It all started when my brother's name was called at the Reaping.
I lie in bed, in peaceful sleep. I love feeling like this. As if nothing in the world can harm me. But I know that's not true. We live in district 12, one of the poorest of all districts in Panem. Sure, we run a bakery store, but that doesn't mean we have enough to eat. My mother and father have just enough for me and my brothers, and sometimes, if we get lucky, we are able to get some of the tastier goods that didn't sell in the bakery, and were too old to sell. My oldest brother always jokes about winning the Hunger Games, because we'd be rich then, but I know he wouldn't want to compete in the Hunger Games. When I start to think about it, i realize what day today is. Reaping. A cold chill runs down my back. It's my third year in the reaping, but the fear of Effie Trinket calling out my name still remains. I decide to get up, because sleep is impossible to get by now that the Reaping has entered my train of thoughts. As I open my eyes, I see dawn is just breaking through the trees. My two jounger brothers are still asleep, but my oldest brother's bed is empty. I slip out of mine and tiptoe over to my parents room. Both still asleep. I go back to my room and dress for the day. Not my reaping outfit yet, because i'm an expert of tripping over my own feet, and I wouldn't want the dress to get dirty. With a smile, I realize the second meaning of today. It's my birthday. It sure brightens the day a bit. I quietly make my way to the back of the bakery, where my brother is busy with today's bread. Rolling the dough into shape, placing it on the oven plate, and eventually putting it in the oven. As he stretches, I see that his face is covered in sweat.
"How long have you been up?" I ask. He jumps, and swivels, startled by my sudden appearance.
"Look here, the birthday girl." He grins and hold out his arms for me. I grab a towel and throw it in his face.
"Clean up first." I cross my arms and stare at him.
"Yes M'am" He says while wiping of his face and hands. As soon as he's done, I jump in his arms and allow him to envelop my in his warm embrace. He hugs me tightly and kisses the top of my head.
"Happy Birthday sis." he says with a smile. I smile back at him and place my head on his chest. My smile leaves my face as I think about today.
"Don't worry about the reaping sweetie, it'll be fine." he says reassuringly. I look up at him, and the confidence in his eyes makes me feel a lot better. I nod, and sigh.
"I've got something to cheer you up." he lets go and walks behind the ovens. He motions for me to come closer.
"Eat up quickly, before Mom wakes up." he pulls out a little cake, just enough to feed 2 people, decorates with frosted flowers and in the middle, my age.
"14." he says wistfully, "You are getting big." i giggle.
" Can't be your little girl forever." he laughs. "Unfortunately." he says, while shaking his head.
"Don't forget the bread Peeta." another voice startles us both, and we look at our father's face apologetically. He smiles when he sees the cake in our hands.
" Don't worry, I didn't see a thing." I smile and give him a hug.
"Happy Birthday sunshine." I hug him a bit tighter. Peeta joins us, and cuts the cake in 3 equal pieces. He hands me and dad a piece and all three of us munch happily on the frosted goodiness.
"Delicious." dad and I say simutaniously, and I can see Peeta's face swell with pride. When we are finished, dad goes to wake the others, and Peeta returns to his work. I wander around the Bakery, unsure of what to do. After a while I get bored, so I decide to leave. Peeta's done with his work, so he walks in my direction to leave as well. Then something catches my eye and I get a brilliant idea. I turn my back to my brother and discreetly grab a handful of flour. As soon as he reaches me, I turn around and blow the flour in his face. His mouth falls open and the expression on his face has me doubling over with laughter.
"Oh really?" he says. I see his hands make way to the flour, and before I can escape, he throws it in my face. We throw around the white stuff for a couple of minutes, laughing, until a voice by the door breaks the spell.
"What is going on here?" a stern voice asks. I flinch. Peeta lowers his flour covered hands and stares at the floor.
"Well?" our mother asks.
"It's my fault." i say quietly.
"I don't care who's fault it is. Look around! Look at the mess you made! And all the flour you spilled!" she screeches. I grimace.
"Clean it up! Now. And it better be spotless clean, or else no breakfast." she slams the door as she leaves. I glance up at Peeta, and start laughing again. He smiles, and throws me a wet cloth. While he cleans the floor, i start cleaning the counter tops and appliances. When we're done, mother comes to check, and dismisses us, telling us to clean up before breakfast. On our way upstairs, Peeta places his arm across my shoulder and kisses my head again.
"Happy birthday Penny." i hug his waist, and smile, thinking that maybe, it's not such a bad day today.
But I was wrong...