The Reaping [D4]

Harrell stood beside all the other sixteens, but she was in her own little world. She scribbled furiously in her notebook, recording every second of her dream last night in pristine detail. The Reaping could wait.

"Harrell Lennox!"

Oh God! Am I chosen? she looked around wildly, but the reaping hadn't begun yet. Maybe she was just going crazy, hallucinating things. She continued to write, and before she knew it, a girl and a boy were up on stage, and a pool of volunteers surged around them. Harrell had seen the girl before around school. They weren't really friends, but still, the empty spot in the room would be haunting these next few weeks.

Alba accepted her place. looks like the swam of tribute-hopefuls would be disappointed this year. But that's just how things worked here in District 4. She couldn't see why they were so eager to die anyway.

Harrell got back to her writing, but instead of her dream, she found herself writing her thoughts.

Good luck Alba Hauche and Danno. Tributes of District 4

I'm ready to meet my maker...as to whether my maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter...

Shanks Kensington was your average boy. He was 5’6 and ordinarily built as a 13 year old should be. No, he wasn’t a Career. Most thought he would be, but truth was, he didn’t care. It was all he was. A neutral. He was a rare kind. Not many in Panem were neutral. Half either hated the Capitol and its Games or loved it. However, Shanks, honestly, didn’t care. If he was reaped, of course he’d be scared. He’d most likely die. But he wouldn’t hate the Capitol. He would let destiny play its part in his life. If he made it safely through another year, then whoopdy doo. All he would do is go back to fishing with his nautical unit.

So, when he was pushed forward by Arthur McLanely and someone in the crowd shouted out his name, he was, at least, mildly astounded. So astounded, in fact, that he fell into a state of catatonia. He made no sound. No movement. Even for a few seconds, his vision failed. Soon enough, the chanting began. It started with a few kids, then gradually built up to about a quarter of the boys at the Town Square. He was quite popular amongst the people of the District. He was well liked and everyone knew that he had once trained as a Career. Or at least for a few years. Other than that, he had dropped out, ultimately deciding that he didn’t want to continue his rigorous training.

Now, the people wanted him to represent. Wanted him to fight for District 4. Should he? After all, his life was at stake. People cheered and continued chanting. A smile slowly crept upon his face and he fell back to reality. He stepped a bit forward. “Shanks Kensington of District 4, volunteer and now current tribute.” The mighty roar that the crowd emitted was deafening. There were screams and dances and even the local Christian pastor throwing some holy water at him. He jokingly jeered and posed with his buds before heading up to the stage. Though, before he began stepping up, he felt arms pull him back and turn him around. It was only a few seconds before he was locking lips with Victoria Gardner, a relatively beautiful girl who spent her spare time helping package the fish that they caught. Shanks hadn’t really gotten to know her. In fact, they weren’t even friends. And still she kissed him vigorously as if the 6 year age difference didn’t matter. He was 13, she was nearly 19.

She pushed him on the stage and winked, licking her lips. He giggled and jogged on up to the stage, pumping his fist in the air. He was the going to be the victor. He knew it.