Chapter 1
My name is Wren Moongleam. I am twelve years old. I live alone in District 8. My parents and siblings were murdered. I am alone. All alone.
Right now I am working in one of the factories that produce clothes. The sweat is pouring down my face. Somewhere, off in the distance, a bell goes off announcing the closing of yet another day. I am about to jump for joy, when I remember that today is the reaping.
Although I am only twelve, I work in the factories. I have always been intrigued by the Hunger Games.
Since I depend on myself, I have learned many survival and hunting skills. I am a decent fighter also. I can brandish a sword and throw a knife.
I run into my little hut that I live in all by myself. It is in the middle of one of District 8's cold forests. I stifle a cough as I pull into the plain white dress for the reaping. It is ironic because District 8 is known for textiles.
Because it is so hot in the factories and cold where I live, I am sick quite often.
Since today is the first reaping where I might be picked, I need to be prepared. I don't want to be chosen. But it is a very different reason for me than anyone else. My peers in the rest of the District don't want to die. I have my own reasons for not wanting to be picked.
The violet haired Capitol escort goes up on stage. She is accompanied by Cecelia and Woof, the only victors from our District.
I stand, staring with anticipation, as the tattooed hand reaches into the giant glass bowl for the girls names. The bowl is filled to the brim.
"Catherine Carter!" The lady trills in her stupid accent.
The girl's knees are trembling with fright. Before she can utter a word, I
bound out into the isle. I shout with as much dignity as I can muster, "I volunteer as the tribute from District 8!"
The Capitol escort looks shocked. I would smile, but I don't let the it creep across my face. "But your only twelve?" The escort says with utter bewilderment. I can't help but scoff. What a complete idiot.
"And? The rules of the Hunger Games state that any child who wishes to volunteer can. Now let me on stage!" I scream at her. I am enraged. How dare she, she of all people, question MY motive?
The escort just nods her head. A feeling of pride and accomplishment sweeps over me. I scan the crowd and find the face of my best friend Anna. I grin maniacally at her.
The Capitol freak calls the boys' name. "Jason Bodess!"
He feebly walks onto the stage. His blonde hair that is customary in our District bobs up and down. Again I am not ordinary. With my black hair that is as dark as night and green eyes that can pierce through your skin and penetrate your heart. I am different.
I take a good look at Jason now. He is fourteen and not much taller than I am. He has a slender build with light muscles. That is when I gasp. I know Jason. His parents were part of the group that murdered the other members of my family!
Jason will be the first person who I will kill in the Games. How should I do it? Stab him when he isn't looking? Poison him with a lethal berry? Or try to be kind, and then slit his throat?
People might not take me seriously since I am only twelve, but with my heavily muscled arms, the fire burning inside me, the fact that I am a murderous killing machine, and... Oh. My adorable face, who wouldn't want me for an ally? Hmm?