Ryker rose with the sun the same as he would any other day, then slipped on his worn boots, work pants and a threadbare shirt with holes along the sleeves. It was actually one of his better ones. He sat at the rough wooden table, same as any other day, and spooned the bland mix of bone broth and boiled grain, placed there by his sister, into his mouth tastelessly. Except this morning wasn't like any other day. For one, this would be his last reaping. For two, he swore his lips still tingled where Silas had burned the sensation into him the day before. He'd kissed his best friend and after today, he'd never have to deal with the worry of attending another ceremony with the threat of being chosen. And while he pitied whatever poor souls had their names called out today, his life couldn't get any better than this.<br/><br/>His family didn't pick up their axes this morning. They wouldn't need them as they made their way to the square, his sister and father moving to spectate while he was ushered into a crowd of other boys and young men, but his eyes immediately sought out Silas, who stood in the back with his hands in his pockets. "Hey," Ryker offered a grin, but couldn't help the nervousness that seemed to fill him around Silas after yesterday. "We'll be fine, yeah?" He took his friends hand in his own, not caring who saw. Maybe after this was over and the tributes had been seen to the train that would carry them to a grim fate, he and Silas could talk more. Or...other things. Now that he'd felt what he'd longed for for years, he craved more. The blonde answered his smile with his own. "Yeah. We'll be fine like always." What were the chances, Ryker wondered as he took in the large crowd of other unfortunate candidates.<br/><br/>The wheel spun. A ring studded hand pulled out a slip of paper. A name rang out.<br/><br/>"Silas Birchcroft."<br/><br/>In a matter of one horrifying second, Rykers life changed forever. His hopes and dreams collapsed and he forgot how to breath.<br/><br/>"No....." He squeezed the hand in his own tighter, hearing a gasp from his side as Silas stuttered in disbelief. "Wh-what?"<br/><br/>"Silas Birchcroft!" Said more loudly this time as other boys began to usher his friend forward. Ryker was in shock, pure disbelief, half hoped he was still at home in his cot and this was all a nightmare. His hand tightened still. "No, Silas...." He couldn't watch his best friend walk up onto that stage. He couldn't watch the sweet carpenter boy be slaughtered before thousands of eyes in the initial blood bath. It would kill him.<br/><br/>Words left his mouth on instinct. "I volunteer!" The hand stopped tugging at his own and a silence began to spread over the crowd. Silas's eyes were wide with shock. "You can't." But Ryker's voice was louder a second time. "I volunteer!" Complete silence now as all eyes were on him. Complete silence from all but Silas. "No. I won't let you do this." He turned to the platform. "I won't let him. You drew my name. I'm the tribute!" But Ryker knew his choice was set in stone, as was the law. The first volunteer could not be disputed.<br/><br/>"A volunteer is a volunteer!" Shouted the announcer, an oddly dressed man with lips painted an unnatural blue. "So what is the name of district sevens male tribute?"<br/><br/>"Ryker. Blackwood." He still held out some hope that this wasn't real. But if he had to die to keep Silas safe, then so be it. He was being summoned forward now, but he wasn't ready. There was still something he needed to do for the second and last time. Pulling Silas forward, he kissed him again, slow and full of sadness despite the excitement the contact brought him. Hundreds of eyes watched, but Silas didn't care. He'd never again get this chance. "I'll come back to you." An impossible lie. Pressing their foreheads together, their contact lingered until Ryker couldn't stall a second longer.<br/><br/>He made his way to the platform, taking his place beside a tall redheaded girl as words flowed over the crowd, but Ryker didn't hear a single one.