The Fourth Quarter Quell

Reaping Day: District Nine

Penny Williams' Perspective

Let me tell you something about District Nine. It's hot. Like, a lot.

I had gotten ready for today's Reaping when I hadn't done anything and I was almost sweating through my outfit. I don't understand why I lived in Nine of all places. It's always laughed at during the Games because our tributes don't know anything about fighting of weaponry!

I stomped my foot in anger at the thought of it and earned the attention of my mother.

"Penny, don't be angry." She scolded.

I scowled. "I think I have a reason to be."

"And that reason is?" My mom continued,

"Children are being forced to fight to the death! Killing each other every year! It's sickening!" I bursted. The Hunger Games are always a touchy topic for me.

"Penny, you know there isn't anything we can do about it. It's best to just obey the rules that were set out for us." My mom said with a warning tone.

Then it hit me that the Capitol is always watching. I should watch what I say about them even if my opinion is right. "Sorry..." I mumbled.

My mother disregarded my apology. She nodded towards me. "Ready to go?"

I looked down at my frumpy yellow sundress. The last thing I wanted was to look like a piece of grain to a reaping but it's the only dress I own.

"I guess so." I said.

My mother finished getting herself ready and whisked me out the door without a second thought.

•

"So you ready?" My best friend Arianna asked from beside me.

We were waiting for our escort to come out after the mayor had read off the short list of previous District Nine victors. Apparently, there was a wardrobe malfunction so we were put on hold for a bit.

"Is one ever ready for a reaping?" I retorted.

"I guess not." Arianna shrugged.

I shrugged back. Arianna, although 15, was the supporter for her family. She was intuitive but wouldn't hurt a fly.

The heat from the overhead sun was unbearable and I tried not to pass out from the sweltering heat waves. I wanted this to be over with so I could go back to my house and try and cool off. I dug my toe into the gravely ground and hoped we would get this over with quickly.

My hopes rang true as our escort, Valeria Vandeviere emerged from the Justice Building in a purple costume. She acted as if she hadn't just kept the entire country waiting for nearly half an hour just because of a wardrobe malfunction.

"Welcome everyone! I'm so happy to see all of you here! I'm ecstatic to see who our tributes will be!" Valeria clapped her hands together.

I rolled my eyes. How do Capitol Citizens even process the Games? How do they not see that this event is sadistic?

"Ladies first." Valeria stated. She pulled a name from the female bowl and agonizingly unfolded it.

"Arianna Winters!" Valeria exclaimed.

What?! No! No offense to my best friend, but Arianna wouldn't last five minutes in the Games.

I latched onto her arm and pulled her from the sides. When she was still stunned, I ran into the clearing between the boys and girls.

"I volunteer as tribute!" I shouted, waving my arm around.

I swear, I heard at least half of the district gasp. I should've done it as well. No one hardly ever volunteers in Nine unless they were in my situation.

"What a lovely surprise! Come on up, darling!" Valeria waved me towards the stage.

I looked back at Arianna who stood In the crowd with a dazed look on her face. I gave her a sympathetic look and confidently stood next to Valeria.

"What's your name?" She asked me.

I looked directly into one of the camera directed towards me. "Penny Williams. I'm fifteen."

Maybe if I was lucky, that would be the angle our President would see. Maybe he'll understand that I hate this situation I'm doing it for the ones I want and have to protect.

"Who was that you volunteered for?" Valeria asked.

"My best friend." I said.

"How loyal." Valeria muttered. She turned towards the boys. "Your turn, gentleman!"

They must be thrilled.

Valeria daintily grasped hold of a slip of paper and the boys barely blinked. Their focus was on if their name was on that slip.

"Colton Levi!" Valeria shouted.

Never heard of him. However, a talk blond guy with intriguing emerald eyes walked onto the stage.

"How old are you, Colton?" Valeria asked him.

"Seventeen." Colton answered gruffly. He seemed to hate this thing as much as I did from his attitude. I liked him.

"Let's have a big round of applause for our two tributes, Penny Williams and Colton Levi!" Valeria clapped excitedly but no one joined her.

We were shoved inside the Justice Building, into the waiting room. As I sat there, I planned out my tactics.

No way was I going to lose this thing. There are four victors this year and I will be one of them. I'll be as fearsome as the Careers yet pleasant and sweet to appeal to the Capitol.

Watch out, Hunger Games. I'm coming for you.