I followed the crowds of people into the beach. The beach, usually so lively and happy, with children splashing each other in the ocean's waters, was cluttered with solemn faces of the people about to take part in my least favorite part of the year. The Reaping. I was slowly pacing along with the other District 4 15 year olds, who, by the looks of it, were happy to be there. I stood out in the crowd of eligible tributes, not a hopeful face hoping to volunteer. I didn't wish to throw my life away in a Game I would most likely lose. In a Game where anything was possible. But yet, something in the back of my head was tugging at the thought. A small part of me wanted to fight, to be a part of the Games.

Almost as if everyone getting into places was her cue, Colubra Remotess began her speech from her place at the quickly, but efficiently built stage. I had always wondered how they had assembled the stage so quickly for the Reapings. I felt a shiver make it's way down my spine as she announced, "Happy Hunger Games!" in her sickeningly sweet Capitol accent. "And may the odds be ever in your favor!" She paused, as if waiting for applause, but as it never came she started up again. "And now, like always, we will read off the names of the sucessful victor before us in memorial for their courage and participation in the games." Since District 4 had many victors before us, we were standing there watching Colubra read off a dozen or so names and messing up on a few pronunciations. "Now," she began, as she finished reading off the names of the victors of previous Games, "for the moment I am sure you have all been waiting for."

She let the suspense linger in the air for a few moments in time as she strutted over to the bowl filled with names. "For the girls," she said, letting herself finish before plunging her hand into the bowl like a greedy child would food they couldn't afford. She picked up a small white piece of paper and began to unfold it. I suddenly realized I had been holding my breath as I exhaled loudly as she finally finished opening the card.

"Avery Hayes!"

I watched as the crowd split apart as a young girl, about 13 began walking up to the stage, dumbfounded that her name had been chosen. As she was leading herself up onto the stage, I suddenly thought, this poor girl, she's far too young to fight... Avery took her place next to Colubra. "Will there be any volunteers?" Colubra asked, her Capitol accent grating on me.

"Y-yes! Me! I do!" I heard a voice a split second after Colubra was finished her question.

It wasn't until I felt myself running to the stage and taking Avery's place that I realized I had just volunteered without thinking.