My name is Rue Mellark. I am the daughter of Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen, the two that ended the Hunger Games. Their love for each other saved the following generations from degradation and torture from the games. From what I read in history books, the games were televised so families would watch their loved ones either win or die. But that's all it is now: another chapter in a simple history book.

I never asked my parents about their experience in the Hunger Games. Anytime the games were brought up to them, they would dismiss it almost instantly. When I was six years old, it was the tenth anniversary of the end to the games. My school asked my parents to do a presentation on their experience in the games. Of course, my parents declined the offer and never discussed the topic since. I've always been a little inquisitive since my parents are celebrities, but seeing the look of despair in their eyes gave me all the answers I needed. It's better to pretend like the games never existed in my house.

This year, it's the twentieth anniversary to the ending of the Hunger Games. Every anniversary, my mother plans a "family night" for my dad, brothers Finnick and Cinna, and I. I know it's her way of making herself forget the past. It's one of those days that no one anticipates, but we accept it for the sake of my mother. I came home from school to see my mother standing by the stove preparing dinner.

"Good, you're home," Mom said, "You can help me set up the table. Uncle Haymitch, Aunt Effie, Nana Everdeen, and Uncle Gale will be over soon."

I grabbed some plates and utensils for the table.

"You never usually have people over on this day," I replied.

"Uncle Gale wanted us to get together today since the election is on tonight. I think it'll be nice to have our family here."

Ah, I forgot; the dreaded election. I've heard Mom and Dad talk about it when they think we're all sleeping. The presidential candidacy is between Harper Snow and Hadley Mason, son of our family friend, Johanna Mason. I remember meeting Hadley when we were kids. There was always something about him that would excite my soul. Maybe it was the way he would stride through life with such control and grace. He was always beautiful to me.

Mom's been hoping that Harper Snow doesn't win since she is the granddaughter of former President Snow, who tried to kill my parents. She's been scared that if another Snow is elected into the Capitol, who knows what the future has in store for Panem. My dad keeps reassuring her that no one would want to make the mistake of having another Snow in office.

Suddenly, my dad walks through the door with my brothers and gives my mom a bouquet of Primrose's. My mom smiled and kissed him.

"Dinner smells great, sweetheart," Dad says lovingly, "You're finally using my family's recipe for fresh bread!"

"Thank you, honey," Mom said, "Did you get the wine I asked you to bring home?"

Dad holds up the bag as Mom continues to finish cooking. Finnick and Cinna grab some plates and utensils from me to help set up the table.

"Mom, Dad," Finnick begins, "Can I have Faye come over for dinner tonight?"

Faye is Finnick's girlfriend. They've been together for a couple years already. I've heard them talking about moving in together after he graduates from school at the end of the year.

"No, Finn," Dad says, "You know that today is Family Day for a reason. Our family will be here any minute now. Faye can come over tomorrow, but not today."

Finnick rolled his eyes and continued to set the table.

"Leave it alone, Finn," I whispered, "You know today's a rough day for Mom and Dad."

"I get it, I do, but when is enough gonna be enough? It's twenty years later."

"They saw their friends and family die, Finn. Take it easy on them."

"I think this is good for them, guys," Cinna quietly added, "Let 'em have it. You'll be out of here this time next year, Finn. They won't have us all together in this house forever."

"Honey, I'm home," a loud voice shouted coming through the door.

Uncle Haymitch and Aunt Effie walk through the door. Aunt Effie is wearing her overdone dress matching the colors of the Panem flag, which doesn't surprise me in the least. Uncle Haymitch gave a bottle of Scotch to my dad. I haven't seen my parents this happy in a long time. Nana Everdeen and Uncle Gale followed behind. Finnick, Cinna, and I don't have many relatives, so having this family is perfect for us.

"Good thing everyone's here," Mom said putting food on the table, "Dinner's ready! Come and get it!"

Everyone sat at the table and started eating. Uncle Haymitch kept pouring some of his scotch into Cinna's cup while my parents weren't watching. He's always been the uncle who lets us get away with everything. I know Finnick doesn't care so much about nights like this, but seeing my parents happy makes all the difference.

Once dinner was finished, everyone sat in the living room as my mom served coffee. Cinna tried sneaking coffee, but Dad playfully slapped his hand away.

"Does everyone have their buttons ready," Nana Everdeen asked solemnly while pulling out a set of two electronic buttons from her purse, "Voting should be starting soon."

Silence filled the room. Mom and Dad slowly pulled out their buttons from the desk drawer. Uncle Gale turned on the television and put on the election.

"It's your first time voting, Finnick," Aunt Effie said attempting to be positive, "Are you excited?"

"What's there to be excited about," Finnick answered, "Either we have a Mason standing for us at the Capitol or the descendant of a psychopathic murder-"

"Look," I shouted, "The election is on!"

We watched the television intently. Caesar Flickerman appeared in his typical purple hair and matching purple suit. He must be in his sixties at this point. I wonder when he'll retire from being a news anchor.

"Good Evening, citizens of Panem," he began, "This is Caesar Flickerman bringing you the presidential election. Tonight, we will be speaking to both candidates, Harper Snow and Hadley Mason. We have a record breaking amount of voters this year! Everyone must be excited to be a part of something that could potentially change our existence as we know it! So, let's get started. Coming from District One is Harper Snow! Come on our Harper!"

Harper Snow walks past the cameras. She was wearing a similar outfit my mother wore to her first television appearance. Harper Snow turned in her dress and the bottom set on fire. The audience was so impressed. Her attempt to copy my mother, with the deep brown side braid and strong demeanor did not impress me; I became angry at the pain she is inflicting on my family. I turned to my mother and could feel her pain emanating from her soul. My dad wrapped his arms around her in a loving embrace. Everyone else tried to move past it as quickly as possible for the sake of my mom.

"Wow, Miss Snow," Caesar said impressed, "I love your attire tonight!"

"Thank you, Caesar," Harper Snow replied, "I figured only the strongest ones had something like this before, so maybe it'll bring me luck."

"I sure think so," Caesar said chuckling, "So, Miss Snow, would you like to give your final statement to the public before the voting commences?"

"That would be wonderful," Harper replied gleefully, "Citizens of Panem," she began as her blue eyes pierced the screen," It is truly an honor to be here running for such a prestigious title. If I am elected president, I vow to ensure the unity of our glorious country. I understand the concerns that have risen because of my ancestry, but I will make sure to make you all proud to have me as President of Panem, if I am to be elected. We have a chance to make things better for this country. We can make this country better than it has ever been from generations before. Give change a chance to grow and thrive. Thank you."

Caesar and the audience were screaming with pride as they gave her a standing ovation. It was like they forgot my parents' generation with Harper's grandfather. I turned to Uncle Haymitch and Aunt Effie, who looked like they've seen a ghost.

"How incredible," Caesar boasted, "Thank you so much Miss Snow! Up next, his mother competed in the former Hunger Games twice and assisted the Mockingjay in transforming Panem to what we know now. I introduce you to Hadley Mason!"

Hadley walked onto the stage. His poise was equivalent to one in the military with his gently pressed black suit and posture as straight as can be. His jet black hair was neatly combed to the side. There wasn't a thread out of place, not a piece of lint in sight, or a hair sticking out. He was the epitome of the perfect human. Hadley kissed Harper on the cheek upon his arrival.

"Well, Mister Mason," Caesar said outstretching his hand towards Hadley, "It is an honor to meet such a legacy."

"Thank you, Caesar," replied Hadley as he crossed his leg in his seat, "It is an honor to be sitting on this stage."

"Now, Hadley, how does your mother feel about this?"

"She encouraged me to do this. She has always instilled on me to help change the world so my future children grow up as comfortably as I did. I was born a year after my mother assisted the Mockingjay, so I want to continue the legacy that was set before my arrival."

"Your mother must be so proud of you," Caesar said calmly, "Would you like to say a closing statement to the audience and everyone at home why you should be the next president of Panem?"

"Absolutely," Hadley replied as he sat on the edge of his seat. His green eyes felt like they stared into my soul, "Citizens of Panem, I urge you to think about this decision. I urge you not to forget the Panem before our generation. You are deciding the fate of everyone in this country. Choose wisely," he pleaded, "The fate of Panem rests in your hands."

"How moving," Caesar said, "Let's all give a hand to Mister Hadley Mason!"

The audience applauded.

"Let's hope Panem chooses the right person," Uncle Gale said.

"That's all we can do, Gale," Nana Everdeen said gently, "Hope for the best."

After the audience was done applauding, Caesar leaned toward the camera.

"Well," he began, "The time has come. People of Panem, it is time to press your voting buttons and decide who will be our next leader. As per election rules, candidates are not allowed to vote. Everyone, press your buttons and vote on who will be our next President."

My family was quick to pressing their buttons. My parent's clenched each other's hands. Uncle Haymitch held Aunt Effie as close to him as possible. You could hear a pin drop in the living room. As strong as he is, Finnick looked as afraid as my family.

"The final vote for District One," Caesar said and paused, "Is Harper Snow."

My mother was on the verge of tears.

"The final vote for District Two," Caesar said, "Is Hadley Mason."

"The final vote for District Three is Hadley Mason."

"The final vote for District Four is Harper Snow."

"The final vote for District Five is Hadley Mason."

"The final vote for District Six is Hadley Mason."

"For District Seven, Harper Snow."

"For District Eight, Harper Snow."

"District Nine, Hadley Mason."

"District Ten, Harper Snow."

"District Eleven, Harper Snow."

"District Twelve," Caesar paused, "Hadley Mason."

My district voted correctly, but there was one more district that can break the tie: District Thirteen.

"For District Thirteen, and the next President of Panem," Caesar held a long pause, "Congratulations to Miss Harper Snow!"

The audience stood for Harper. Hadley kindly shook her hand and kissed her cheek. My mother started crying and dug her face into my father's shoulder. Uncle Haymitch hugged Aunt Effie. Nana Everdeen put her face into her hands as Uncle Gale rubbed her back.

The phone started ringing almost instantly. My father answered it.

"Hi, Johanna," my father solemnly began, "I know….this is ridiculous…I have no idea why they would vote that way after what we've been through…something doesn't seem right. You're right…just console Hadley. He needs you right now…just stay calm, Johanna…I know it's easier said than done, but we will get through…I know, this sucks…I'll put my wife on."

Dad handed the phone to Mom. Mom went into another room so no one could hear her conversation with Johanna. There was a drawn out silence that filled the room. There was a hint of despair that lingered among us.

"So, what happens now, Dad," Cinna asked.

"We hope that history doesn't repeat," Dad answered.

"Maybe," Nana Everdeen began, "Things will be different with this Snow than before. Maybe, she'll learn from her grandfather's mistakes."

Mom walked back into the room, "Maybe, it's best for you kids to get to bed," she said so quietly, "It is getting late after all."

Finnick grabbed Cinna's hand as we went upstairs into our room. Finnick and I tucked Cinna together. We felt the fear and pain that our families were feeling. We witness the damage done to our family every day. I followed Finnick into his room.

"What do you think's gonna happen, Finn? Should we be worried?"

"I don't know, Rue. All I know is that Mom and Dad aren't gonna be sleeping tonight. Let's just get to bed. Tomorrow's gonna be a rough day."

I shut the Finnick's bedroom light off. As I walked out of his bedroom door, I became curious about what was going on downstairs. I sat at the top of the steps and listened.

"How the hell can this happen," Mom said angrily, "Did they not learn anything? How can District Thirteen even vote for another Snow?"

"This just doesn't make sense," Dad said.

"Something has to be wrong," Aunt Effie said.

"It's as accurate as it's always been, Eff," Uncle Haymitch stated, "Apparently, everyone just simply forgot."

"Simply forgot," Nana Everdeen asked, "How can you simply forget every man, woman, and child murdered because of this family? How can anyone simply forget that my daughters sacrificed themselves for this damn country?"

"She's right," Uncle Gale said, "How do we just forget all of this happened? The games, Prim, our friends. How do we forget all of that and bring in another Snow?"

"Nothing makes sense," Dad began, "You're right. Johanna was saying the same thing to Katniss and I. But there's nothing we can do at this point, except to pray and hope that she's nothing like her grandfather."

"But what if, Peeta," Mom cried, "What if all the progress we made was for nothing?"

"It wasn't for nothing, babe. I can guarantee that. You set precedence for all of us. You are the Mockingjay. We will face whatever comes our way."

I tiptoed into my room and crawled into bed. I couldn't sleep after hearing what they were saying. How do we know what the future holds for us? I didn't live in the generation of my parent's. I don't know what the future could hold for us. Fear is racing in my mind for not only my parents or my brothers, but for my life.