The 99th annual Hunger Games

District 5 reapings

District 5 reapings

Felix Winter's POV

"Felix, I dare you, go over to that peacekeeper and steal his money. I can see it, right in his coat pocket" Bolt whispers in my ear. "No!" I hiss back, "stealing is bad! and what if I get caught!"

"Oh come on Felix, you're no fun any more" he sulks, "if you don't do it then I'll leave you. I'll find someone better than you" he sulks, crossing his arms.

I don't know what to do. Bolt is my only friend and I don't want to lose him. But on the other hand, he's been getting worse lately, getting me into trouble all the time.

I sigh. "Fine" I say eventually, "but what do I do if I get caught?" "you can blame me" he says happily, hopping over to the peacekeeper.

I follow after him, my heart beating fast. I don't want to be a thief, or get caught either. "Hurry up" Bolt grins, dancing ahead.

I walk up to the peacekeeper and pretend to bump into him. "Sorry" I say, slipping my hand into his pocket and drawing out the leather pouch I know is stuffed with money.

I start to walk away, I got away with it! I smile broadly, clutching the pouch in my hand before a strong hand grips my shoulder and pulls me around to face them.

"You little brat. I saw you steal my purse" the peacekeeper snarls, glaring me in the face. "Please, I didn't mean to, it was Bolt-" I start but he interrupts me.

"Hey it's you! you're that pick pocketing little kid who always blames it on some guy who doesn't exist. I've heard all about you" he says.

I don't like the way he's looking at me, grinning cruelly, and I make a move to run away. "Not so fast little guy" he laughs, "it looks like we just found our male tribute for the games"

Carmel Rose's POV

I exit the family sweetshop with my parents, my father locks the door behind us. We are among the wealthy in district 5, I am lucky that I will one day inherit the family business and never have to work in the power plants.

I glance back one last time, taking in the pastel coloured candies and the cheerful sign. "Are you ok, sweetie?" my mother asks. I nod, putting on a smile to hide the fear that I feel inside.

"Don't worry, Carmel" my father says reassuringly, "look at the chances, you have your name in the minimum number of times, it's very unlikely you'll be picked" he smiles, but I can see the glint in his eyes that shows he knows that is not true.

He lost his little sister to the games, many years ago but he has never really gotten over it. We have many pictures of her around the house and I am even named after her.

We reach the town square and I look at my parents to say goodbye. They used to have a time for the tributes to say their final goodbyes, but this custom was cancelled out a few years ago.

My parents embrace me tightly, hugging me like they never want to let go. "Bye mom, bye dad" I try to smile. I straighten out my pink dress and take my place in the 16 year olds section, and the reaping begins.

Jennifer Winter's POV

I stand worriedly in the audience as the mayor, district escort, Shim, and town officials mount the stage. I haven't seen Felix since he left the house early this morning, I have no idea where he could be.

I try to calm my mind as the reaping commences. Surely he's standing in the 13 year olds section. I focus on the stage.

"Time for the female tribute!" Shim hollers, dipping his sparkly blue dyed hand into the bowl. "Carmel Rose!" he shouts, and a small mousy girl mounts the stage. "What word would you describe yourself with Carmel?" he asks . "Shy" she whispers, looking down.

I spot her parents crying in the back of the audience, and feel a pang of sadness. I tense as I look towards the stage and see peacekeepers escorting Felix up the steps.

They whisper in Shims ear before dismounting the stage. "Ohhh, how exciting!" Shim yells, "it seems like we have a criminal here! this little guy was caught stealing from a peacekeeper, his punishment is to enter the games! Although that's more of an honour than a punishment if you ask-"

That is the last thing I hear before the ground flies up and hits me in the face.