I wake with a jolt, sweat running down my back, hair plastered to my neck. I am used to the nightmares that come the night before the Reaping, but what I'm not used to is the gut feeling that this was the day that I would be Reaped. Grabbing a hair tie off of my nightstand and putting my sweaty, brown hair up in a messy bun, I proceed to the bathroom, knowing I need to clean up a little.

My feet slap against the cold tile floor as I make my way down the hallway to the bathroom that I share with my brother, Owen. The brass doorknob was cool on my hand as I carefully opened the door, careful not to wake up the rest of my family. I take a peek at the mirror before turning on the shower. My hair is stringy and wet with sweat, and my eyes are red and puffy from crying. I sigh. I look like crap, I think. Stripping and then hopping into the shower, I scrub the sweat and bad dreams away, warm water washing over me. Wrapping myself in a warm towel, I tiptoe back to my room to go through my closet.

The first dress I find is made of red lace, which is definitely to fancy for this occasion. I continue on through the collection of clothing, finding a light pink dress with ruffles, the thin straps embellished with little diamonds. I smile. I love that dress. I got it when exploring the market at the very edge of our District, District 2. It cost me a bracelet and a necklace, but it was totally worth it. I slip the dress on, relishing the happy memories that came with it. I sit down on the bed, examining my hair. It looks much better now. Instead of the stringy hair I had, I now have soft, silky brown tresses that fall just below my shoulders. Grabbing my brush, I tie it up in an elegant bun, topping it off with diamond hairpins. I look at the mirror. Now that is what you call beautiful. I am 18 and look at least 21, beautiful and wise. Now, the only thing left to do is wait. Wait for the Reaping.

Just then, my brother burst into the room. Still too young to be entered for the Reaping, he had nothing to worry about. "Ash! Today is the Reaping!" He shouted excitedly. I quickly hushed him. He is always excited for the Reaping. Both my parents had to come in and drag him out of my room. He talks too much. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the beginning of the Reaping. This is the moment I've been dreading. The moment that could change people's lives forever.