We Want War

Great Reveal

Glimmer POV

Once again, I was getting ready for another Reaping. I decided to wear the white skirt and blue blouse that I had worn last Reaping. I skipped breakfast but I left with my family.

Corsage wasn’t as dressed up since there wasn’t a possibility that she could be Reaped. Once we got to the Town Square, I saw kids still had to check in since the Capitol uses the Reaping’s to keep tabs on population.

I had to check in at a special table and then I was ushered to the female Tribute section where Cashmere and Lace already stood. Across from us, separated by a velvet rope, stood Gloss, Sheen and Topaz. We were six people roped off from everyone else like cattle.

I had only seen Cashmere and Gloss once since the announcement. The rest of the time I saw them going back and forth to each other’s places a lot and holing themselves up. I felt a little excluded but I figured since they were brother and sister that they would just be extra worried for each other.

I spaced out as Patchi and the mayor came on stage from the Justice Building and Patchi gave his usual announcements. I noted dully that his mohawk was purple this year.

“Now for our Tributes,” announced Patchi. I could tell his gusto was faked. He walked over to the female’s bowl and stuck in a hand.

I felt people grabbing my hands and I looked up to see Cashmere gripping one hand and Lace holding the other. We were showing a front of solidarity.

“Cashmere Duncain!”

I felt Cashmere’s hand tense around mine momentarily before she dropped it. Her shoulders were squared as she marched between two Peacekeepers to the stage.

I don’t know what it was; maybe how I felt like she was my sister going to her death or how strong she looked in the face of this challenge but I lost all sense.

“I VOLUNTEER!”

Everyone’s heads swiveled around to watch me slip under the velvet rope and run up to the Peacekeepers. Cashmere broke away from them and enveloped me in a hug like I was a child. The she stood up and shook her head.

“I accept no volunteers.”

Patchi smiled down sadly at us. “I’m sorry Cashmere but for Quarter Quells, there are different rules. Volunteers cannot be disregarded.”

One Peacekeeper took Cashmere’s arm just in case she tried to fight as he led her back to the female section. The other Peacekeeper guided me up to the stage where Patchi shook my hand.

“Glimmer, why did you volunteer?” asked Patchi like he was Caesar Flickerman.

“It’s the right thing to do.”

Patchi smiled and then turned to the guys bowl. “Now for the guys.”

The guys didn’t hold hands like we did but they did give each other a small nod.

“Topaz Keene!”

There wasn’t even a pause as Gloss locked eyes with Cashmere, nodded and jumped forward to volunteer.

“Another volunteer!” cheered Patchi was Gloss joined me on stage. I scowled at him. Why would he volunteer?

Patchi got Gloss and I to shake hands before he turned back to the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you your Tributes for the 75th Annual Hunger Games! Glimmer Rambin and Gloss Duncain!”