Reaping Day

[Intro – very dry piano, single notes, soft room reverb] One breath in the crowd… one whisper in the wind… [Verse 1 – soft, tense vocal, piano only] The sun burns cold, over District Twelve’s square, heavy boots, heavy stares, heavy, watching air. Prim’s little fingers, dig deep into my skin, I’m shaking beside her… but I won’t give in. [Pre–Chorus – heartbeat kick, low cello pad] One name, one call… and the world holds its breath, every silent prayer says… “spare me… spare us… spare her from death.” [Chorus – sorrowful, wider vocal, subtle strings] On Reaping Day, the sky turns grey, every heartbeat fights to stay. When the fear steals all our speech, I will stand… where you can’t reach. [Verse 2 – intensity up, strings and soft pulse] Voices like knives, cutting through the fragile air, the silence is sharper, than any blade we’d dare. Katniss stands solid, like a stone in the flood, but in her eyes I see… unbreakable love. [Pre–Chorus – as before, slightly stronger] One name, one call… and the crowd turns to glass, hope hangs on a whisper… on who they let pass. [Chorus – repeat, more emotional] On Reaping Day, the sky turns grey, every heartbeat fights to stay. When the fear steals all our speech, I will stand… where you can’t reach. [Bridge – solo vocal, almost acapella, faint piano] If sacrifice turns into shield, if hope becomes a sharpened field, then let it be my feet that move, let it be my life… they choose. [Final Chorus – fuller, but still sad, no big drums] On Reaping Day, when fear takes shape, I will stand… so she escapes. Even if my heart must break, for Prim I’ll give… all they take. On Reaping Day, when the sound grows harsh, I step forward… she stays in the marsh. If the world must claim its due, it can take my name… not you.