Chapter One

I look at the pouring rain outside. Today was the reaping day and nothing could stop it.

I decide to go work in the field until it's time to go. It always seems to relax me singing

to the mockingjays. I grab a jacket and slip outside. As I walk to the field, I see my best

friend and crush, Jessie. "Hey!" I choke out a small "hi" as I try to hide a blush.

"You goin' to the field?" I question, hoping he would say yes. "Yeah. You want to

come?" "Sure. Let's race." I say happily. We run through the field like little children.

The rain finally stopped so we sit. "Jessie?" I ask, having concern in my voice.

"What Rue?"

"Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen?"

"Well, this is your first year in the reaping. I don't see why not, but don't worry. They

won't pick you."

I forgot that Jessie was a year older than me. He's already been through the worries for

a year. I smiled reassuring him I was fine but was interrupted by a loud bang. It's time to

go to town hall. He gives me an assuring squeeze as we separate into boys and girls.

Jen Woods welcomes us to the center and says "May the odds be ever in your favor!

Girls first!" She reaches into one of clear bowls and reads "Rue Lancaster" I gulp and

hold back the tears. I slowly walk to the stage and stare straight into Jessie's eyes. He

looks away, probably ashamed to look.

"Onto the guys!" she says cheerfully. Jen clears her throat before saying, "Thresh Jones,

please join the stage!" Thresh puts a solemn face on while he walks up. "These tributes

will be in the 74th annual Hunger Games! Good luck!"

Jen pushed Thresh and I into the Justice Building. My family was the first thing that

busted through the door. They sobbed and just held me close until the Peacekeepers

escorted them out. Next came Jessie. He slowly dragged his feet not looking me in the

eye. I put his chin up and smiled. I knew I wanted to see and remember Jessie's face

before I die.

"Jessie." I say as tears form.

"What is it Rue?"

"I just wanted you to know that I…I…love you," I said.

"Oh Rue! I love you too. Why did you have to get picked? Well, it does not matter. Fight

for me, fight for us."

"I will. I will be the last tribute standing."

I held him in my arms for the remaining minutes, in utter silence (except for a few

sobs). As the Peacekeepers come in, we are still linked as one. They begin pulling him

away, but before they did, we shared a kiss. I don't know how I am going to make it, but

I will for him, for us.