56th Reaping [D6]

On the way to the district square, Serenity couldn't help but notice how alone she felt. This was another reaping. Four years had gone by where someone she knew had died in them. Today brought back memories of Clarisse's story. Of the day she found out Veronica had killed herself of grief. Clarisse had seemed dead after that as well. But Serenity just didn't know how to react.

Her dress was a small blue one that used to be her mother's. A black jacket dawned her shoulders. It didn't match the dress, but it was necessary. The previous night she had gotten into an argument with her father. Of course, that had resulted into one of her normal beatings. Like always, she didn't want anything to see the bruises.

The square was full when she arrived. There was no one she knew with her in her age group. But it had been like this every year. That had always been the problem with having older friends. Within a few minutes, a silence settled over the people of district six as their mayor climbed onto the stage and began to speak. "It is time," he said as he stood over the impatient people of his District, "To once again send two of our own children to the Capitol to compete in the Hunger Games. Let us begin the Reaping!"

Everyone clapped politely as his hand dug into the girls bowl while he spoke. "Serenity Love."

She recognised her name right away. There was no doubt in her mind that it was her being called to the stage. Though she knew, her feet refused to move. One word consuming her mind. Duncan. Duncan. Duncan.

"Duncan," she gasped. It had been over four years since she had even thought of the name. Not to mention, spoken it allowed. Serenity doubted her friends even remembered her brother's name. Her dead brother. He had died in the Games what seemed forever ago. Why was his memory being rushed into her mind so suddenly. "Be brave for me," his image whispered in her mind.

Her feet automatically moved forward towards the stage. Was it time now for her body to be counted among her dead friends and family too? She felt emotionless. The steps to the stage became increasingly closer. It wasn't until a hand stopped her that she began to notice her surroundings.

"Stay where you belong, Love." The voice was tender and unlike the voice she was now used to. But when she watched it's owner step onto the steps first, tears spilled from her eyes.

Another reaping. Another dead kid. Another year passes before it just repeats all over. The names of her friends kept repeating in her mind. Trevor. Rocko. Jango. Veronica. Trevor. Rocko. Jango. Veronica. Clarisse. Her face held a sour look as she watched the mayor climb the steps to the stage. Who would die next? The mayor spoke, but Clarisse only watched his mouth move. No sound reached her ears.

She continued to count the dead. Trevor. Rocko. Jango. Veronica. Clarisse. Serenity. Serenity? That was a new one. She tried the taste in her mouth. "Serenity." Clarisse didn't like it. But why had it been forced into her mind? Her eyes frantically searched for her old friend. They finally fell upon the blue girl as she slowly approached the stairs, eyes wide and scared.

Oh, that's why. No doubt she had missed the mayor calling Serenity's name. Clarisse inhaled deeply and shut her eyes. This was her chance. All her life she had longed for adventure. Though that girl was replaced with the shell of once was, she still saw this as her only escape. Always from this place of torment and turmoil. From the place the continuous kills. And to the place, where she wanted to be. To Panem.

Clarisse's hand shot out and prevented the girl called Serenity Love from walking any further. "Stay where you belong, Love." Love. It was an old joke between them. A memory forgotten so long ago. The tenderness that was in Clarisse's voice surprised even herself. Why was she feeling so giving today? So human? It was pitiful. This year had taught her that feeling are stupid, and in order to survive you have to become immune to human emotions. She thought she almost got the hang of it. Guess not.

The steps were surprisingly easy to climb in the young girl's place. As she looked back, she saw tears flooding the girl's face. "Oh, don't be a baby. I'm not worth crying over." Her tone was harsh once more, but a faint smiled played at her lips. The first one in months. She knew Serenity would catch it with her eyes.

No doubt her parents were watching. She searched for them in the crowded but had no luck finding them. Oh well. That's a shame. Maybe they'd come see her after the reaping was over. "I volunteer." Her voice was loud and crisp. With a nod, she turned and headed to the back building they would be ushered in shortly after. Alkin Fletcher was the boy's name called, though she didn't get a look at him. It didn't matter. She was here to have fun for the first time in years.

"You want to play, Panem?" Clarisse let a small laugh escape her normally frowning lips. "May the odds be ever in your favour."