The Fourth Quarter Quell

Reaping Day: District One

Paisley Rae's Perspective

It's safe to say I was probably the first one to be at the Reaping. I couldn't help it, I was too anxious and too excited. I've been training for three years as a Career and I don't think I can wait any longer. I'm volunteering today and there isn't anyone that can stop me.

People start filtering in to the square in front of the Justice Building after I arrive. My foot kept shaking incessantly as I waited for everyone to show up. You would think that District One, a career district, would eagerly be filling in the area. Not so much. I guess some people wanted to spend every moment of Reaping day with their children.

Soon enough, the girls section I'm in becomes crowded. I honestly didn't think there were so many 15 year old Careers in One but I guess I was wrong.

A wave of silence is casted and out marches the mayor. He reminds us of the regulations for this years Quell and lists the previous victors from One. Next year, my name will be on there.

Bubbles of excitement begin to churn within me and there's a wide grin on my face that I can't prevent. I bet I probably looked like a maniac who wanted to get pitted into a fight to the death.

Thankfully, our escort Stella Serafine walks out from the curtains. Her bright pink hair is twisted up into an intricate curled bun. She struts her way up to the microphone and taps it to make sure it's working.

"Welcome, citizen of District One! Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" Stella chirps brightly.

"Let's waste no time in choosing our tributes, shall we?" She smiles. When there isn't an answer, she paces over to the large glass bowl in front of the girls.

This is it, I tell myself. Be ready to run up that stage.

Stella dips a lace glove covered hand into the slips of paper and pulls out one. She makes her way back to the microphone and hastily opens the slip.

"Maria Mason!" She exclaims

There's a squeak of panic somewhere in the crowd but I don't focus on who it came from. I run out of the girls section and into the walkway to the stage.

"I volunteer!" I shout eagerly. "I volunteer as tribute!" With that, I sprint up to the stage and take my place on Stella's left.

"Wonderful!" She exclaims. She tilts the microphone towards me. "What's your name?"

"Paisley Rae. I'm 15." I state proudly. All across the crowd there are expressions of relief, envy, and anticipation. In the girls section, I spot a young girl--twelve or thirteen--who looks relieved as one can be. That's probably Maria.

"Well, Paisley, time to see who your district partner will be!" Stella says. "Now for the boys."

Stella walks over to the boys reaping bowl and pulls out a white slip. She stands before the microphone and unfolds the paper as I observe silently from the side.

"Eli Johnson!" Stella exclaims exuberantly.

I stop myself from rolling my eyes. As Eli sprints onto the stage, I hold back a scoff. This guy goes to the career academy with me and let me tell you, he thinks he's some big shot. All the guy talks about is killing people in the games. Like, dude, we know already. Shut up.

"How old are you, dear?" Stella asks him.

"17 years old and ready to be a victor!" He answers. See what I mean?

"Well, district one, there you have it. Our two tributes! Paisley Rae and Eli Johnson!" Stella waves a hand at us as if we should take a bow.

We stand there and wave before we look at each other and shake hands. And it's simple to guess that we both know what the others thinking:

Sure I'm smiling at you now, but get in my way of winning and your canon will be the first to go off.

With one last wave to the audience, Eli and I follow Stella into the Justice Building. Doors shut behind us, Peackeepers on every side, there's no turning back even if we tried.