Mason Paits's P.O.V.

I swing my axe with an unbelievable force and release it. It soars through the air and implants itself deep in the bark of a maple tree. It's impact was so hard, that it made several leaves fall from the tree when it hit.

I smile as I pull the axe from the tree.

As I prepare to throw it again, I hear a voice over the loudspeakers, which are set up all over the district, that the Reapings are about to start.

I frown in disappointment and lower my axe.

"I'll be back later," I say, pointing to the tree I've been using as target practice.

Then I walk over to a rotten hollow log and place my axe inside, and cover up the hole with some leaves.

When my weapon is well hidden, I run towards the town square.

When I arrive, I get my finger pricked and stuff, then I walk off to my section.

It feels like it was just last year that I was in the first section, nervous and sweaty because it was my first Reapings. Now I'm all the way back in the second to last section. Next year will be my last year, which is a major relief.

"Welcome, welcome!" Penny Platinum says, "I won't keep you waiting. I know how nervous you all are."

Finally, an escort who actually understands.

"Our first tribute is...Mason Paits," she says, trying to sound excited.

I blink a few times, wondering if my ears are hearing things. I was so sure I wouldn't get picked. I've made it so far.

I slowly approach the stage, trying not to show my fear.

Everyone's eyes are on me as I stand on the stage beside Penny. I see Penny's lips moving as if she's asking something, but I didn't hear her. I assume she's asking my age, so I say it.

"I'm seventeen."

"Thank you, Mason, please take a seat."

I turn and walk to the back of the stage, but I can't sit at the moment. I'm still trying to get over the shock.

"Alright, our last boy is...Conner Polister."

"What?" someone exclaims as a blonde boy emerges from the front section. Great, a twelve-year-old.

He announces his age and walks over to me. I can see the relief on everyone's faces as we shake hands. It feels so weird. I was one of those people spectating last year, and the years before that. How is it different now?

District Eight's Reaping

Anthony Wight's P.O.V.

I stand among the other boys my age, towering over them. If I were to go in the Games, I don't think I would have a lot to worry about. My friends are always telling me that I would be a tough opponent in the Games. No matter what everyone else says, I don't think it would be a good idea for me to volunteer. Especially this year, since there's been so many volunteers. I guess they all want to be in this years Games because it's a Quell. No thanks. A Quell means it's harder, or has special twists. I'm not as excited as some people to be in a Quell.

Finally, Lillian Lolly announces that it is time to start the Reapings. She walks over to glass bowl and swipes out two cards.

"Jimmy Jenkin!"

A short, red-headed boy walks to the stage.

"I'm fifteen," he says quietly.

"The next tribute is...Anthony Wight!"

Some of the boy's cheer for me as I walk to the stage. I can't help smiling. I can't believe this is happening. I was just thinking of how awful it is to be in a Quell, and here I am, going into a Quell. Lucky me.

I force a grin onto my face when I stand on the stage, "I'm eighteen."

"Great! It's been a pleasure, District Eight! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor."

I shake Jimmy's hand before Lolly tells us to go to the Justice Building.