Chapter 1
Glamour. While most people use it for a better appearance, we live among it. The entire centers of our beings generate the feeling of being pretty, and wanting
to be prettier. It disgusts me; I choose not to be swallowed whole by the entire concept. It started early in my life; when my mother was shot dead in a beauty
salon because she was accused of being too expensive. It's because of this that I am interested in The Hunger Games. Truly, I want to leave District 1 and
move to a much better place, like the Capitol for example. I've been training since the day after my mother died. It wasn't long before my father disappeared
and left me with my older sister. She is still fully consumed in the thought of her appearance. Lexi tortures and taunts me when I forget to put on makeup, or
don't straighten my hair. Currently, I'm sitting on the roof of the mayor's house, watching the flashing lights of District 1. It's beautiful really, but not where I
belong. I judge the drop below me and slip off. My blonde curls flutter and bounce as I free-fall to the ground and my designer shoes absorb the shock of the
ground. I pull back to a wall, hiding in the shadows where most won't see me. I walk towards the bustling streets even though it's late. My house is on the
other expensive side of District 1, which means I have to walk through the poorest part. I squeeze in-between a number of men who purposely try to slow me
down. I let out a gasp when one man grips my arm tightly and pulls me closer. I slam my free fist in his face and send him sprawling backwards. With my heart
beating faster, I sprint backwards away from him, afraid of his retaliation. When I finally feel safe, I slow down to a brisk walk and breathe heavily. After
walking a few more minutes, I reach my house. It's a semi-large house that is nice on the inside. My family left it to Lexi to have, and of course she lets me live
with her. I walk through the door and immediately Lexi snaps, "Alyssa, where were you!? I'm tired of you coming in 20 minutes late, and on the night before
reaping day! This is absurd! Go get a shower." I sigh quietly, and don't reply. I walk up the stairs and into my room. I lay out my clothes for tomorrow and take
a quick shower. Once I finish, I grab my heart necklace with pictures of my parents and wrap it tightly in my hand. Sleep finds me quick, and I am grateful,
because I'm sure I'll need it for tomorrow.
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My fantastic sleep is interrupted abruptly by the yelling of my sister. "LET'S GO! TIME TO GET UP! REAPING DAY ALYSSA!" It's completely unnecessary, and I
know she's just trying to annoy me. The only person that I am worried for today is the only boy I ever liked. His name is Cody, and I would die if he got reaped.
I put on my beautiful hot pink dress and my high heel shoes. I lace the necklace around my neck and smile at myself in the mirror. Even though I am a little
scared, I can't show it if I'm going into the games. I sneak past Lexi and make my way to the square. Surprisingly, it's exactly where the man who grabbed me
last night is located. I stick out my finger and feel a slight prick, the lady scans my blood and says aloud, Alyssa Starkson, 16 years old, Female, and no extra
entries, go along though sweetie. I smile winningly and walk by into the 16 section. I pretend to like and gossip with the people around me, but really, I hate
them. It's nothing personal; I just think they're too prissy. Almost immediately, the escort comes out and I can quit talking to the girls. I glance across the lane
at Cody. His dirty blonde hair is so nice the way that it blows in the wind. I get pushed side to side a little as I realize that someone was reaped. I come out of
a trance and see Lexi with a shocked look on her face. A laugh bubbles up inside of me at her face. I burst out and slowly push through the crowd. Barely
keeping a straight face, I raise my hand and say, "I volunteer…for an 18 year old….who is pathetic." I take the opportunity to make fun of Lexi, who is still
stunned. I stand on the stage and watch the escort dig her hand in the bowl. That's when it suddenly hits me. Cody is in the poorest part of the district. Who
knows how many times his name is in there? After this thought, my mind is racing with worry. The escort pulls the name and says the name loud and clear,
"Cody Greyson". My mouth drops for a second before I recover from my shock. He walks up with a sad face, and I hear a few of his siblings whining in the
crowd. It's upsetting about how unfortunate it is how I shake his hand sadly. My name is Alyssa Starkson, and I am the female District 1 tribute in the 44th
Hunger Games.