defined muscles. His blonde hair hangs into his tear filled sapphire eyes.

"Well well, that was your brother you volunteered for, wasn't it?" I ask. He nods, and I notice the crowd is still silent and many are glaring at the boy. "Now Leo, if you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?" I ask awkwardly, watching the tears spill down his face. "disappointing" he sobs again and collapses into the seat.

I force a laugh, and the crowd suddenly laugh along with me. "What an interesting reaping!" I exclaim, "Give it up for the tributes of district 1, Mimzy Morgan and Leo Gold!"

I lead the way offstage to the justice building to the sounds of screams and cheers, the two tributes following behind me.