The Reapings (34th)

The District 6 escort steps up on stage and smiles with blindingly white teeth. She starts speaking in a high pitched voice, "Welcome everyone to the Reapings! Today one young man and woman will be chosen to participate in the 34th Annual Hunger Games!" She steps up to the big bowls containing the names of every child in the district, from 12 to 18. Her hands hover above the bowls for a second, as if deciding something. "Now then, Ladies first!" she says, and reaches into the bowl filled with girls names...

She dug her hand into the bowl and pulled out the female tribute's name, "Janie Holmes" She called out and then she dug into the male's bowl. "Nathaniel Dabrowski"

Nate's eyes widen as soon as he heard his name. His heart jumped from his chest into his throat. Of all the possible times he could have been chosen it would be his last time. Of course there were always those few accumulated from the years past, but his family was rich enough to avoid any extra Tesserae. The slums of District 6 were full of people willing to take the extra risk! Why would Nate's luck be so terrible? Perhaps it was the universe getting back at him. For once this was something he couldn't talk his way out of.

Slowly Nate journeyed up to the microphone. He could feel the eyes of the escort judging him. His partner's eyes seemed locked on him as well.. The girl, Janie, didn't look familiar to Nate she was small in stature and pale, but that was most likely do to the color draining from her face out of shock. Hours seemed to click by in what was most likely a few seconds. Nate could feel the claminess of his palms. For some reason he was reaching for the microphone. The escort looked a bit surprised but allowed it. It felt like sand was coming through Nate's throat as he spoke.

"So, yeah, what's up District 6?......"

No response. All he could say after was:

"I'm Nate....yeah, Nate." He stood frozen in place.