75th hunger games
Today is the day, the day of the Reaping. Today is the determined fate of a few select people. I'm scared, no petrified. Did the Capitol realize how awful they are, letting numerous of people die slow and painful deaths, or quick ones, ones that their families will remember forever. I don't know how they can do it. Nothing the districts can really do though. They can pick us off one at a time, and we can't fight and win. They control us. I hope this Hunger Games someone will make a difference.
I get out of bed, and put on my Reaping dress. District 12 is the first district to do the picking. Last year was truly amazing for District 12. Katniss volunteered for her sister, Prim. Peeta, who I didn't really know, was also picked. Fortunately they both came back, and Katniss will be my mentor if I'm to be picked. She is 17 and I'm 12. I think she would be a good mentor to anyone. But I have a plan.
My sister, Jess, comes running in and gives me a big hug. She is 6 and so I'm the only one in my family to have a chance to be picked. My chance will be 100%. I'm positive. My mother died and now I live with my father, a strict man who hates fun and so my sister and I have to play games without my dad knowing. Fun is good for little kids. We don't live in the Seam at least. My father has a decent job, as a carpenter. We always have food on the table at least. Hunting isn't my thing, but I would survive in the Hunger Games, for I have a secret. Many secrets in fact.
I go and help Jess get ready for the big day, by putting a red velvet dress on. She is so cute, so sweet. She is also pretty smart for her age, and knows to not say bad things about the Capitol. She studies a lot, and comprehends completely why are mom isn't here, even though she was 2 when our mom died. I remember the day perfectly, and so does she. Maybe that's just memory; painful memories are too easy to remember, like good ones.
We try to forget about that day.
Jess and I were on our way home from school. We saw our mom in the garden just outside the house; we hugged her, and then went inside. Later I heard my father come home, singing. We used to have a happier house, singing, and music. That's why I liked Katniss when she sang to Rue. I swore me father was crying… Anyway, later I walked outside to help my mom. She was dead. No blood or anything. I screamed for my father. Jess and father ran outside, and we took her to Katniss' mom, but she wasn't quite sure why she had died. We buried her next to the garden, and when I look there (which I try not to do) I start to tear up.
We never found out the cause of her death. Now I know though. After 'Foxface' died I saw the berries that Katniss held up. Nightlocks. I ran to the garden, and found the same berries. There were a few that were still there, and I know now the reason of the death to my mother. I threw all the berries into the river while crying and sobbing. I never told Jess, or father, but maybe one day I will. They deserve to know.
My father, Jess, and I are heading to the square. When we get there it's packed, since everyone has to be there. The mayor talks for a while, and introduces Effie first. Effie decided that District 12 wasn't so bad after last year. Then he introduces Katniss, this year's mentor. After Haymitch does his usual stage dive but he doesn't look as drunk. Katniss and Peeta were probably a big affect on him. He finally had neighbors.
After the introductions it was time for the drawings. My heart is beating faster and faster. I knew I had to do this.
"The girl tribute is:" the mayor calls.
"Ginger Rok," I finish for him.