Today was the day that twenty-four lives will end. Today was the day of the Reaping of all twelve districts. Today was the day The Hunger Games begin. Ever since the uprising of District thirteen, the Capitol has taken it upon themselves to create these bloodbath games. Each district must submit one female and male tribute to compete in the arena and fight to the death; the last one standing is the winner.

When did the human race become so sadistic?

I let the waves of District four laps at my feet as I stand on the beach of my home. District four, the fishing district of the Capitol. If it weren't for the Capitol and their constant reminder that they're letting us live, I would've been enjoying my life here. I can't though, knowing that each year twenty-four families are destroyed because we simply can't forget something that happened in the past.

I brush my chestnut brown hair over my shoulder and push my bangs out of my face. I close my eyes and sigh in content as the warm sun bathes me. I'm slightly tan from working at the docks to help support my family. Even though both my parents make enough, I still feel responsible to help support our family. My hair stops right below my shoulders and is in constant waves, like the sea as my father says. I'm tall, standing a good 5'10 which helps me every now and then.

I looked up at the sun and knew I had to getting home soon to prepare for the Reaping. I trudged home slowly; wanting to take my time, knowing what would happen in about an hour terrified me. Even though not one of my friends had been Reaped, there is still that feeling in my heart that their name will be called and if that happened, I would lose myself. What's worse that if one of my siblings was called, I would die.

I have two younger siblings, Faye and Aaric, twins. They're both thirteen and the possibility of them being chosen is very slim, but I still couldn't help but fear for their lives.

I made my way up the steps of our small home. I went into my room to prepare. On my bed was a dress my mother had laid out for me. It was a simply white sun dress that stopped right below the knee. A pair of matching sandals was at my bed side. I showered and French braided my hair, I brushed my hair back with a hair clip my grandmother gave to me before she passed.

I looked in the mirror, just staring, until the alarm that the Reaping was about to begin rang. I inhaled and exhaled as a knock on my door distracted me.

My father pokes his head in, "Are you ready?"

"No," I answer truthfully, my voice slightly shaking. I was scared, but so was everyone else in my district.

My father made his way into my room and stood with my in front of the mirror and put his hands on my shoulders. "You look beautiful," he compliments. All I can do is nod. "We need go," I nod again and let him steer me away from the mirror. I wanted to scream, I didn't want to go.

I feared for the lives of my friends, my family and myself. I hoped and prayed that the odds were in my favor today. But then again, fate can sometimes be cruel and unforgiving.

My mother, brother and sister were already waiting out front for us. Together we made our way to the town square, not talking, but enjoying our moment together as a family. My siblings and I were taken to go sign in. The little prick stung a bit but I ignored the pain. I was then pushed over to my age group with the other girls. I tried to find my family, but could barely see over the dozens of heads.

A door opening from the Justice Hall caught everyone's attention. I swear the Capitol comes up with the most ridiculous fashions just to embarrass people. Our escort, Ava Savalor, was dressed in a bright teal dress with sequins everywhere that shined every time she moved. Her face was pale but that didn't stop her from drowning it in makeup. Her eyes were painted a lime green and her eyelashes were extended and colored; to top it off her lips were painted a deep red. All in all, she looked horrible.

"Hello my lovelies," she said into the microphone, her Capitol accent rang throughout the square. "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor," she squealed a little in delight. I wanted to groan and throw up. It was people like her that made me sick. The Capitol is sick and twisted in making children do these games, and they need to get better fashion, just throwing that out there too.

"Now, before we begin, we have something special for all of you, all the way from the Capitol," she pointed over the giant screen.

It was about how District thirteen rebelled and what the Capitol did to stop them and as punishment every year we have to contribute one male and female to fight to the death. They play this every year. And every year, it makes me hate them even more.

Ava began clapping but when no one else did she stopped. She cleared her throat and spoke into the microphone, "Well then, I say it's time to begin. As usual we will start with the ladies."

My heart was accelerating; I felt lightheaded and wanted so desperately to pass out. Everywhere around me, people were holding their breaths in anticipation and I was among them. At that moment, I tried finding my family again and finally found my mother. We locked eyes and I could see fear in hers and I'm pretty sure she saw the same exact emotion in mine.

Ava reached into the bowl with every girls name in it. She hesitated in picking which slip of paper and I think she was doing it on purpose. When she finally picked one, I was beginning to sweat and shake. She walked over the microphone and unfolded the slip. All the girls around me were holding hands and silently praying that it isn't going to be their names called.

"Analee Damsen,"

My life ended here.