The Reaping. Today. This is what I think as I walk to the square with my family. I guess it doesn't matter if I get picked. Who will miss me? My mother? No. My siblings? No. The only one might be my father, but he'd get over it quickly. And it's not like I provide the food, like some kids from the Seam. No. If I'm picked, no one will care.
I sign in and go to where the sixteen-year-old boys are s...tanding. The mayor and Effie Trincket, the District 12 escort, sit down on two chairs placed on the stage. But someone's missing. Haymitch Abernathy. The only living victor from District 12. He's not going to be here. He's a drunk, and he's the reason District 12 tributes never come home. As soon as the clock strikes two, the mayor stands up and tells about the history of Panem. I tune him out until Effie Trinket stands up. Oh look, Haymitch. Joy. He tries to give Effie a hug, and she barely fends him off. The mayor introduces Effie, and she stands up as bubbly and happy as ever.
She goes to the podium and says, as she always does, "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" She talks about what a big honor it is to be here, which isn't true, because everyone knows she would much rather be in District 2 or something. "Ladies first!" she says.
I'm not paying attention, because I don't know any girls that could be picked. Suddenly, my heart aches and I realize, there is one girl. Katniss Everdeen. I've loved her forever. Ever since we were five. I pray that it isn't her, I pray she's safe. And it isn't her. It's Primrose Everdeen. Her little sister. Everyone knows how much Katniss loves her. She'll volunteer for her. Sure enough after a few seconds, I hear Katniss.
"Prim!" she shouts, sounding strangled. "Prim! I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" I can't breathe. She doesn't even know I exist, but to me she's everything in the world. If she dies, there will be nothing for me. I can't hear Effie, I can't hear anything except my own heart beating against my chest. Why her? Why couldn't it be anyone else? I see Effie standing up there, with a big smile glued on her face. I feel sick. I black out, but when I come to again, I'm still standing. I hear Effie.
"...excitement to come! It's time to choose our boy tribute!" I tense. "Peeta Mellark!" Me. She called me. As I walk up to the stage, I vow that I'll do everything in my power to keep Katniss Everdeen alive. Even if it means dying myself. Especially then.