Vanessa Wilson was thrilled. Today was the day of the reaping, and this was her first year to join in. She wasn't sure why everyone else was nervous, though. Her mom told her the participants were pretending to be dead for more publicity.
So, Vanessa spent the morning getting dressed for the big ceremony. She chose a plain pink dress and matching sandals. Her hair was done in a ponytail by a pink bow. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and grinned.
"You look beautiful, dear," Mrs. Wilson said.
"Of course I do, mom," Vanessa replied. "I want to look my best for when my name's called."
"Just remember that this is all just a game," Mrs. Wilson said. "And it doesn't matter if you win. All that counts is that you have fun."
"Of course I'll have fun," Vanessa said. "Who doesn't enjoy pretending to die on national television?"
Soon, Vanessa was at the ceremony with the others in District 4. She didn't get why everyone else looked worried or nervous. Or why they were all looking at her like she's crazy. All she was doing was smiling.
"What are you so happy about?" a girl asked.
"It's my first year," Vanessa answered. "And I hope my name is called."
As the girl muttered something under her breath, the ceremony began.
"Happy Hunger Games!" a woman happily said. "And may the odds be ever in your favor!"
Vanessa clapped eagerly...but she stopped when she noticed everyone else was glaring at her.
"Ladies first!" the woman said. She walked over to a large glass bowl and took out a small piece of paper. "Vanessa Wilson."
"WOO-HOO!" Vanessa cheered. "YEAH!" She happily ran onto the stage, grinning from ear-to-ear. The others weren't responding at all.
"A little eager, huh?" the woman asked.
"It's my first year," Vanessa said, still smiling. "I just want to have fun."
"That's the spirit!" the woman said. "Boys next!" She took out another small piece of paper. "Thaddeus Andrews."
A 12-year-old boy walked onto the stage and stood next to Vanessa. "How's it goin'?" she quietly asked.
"Just peachy," Thaddeus whispered back.
"I give you the tributes of District 4!" the woman announced.