Chapter I:
Celeste

In District 12, there are many battles to fight, for most, those battles you lose. I, on the other hand, win every single one. I've lived a life of luxury since I was a small child. Being the eldest of the three kids in the house, it's normal for me to take charge. I am the daughter of our mayor.

"Celeste, hurry up! It's reaping day!"yells my brother from outside the door.

"Wait, Elias, I'm almost ready,"I say as I pin on the back of my earing.

I smooth out my dress and look in the mirror. I take a deep breath and open the door. Elias smiles and we walk downstairs.

"Good, we're all ready!"says my mother. "Let's be going, we can't be late."

The five of us, my mother, father, Elias, my sister Joy, and I, walk down the path to the square.

"Celeste,"I hear Joy squeak. I look down at her and see that her eyes are a big as moons. "I'm scared, what if one of us gets called?"

"We won't, I promise. If Elias gets picked I'll take care of you, alright?"

"What if you get picked?"

"Elias will take care of you of course."

Joy nods and we get back in line. I watch her walk over to the youngest group. I stand still and wait for everything to start. I look over at Elias and he meets my eye. I give him a reassuring look and he smiles back at me.

The capitol representative steps up to the michrophone on stage. Then taps it twice to make sure it's on. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen to the 125th Hunger Games!"

I look at the first row and see Joy shaking. I phope that she knows she had barely any chance of getting picked.

"This year will be the fifth quarter quell!"the representative goes on. "The Capitol has annouunced that any two tributes, whether they be two girls or two boys, from District 1 and 12, they may both be the victors."

The crowd starts whispering to each other, but she continues,"Anyway, ladies first!" She walks over to a bowl filled to the brim with folded up peices of paper. She peers in and picks one up.

She reads the name. "Joy Chesterfell."

I gasp and look at Joy as she freezes and looks down at her feet. "Come on up here, don't be afraid."

"I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!"