The hunted in the games

Reaping

It was 12:00 when we finally started our walk to the town square. I was wearing a lavender tight dress with a blue ribbon tied around my waist. My aunt put my hair in a messy bun, like the one I always wear going horse riding. The sandals I wore were plain leather ones, since leather is more abundant here than any other district. If I were to get reaped today, I would make a good impression on the capital.
"I don't want you to get reaped" my sister said anxiously.
She fingered her pale yellow dress that puffed around her small frame.
"I won't. Promise" I told her. I'll make sure it doesn't happen. I think.
"Will we be meeting Grace at the square?"
I crease my brow "I think"
We continued to walk on silence after that.

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The town square was packed with solemn looking families. Each and every one of them were dressed in a fine outfit.
"I'll see you, Ikayr, I have to go to the holding ground" I shaked her hand in case I do get picked. Highly unlikely.
I shuffled towards all the 14 year olds. The girls looked flirty in their frilly v necks. Here, where poverty is one of the worst, an occasion to look nice is a good one.
"Hi, Chloe" Grace chirps from behind.
"Hey" I answer.
"SHHHHHH" a peacekeeper hushed.
A lady in a cocktail dress waddled to the stage. It's Birdy, the district 10 announcer and pest. Coming here had taken a toll in her once plump frame. Now she wore tight attire to cover her sagging skin.
"Yello, all you lovely and somewhat ugly children" Birdy chimed in a sing song voice. She blew kisses to all of the 12-18 year olds.
"Now as all you brats know, being poor had never been an advantage," she carried on as people watched in disgust "but the president is a kind you gentleman who helped all get through, at the price of two of your children each year. Praise the honorable President Snow for the 71st Hunger games!"
The anthem blasted from the speakers of the Justice Building. It came out as a tinny, feeble song. Then it died.
"It's time for the reaping of the young and dim minded little ones" Birdy cried "girls first. Hahaha, you all look so cheery" blew another round of kisses.
Her hand grasped into a glass bowl on the left.
"The lucky tribute, the one to honor this utterly useless district is... Our one and only... Grace Sheers!"
Oh my god, oh my god. I sank to my knees in the muddy ground. Grace, the kindest, most pure hearted girl, put to a bloodbath test. It was unbearable.
I watched as Grace, in fits of tears, walked up to the stage and sat in a chair behind Birdy.
"Oh, a little emotional on this side" Birdy continued as soon as she sat, " now for the boy. None other than... Peafowl Berston!"
It was all over. Berston walked up the stage in a way similar to Grace. He beat his long and non muscular chest, his freckle long face covered with emotion, his mud colored hair stuck out as if to be electrocuted.
Berston was the most scrawny and gross boy in district. He picked his nose, put it your face and then laughed at it.
Not only that, he was name after a freaking BIRD! He cried at the little things like if someone said ugly near him. Yet he was one of the most rich boys, always with his belly full.
I thought that maybe if the boy tribute was good, Grace would be saved. Scarred, but saved. Now that dream fell away.
As Berston sat down next to Grace, Birdy looked in disgust.
"That's a pretty pathetic show of emotions. But all the well, they will give us a good fight. Go team 10!"
I wanted to say something, to tell them to go and leave Grace alone, but the words get stuck. The 2 tributes get hustled from the scene. Now the only way to say goodbye was through the departure on the train.
"Grace, I hope you get the fullest life you possibly can before they get to you. I will always go for you, even after death" I mutter to myself. Just a little ray of hope to cling to in this dark and depressing world.

Heyo, it's your girl. Like or no? I sort all like this one. Took me ages to write. A bit sad though but all the same, really. I'm not going to make this long because I'm feeling salty but keep reading my books.
Peace, love, science
Addy