Matched
Matched paperback trillagy
Distopian science fiction
Speak
November 30, 2010
Paperback
416
Rare Match of Childhood Friends
By Reporter Elise Huscher, September 15 Oria Province Dailey
Community of the Oria Province and the City’s Hall
Last night at the monthly Match Banquet located at the City Hall, an unusual match was made by Society. 17- year olds Cassia Reyes and Xander Carrow have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Matching is a choice made by citizens and Society’s officials pair them up. They try to couple people that will have a long prosperous life. Usually during the matching, the officials pair couples up from two different communities. This was “a birthday wish come true and a uncommon present from Society’s officials,” says Cassia, later that night.
On the 15th day of the month, each community’s City Hall hosts a Match banquet for all 17- year olds and their families. Live feeds bring each of the communities together. As we waited with cameras, we started to see attendees arrive at the Oria banquet around 5:45. The ceremony started at 6:00 and ended promptly at 8:00, giving each family enough time to get back home before curfew. Beautiful flowing dresses and sharp suits were the attire of the 17-year olds while their family remained in plain clothes.
The banquet began with announcements given by the head Match official who organizes each monthly event. After the brief words, the food was delivered by the chefs and servers, giving each person the same amount. Roasted vegetables, savory meat, crisp greens and cream cheese, and finally rich chocolate cake was served. Around 6:45, the matching ceremony started. As each girl or boy was called alphabetically to stand, we were ready to capture the children’s reactions to their matches. Their reaction was projected to the other community’s City Hall where their match was.
As the name Cassia Reyes was announced, a girl in a smooth lime green dress stood up. Usually a face of a boy would appear on the bright screen. But, in this case nothing showed up.That could only mean one thing, her match was in the very room. The name Xander Carrow was called. The blond boy stood. And sure enough he smiled from ear to ear, and so did the surprised Cassia.
Later that night we interviewed the new couple each at their homes. Cassia says, “I didn’t want to go inside quite yet because that meant that the night was coming to an end. I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to take off my beautiful dress or go back to plain clothes. I didn’t want to return to the usual days, which are good but not as special as this one.” Xander told us what he thought of the night. “I knew that I would somehow be with Cassia forever but just didn’t know how. I knew that it would all work out. Yesterday was the happiest day I have ever had.”
Now that the matching has ended for this month we are looking forward to capturing new and exciting matches. We are also intrigued to record the marriage ceremony of this new couple.