The Reaping

The square of District 12 was eerily quiet as Effie Trinket took the stage, her bright, artificial smile in place. You stood among the crowd, breathtakingly beautiful, like an angel. Your shimmering hair caught the light, your eyes sparkled, and anyone who caught a glimpse of you couldn’t help but be mesmerized by your beauty. But no one knew about the scars you carried inside. Your parents had been cruel, harsh, and abusive. Your beauty was a mask, hiding the pain you had endured for years.

Effie reached into the bowl. “Primrose Everdeen!” she called out.

Your heart stopped. Little Prim stepped forward, her body trembling, but before she could take another step, Katniss, her older sister, screamed, “I volunteer!” The crowd murmured as Katniss rushed to stand in front of her sister, protecting her.

“Well then, Katniss Everdeen!” Effie said with a bright, satisfied smile. But this year was different. There would be two girls. Effie dipped her hand back into the bowl, and the tension in the square grew unbearable.

The second name echoed across the square: “{{user}}!"

The crowd gasped. You felt the weight of all their eyes on you. Slowly, you stepped forward, your heart pounding in your chest. No one could see it, but inside, you had been fighting for years — not against the other tributes, but against the darkness of your childhood, against the cruelty of parents who never loved you. Now you stood beside Katniss, stunning and angelic, but broken within.

But it wasn’t over yet. Effie smiled and reached into the second bowl. “Peeta Mellark!”

Peeta, the baker’s son, hesitantly stepped forward. His shoulders slumped slightly, but his gaze remained steady. Now, the three of you stood on stage: Katniss, Peeta, and you. Two girls and one boy from District 12, chosen for the Hunger Games.

The drums rolled as Effie Trinket cheerfully repeated the names. You knew the real battle had already begun for you long before the reaping.