10th - The Reaping - District 2

I've been interested in the hunger games for a bit now, but mostly it comes from the idea that there's a chance for fame and glory. I've hidden in the shadows for far too long, and now, I want to step out of them. I'm an observer, and year after year I've watched the reaping, I've watched people enter the arena and never return alive. It's hard to fully wrap my mind around, but I'm doing the best I can. But maybe it's not meant to be. Maybe it's best to stay off by myself, to stay in the shadows and dance my life away. I could make a career out of it, and it seems a lot better than anything else. Sometimes the idea of being in the spotlight is fun, but most of the time, it's best to leave it up to fate. I don't think there's any other option really. If called, I will stand tall. But I can't help but feel afraid a bit.

It doesn't take long to get ready, and then me and my family make our way to the district square. Checking in has become easier seeing as I've done it a few times now, and now that I'm used to it, I hope it doesn't change. It's easy to focus on what I have, to see where life is going, and maybe at this moment, I can help someone else who seems like they're struggling, but why should I? I only make sure my sister makes it through okay. She's still learning since it's only been a couple years for her. Everyone else can struggle through it all they desire. It's best that way. Can't let people see that I actually have a heart. I guess I do have some sort of soft spot though. I want everyone to succeed, but sometimes I know it's impossible.

I watch everyone as they finish filing in, and then I decide it's best to just remain quiet and try not to watch too many people. I look around as they try to keep things together, and I can feel the nervous energy rising from many people. I'm not sure how to feel, but soon it all changes. Soon my eyes are locked on the stage as the escort reaches into the bowl drawing out a name, and it's not my name I hear. I initially breathe a sigh of relief until I realize it's my sister. It takes me a minute to even realize what's happening, and soon I'm staring her in the eyes. I know she's more than capable of trying to succeed, and she might be able to win, but I don't want her to have that fame. I don't want her to get the glory of potentially becoming famous. I'd rather myself have the fame compared to her.

"I volunteer!" I feel like everyone stares at me as I repeat the phrase again. "I volunteer!" I don't think anyone has done this before, so people are staring at me, and it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, but I slowly make my way towards the stage. I've been the one who sits in the shadows for too long. I've been the one struggling to get by. I've been the one observing, and I think I can use this for my advantage. I watch my sister walk off the stage, and I give her a hug, and I tell her I love her. I barely hear her say thank you, but none of that matters. I'm selfish in a way. I'm wanting to do things for myself and not for anyone else. Sometimes it's hard, but that doesn't matter to me. "My name is Malachor, and I volunteer in place of my sister. I volunteer as tribute."