Reaping Day. Hell. Some may argue the first was the step to the second.
All the Victors of District 4 are escorted by peacekeepers to stand on the stage to wait anxiously for who will be reaped.
Elaine stepped forwards to the microphone and spoke, in a less cheery tone than usual, "Welcome. Welcome. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary, and 3rd Quarter Quell, of the Hunger Games. As always, ladies first."
She looked over at Jessica, Mags and Annie, tears visible in her eyes. Her hand reaches into the bowl, this time, picking one straight out of the bowl, quick like ripping off a plaster.
"The female Tribute from District 4, Annie Cresta."
Annie fell to the ground with a scream, holding her hands to each side of her face like she was about to physically break apart.
"I volunteer as Tribute," she made sure her voice sounded strong, though those who knew her would've been able to detect the fear and pain in it, including Annie who looked up at her. She crouched down into the floor next to her, grabbing her hand tightly and reassuringly as she placed her forehead against Annie's, "it's okay Annie, you're gonna be okay, love you."
She gives Annie a genuine smile and the girl returns the gesture with a grateful one, still sobbing quietly as she stood up and was embraced by Mags.
"Wonderful," Elaine clears her throat, pushing back tears, "our Tribute from District 4, Jessica Miller."
She walk to the centre of the platform, a neutral facial expression not matching the war of emotions commencing in her eyes.
"And now the men." Elaine walks over to the bowl, picking the name with the same speed as before, "The male Tribute for District 4, Finnick Odair."
He stepped up to the platform again, offering his Capitol smile to the cameras and crowd, "Here we are. The Tributes from District 4, Jessica Miller and Finnick Odair." Finnick moved over to Jessica, bringing her into a tight hug as she wrapped her arms around his torso.
The crowd raise their three fingers to the air as peacekeepers take the new tributes away, "wait, no, don't we get to say goodbye?"
"New plan, straight to the train."
AN: sorry I haven't posted in a couple days, there'll be 2/3 updates today.