Fair Fight

Chapter 3

The door closes and I am left alone. I have a few hours before I have to leave for the reaping, so I might as well make use of it.

Heading upstairs, I grab the telescope from the conservatory. I want to get a closer look at the reaping before I go, just to make sure I know where I am going. It wouldn't look good trying to find my way round the Square like a lost sheep, even though it is my own town. That wouldn't look good for the sponsors. Speaking of sponsers, I'd better get ready to make a first impression. I want to look brave and courageous because I will be overlooked for being so young. I hope being a victors sister will pit me up higher in the crowd.

Peering through the telescope,  I spot crowds gathering in the Square. It's not like the hustle and bustle of market days, but a solemn affair.  Nobody is chatting and laughing, like people in District 4 usually get on. The Reaping does that to people.  It drains all the hope and happiness away and replaces it with fear.

I reach into my wardrobe and lift out a soft, silky dress. It is a beautiful sea-green that matches the colour of my eyes. It is a chiffon thing and I am thankful there is no wind today, for the skirt would have been blowing all over the place if there had been. I tie the belt around my waist and look into the mirror. Somethings missing. My hair. My hair needs fixing and I know just who can do that.

I rap the door of Annie Cresta's home and then push it open. Annie has always been very good with doing hairstyles. She has quick, nimble fingers which used to make the fishing nets for the fishermen. I brought some green ribbon with me to tie my hair back.  She is in the living room staring out the window. Annie is always subdued on reaping day, remembering the time when her name was pulled out from the ball by that foolish, Emerald Dreezey. Today she has a sister entered in the reaping as well, 14 year old Sofia. I have met Sofia a few times, but we are not really great friends.

'Annie,'I speak softly to her,'will you do my hair?' She nods but doesn't look me in the eyes. I hand her the ribbon and she deftly braids my hair into a fishtail plait. It is symbolic for my District. The clock on her mantelpiece chimes twice.  It is time. Before I leave, Annie wraps a hand around my tanned wrist,  then drops something into my palm. Then with a quick smile, I run from the Victor's Village,  to the Square.