The 12th Hunger Games

The Reaping

I fall out of bed, gasping for air as if I couldn't breathe anymore. Another day, another nightmare replaying over and over in my head ever since my sister was called for the 5th hunger games and never made it out. I had hopes for her, I really did. If it weren't for that boy from district 5 playing possum, she would've won.

I'm Erik, I'm from district 4 and I'm 17. I could just wait it out for two more years, but I can't fend for myself anymore. My sister is dead, my mother died giving birth to me and my father barely comes home because he's out working every minute of every day. For all I know, he might be dead too. I don't talk to anyone. Just the salutations to the neighbors and people I pass by as I'm on my way to work. I work at an antique store. Didn't expect that from someone in the fishing district, now did you? Well, neither did I, but it pays enough so I'll have to make do for just three more days. On my way to work I passed by a peacekeeper, he scanned me and then grabbed my arm and pulled me in between the houses to an alley with no cameras. I didn't know what to expect until he removed his helmet. I hugged him.

"Devon!" He was the youngest peacekeeper ever, I'm surprised they let a 20-year-old become a peacekeeper, but I find out after three months of dating that being a peacekeeper was sort of a life line for anyone of any age. It paid decently, he was fed every day and even had unscheduled hours for free time. Side note, did I mention what a dashing peacekeeper he was? Personally I'm not a big fan of buzz cuts, but he made it work!

"Hey, Erik. Are you doing okay?"

I shrugged, "The usual, but you know I'll be late for work if you keep me here and that will ruin my mood even more..."

"I know, I just wanted to see you." He kisses me twice and pauses for a bit before saying, "Are you still planning on volunteering?"

I frowned, "You know I have to. I need to try to win, if I win at least I'll be provided for, and if I lose then there's no one left anyway so it's fine." Thank god they decided to give the victor a prize, two years ago whoever the victor was, was sent home without anything, they didn't even start spicing up the arena for each year until Mags' games last year.

"But I need you..." He says, hugging me. I hug him back and whisper 'I'm sorry'  in his ear, "I wish I could just take you with me to the Capitol."

I let go and hold his hand for a minute while smiling at him before leaving for work.

***

It's finally the day of the reaping. One would normally be afraid, and I definitely am, but I won't let the fear consume me. The person sitting at the table asked for my finger and pierced it with a needle to get some blood to scan my identity. As soon as that was done with, I stood with the other boys in my district. When all of us were done. A man in a flashy suit walked out. His hair was layered, each a different color and he wore eyeliner to make his eyes glow in an odd way. He wore a glove on one hand covered in rhinestones and held a long cigarette holder. He stepped forward, tapped the microphone and spoke so firmly, "Welcome everyone to the 12th reaping of the hunger games, but first, let us watch a brief video from the president."

As every year for the last two years, the president would show us a video about how the rebellion and the war affected us, the destruction of district 13, and as punishment we'd be sent into the games. Of course, let us not forget that they appear to be anything but the enemy by saying that they allow one sole victor to live, and despite wanting to do my best to win the games, I know the Capitol will always be the enemy.

I look around for Devon until I notice a peacekeeper nodding his head. I smile and mouth 'don't worry' and the escort called out the first name, "Martha Evans." Everyone looked at Martha, she was my neighbor, what a coincidence. I didn't know her much except when we were kids. She and my sister used to play a lot and I can't imagine her going into the games, especially with me. I don't want to have to kill her, because I am determined to win. Who knows? Maybe I'll have a change of determination and let her win if one of us isn't killed, if not both of us that is.

But I feel terrible, she's only 13. I can't imagine how her grandparents feel. Just then, the escort says, "And the male tribute from district 4 is-" I cut him off as I step forward, "I volunteer."

Not surprised, he gestures me to come forward, Devon escorts me to the stage and the escort asks for my name, "Erik Flemington."

He looks at the paper and then throws it aside, "This year's tributes from district 4, everyone!" We were escorted inside to say our goodbyes before boarding the train, I don't expect anyone to wish me well since they're all dea-

The doors open and my father walks in. My eyes narrow and he tries to speak, but nothing comes out, he hugs me and I insist that I'll be fine. He kisses me on the cheek, pats me in the back and smiles at me one last time before leaving. I sit down and wait for the escort to call for us. The door opens once more and a peacekeeper walks in.

"Is it time?" I ask.

"Did you seriously expect I won't see you one last time before you go?" He removes his helmet and I run up to him and hug him tightly, "Please come with me... I want to see you as much as I can before I'm sent into the arena..."

He kisses me a few times and then looks me in the eyes, "I'm sorry, I wish I could. I really do."

I touch his lips, "I'm going to miss these lips that kiss me ever so fondly."

He chuckles, "I'm going to miss you from top to bottom."

"Oh my god, stop." I cover my face as he kisses my neck, "You've been here too long, be careful or someone will see us."

"Alright, it's time to go either way." He says as I kiss him once more and takes me to the train.