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

by Suzanne Collins

No way to control the outcome of the reaping or what follows it. So don’t feed the nightmares. Don’t let yourself panic. Don’t give the Capitol that. They’ve taken enough already.

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

Like all the Covey, music in her blood.

“And that’s part of our trouble. Thinking things are inevitable. Not believing change is possible.”

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.

The moment our hearts shattered? It belongs to us.

“So, are you going to be my ally or what, sweetheart?”

In fifty years, we’ve only had one victor, and that was a long time ago. A girl who no one seems to know anything about. Back then, barely anyone in 12 had a television, so the Games were mostly hearsay. I’ve never seen her in the clips of the old shows, but then those early efforts are rarely featured, as they are said to be badly filmed and lacking in spectacle. My parents weren’t born yet, and even Mamaw couldn’t tell me much about the girl. I brought our victor up with Lenore Dove a few times, but she never wanted to discuss her.

Don’t let them paint their posters with your blood. Not if you can help it.”

“I hope you do win. You have no idea what’s in store for you then. You know nothing.”

“You might not want me, but it’s a sure bet you need me.”

No light, no air. Like they buried me already.

You are on a high horse, mister. And someday someone will knock you off it straight into your grave.

I try to ignore him, but he keeps yapping.

damn 😭

“Snow lands on top.”

You tributes, you’re our stars. You carry it out. But only if we control the narrative. Don’t let us.”

“If that’s what you want. But I can’t promise to keep you safe from the Gamemakers.” Ampert laughs a bit. “What a funny thing to say. Who could?”

A sad look crosses her face. “I keep wondering, will Merrilee still be a twin, after I’m gone?” “Always,” I say without hesitation,

We sit smack down in the clump of katniss, side by side, completely done in. I can barely hear her whisper. “One of us has to win this thing.”

“Oh, no. Not after today.” She bites her lip. “She used to say, if I was afraid, ‘It’s okay, Maysilee, nothing they can take from you was ever worth keeping.’”

A sister is someone you fight with and fight for. Tooth and nail.

A horn of plenty for the few. Desperation for many. Destruction for all.

Maybe Lenore Dove and I will hang together. Could be easier to find her then, in that next world of hers.

As my eyes sweep the crowd, I see person after person press the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and then extend it to their dead. Our way of saying good-bye to those we cherished. I follow suit, raising my hand high, because I have so many to honor.

I will never get to love anyone ever again. Nevermore. Because he will make sure they end up dying a horrible death.