District One Reapings

Perfecta Flawless, 16, District 1 Female:

I grab the broom and start sweeping the kitchen floor, humming as I do. A bird lands on the windowsill and is singing along with me. I finish sweeping and move to the sink, washing dishes. This was supposed to be Stupida's job, but I don't mind doing it. If someone needs help, I'm always happy to lend a hand. Last year, she tried to volunteer, but luckily Opal beat her to it. Opal died in the final four, and I'm sure Stupida would have died sooner, so I'm thankful for Opal. Now that I finished the chores I need to do, I hop on my bike and ride to the training center. Some people think that it's unfair to train, but I was asked to and could never let anyone down. Except if i have to, because my family and friends come first. I get off my bike and lock it to the fence, same as always. Some people aren't as trustworthy as I am and would steal my bike. I go inside and head straight for the ranged weapons room, stopping only to help Glissade open her locker and get her armor out. Together we walk until I reach my stop.

"Good luck today," I say, and open the door. I grab my bag from the shelf and open it. My custom made training knives. My boyfriend made them for me before he volunteered last year. Opal and him were a great team and I cried when he died from the poisoned food. I wish I could have warned him. This year, Sparkle is volunteering. Or she was until she fell down the stairs after Ruby pushed her. Ruby was the second choice and I was the third, despite being only 16. They were ahead of me due to their age meaning it was their last chance to volunteer. Ruby got in trouble and now I'm the chosen volunteer. I throw a knife at the target, and as usual, it hits the center. I smile. I train for a couple of hours, even though I don't really need to, and then I go to pick up trash at the park. My day is just getting started.

Gary-Stu Johnson, 18, District 1 Male:

"Gary!" My friend Sparkle calls. She was gonna be the volunteer but something happened with her and Ruby, so now my crush Perfecta is going in with me. It's sad, but I'm glad nobody else has to go in my place.

"What?" I respond.

"Can you finish my shift for me? I have to go to the doctor and speak with them about my back."

"Sure thing!" I say. Taking her shift means more pay for me, which means more money for those in need. I go to the back room of the jewelry store and sort through the rings. I saved a little bit of the money to pick out a ring to give to Perfecta. This one has a white gold band and is set with a large emerald. Green for her love of nature. She's hoping for an outdoor arena this year and so I'm hoping for one too. I take it out along with the other ones to put on display and pay for it, along with an extra to donate to a person who can't afford an engagement ring. I have to help out the people who welcome everyone, and help me be who I am today. Soon, the shift is over and I am out the door, straight to the donation box Perfecta set up in the town center. For some reason, despite people being well off, hardly any donations get made. I slip a substantial amount of the money into the box. Now that my fist goal is complete, I go to the youth center and hang out with the little kids. They're always so excited to see me and ask me to swing them around in the air. I always do and spend the whole time making them smile. I get there and sure enough, I'm swarmed with requests.

"Gary, swing me!"

"Gary-Stu, can you find my doll?"

"Gary, wanna play hide and seek?"

I make them get in line and let everyone have a turn. I have all day to play with these kids. At the end of the day, I have to leave to serve dinner at a restaurant.

"I'll come back tomorrow," I promise, and then I head out.