I watch as the Peacekeepers collect the bodies strewn across the streets of District 3. A bombing happened last night, a common event in my district. The Capitol bombs us to keep us on edge, to ensure we will obey their rules. The Peacekeepers clear out quickly, before too much attention is drawn to them.
I creep across the alley to the dumpster behind the main factory, Coriolanus Industries. Employees constantly toss excessive amounts of food into the container, which gives me a meal. Since my parents passed away, I have been living off the contents of the factory's trash, and any scraps I discover. Occasionally, my friend, Tala, will sneak me food left over from her family's dinner. Her parents found out, however, and beat her, saying I was scum.
My stomach rumbles as I sort through the wasted food. I find half an apple, an expensive dinner roll, and one strawberry. This is a feast, compared to what I normally eat. Near the alley I call home is a large water fountain, in the district's plaza. Every morning, I dash across the plaza, fill up my water bottle, and warm the water on the heater in the alley. If I start a fire, I would cause a crowd; this is as close to boiling as I can get. My body is probably immune to most germs by now, anyway.
Today, I won't get any water. The plaza is being used for voting. This year is the Hunger Games 25th anniversary. So, the Capitol celebrates by giving the districts hell. They call this event the "Quarter Quell". The Quarter Quell is a bit different than a regular Hunger Games, which is mandatory to watch; I watch it with other citizens living in poverty in the plaza. The Hunger Games still has 24 tributes, but the tributes aren't selected at random. The tributes are chosen by the most votes. How despicable.
District 3's escort, the eccentric Adara Wix, scurries to the stage, wearing gaudy lime green high heels, a hunter's orange evening gown, and a flashy neon yellow wig. She reminded me of a bowl of citrus fruits.
"Hello, District 3! I am here to hand out the ballots for the Quarter Quell!" she said cheerfully. Peacekeepers passed out the ballots, but I refused.
"You must, it is necessary by Capitol law to fill out a ballot, citizen." I began walking away. Smack! I tasted hot blood in my mouth. To save myself from being killed, I began filling out the ballot. If the Peacekeeper believed it was a rebellious act, I probably would be dead. That's how my parents died.
They want two tributes? Fine, they'll get two tributes. I scribbled the names of two rich citizens on the paper, Gem and Sten. Whoever was picked should at least have a fair chance of winning. Tala's family is wealthy as well. I couldn't face the fact that Tala may be reaped. I let go of that thought. Tala is a well-liked, friendly, wealthy girl. She has a slim chance of being reaped.
The next day, all of District 3 gathered in the plaza for the results of the voting. Tala stood by me, and gave me a reassuring smile. "You won't be reaped, don't worry!"
Adara, wearing a magenta wig and electric blue dress, held an envelope in her hand. "The 25th annual Hunger Games tributes are-" she took a dramatic pause. "Xavier Cyma" I know him. He was my neighbor, before my parents died.
Adara beamed. "The female tribute will be- Oh my! The female tribute representing District 3 is Annli Veit." She said my name. I, Annli, am going into the arena.
