The Hogwarts Games (First Draft)

Chapter 2 - The Reaping

Chapter 2 - The Reaping

I nodded solemnly and changed into a red dress with a gold-coloured belt. With a sigh, I put up my long, curly, blonde hair into a ponytail. I hated going to the reaping. It was horrible to see families lose a child to the Games. I knew that next year, Arthur would have to put his name in and take tessarae for him and Mother. Speaking of Arthur, I grabbed a bucket of water with a smirk on my face and entered his room. The room was basically a small cell with a bed and a desk. I lifted the bucket over his head and threw the icy water over him. He screamed awake with fear and surprise in his grey eyes which are so similar to mine.  

"Get up, idiot twin. The reaping is in half an hour." I said harshly and exited the room, laughing to myself. I heard him growl in annoyance as he prepared himself. My mom dressed herself in a soft, white dress with subtle blue stripes. Reaping outfits to treat the reaping as if it was a festival. I clenched my fists in annoyance and a plate smashed itself from the rack. I blinked twice in confusion but let the idea go for my mother to explain. We left our home in the Seam and passed by Katniss and her family. I recognised Prim wearing a blouse that was too big her and was held by safety pins. I ran up to Katniss and gave her an encouraging smile for luck. She returned it but I could see the grim expression in her eyes. Gale Hawthorne joined us. A tall young man, with dark brown hair and grey eyes. Anyone born in the Seam could look like they were related. They all has brown hair and stormy grey eyes. Mrs. Everdeen was born in the merchant's part of town which made herself and Prim stand out with their fair hair and blue eyes. My dad wasn't born here. He was from England who came here in search of a better life. Oh, how wrong he was. Prim ran back to join her mother who was in conversation with mine. My brother was sulking behind. Gale gave me a quick greeting in the form of a smile and together, Katniss, Gale and I strode towards the square where the Reaping was always held. I looked to the trees around me. Perched in the branches were cameras badly hidden in the leaves. They were to record every word, every person and every expression on the tributes 'and audience's faces.  

A woman with bright pink hair, a seemingly permanent smile and a spring green suit walked on stage and addressed us. It was Effie Trinket, fresh from the Capitol. Taking a seat on the stage was Mayor Undersee and his daughter, Madge. She was wearing a pretty dress but what stood out was this circular badge pinned to her. I couldn't make out what it was from this distance. Mayor Undersee then stood and spoke his annual speech reffering to the First Hunger Games. Years ago, District Thirteen, when it still existed, rebelled against the Capitol and the Capitol retaliated by bombing them out of existence. And now President Coriolanus Snow has hosts the Hunger Games as punishment and a warning towards all the districts. It's Snow's way of saying "if you lift a finger against us, we'll destroy you like we destroyed Thirteen."  

Mayor Undersee drones on, "It is both a time for repentance and a time for thanks." he goes on to introduce the winners for District Twelve. We had only two so far but only one still alive. Haymitch Abernathy. On cue, he tramples on stage with liquor taking over what little sense he had. Effie's smile faltered as she tried to get him away from the her, the disgust she felt from his liquor-breath was getting to her. Haymitch teeter-tottered to the side. After Haymitch left, Effie resumed her bright and bubbly personality.  

"Happy Hunger Games!" Effie piped her signature greeting, "May the odds be ever in your favour!" she smiled on us. As we drew our breaths with anticipation, Effie approached the two glass balls that held the names of every teenage child in the district.  

"Ladies first!" she exclaimed. I clenched my fists worryingly and looked at Katniss who was joined by Prim. Effie picked up a piece from the ball that held the girls' names and flourished it for us to see. My head was spinning with pain and suspense. I hated this. Every minute of it. Katniss looked at me anxiously and made a soothing sound under her breath. She was telling me not to worry. I nodded a bit and continue to watch. Effie smoothened out the strip of paper and called out a name I didn't even take the time to worry about.