The 99th annual Hunger Games

District 2 reapings

District 2 reapings

Bryce Clifford's POV

I walk along the cobbled path of the victors village towards the town square where the reapings will take place. My older brother and sister both entered the games, and both came back victors. This year it's my turn to do the same.

As I walk, I imagine what it will be like when I become a victor. The fame, fortune and honour will be mine. I'll start off in the career alliance, and pick off some of the easier kills. Then when the time comes, I can turn on the other careers.

I snap back to reality as I hear the voice of my cousin, Alex. "Bryce, wait for me!" he yells, running to catch up with me. I roll my eyes and speed up.

As I turn the corner, I see Amber walking in front of me with her friends. Her shining brown hair hangs down her back in ringlets, and she is wearing a short and sparkly dress.

"Hey babe" I say, walking in step beside her. Her friends look at me flirtily but she rolls her eyes and ignores me. "What's up doll?" I continue, grinning. "You scared for the reaping?"

"Yeah right jerk" she snaps, elbowing her friends who are practically fluttering their eyelashes at me. "Ohh, sassy" I tease, "it's ok, I like it when you play hard to get"

"For god's sake, you loser, I don't know how girls are even attracted to yo- " she starts, but bursts into laughter as Alex bangs into me from behind, knocking me face first onto the dusty ground.

They walk away, laughing and mocking me. I sigh and get to my feet, pulling Alex up as well. "Oh sorry Bryce, I just tripped, I didn't mean to!" he apologizes as I dust off my suit. I sigh and try to block out his voice.

This is going to be a long walk

Amber Dawson's POV

I stand with my friends in the 18 year olds pen, as our district escort, Fiona Florentine, begins the reaping. She looks ridiculous as always, her dress is made of neon pink feathers and her shoes must be at least 6 inches high. She reminds me of a bird, and her chirpy Capitol accent just reinforces that idea.

I tune out as the mayor begins his speech that he says every year. I glance around the square and see Bryce winking at me from the 17's section. What an idiot, can't he take the hint.

I smile over at his cousin, Alex. He smiles back and waves his hand before looking back to the stage. I've had a crush on him for a long time, but he never seems to like me back. He's not like the rest of the boys in district 2, who are mostly arrogant and aggressive, but the many times I have spoken to him stupid Bryce came and interrupted.

When I come back as a victor though, we can live happily ever after, with no more Bryce as a distraction.

As the mayor takes a seat, I focus on the stage. "And now, as always, it is time to reap our lucky female tribute!" Fiona sings, hopping over to the bowl filled with girls names.

"Ashley Wilson!" she squeals, waving the slip of paper in the air. "I volunteer!" I yell, pushing out of the pen. I walk proudly up to the stage and am greeted with a kiss on both cheeks from Fiona.

"What is your name and age please? And why do you think you can win this years games?" she asks happily. "Amber Dawson, age 18 and I am going to win because I have trained and prepared for this, I am ready" I say confidently to the audience. "I can believe that!" Fiona shouts, "looks like we have a potential victor here today!"

"Tell me Amber, what word would you describe yourself with?" she asks me.

"Career, most definitely career" I reply.

I turn around and take a seat, pleased to see that the audience is chanting my name. "Now, onto the male tribute! I hope we have another volunteer!"she screams above the noisy crowd.

Fiona dips her hand into the glass ball and draws out a name with her feather gloved hands. "Kade-" "I volunteer! I volunteer!" Bryce roars, causing everyone in the whole district to look at him. He is such a drama queen.

He runs up to the stage and receives a huge hug from Fiona. He steps up to the microphone without hesitation. "Hello district 2, I am Bryce Clifford and I am 17 years old. I just want to let you know that you are guaranteed to have a victor this year! expect to see a lot more of this pretty face!" he shouts, and immediately everyone erupts into claps, screams and cheers.

"Now, describe yourself using one word Bryce!" she demands. "Just one word?!" He says, "that's a hard one, but the word that sums me up is amazing!" he yells.

What an absolute jerk. I am surprised to find myself jealous that he is gaining more cheers than me. He takes the seat beside me and grins assuredly.

I sneer back and try to concentrate on what Fiona is saying. "Why the sad face?" he asks, still grinning stupidly. "Don't talk to me" I snap, just as the anthem starts to play and Fiona exits the stage. I follow behind her to the sounds of people cheering Bryce's name.

I grit my teeth and walk faster.

Authors note: so, what do you think of this story so far? please tell me, let me know any mistakes or what can be made better! thank you :)