"Don't you fret, Applebloom. It's your first year, they won't pick you. Besides, Ah' have about forty-seven or so names of mine in that there bowl. You only have one, as far as Ah know," I reassured my sister. She has been up for about three hours after her bedtime, crying and praying that she would never be chosen. In all honesty, I am not even letting that though cross my mind. Applebloom, get picked? Impossible, there are thousands of names in there. What's the chance of one little name getting chosen? I leaned down and nuzzled my nose on her cheek, and curled up underneath the small blanket with my sister. It was a Saturday, and before I knew it, it would be Sunday, the Reaping Day. The Reaping Day... The name of it alone sounds awful. How could one city control all twelve districts, and then force children to fight to the death? I hated it. It was disgusting, and inhumane. What would I do if I went out there, what would I do if Applebloom went out into the arena? I don't think I could bear it... Not after my father. I remember watching with hope as almost one hundred ponies came from the elevator after the mine explosion. I also remember bursting into tears as the overseer came out with a list of names. One of those names, was my father. I felt the tears welling in my eyes, and dug my face into Applebloom's bright red mane, breathing in the scent of apples and nature. I closed my eyes, wondering if I could get sleep as well. I need to be awake for tomorrow. That, I know.
----------Tomorrow----------
I awoke from my sleep, mainly because of a sharp bark in the house. It probably wasn't that loud, actually. Anything in this house can be heard from anywhere in this house. Winona, of course, wanted outside. Sighing, I rolled out of the small bed, watching Applebloom shift in her sleep. Did I wake her up...? No, of course not. She just spread her legs out and laid on her belly. I chuckled quietly under my breath, and slowly stepped towards the small door where Winona resided, "You stupid dog, Ah' should've forgotten you with Mrs. Cupcake. Maybe she could a' make dog soup outta' you, and call it beef," I said to the dog, who responded with a snarl, as if he knew exactly what I just said. I stepped closer to the door, preparing to open it, when suddenly the darned dog sprinted at the door, blasting it open. All he wanted to do was wake me up. I turned around, preparing to head back to sleep, when a silhouette at the front 'window' took my attention. All I saw was a Unicorn climbing through, the purple coat coming into view as a maniacal grin appeared on it's face. It's horn glowed with a purple aura, and a dagger corresponded with the unicorns horn magic.
"Applejack, are you in here?" The unicorn called out. I recognized her immediately, feeling as if a weight of fear was lifted off of my shoulders. It's just Twilight Sparkle. She is my best-est of all friends, which doesn't mean much, as I only have a few friends.
"Yes, Twi. Ah'm here," I said, moving from behind a wall to get into Twilight's view. I smiled at Twilight, and she smiled back. It wasn't exactly the best time for a smile, as we have a chance to never see each other again after this day. If anybody she knew would be chosen, it would be Twilight with no doubt. Sixty-four tickets, and she is in her last year, too. One more year, and she will be working in the mines and collecting coal. I, however, still have three more years until I am out of this sick game.
"So, do you feel like going out to the woods and seeing if we can get some mint today? We could make tea for breakfast, I'm sure Applebloom would love it," My best friend said cheerfully, trying to diminish the dark cloud that hung over everypony today. Most families will go home today relieved, knowing that they have their child for one more year. Two, however, will go home in tears, probably preparing for the worst in one week. I blinked, looking at Twilight.
"Sure, Twi. Let's go," I said, smiling weakly.
Twilight leaped out the window, and I simply pushed the door open. Twilight and her weird ways, always trying to be different. "So, have you seen the new cakes in the Sugarcube Corner windows? Whoever made them must be great at art. They would do great in the arena, they could disguise them self, and when somepony comes near, that pony could wipe that unlucky kid out quickly!" Twilight said, sounding cheery. I knew she was trying to lessen the dark cloud, but it didn't work.
"Let's not talk about them games, Twi. Ah' really don't want to hear about 'em," I said. It was true, even talking about it made me think of the horrific chance of Applebloom being picked. We were nearing the fence, and we didn't even listen for the hum of the electric fence, as it was always off. We crawled through the hole in the chain link, and began to walk through the forest, looking for the cluster of mint we planted about a month ago.
"There! I found it!" Twilight said, using her unicorn magic to gather the minty leaves. I smiled, and so did she. It would be a good breakfast today, maybe with a little bit of cheese from The Hob...
"Good, let's head back before Applebloom wakes. Ah want her to be surprised with breakfast in bed for her very first reaping. Try to make it as happy as Ah' can, y'know?" I said, smiling again. The simple smile on her face could brighten my day. Applebloom was my life. Her smile meant millions to me, and was worth more than any deer I could find in the outskirts. Crossing back into the roads of District Twelve, we began our return to my home. Twilight held the leaves, and I lead her around the guards so none of us would be caught. Most of the guards were fine with us going outside the fence, though, but a few of them have a unicorn's horn stuck up their plot, and will kill us at sight if anything is fishy. Today was going to be a good day, I could just feel it. So far everything is perfect. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
