I squint as I awaken, sunlight falling on my face. I sit up and grimace. It's Reaping Day. I crawl out of bed and strap my shoes on. I put on my sweater, to which I have sown a cowl on; it fits my personality. The Peacekeepers don't care; as long as I'm not hiding anything that could be used against the Capitol, they're fine with it. I grab some bread, tear off a chunk, and slide it into my mouth. I walk out the front door.
As I walk to the square, I pass a couple, who quickly glance down as they pass. Rumor has it that my family is cursed. My great-grandfather fought in the Great War, between the districts and the Capitol. After the Great War, we were always fed less than everyone else, but it was believed to be a curse by everyone, even my family. I guess they had given up. A few years ago, my parents passed away due to lack of nutrition. Their good ways remained with them even to death, as they refused any other food.
I kick a stone. Once I'm at the square, I look around, keeping my face well hidden. A kind young woman approaches me.
"Hey, Dagen! What's going on?" This is my girlfriend, Aria Rookbroad. She is the only one that really talks to me, and provided me some real comfort after my parents died. She hugged me, seemingly neglecting today. "I hope you don't get picked! I would hate it if you were!" She held my face in her hands and looked at me deeply. "You promise you won't get picked?"
I sighed. "Aria, you know I can't decide that. I'll try not to, but you know how it works."
She also sighed. "I know, but you made it this far. One more year?" She held up a fist.
I nodded. "One more year." Our fists connected.