Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, #0.5)

by Suzanne Collins

I can devote the afternoon to the two things I love best — wasting time and being with my girl, Lenore Dove.

a lot of grunt work involved. Collecting firewood, hauling grain, taking in the full bottles and toting back the

though I’m not a drinker myself, I’m glad to get the bottle.

MY SHAYLA

“I’m Haymitch.” “I’m Lenore Dove.” “Dove like the bird?” “No. Dove like the color.” “What color’s that?” “Same as the bird.”

she waved me over to a dog-eared dictionary and pointed. Dove color: Warm gray with a slight purplish or pinkish tint. Her color. Her bird. Her name.

was only twelve then, and they let her go. Now it would be different.

MY SHAYLA

her pa’s always been something of a mystery. They’re not blood kin, her being a Baird,

lucy gray we’ll never escape you

birthday, and there’s a reaping. Last year on my birthday, there was also a reaping. So every year, there will be a reaping on my birthday.’ But you have no way of knowing that. I mean, the reaping didn’t even exist until fifty years ago. Give me one good reason why it should keep happening just because it’s your

Lenore Dove is always patient when she explains stuff, not superior, but maybe she’s just too smart for me. Because while it’s a fine idea, thinking about a world with

A penny saved is a penny earned. I run my finger over the fine metalwork of the feathered

lucy gray we’ll never escape you

I love you like all-fire.”

“I can come by after. Got some chores, but I should be done about three. We’ll go to the woods, okay?” “We’ll go to the woods.” She confirms it with a kiss.

No you wont... :,(

I smile for a second at the Donners’ pretty candy label, thinking of meeting Lenore Dove in the woods.

FUCKKKK

Every kid automatically gets one each year, but I have an additional three because I always take on three tesserae to feed myself and my family members. A tessera gets you a ration of tinned oil and a sack of flour marked courtesy of the capitol for one person, collectible each month at the Justice Building. In exchange, you have to put your name in the reaping an extra time for each tessera that year. Those entries stick with you and add up. Four slips a year times five years — that’s how I have twenty.

“The kind that likes a challenge,” says Burdock with appreciation. “Just playing the hand I was dealt. But you know what they say, unlucky at cards, lucky in love.” I arrange my chamomile. “Hey, look

No you wont... :,(

kids run like greased lightning — a shot rings out from the Justice Building rooftop, and the back

FUCKKKK

I spy one of the incoming Peacekeepers raising his rifle to knock her out. “Stop!” I leap in to shield her, just in time to intercept the rifle butt that slams against my temple.

no way

“Well, I think we’ve just found our replacement.” Lenore Dove’s behind me, pleading. “Don’t take him — it wasn’t his fault! It was mine! Punish me!” “Oh, just shoot that girl, would you?”

NO FUCKING WAY

I don’t know if he means with a snap of her fingers or some extra-horrible snappy way to die. Either way, I don’t want to die with a snap.

Lol

She isn’t crying, so Plutarch won’t get his tearful good-bye. Not from her and not from me. They will not use our tears for their entertainment.

did something. And now I need you to do the same thing for the camera. Okay?” He backs up. “So, in three, two, one, action!” If anything, the McCoys are more stony-faced than before. It’s not confusion; it’s a blanket

no way

Peacekeepers just muscle them off the square. Plutarch turns to Ma and Sid. “Listen, I know this isn’t easy, but I think we can help each other out. If I can get a usable reaction shot from you, I can give you a minute with Haymitch. We clear?” I see Sid’s eyes flicker skyward

NO FUCKING WAY

“I know she will. Because I can always depend on you.” I kneel in front of my little brother and hold out my sleeve like I did when he was tiny, so he can wipe his nose on it. “You’re the man of the house now. If you were some other kid, I’d be worried, but I know you can handle it.” Sid starts to shake his head. “You’re twice as smart as me and ten times as brave. You can do this. Okay?

KMS

screeches Drusilla. “Plutarch Heavensbee!” Peacekeepers rip us apart. I’m lifted off my feet as Sid begs, “Please don’t take my brother!

Lol

The moment our hearts shattered? It belongs to us.

the bodies that come out at night. Tam Amber taught Lenore Dove about the stars, as the Covey used to navigate by them long ago, and she taught Sid.

makes it rather special,” says Tibby. “Why not?” Louella accepts her plate, napkin, utensils, and a bottle of lemonade. When Tibby turns to Maysilee, his solicitousness vanishes. “And you?” Maysilee takes her time considering the platter. “The roast beef, as rare as you have it.” She spreads her napkin out to protect her skirt, then arranges her utensils on it. “Trays wouldn’t be unheard of, but never mind.”

KMS

obvious. “You lot better be able to run.” She doesn’t