Hunger games

The reaping

I wake up screaming ,again , sweat dripped down my face I looked around wildly . my heart beating at a unnormal pace I start shaking and I sob into my hands I felt someone hug me tightly
" Shhhhhhhh its okay its not real " a voice soothed but I kept crying
" It felt real " I cried and looked up at my brother , Finn . he looked down at me he whipped away my tears and stroked my hair my mom peeked but quickly left
" Does she even care ?" I whisper and Finn frowns and shook his head no
" She hasn't cared since dad died " he whispered back and I nodded

Let me introduce myself my name is Autumn coal , Im 17 , I live in district twelve , my dad died in an explosion in one of the caves , my mom dosnt care about us anymore since he died , my older brother Finn is 19 so he can no longer be in the reaping but I'm still in them and it was today . Finn got up
" I'm going huntin if you want to come you better get dressed " he said and left I close my eyes and breath for a moment before putting on a brown tanktop and darker brown cargo pants I slip on my big hunting jacket and put my mocking jay medallion necklace on my neck I rub my thumb and index finger on it to help calm down a bit and put on my boots and silently go down stairs and saw finn waiting by the door he smiled when he saw me and we left and snuck out to the fence and ran into the forest I smiled when I heard the birds singing in the trees I went to a tree that had a large narrow hole in it and stuck my hand in it and pulled out a quiver of arrows and a strong and sturdy bow and sling the quiver if arrows across my chest and glanced at Finn before heading into the woods alone I saw a squirrel I pulled out an arrow and strung it I pulled it back to my cheek and let go I hit the squirrel right in between the eyes I smiled proudly and pulled the arrow out and strung the squirrel on my belt loop and went on hunting it suddenly was silent so I quickly hid in a bush and froze when I saw a helicarrier from the capital I waited for it to leave and the birds to start singing again to run back and hide my weapons I ran into Finn on my way to the fence
" Ready to go to the hob ?" he asked and I nodded and we left going into the hob I traded two birds for a nice piece of fabric for my mother and I saw a pearl and picked it up it was smooth and cold
" How much ?" I ask looking at the woman she looked at my game
" A squirrel and that rabbit " she said an I nodded and gave her the two piece of game and then traded a fish and bird for a ball of string . I put my pearl in my pocket and put my other items into my game bag I kept a rabbit and fish for Finn to cook or to see if I can trade it for some bread from the baker man . I get home and her washed up for the reaping i see a faded dark green dress and slipped it on I had a pocket on my hip so I put the pearl in it and a Locket that had my fathers picture in it I kept my mockingjay necklace on and I headed down to the town square and stood with the other 17 year olds I heard the clip clops of a woman's high heels and saw Effie trinket walk on stage in like 8 inch high heel shoes her hair was covered in butter flies and so was her dress I heard kids snickering about her I tried not to smile but it was hard
" Welcome , welcome to the 64th annual hunger games " she said in her thick capital accent
" And may the odds be ever in your favor " she said smiling
" As always ladies first " she said and made her way to the girls bowl I close my eyes whooshing it wasn't me
" Annie Haynes " she said and I heard gasped and the twelve years olds moved out of the way of the young scrawny girl who was as white as snow I heard her mother cry in the very back and I wasn't thinking when I stepped out and shot my hand in the air and said something I never thought I ever wanted to say
"I volunteer as tribute !" I yell and every one was silent I could see my brother looking at me angry and shocked I looked at Annie and she looked grateful but also confused I walk on stage numbly and Effie lead me back to the microphone
" And what is your name dearie ?" she asked in her capital accent
" Autumn coal " I said and she smiled
" Okay let's give a round of applause for our first ever volunteer " she said and clapped but no one else did Instead they kissed three fingers and held them up to the sky I felt tears forming in my eyes but I quickly blinked them away , Effie went to the boys bowl and waved her hand around in it and picks out a name and trotted back to the microphone
" Connor Taylor " she said and I looked at my shoes but glanced up and saw the 18 year old boy standing there frozen someone gave him a shove and he started walking to the stage and stood near me I glance at him and then at Effie
" Well you two shake hands " she said motioning at us I stick my hand out and he shakes his with a strong grip and then let go and Effie led us to separate rooms to say good bye to our families , Finn burst in the room and hugged me I hugged him back he pulled away
" You are so stupid !" he muttered I scowl
" Thanks " I said sarcastically he smiled a bit
''But you can win this " he said and I smile
" Try new skills in the training place and try to get in with the careers " he said and I nod he hugged me again
" I'm sorry " I whisper a tear rolled down my cheek
" It's okay " he whispered back and a peacekeeper came in and forced him out the door , the next person who came in was Annie she gave me a hug
" Thank you" she said quietly
" I couldn't watch you die " I said back and she gave me a weak smile and then she was forced out next was my mother tears streaming down her face she hugged me tightly
" Im sorry " she whispered and I felt a tear roll down my cheek
" I'm sorry for not being there " she said and pulled away
" It's okay " I said softly and gave her a watery smile she was being forced out
" I love you mom !" I yell but the door slammed closed and I was cut off I fell in the chair and put my head in my hands no one else came but Effie to take me to the train