𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐨 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠

                                    

                                          

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Laminas POV (15 years old)
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The day of the reaping wasn't off to a promising start. 
I had woken up late, which had put me in a rush to shower and get ready while also helping out my sister.
It was just the four of us now as my brother had moved out with his wife, and they were making a living as lumberjacks. I took over the role of caring for my sister as my mother began working again, but I also balanced out a working schedule so I could help provide for my family.
I thought about today and what duties I would have to after the Reaping. Although I was nervous that there was a slight chance I could be pulled, I knew I was a good kid and if I acted right my name would only be in there 4 times, which wasn't a lot compared to other people's names. 
I srubbed myself down before calling my 8 year old sister, Willow, in to bathe her. She splashed the water around and I couldn't help but laugh as she blew small bubbles into my face. 
After dressing both her and myself into similar clothes, both our best outfits, I brushed out my hair until the curls laid nicely along my shoulder; and I tied my polka dotted headband tightly. I helped my sister brush her deep red hair into a ballerina bun, and smiled after admiring my work. 
"Okay little one, we're running a bit late. We gotta meet Mom and Dad at the town square, so let's get a move on." I explained to her and she nodded.
"This thing is so boring... do we always have to go?" Willow asked as we exited our cabin, and I slammed the door hard hoping it would lock. I sighed and nodded. "Yeah, every time. We don't wanna get in trouble." I held her hand as we walked down the dirt path to the town square. Something felt off, but I pushed it away and focused on getting my sister to our parents. 
As we entered the gates to the square, peacekeepers approached us, asking us to state our name and age. Once they marked me eligible, and marked my sister present, we were welcomed in and I looked out for my mother and father. Once I saw their eye catching hair colors, and familiar physique I made my way through crowds of people, holding my sister close. 
"Oh sweetie, you're finally here! Gosh you woke up so late." My mother said once I had made her aware of my presence. She pulled me into a tight hug, and I could tell she was nervous. She inhaled sharply before pulling back to admire me. I was then given a hug by my father, and greeted my brother and sister in law with a wave. They all acknowledged my sister, and I was given one last hug by everyone before I then made my way to the female section. 
I saw many people I knew from my neighborhood, and some from the tiny local school that I used to attend before it shut down, but no one really noticed me. 
Nerves rushed through my body and the fear set in well as I found a spot with a bunch of other 15 year olds. I got some looks from the girls around me, but I initially ignored it and instead pulled at my fingers, and messed with the buttons of my floral designed vest, and straightened the sleeves of my flannel.
"How many times is your name in there?" A girl aside me asked, and she had a genuine smile. "Uhm, 5 times." I responded, before glancing back to the stage. "What about you?" 
She gave a sideways smile. "24 times." She whispered, and I gasped. "How did you get so many?" I quickly whispered, realizing she didn't want to be heard. For a second I was thankful that my chances were now slimmer. As I stared at the girl, a familiar eye caught my own. Before I could get a look though, the girl had begun explaining her crimes. 
I nodded as if I could understand how is was possible to commit so many crimes at the ripe age of 15, but she was cut off mid explanation when our announcer (they didn't have escorts back then) tapped the microphone that stood in the center of the stage. Goosebumps  instantly grew on my skin. I felt my gaze follow to where  had recently seen the stare of eyes, but I was pulled back from reality when the announcer stuck his hand explaining he would first be calling the ladies. I felt a rush of adrenaline go through my spine as he raffled around the names, before he dramatically pulled one from the pile.
He peeled open the tab slowly, and then looked to the crowd. 
"Lamina Woodburn." 
I felt my whole body freeze. 
My mind went blank for the shortest second, before it rambled.
There was no way he just called me. I couldn't physically believe it.
I instinctively looked back to my family, and their looks of horror confirmed my reality. 
Tears began streaming down my face and the girl next to me nudged me. She looked mortified but sympathetic, and slowly I managed to make my way through the crowd.
My legs trembled and my tears grew larger, as I struggled not to choke out sobs. I couldn't believe this was really happening. I was going to die. 
I walked carefully up the stairs, my vision blurred. The announcer showed no sympathy as he ushered me to stand next to a peacekeeper, and I took this time to look for my family, hoping for one last look at them. They were breaking down in tears, just like myself, and I was only able to catch a look at my sister, before the name of the male tribute was called. 
"Treech Lambert." 
I could've thrown up, hearing that name. My eyes widened and I saw as Treech, my friend from long ago, make his way. He seemed jittery, and a bit nervous, but who wouldn't be. 
I was mortified. I would be put in a death arena with my childhood friend/crush, and my chances of winning were low. And there was only one victor. This truly was the worst way to go. 
Treech had now joined me on the stage, and we both had locked in eye contact. His eyes were full of worry, and of fear. Two things I had never seen him feel. 
We were quickly pushed to the underground's of the stage, and for a moment we were alone. Before I could even control myself, I was reaching to hug him, letting my sobs out. 
I was more shocked when I felt his arms wrap around me, and I prepared for the worst.
Outside, we could hear the voice of our announcer. 
"Well folks, these are your two tributes."