The 99th annual Hunger Games

District 4 reapings

District 4 reapings

Ariel Lockhart's POV

I sit down on the golden sand and survey the beach. The waves are shimmering and blue today, and there are little fishing boats bobbing around in the distance.

I smile and stretch out my legs, letting the sun warm my skin. This morning would be perfect if it wasn't for the reaping looming so close.

I sift some of the powdery sand through my fingers and watch it trickle back onto the ground. "Ariel!" I hear a voice call my name, bringing me out of my daydream.

I get to my feet and see Finn standing by the shore, kicking pebbles into the ocean and waving at me. I grin and run down to join him.

"Hey" I smile, as I step into the shallows and let the salty water wash around my feet.

"Hey" he laughs, "I called your name about five times until you actually looked"

I grin again and shrug sheepishly, splashing water into his face. He yells and takes off his shirt, quickly drying down his face. "Gee Ariel, I spent the whole morning getting my hair right for the reaping!" he says, trying to look annoyed but not quite hiding a grin.

"Your turn!" he yells suddenly, lunging towards the sea and splashing a whole load of water all over my dress.

"It's on!" I shriek happily, running over and shoving him face first into the water. We end up both completely soaked and laughing on the sand, weakly shoving each other.

"Come on" I order, standing up and shaking out my hair, "unless you want to turn up at the reaping like that!"

"Race you to the village" he replies, turning and sprinting off along the golden sand.

I run after him, still with a smile on my face. I wish it could stay like this forever. But unfortunately, we have a reaping to go to.

Kyle Fletcher's POV

I stand outside our bungalow with my parents, waiting for Finn to arrive. "Where could he be?" my father demands angrily, "the reaping starts in less than half an hour!"

"Calm down, Meriden" my mother reprimands, "he'll be here any minute now" I stand beside them, silently biting my lip and willing Finn to hurry up and get here. I don't want to be late to the reaping, I have seen the consequences of that before.

Even so, I don't really think I will be picked. District 4 is still somewhat a career district and most years there are volunteers. And anyway, Finn promised me that he would volunteer if I am ever reaped.

I fidget with my baggy dark blue suit, it is Finn's old one but he was much taller and musclier than me when he was my age. I look into the distance, squinting because of the bright sun.

"Mom, dad, here he is!" I say, seeing Finn sprinting towards us, soaking wet.

"I've just about had enough of you young man, go and get changed now" my father roars, glaring at him angrily.

"Ok ok, calm down" Finn sighs, rolling his eyes. "Enough of that attitude! now hurry up!" my father bellows, herding him inside. My mother glances anxiously at me and ruffles my hair before following them inside, and I am left alone.

Finn Fletcher's POV

I stand in the 16 year olds pen, beside Ariel. I glance around, ignoring the sound of the mayors droning voice. I spot Kyle over in the 12 year old section and smile at him reassuringly.

He won't get picked this year, 12 year olds never do.

Crisal Clementine mounts the stage, trilling her customary "happy hunger games!" to the district.

"Now, time for the girls!" she announces, digging a bony hand into the bowl and plucking out an unlucky name.

"Ariel Lockhart!" she reads, and my heart sinks. I watch in stunned silence as Ariel mounts the stage, her red hair shining in the sun. I open my mouth to say something but it's too late.

My the time my brain has registered all of this, Crisal is pulling out the boys name. "Kyle Fletcher!" she cries, and I swallow nervously and step forward.

"I volunteer"