He Was Just a Boy Trying to Get Home

The Reaping

"And the winner of the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Marvel Sanders!" I wake up from the dream I have a lot, the dream of me winning The Hunger Games. My dreams can actually become a reality. I get out of bed and get dressed before going downstairs. I eat breakfast and then head to the training center so I can practice with weapons. I start out with spears. I'm pretty good with most weapons, but I've always been the best with spears. I take a water break and I can't help but stare at everybody with their friends, or all the other boys with their girlfriends. I've never really had friends. Everybody liked to make fun of me. I block that thought out of my mind and go back to thinking about the Games. I really want to follow in my sister and brother's footsteps and win the Games. It was really amazing when both Cashmere and Gloss won. Cashmere was reaped, and Gloss volunteered. Cashmere won exactly 10 years ago and everybody in Panem would love it if I won this year. I check the clock on the wall. 1:59. I go back to throwing spears. Wait. 1:59? Crap! I run as fast as I can to the Reaping Square. I get there a little bit late, but nobody cares because I'm related to Cashmere and Gloss and everybody loves them. The announcer, who's name I haven't bothered to learn, gives a speech and the reads the names of previous victors from District 1. I look at Cashmere and Gloss, sitting on the stage. I want more then ever to be in the Games. So you can imagine my excitement when I hear the announcer say,

"This year's male tribute is......Marvel Sanders!"