Chapter 5

Three years had passed; Blake was now 13, Clay and Finnick were 14, and Glenn was 16. When Clay and Finnick went through the reaping for the first time, they immediately signed up for the training classes after. This took up a lot of time after school, leaving Blake lonely. Blake's parents decided when she was 11 that it would be a good idea to sign her up for the classes early. They wanted her to be prepared in case she was reaped. Blake had gotten used to some of the weapons, but despised the idea of fighting.

Today was going to be her second reaping; the first one was scary, but this one was less nerve racking. Her mother had picked out a gray wool skirt and a white button up shirt. She took her time in the shower, hoping to stall time. Blake prayed last night before going to bed.

"Please don't pick my brothers or Finnick" she whispered over and over again. She even said it in her sleep. She hopped out of the shower. Blake dried herself off and brushed her teeth; her teeth had improved and weren't as yellow stained as they used to be. Blake grabbed the hair dryer and plugged it in. She focused on each strand, making sure not to miss one. She ran to her room, making sure her siblings didn't see her naked. Blake closed her door, then got dressed. She tucked in the longer parts of the dress and then pulled some out.

"Blake! It's time to do your hair!" Mrs. Grey called from her bedroom.

"Coming mom!" Blake skipped to her mother's room. She sat down on her bed, waiting for her mother. Mrs. Grey walked in with a brush and a hair tie. She combed through Blake's hair gently, getting out all the snarls.

"Braid, half pony, or all up in a ponytail?" Mrs. Grey asked Blake. Blake made a thinking noise.

"Hmm, Half pony," Blake answered. She took Blake's hair and pulled the top half back into a ponytail, leaving the rest down. Blake pulled a few strands out, to add to the aesthetic.

"All done," her mom teared up.

"Don't worry, mom. I'll be okay! So will Glenn, Clay, and Finnick; I prayed for them" she comforted her.

"And you?" her mother wiped a tear.

"I would rather it be me than them," Blake said confidently. She started to cry and bawl, she gave her mother a hug.

"Don't worry mom, it'll be okay" a bell went off, signaling all of the children to enter the square. Blake kissed her mother on the forehead and ran to her brothers, who were already walking there.

"I said goodbye to mom for us, is she not going to the reaping this year?" Blake asked.

"It's too difficult for her, dad has work so he can't. It's just us this year," Glenn answered.

They never watched The Hunger Games. Most families in District 4 forbade their children to watch it. Usually if they were picked, they went into the arena with barely any knowledge. Blake would hate to be that person, going in with absolutely no background knowledge of the games and then only having a few days to prepare. Sounds like a death sentence. They got to the square, she got into one of the single file lines. When it was her turn, they drew some blood and then placed her bloody finger on a piece of paper. She found her section and stood with the other 13-year-old girls. Blake looked around for Clay and Finnick. She found them standing next to each other, holding hands. Their friendship was unstoppable, Blake was jealous that she didn't have that same relationship with anyone. The victors from the following years and the mayor walk on stage to take their seats. After a few minutes, a yellow bottle shaped lady with straightened mustard hair walked on stage.

"Welcome to the 65th reaping! Before we begin, we will watch this video that the capitol has specifically created for you!" The screen to the side of her started showing the war that took place before The Hunger Games was created. Blake paid no attention to it, even though she watched it once. Glenn had seen it 16 times, she couldn't imagine how bored he was. After it was over, the yellow bottle lady spoke.

"Let's get right into it! Let's do ladies first!" she dug her hand deep into the jar of names. Blake's name was in there 5 times. She doubted she would get picked.

"Adella Manchester!" The lady shouted. All the 16-year-old girls backed away from a frightened brunette. She had some muscle on her, but looked a bit weak. No one volunteered for her, she walked up the stage and greeted the mustard lady.

"Now, for the boys!" She reached her hand in, then pulled it out quickly.

"Please don't be them, please not them!" Blake said to herself over and over again.

"Finnick Odair!" The lady announced. Clay's face shot to his friends, Finnick shook his head "no". Clay was on the verge of tears, his best friend was going to the games to die. They were only 14. He didn't stand a chance, but he was good with weapons. Blake couldn't believe it, her crush and best friend was going to the games to die! She held in her tears, hoping no one would notice. Finnick walked out of the crowd to the stage, with peacekeepers behind him.

"Here are district 4's tributes for the 65th Hunger Games!" The evil mustard lady said proudly. People clapped and cheered, knowing that both tributes were going to die. They were escorted to a private room, to say goodbye to loved ones. Blake and Clay jumped at the chance; they ran to the hall, and then to Finnick's room. His parents were there to say goodbye. Once they were done, it was Clay and Blake's turn. The peacekeepers opened the door. The two ran inside to hug Finnick. The three comforted each other for 20 seconds and then split apart.

"I would have volunteered, why didn't you let me?" Clay asked with tears streaming down his face.

"I would feel guilty; besides, you have siblings and a family. My parents expected me to volunteer when I'm older so I guess it's an early surprise," Finnick chuckled. Blake couldn't hold herself together. She prayed the night before, this isn't what she wanted.

"You can win this, you'll get sponsors. You'll win, I know it" Blake gave Finnick another hug. He kissed the top of her head, then held her face in his hands.

"I'll try my best for both of you," Finnick smiled. He wiped away Blake's tears with his thumb. Suddenly, peacekeepers grabbed the siblings and pulled them out of the room.

Clay yelled "You can win Finnick! I know you can!"

Finnick's door shut, he fell to the floor. His face in his hands, crying and screaming. This isn't supposed to happen. He should be with his friends, celebrating their safety as always. Now, he has to fight for them. May the 65th Hunger Games begin!