Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games

The Hunger Games: Primrose Everdeen

I can't help but wipe away the tears that fall down my face. It's my first year of being a part of the reaping. If my name gets

called, I will be forced to leave District 12 and spend the remaining hours of my life in an arena, fighting to the death. Although my chances are slim, I

can't focus and I place my hand on Buttercup to keep steady. His smooshed face and pale green eyes comfort me. I take a few deep breaths, and walk

through my mother's room to where she is standing. We both can't seem to find any words, so we just stand there, in silence. My mother hands me a

skirt and ruffled blouse, Katniss's first reaping outfit. "Thank you." I whisper. My mother smiles a genuine smile, and I turn my back before I start

crying again.

By the time i've taken a bath and gotten dressed, Katniss is back from hunting with Gale. Her blouse is still a bit big on me, so she smooths it back

into place. "Tuck your tail in, little duck." she says. "Quack." I giggle. "Quack yourself." she says, with a light laugh.

At one o' clock, we leave for the reaping. The reaping is held in the square, surrounded by beautiful shops and markets. Today, it is filled with flashing

cameras, and despite all the people, complete silence. Katniss, our mother and I seperate after signing in. I file in with the 12 year olds near the back,

and as soon as the clock strikes two, I start feeling claustrophobic. Effie Trinket walks up to the podium. There are two glass bowls on either side of her,

one for boys and one for girls. "Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" as she always says. "Ladies First!" She digs her hand

inside the first glass bowl, and pulls out a slip of paper.

"Primrose Everdeen." she shouts in a bubbly voice. I freeze, and tears flood down my face. I scream and grab onto the

person in front of me. There must have been a mistake. My name is repeated, and I have no choice but to go up on the stage, and claim my position.

My fists are clenched and white as bone. I stiffly make my way to the stage, and thats when I hear it. "I volunteer!" Katniss pushes me behind her. "I

volunteer as tribute!".

"Lovely!" Effie says. "But I believe theres a small matter of introducing the reaping winner and then asking for volunteers, and if one does not come

forth then we, um..." The mayor interrupts her. "What does it matter? Let her come forward." Katniss tries to make her way to the stage, but I wrap

my arms around her and start screaming."No, Katniss! No! You can't go!" Gale lifts me from behind and I thrash in his arms. He whispers something to

Katniss, then he brings me to my mother. I am still crying and screaming as Katniss gets on the stage. "Well, Bravo! Thats the spirit of the games!"

shouts Effie. "Whats your name?" I turn away as I hear my sister's voice. "Katniss Everdeen." she replies. And I sink myself into my mother as all the

tears i've been holding back come out, in one big mess.