I sighed, walking down the street of our district. The Capitol workers were putting in the site for the reaping. The reaping was today. I was extremely nervous, sure our family never had to put our names in extra times before. But after my dad died, it got harder for Ryker to get all the fish by himself. And after that, all of us had to put our names in extra times. But not Rosalinda, we wouldn't let her. Ryker and I are both in there fourty-three times today. If anyone should get picked, it would be a closer chance at it being us. Rosalinda is nervous because it is her first reaping. I keep telling her that her name has only been in there once and that they won't pick her, but she doesn't listen to me.

I made it to the market in the direct middle of our district, ready to sell some fish. I knew I had to help Ryker so I had him teach me and I am quite the fisher-girl if I do say do myself. This is my daily routine, get up, fish for hours, go to the market, go home, cook dinner, and go to bed. Then the day repeats itself. But not today. Today after I got home from market, we had to get dressed in our best and head down to the town center. All I could do was hope for the best. Two people would be lost today, most likely not coming back. It's not like they completely didn't have a chance. Our district has won at least three times. Mags, Finnick and Annie are still here as mentors even. Although Annie's mind isn't in it's right state. I cried when I heard what had happened to Annie.

I was only twelve and didn't completely understand what was going on, but I did know the basics. Hunger Games, tributes, killing, one victor. Twenty-three people dead. Twenty-three children dead. I live in a career district, but I am one of the few people who HATES it. I cannot stand the capitol, everything they do is terrible, disgusting really. Nothing is helping us, most of the districts are poor and have people dying from being so unhealthy and weak. That's clearly not helping.

After trading the fish for food, enough for days I might add, I slowly made my way home, wanting to delay the inevitable as long as I could. I sighed walking through the front door, watching mother hurry Rosalinda to get dressed. I took a deep breath and made my way to mine and Rosalinda's room, finding my best dress, and quickly stripping down for a bath.

After I had cleansed myself well enough for the ceremony, I put on the beautiful blue patterned dress and combed my hair. I then fishtail braided it, a style well known in our district. My sister left her hair down, with a plain cream colored dress on. I smiled at her and she gave me an attempt at one back. I dropped to my knees and hugged her with all the feeling I had. I had to let her know that everything was going to be alright. I knew no matter what that she would not be put into the games. Even if her name did get called, which I high doubted, I would volunteer for her. I had gone over it multiple times in my head. I told Ryker what I thought, and although he didn't agree at first, he understands it's what I have to do.

"Rosie, everything's gonna be alright. Nothing bad will happen. I promise." She sniffled into my back and nodded. I pulled away from her and wiped the tears from her eyes. "There, now you're ready to go." She slightly nodded and at that moment my mother called us out to the family room. She had us all stand in a row and smiled at us. She told us, "Now, I want you all to know that whatever happens I love you all very dearly." She had to keep herself from falling apart and Ryker went forward to comfort her. Before she could say anything else, the siren sounded, telling us it was time.

-

Magnolia Ebern. Interesting woman she was. I unfortunately realized a long time ago that she was so obviously brainwashed by the capitol. Her mind being made to believe that what was happening was good for us. Magnolia was happy to get our district, who wouldn't be? A career, winning district? Of course she would be happy.

When we got to the center we had to each check in before anything would start. I lined up behind some kids my age with Ryker and Rosalinda behind me. I got to the front of the line, closing my eyes as the capitol workers took my finger and pricked it. I hated blood. So much. They told me to move on and I stood off to the side waiting for Ryker and Rosalinda. When they finished I pulled them away with me to find Berabell, Jorgina and Bruceton. When I found them I looked to see Ryker blushing. He always had a crush on Berabell. And I knew she liked him back. I smiled a little, then it was gone when I remembered where I was.

"Hey guys." I called to them and they turned to me with sad smiled on their faces. I hugged each of them and we all said our goodbyes. We did this every year. If any of us ever got in, the times we spent saying goodbye would be given to our families we decided. I tried not to cry, but in the end it didn't work as tears flowed freely down my face. Before I knew it I heard Magnolia's voice, "Welcome, welcome! I am so excited to be announcing the tributes for this 74th Annual Hunger Games!" She started clapping and when nobody else shared her enthusiasm she cleared her through and continued, "Well then! As always, we shall have a little video from the capital first!" As the video was shown, I closed my eyes. Every years it was exactly the same. It was basically just a retelling of how the Capitol beat us and The Hunger Games is our punishment. They're just trying to scare us and show us they're in charge. It's disgusting.

As the video finished Magnolia kept talking, "Oh that gives me chills every time I watch it! Well, we won't keep the suspense going any longer. Ladies first!" She walked to the bowl with the girls names and it seemed to take an eternity. She stuck her hand in the bowl and I could almost hear everyone breath deeply in anticipation. I closed my eyes ready for the first tribute from district four in the 74th annual Hunger Games. Magnolia must have pulled a slip out because she spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, your first tribute in the 74th annual hunger games is..."

"Vivan Markson."