Olive's POV

It was Reaping Day. Another full year has gone by since the last but it seemed like a few weeks. Grove's name would be in twice, but that's two times too many in my opinion. He felt like it was an honor to have his name in the bowl. Mother hated it and each year she hugged us before we headed out.

She couldn't get out of bed now; Mom, I mean. She's so incredibly sick Sage opted out of going to school to care for her. I see it in Mom's eyes- the pain at having her youngest daughter baby her. But what else could we do? It was up to me to hunt and Grove dug for berries. Hazel and Reed had to stay out of our ways. It isn't as if we force her to stay in bed.

I sat on her bed as she braided my hairline. I heard her sniff behind me as though she was about to break into hysterical sobs. She was known to do that.

"Oh, my baby. You look beautiful."

She made me a dress a year ago for this Reaping. It was muted yellow and sleeveless with a ribbon pattern. It fell to my knees nicely. Before my dad died he made me a pair of shoes fastened from an old bandage. It was ashy gray like the dust he used to trample into the house and he said that the color suited me. Since then those were the only shoes I ever wore. My hair was naturally curly and easy to work with so Mom braided the hairline and pulled the rest of the curls into a tight ponytail. I could manage it but it gave her something to do for me.

"Mom, I'll be back. I'm not worried. As Effie says, "May the odds be ever in your favor"."

"But whose favor: ours or the Capitols?" She had a point. The good kind of odds for me was that my name wouldn't be called, but the good kind of odds for the Capitol had to be my name being called.

Instead of meeting her eyes I fingered the brass buttons on the front of the dress. "I promise to stay alive. I'll keep them safe, even if we're called. They're vital to this family."

"So are you, Live."

My full name is Olive Lockhearst, but most people called me Live. I rather people use my full name but I couldn't force them to.

The time came for us to head out. Mom was holding back sobs as she hugged me. Sage promised to come back as soon as possible. Her bun flopped as she ran after us. She wrapped her little arms around my waist and we walked together. Hazel and Reed ran forward kicking dirt up as they went. Grove walked solemnly. He looked so much like our dad on a regular basis, but today it was shocking.

Our eyes met and he gave me a curt nod. We both knew that this could be the last time at the Reaping.

I separated from my brothers, telling Reed to stick close to his brother. I kissed their heads before leading my sisters forward: boys to the left, girls to the right. Reaping day was good for population count since all kids between twelve and eighteen had to sign in.

This year was the 75th Hunger Games, the third Quarter Quell. To show the Districts that the families were also in danger the mayors of the Districts voted with parents on what parent is "reaped", not literally. When that parent is chosen, they must choose one of their kids to go in. But if one of their kids is over 18, aka, no longer in the Reaping, the entire family is safe. No family with two or three are permitted to be reaped, but orphans, parents with one child or four and over are still at risk. I'm one of five.

My mother wanted to cry when she found out what was going to happen this year. She fell into depression and refused to feed herself. I hope she doesn't have to go through it.

"Hand," said the woman quickly. I held it out and she drew blood, wiped it on the paper, scanned it and told me to move on. It stung, the sticking, but it was necessary.

I hated the Capitol for what they did to kids and their families each year. We get the point. I don't think we need these stupid Games anymore. Dad nearly had a heart attack when I told him that once. He told me to never say that allowed or else I was going to be in big trouble.

Once everyone was accounted for, Effie Trinket, donned in complete pink, stepped up to the podium and gave a speech.

"Ah, look at all these lovely children! You all look so eager." No one smiled or even moved.

A short clip started like always, telling us about the riots before the Games began. I always ended the same: District 13 gets blown up and then the Peacekeepers arrive. They were everywhere nowadays.

Smiling, Effie introduced the Victors of our District from past years. Haymitch looked as shabby as ever, but he smiled and for once he did have the flask of whiskey in his hand. Katniss and Peeta appeared next, grinning forcibly. They weren't happy about the Games, but they couldn't rebel.

Peeta looked attractive in his suit. Since I first saw him I had a huge crush on him. He didn't know I existed, but, then again, most people didn't.

Effie huffed happily. "Now then, here's the envelope containing the names of the parents. Good luck to you who are in here. If they are not present, Peacekeepers please fetch them from their houses." I glanced at Grove who looked pale. He wanted to bring honor to our District but I told him that he can't go through with it. I wouldn't let him.

She tore the envelope. "Ladies first," she said smiling. Unfolding the card, she read clearly,

"Robin Lockhearst."