Scars That Never Fade- A New Generation of Hunger Games

Chapter 5

I woke up the morning of the Reaping after a dreamless sleep, blatantly unaware of what day it was. I was reminded when I noticed a brand-new chambray dress neatly laid out on my wardrobe. So it wasn't a dream. I sighed.

In the bathroom, I brushed my long, knotted brown hair until it was smooth and a little bit wavy. Like usual, I braided it to one side. I splashed water on my face, but that was all. I wasn't into makeup like some of the other girls. I went back into my bedroom and put on the new dress. It was a little loose, but it was pretty. Not very much like me. All I ever thought of myself was plain, not beautiful or special.

When I was ready, I headed into the kitchen. Of course, my grandmother had beat me there. She looked admiringly at me for a minute.

"You look wonderful, Fern," she told me. I smiled.

"Thank you," I replied. She motioned me to the table, and began serving me a large breakfast. Eggs, rolls, fresh fruit, today must have been an important day judging by the special food she was serving me.

"Grandmother," I asked, "did you make me this dress?"

She nodded. "Yes I did, last night. I had to use some extra fabric. I hope it fits, do you like it?"

"Yes, very much. Thanks." I picked at the food, though it was delicious. I couldn't bring myself to eat very much, I was just too nervous. Who knows what the Capitol had up their sleeve for the new games. Looking at the clock, I realized I would find out very soon. I definitely didn't want to watch these games, though I doubt I had a choice. I knew it was time to go soon. I had to get to the Town Square in time.

"Alright, I think I have to leave right about now," I told my grandmother, "I'll be back in a few hours, okay?" She stood there, nodding. I ran to her and gave her a big hug, before heading for the door.

"Fern." I turned around. "Maybe you should lose the braid, just for today. It's...it's a little...informal." My grandmother tilted her head to one side, smiling sweetly. I didn't bother to ask why. I simply nodded and let my hair down, let it cascade down my shoulders and back.

"Okay, grandmother, I'll see you soon," I said, "Please don't worry about me. I'll be right back."

I took a last look at her kind face, and ran out the door. I ran fast, up the sleepy paths of District 12 towards Town Square. Along the way, I saw several kids I knew on their way to the Reaping as well. Their faces masked the true fear that had settled the night before. Their hair was neatly combed and styled, and their clothes were ironed to look new, just like mine. It could be any one of us.

As I approached Town Square, I saw several groups of children in lines. I got into a line, getting more worried with each step I took. I saw a friend of mine, Quin Fairchild waiting in line near me. She smiled at me, and I returned it. I was too afraid to say a word to her, and I think she felt the same way; Peacekeepers were everywhere you looked. You never know what might anger them.

Before I knew it, it was my turn to give my information. I had to give my name, age, and other things. I felt very uneasy as several Peacekeepers and officials surrounded me and the other kids. They took my hand and pricked it, a sharp, quick pain shooting up my arm.

"The fourteens are over there," a supervisor lady told me. She motioned over to a group of kids my age, some of which I knew. I worried for them. I worried for everyone. I walked over and stood next to Quin, who was visibly shaking. Her eyes were bigger than the moon, and she was undoubtedly frightened.

"Hi," I whispered to her.

"Hi, Fern," she replied.

"I'm scared."

"Me too."

I bit my lip and stared up towards the stage. Any minute now, the fates of two kids would be sealed. Glancing around, I noticed how gaunt everyone was. Despite District 12 being mainly starvation-free, so many kids were thin and feeble-looking. Were the odds in anyone's favor? I can't believe I'd have to watch two kids from my district fight and be killed. I hung my head. Someone yanked my hair behind me.

"Really?" I said sarcastically as I turned around. It was Theo, grinning, but weakly now.

"Your braid's gone, Fern," he said.

"Not now, Theo." An oddly dressed woman wearing insanely high heels entered onto the stage as the last of the kids filed into their groups. That must be the escort for District 12. Theo quickly slipped a small piece of paper into my hand. The escort stood there, her outfit nearly blinding everyone watching as a movie popped up on a screen. I had seen this before, the Treaty of Treason. They showed it at school, many times. But when I thought it had ended, a new segment appeared.

"Several years ago, a second rebellion took place. But Panem will never change! No one can overthrow the government, and they never will! We have brought back the Hunger Games so we can ensure that a foolish rebellion will never happen again!"

"Well, wasn't that spectacular?! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" cried the escort cheerily. "My name is Lina Crispin! Today we are choosing one boy and one girl to participate in the new Hunger Games! This year, I will start with the boys." She smiled, and stuck a long, colorful nail into the boys' bowl. Carefully, she plucked one and looked out, as if she was looking for the unlucky fellow. She paused, almost trying to increase suspense before reading the name.

Not Theo, not Theo, please let it not be Theo.

"Volker Pickhart!" My mind raced, who was Volker? Oh, that's right, he was a mute. Seventeen years old. His family always asked my grandmother to mend torn clothes. His mother was a nice lady, and I felt very bad. I felt worse as he uncomfortably made his way up to the stage.

"Congratulations!" screamed Lina, "and now for our girl..." She used the same technique while picking the girls' name. She held it in her hand, smiling from ear to ear. Devilishly, she put the microphone closer to her lips. She cleared her throat.

"Fern Hawthorne!"

All of a sudden, the world was watching me. Pairs of sympathetic eyes bored into my mind, into my soul. No one here to volunteer for you now, Fern. I realized what this meant. My death was basically being handed to me on a silver platter. My heart dropped to my toes. I was going to die.

Tentatively, I walked up to Lina, who happily urged me onto the stage.

The odds were not in my favor today.

"No! Fern, no! Don't make her go!" Someone was screaming. I quickly realized it was Theo. My hand holding the paper sweat, and I clutched it tightly.

Peacekeepers behind me spoke in low, hoarse voices. "That's the Mellark boy. Snow won't have us kill him." "We'll just take him away?" "Right. Yes, right now." Several Peacekeepers rushed to Theo, escorting him away. I felt helpless, there was nothing I could do. I simply stood there, trying to seem strong. Hard to do when your best friend is taken away by government workers.

"Congratulations, to our District 12 tributes! Let's give Volker and Fern a big hand!" No one clapped. No one saluted. They just stared, which was worse than either two. Lina led Volker and I through the building.

And after all the surprises today, nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.