#junhui moon

The first thing you notice upon waking is how quiet the district is. Quiet enough to hear the soft splashes of water as ocean waves kiss the shore.

Of course it’s quiet. It’s Reaping Day, and the 67th Hunger Games are nearing. Ever since District 4’s last victor broke the record of the youngest ever tribute, all eyes have been on the next set of tributes. Everyone is wondering who will follow in Finnick Odair’s footsteps.

The thought makes you shudder, but you remind yourself this is your last reaping — you’ve just turned eighteen — so the odds of being chosen must be low, right? You keep repeating that to yourself as you make your way to the kitchen, where your mother is already cooking breakfast with the fish you and your best friend Soonyoung caught last night.

“Good morning, Y/N. Are you all ready for the reaping today?” your mother asks, barely looking up from the stove.

“No… but do you need help with cooking?” you reply between yawns, leaning over to smell the sizzling fish. 

“You should go get ready now. Soonyoung is coming over to eat before the reaping. I’ve got the cooking handled.” She gives you a warm smile. “I laid out a dress for you in my room. I was hoping you might wear it today, to celebrate your last reaping.”

You nod and head to her room, where a sea blue dress is laid out neatly, paired with your mother’s beloved pearl necklace. Normally, you’d wear the same battered white gown you’ve had since you were fourteen. After washing up, you slip into the dress and fasten the necklace around your neck before looking in the mirror.

The dress fits you perfectly. It’s off the shoulder and it flows in a way that reminds you of the ocean. The pearls match it perfectly. You take in your appearance for a few more minutes before heading to the kitchen.

“This dress is beautiful, Mom. And the pearls… are you sure you want me to wear them?” you ask gently.

Your mother turns around at the sound of your voice and beams.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart.” She pulls you into a warm embrace. “The pearls were a gift from your grandmother to me on my last Reaping Day. I wanted to continue the tradition—celebrate the last time you have to worry about the Games.” She pulls back, still smiling, though you catch a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “Soonyoung should be here soon. Could you help me set the table?”

You nod, heading to the drawers to grab plates and cutlery. It’s normal for Soonyoung to share meals with you and your mother. Despite being the same age, he’s always acted like an older brother—teaching you everything from fishing to swimming after your father passed. The two of you would often sneak out in his family’s boat at night to fish for food, all while he cracked jokes that never failed to make you laugh.

“He’s here!” your mother calls out as the door opens.

“Good morning, Miss L/N!” Soonyoung greets her with a grin, wrapping her in a big hug before turning to you. “Good morning to you too, Y/N!”

“Good morning…” you mumble as he pulls you into one of his tight, enthusiastic embraces. If there’s one thing about your best friend that still baffles you, it’s his endless energy—no matter the situation. Most people would be appalled by his cheerfulness on Reaping Day, but you’ve learned it’s just part of who he is.

He takes a seat beside you at the table, with your mother across from you both. As you dig into the fried fish, Soonyoung gushes over the food like always, calling it life-changing and amazing while your mother laughs and thanks him.

When you finish eating, you both offer to help with the dishes, but your mother dismisses the two of you, telling you to enjoy some time together before the reaping.

“Want to go to the beach?” Soonyoung asks. “Let’s make sandcastles while we still have time.”

“Sure. Mine will be better though,” you tease, recalling how every sandcastle competition between you two ends in bickering and laughter.

“You wish.”