I wake up to the intense, golden glow of the sunlight shining behind my eyelids. My green eyes are rapidly watering, and I have no choice but to open them. "Ugh!" I groan as the blazing beams momentarily blind me. Throwing an old pillow over my face, I get up and close the tattered curtains of my aged window. I mutter something obscene about how my stupid family can't afford anything new in the ratty little district we call home. Sometimes I wish I lived in district 1, instead of 4. It always reeks of ocean and fish, causing everyone else to give off the same odour. Also, everyone lives in tiny cabin homes by the water. It might sound like a great view, but trust me its nothing special. All I see looking out of my window is boats, the dock, and the murky gray water. The only upside about living in district 4, is the strong chance of getting into the career pack. Unlike me, all of the other girls my age are terrified of the reaping. I for one, would gladly volunteer for anyone who was chosen to go into the Hunger Games.

I know I could win, if I tried. I'm around 5'7, and 120 pounds. Most of my weight is the muscle I have gained from fishing all my life. I also train every day by doing push ups, sit ups, and running laps. Technically we aren't supposed to train for the Games, but no one really cares. I'm in extremely good shape, and could tale down most of the guys in my school. I most likely wouldn't win any beauty contest though. My bronze curls fall limply to about my shoulders, and my green eyes are the same shade as everyone else in district 4. Being average has its ups and downs. First off, not many guys stop and look at me, but I don't care anyways. Dating isn't my largest priority in life. I have lots of others things I care about, like sports, staying in shape, and physical activity. I snap back into reality when my little sister bursts through my door of my tiny bedroom crying. "Reef! Reef!" She wails running and clinging on to my leg. She's only 12, but very small for her age. This is her first year eligible for the reaping. "What is it Coral?" I complain detaching her form my leg. Being 17, I could have easily volunteered all these years. But I was waiting for this specific year. Because this year is the 25th annual Hunger Games. Meaning it was a Quarter Quell. I love having the special twist, because it makes everything that much more fun.

Coral wipes the streaming teas from her face and sniffs sadly. "I-I'm scared!" She cries shaking from the loud annoying sobs escaping her. I roll my eyes, ticked off from her hatred of the Hunger Games. "Get over it Coral! Your not getting reaped, and even if you did It would be an honour. And besides, I would volunteer for you anyways." I half growl pushing her roughly away from me. "Now get out, and get dressed for the reaping. Its in an hour, you better hurry up." With that, she runs out of the room crying harder than before. Great, make your sister cry once again. I trudge over to my only dresser, and pull out the first item of clothing i can find. It turns out to be a green and blue dress, that was my mothers. She used to wear it for special events. Before she died. My throat tightens up at the thought of her, but I quickly push away the grief of her death. Today is a day for celebration. I will win the Hunger Games, and will do whatever it takes to do so. I sigh and pull the dress on over my head slowly. I contemplate putting on some makeup, but decide against it. I want to look as threatening as possible when I stand on the stage, and makeup wouldn't help that. Not the very least.