Chapter One
I wake up next to my mother after a hard night's sleep. I look down to see Buttercup curled up at my feet. With a smile I stroke his ragged fur. A faint purr comes up from his body. After a few minutes I sit up.
That dream last night... I shudder at the memories. I kept dreaming of Katniss being taken at the reaping. Dreaming of her being in the games. Sleeping with Katniss only made it even worse, so eventually I went to sleep with mom.
With a jolt I realize the reaping is today. This will be my first time. What if my name is chosen? Katniss says it's unlikely, since I've only had my name entered once. But Katniss, that's a defferent matter. Her name's been entered so many times. I wouldn't be able to bare seeing her in the games, where only one out of twenty-four comes out alive.
I hear movement behind me and see my mother beginning to wake up. Buttercup leaps up and runs over to me. "You hungry Butter?" I ask. He rubs against my leg in answer. Katniss is usually able to give some of the innards of whatever she catches to Buttercup but just in case I slways save a few drops of my goat's milk for him. I can't spare much but I wouldn't be able to stand it if the cat died.
Mom comes over to me. "Go milk your goat, Prim, then we'll find something for you to wear today." I just nod. It's hard not to be scared of what's coming up. I don't see how mom and Katniss can be so brave.
On my way out the door I notice that the cheese I left there last night is gone. I smile. Katniss will enjoy sharing that with Gale.
I go outside with Buttercup right on my heels. My goat is tied to a tree in the front. She still has a scar on her from when Katniss first brought her home. I'm happy at the memory of my birthday, it seems to make the day just a little brighter.
I milk her while speaking to her in a gentle voice. She's been a little skinnier these days. I need to take her out to the Meadow to graze. Not much grass grows in the Seam.
I'm careful to catch every last drop of the precious milk. It's one of the few things that keeps us alive. That and the creatures Katniss is able to catch.
Buttercup comes over and trys to take a drink of milk. "Oh no you don't!" I say while pushing him gently away. I dip my finger in the milk and hold it out to him. He greedily licks it off my finger and looks at me with eyes pleading for more. "Sorry Buttercup, can't have any more." I know he'll find something else to eat anyway.
I pick up the bucket of milk and carefully carry it inside. As soon as I open the door the strong smell of herbs hits me. My mother must be making medicine. I set the milk on the table and go over to her.
I watch her grind up the green leaves for a while before she speaks. "A man in the mines inhaled to much coal dust," she explains, "I'm making something to help his throut." I nod. It's common for people to come to us with ailments like this. I don't like to see them in pain, so I try to help any way I can.
"Anything I can do to help?" I ask. "Yes, could you crush those berries over there and bring them to me when you're done?" I do as I'm told. We work like this for an hour or so.
I look out the window. The sun is high in the sky now so mother and I stop to eat lunch.
The rest of the day seems to pass without my even noticing. My mind is occupied with what's going to happen later.
By the time the sun has already passed its peak my mom goes to draw a bath for Katniss when she gets back. The water is cold but it's better than being covered in muck. Katniss understands that.
My mother told me to find something to wear while she finishes up. Shortly after I change Katniss comes in. She's carrying some food and money. My eyes spot the strawberries and my mouth waters. I love strawberries.
Katniss dumps what she's carrying onto the table. She looks really tired. I probably would be too if I was out hunting all day. There's also worry in her face. She must be thinking of the reaping. Her eyes brighten a little when she sees the tub of water and she goes over to it.
Mom and I go into the other room to make finishing touches on what I'm wearing. The blouse refuses to stay tucked into the skirt so eventually mom gives up.
She brushes my long blond hair carefully. She leaves it down. "It's pretty enough the way it is." She smiles. But mom looks distracted. So they do get scared after all.
When mom and I are done we come out. Katniss is out of the tub and has a towel wrapped around her. Mom askes to do her hair for her. Katniss looks a little unhappy about it but doesn't protest.
She's never been on good terms with mom. Ever since those months after our father's death. Those terrible months I was afraid I'd not only lost my father, but my mother too. I allow myself to get distracted from these thoughts by taking time to fuss with my blouse.
By the time I look up again Katniss's hair is all done and she's wearing one of mom's dresses. She looks beautiful. She walks over to me and smiles. "Tuck in your tail little duck." She says while tucking in my blouse. I smile widely. "Quack!" I say. Katniss gives a little laugh.
It's not often I see her laugh. A wave of affection washes over me. I never want to see her go into the games. Never.