Chapter 1 The Reaping:
"Caraway Frustlock", my name is read.
I open my eyes in horror. I am now the female tribute of District 8 in the 32nd annual Hunger Games. I make my way to the platform where a man dressed in a shiny gold 3-piece suit, blue hair, and ridiculous, over the top makeup stands, he shakes my hand and says
"Are there any volunteers"?
I doubt it, no one ever volunteers in district 8
Why would we, we were the second district to join in the Rebellion after district 13 in The Dark Days, which is why we even have The Hunger Games,
33 years ago the 13 districts of Panem, a country that used to be called North America or The United States of America, rose up against The Capitol's rulership, the first 12 districts were left in poverty, the 13th obliterated. In punishment the various districts of Panem have to offer up one male and one female between the ages of 12 and 18 to go into an arena where they will fight to the death in a televised event to entertain The Capitol.
"And now for the boys", the Capitol man says
He reaches into the bowl filled with the name of every boy between 12 and 18.
"Woodruff Abalone", he says
It's a small 12 year old boy. How horrible. I make a silent vow to protect this boy as much as I can. Me being 17 I think I have a good shot of it.
"Shake hands you two", says the funny looking man
I can see tears running down Woodruff's face
As I shake his hand I can feel him trembling I try to look as brave as I can for him. Then the mayor of district 8 comes forward to dismiss the crowd with a "Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor" at that we are brought into the Town Hall.