I awake to the familiar sound of a tree crashing to the ground some where beyond the house. Sitting up in bed, I see my sister Ivy shaking under her blankets. I can tell it's her nightmares again. Watching our parents die on live television took a large toll on both of us. The sorrow The Hunger Games brings everyone is a large toll as well. My parents were both 18 when they died. My father was killed in the 51st Hunger Games when Jabber Jays caused him to go mad. My mother was lost in the 53rd Hunger Games when the cave she was hiding in collapsed. So here I am with my 16 year- old sister dreading tomorrow. Why? Tomorrow is Reaping Day.

A knock at the door brings me back to the present. Quickly I throw on some clothes and open the door to discover a peacekeeper looking down at me through beady black eyes.

"Hello you little thief. Guess what, we may not have punished you on the spot for stealing but we have now. Instead of your name being in the Reaping Ball 25 times, it's now in there 55. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor." He says with a smirk as he turns away.

"Damn!"

I slam the door shut forgetting that Ivy is still asleep. Sinking down with my back to the door I hold my head in my hands and cry. Why me? Why did I have to be the one to get caught? People are always stealing in this part of the district but of course I'm always the one who gets blamed for it. This really sucks. It's almost guaranteed that I'll get picked now.

"Aspen, are you alright?"

"Oh Ivy I'm so sorry I woke you up."

"Don't worry it wasn't you. The peacekeeper at the door was pretty loud."

"I'm sorry."

"What's wrong kid?"

"Didn't you hear? My names going to be put in the Reaping Ball 55 times."

"Goodness Aspen! I'm so sorry!"

"It's not your fault. Please don't apologize."

Reflecting upon the news that we have just heard, Ivy and I sit quietly at the kitchen table. I can tell we're both thinking the same thing. First our parents die in the Hunger Games and now I will for sure. Even if I have been training myself in fighting tactics and technique. It's no use. I'm going to die. Ivy will be alone.

The rest of the day goes by in a blur. I don't even remember all that goes on. The only thought going through my mind is that I'm going to die whether I like it or not. My end is near and coming quicker than I wanted. I'm being selfish and dumb. At least Ivy isn't the one going into the arena. She's safe. That's all that matters. Even if my death is guaranteed to bloody and painful, Ivy will be safe.