Chapter 1

They should invent a lipstick that one doesn’t have to reapply every hour. I think to myself as I paste the pale pink lip colour onto my lips. I brush my tongue against my teeth and sigh, disgusted at the sight of my lipstick smudged onto my newly whitened teeth. The hovercraft’s seatbelt light begins to flash ruby red, indicating we are arriving at District 12; I place my compact mirror and lipstick back carefully into the allocated pocket in my bag which I had coordinated with my pink ensemble I chose to wear today. An important day like Reaping day means I must look fabulous, yet sophisticated. I fasten the seatbelt, loosening it so it doesn’t crease the neatly ironed, hot pink pencil skirt I am wearing and prepare for a smooth landing into what I have named, ‘Hell’.

“Good Morning, Miss Trinket” Mayor Undersee bustles over to the hovercraft to greet me.

“Hello! Let’s get going then. It is going to be big, big, big day, and I have a feeling it is going to be spectacular” I reply, straightening my light pink wig which was knocked off centre when we landed. The things one must do to look fabulous.  

“I hope everything is prepared Mayor Undersee.  We wouldn’t want to be running late on Reaping day...” I get distracted by three, underfed and dirty looking children leaving their house. I crinkle my nose at the sight, shiver and pick up my pace. District 12 hasn’t improved since last year, just as dull as usual. I make my way up to the Justice Building, but when I notice how fragile the stage looks, I make sure I watch where I step.

“I believe there are more children this year than expected and the twelve year old category for both males and females seems to be the largest. My hopes of a District 12 victor have been washed away, unfortunately” Mayor Undersee’s attempt at polite conversation leads me to smile awkwardly and take a seat on one of the three chairs located on the stage.The rusty clock on the wall of the building strikes two, On time, perfect, and the Mayor takes his place on the podium and introduces District 12’s only living victor, Haymitch Abernathy who is  hollering across the stage. I can happily say I haven’t missed his stupid, drunken ways which led to a lot of lateness last year. Oh goodness. I think. He is walking straight towards me. I attempt to walk backwards as Haymitch staggers towards me, his arms open. I cannot help noticing the sweat patches covering his underarms and once again find myself gagging at the sight of people from District 12, apparently even the richest folk do not care for personal hygiene. Haymitch embraces me as I am pressed to his chest, awkwardly. Luckily, Mayor Undersee saves the worse of the humiliation District 12 is going to receive when he introduces me. I straighten out my wig, which once again has been knocked off centre from when Haymitch encountered me.

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour” I speak loudly into the microphone to enthuse the excitement of this day. “It is an honour to be in District 12 today to announce the tributes of the 74^th annual Hunger Games” I wait for a response of some sort, maybe applause, but once again, nothing happens. “Well...” I step towards one of the two large glass balls. “Ladies first”. I place my hand in to retrieve a slip. To create more suspense I twirl my hand around in circles and place a look of concentration on my face.  I pull out a slip and open it carefully, extending it outwards towards the audience.

“Primrose Everdeen”

Before I know it, a young woman from the 16 year old category is throwing herself at the little girl, volunteering herself.

Finally, something interesting from District 12.

Reviews

[Annie]

I love this! I've always loved Effie, so to see her character basically 'come to life' is kind of awesome. And the way she hates District 12 as well!
'I just love that!'
Couldn't resist, sorry. Seriously though, keep writing!