It was Madge Undersee's fifth year of being eligible for the Hunger Games, and unlike every other eligible child in the District, she was feeling alright. Being the Mayor's daughter had its advantages. Being almost certain that you wouldn't be reaped for the Hunger Games was one of these advantages. Ever since she was small, Madge hadn't really worried about the Reapings. Well, worried for herself that is. Whenever a tribute was chosen, whether she knew them or not, Madge's heart ached for the poor boy and girl. She knew they wouldn't be coming home, and she knew that in less than a week's time she would be watching their death, as would the rest of Panem. So, although she wasn't too fearful that she would be District 12's female tribute any time soon, or ever for that matter, she was still much too nervous to eat. This being said when the time came to head to the town square for the dreaded ceremony she did so with an empty stomach and a pink ribbon in her hair. Her Auntie Maysilee's golden mockingjay pin was pinned to her pretty white dress, as requested by her mother, and Madge Undersee was feeling alright.
Well, she had been until Effie Trinket had pulled out a small, white strip of paper with the name Primrose Everdeen on it. And as if things couldn't get any worse, Madge's only friend, who just so happened to be little Prim's older sister, had volunteered as tribute shortly after. At this point Madge was shaking, her heart feeling as if it were going to pound itself out of her chest. Katniss looked just as stony as ever, and Gale Hawthorne was carrying a hysterical Prim away from the stage. The sound of the little girl's screams were something one would hear in a nightmare. No one clapped when Katniss was chosen, and slowly the citizens of District 12 began to raise three fingers to their lips. The salute was something commonly done in District 12 at funerals. Madge was among those that had performed this salute.
Effie trinket smiled brightly at the thought of having a volunteer this year, something that rarely happened, and giddily went to reveal Katniss' district partner. Madge found herself guiltily wishing that this year there would be two volunteers when Peeta Mellark's name was called. He had older brothers, perhaps they would volunteer to take his place? When Peeta had finally reached the stage and was shaking Katniss' hand Madge realized that her wish had been left unfulfilled. Soon the two were being ushered into a car which would then take them to the Justice Building for goodbyes. Without a second thought Madge turned and ran in the direction of the familiar building, clutching her mockingjay pin that she had ripped from her dress tightly in her hand.