In a way, I'm not exactly sure why I do it.

As I told Katniss, I do pour myself into my work and it shows. She seemed surprised when I told her I asked for District 12 and I think I may need to explain a little bit about why…

The 74th games were approaching and my skills had caught the notice of the Capitol and since a tragic 'accident' befell the stylists that had worked with the tributes from District 4, everyone was in a frenzy waiting to see who would replace them in the 12 team slots for the coming games.

I was strangely reminded of my reaping years.

Got your attention with that one, didn't I?

Surprising, no?

That I, Cinna, was once in position for reaping on a yearly basis?

Well, I was. I grew up in District 8.

Textiles

I was apprenticed at the age of 11 to a dress shop and stood for reaping every year that I was able to. I don't think I have to mention the huge sigh of relief that I exhaled at the end of the reaping ceremonies my 18th year.

Perhaps…

Perhaps that made me a coward. I never volunteered for anyone, mind you.

Not my brother – for I was 13 at the time and earning a wage already. He was older.

I couldn't volunteer as a tribute for my sisters nor my 3 cousins either. I was older than them but my wages from the dress shop were in desperate need and I gave all of the money to my family as I was fed, clothed and housed at the shop.

I was about 16 when my mentor noticed the simple complexity of my designs and registered me for classes in the Capitol. I had talents not to be wasted in District 8.

I was assigned a new mentor and taken to the Capitol.

Never to return to District 8.