Mercer sat on his front steps, face in his hands. Despite the usual hustle and bustle of District 3, the reaping created an illusion of weight, brought on by sorrow and worries. Mercer was 18, so lucky for him, his last reaping. His mother and father had gone to his older brother's house (if you could call it that) to pick up him and his wife. From there they would head to the square for the reaping. Mercer chose to stay at home, since this may be his last chance to be here.

It's my last reaping, he thought. If I can just make it through one more reaping, I'll be safe and I can go work as an engineer.

This seemed almost too good to be true. Mercer was fortunate enough to never have to scavenge for extra food. He hated the idea of taking food from the Capitol. But his father was one of the top engineers in the district, so they always were able to get a little extra food.

The bell from the town square rang, signaling that it was time to head to the square for the reaping. Taking a deep breath, Mercer stood up and trudged to the square. He was one of the last to arrive. The children had all been assembled in front of the Justice Building. Lights and cameras were scattered about, filming nothing but worried parents and scared children. Mercer took his spot just as the ceremony began.

The mayor gave his usual speech. He sounded robotic. There was nothing in his voice. No life. At the conclusion of mayor's speech, a tall and skinny woman stepped forward. She wore a tight blue jacket and a ridiculously frilly blue skirt. Her hair was tied back in a tight bun, which was a sickly color of green.

"Hellooo, everybody!" she screeched.

Her voice was very high pitched. This was Carrie Melont. She had been the District 3 escort since the first Hunger Games. This was her thirteenth attempt at choosing a victor.

Like the mayor, she gave her usual speech, but in a much more upbeat and excited tone.

How in the world is she excited about this? Mercer thought.I guess it's easy when you have never experienced a reaping from this point of view.

"Alright! Here we go! Ladies will be the first pick!" Carrie squealed.

She scurried over to the large glass bowl to her left and reached into the ocean of paper. After selecting one, she ventured back to the microphone and ripped open the slip.

"Angelia Rose!"

Mercer had no idea who this girl was. She must be young.

A small girl slowly walked to the stage, tripping over her own feet several times. Mercer knew, this had to be her first reaping. Tears stained her face on the screens around the square. Mercer scanned the area and saw a woman, her body unconscious in a man's arms. Most likely Angelia's parents.

"Alright, now for the boys!" Carrie announced, heading towards the bowl to her right.

She took her time picking this one. Maybe she felt guilty for picking someone so young. Tearing open the piece of paper, she leaned into the microphone.

"Mercer Richars!"

A shiver shot down Mercer's spine. This couldn't be right. This was his last year. This just couldn't be possible.

"Mercer, please came to stage!" Carrie said, her hand over her eyes and she looked through the crowd.

Snapping back to reality, Mercer stepped forward. Like Angelia, his steps were his enemy. He nearly fell on the stairs to the stage. He took his spot on the stage, and stared straight ahead. He saw his parents with his brother and his wife. Tears welled up in his mothers eyes.

"Ladies and gentleman! Your tributes of District 3 for the 13th Hunger Games!"