A/N: disclaimer I don't own the hunger games, and this is my first fan fiction.

It's the day of the reaping, I was really nervous it was my first year, and I know I won't be picked, but there is always that doubt in the back of my mind nagging at me saying your name is in there 6 times, because of the tesserae. I try to block out the noise, but it doesn't go away. I even go up to my favorite tree in my backyard, and swiftly move throughout the branches without feeling anything except the cool breeze on my thin skin. I get to the top of the tree, and I see nothing but a couple of houses, and a land filled with fresh, ripe crops. On the way down I realize that my friend is sitting on her front steps, and I know why

"It's okay you are one of the wealthiest families in the district, your name is only entered once, and you won't be picked." I reassure her.

"Thanks Rue, you always know what to say" She mumbled

"Okay well I have to go harvest the crops, see you in a couple of hours, and don't worry."

As I was walking towards the fields, the smell gets stronger, and it reminds me of my grandpa, and how we would always go out in the field and stare at the clouds and try to make pictures out of them. I finally get there and there aren't many ripe crops, because I picked so many yesterday, so that means that I have to pick my way through the thorny branches, and gather some somewhat decent that fell on the ground. After a half hour of brutal picking, I start heading home; I had to go extra early to get ready for the reaping. When I get in the door I see my mother washing my little sisters in the bathtub, they won't be entered yet because they are only mere toddlers.

It is finally my turn to take a shower, after I got out I walked into my room only to find my mom standing there with a big smile, and I could tell it was because she couldn't wait to see me in my dress, and my hair all up. I really didn't care how I looked. When my mom was finally pulling, and yanking my untamed hair back into a bun she took a long look at me

"Oh Rue, you look so beautiful you remind me of myself when I was your age." She exclaimed

"Thanks mom, let's get going" I said

"Okay would you mind helping me get your sisters shoes on?"

"Sure"

We started walking towards the town center. I miss coming to all the parades that used to come every holiday. When we got there I walked as fast as I could without getting any dust on my dress over to my friend, and I stood next to her.

"Are you any better" I asked her

"Yea, I'm fine I mean there is all these people with their named entered about 50 times, and mine is only in there once."

"Wow what got into you Emily" I said.

"Well I guess that I just thought about what you said and committed it to heart!" She whispered to me.

The district mayor walked up to the stage, you only see him once a year, and each time it seems like he gains a lot of weight.

"Welcome to the 74th annual hunger games" he chirped

"I am now going to introduce you to our new escort for district 11, our old one has gotten too old for the job, so with my pleasure here is Avalon" He said

"Thank you, well here we go first is the girls" she said

With one swift motion she picked the piece of thin, snow white paper.

"Rue Silvers" She said.

I stood there in silence not wanting to move, still in shock I feel a hug from my friend, and that snaps me back to reality. I walk out of line to the main area, and walk up towards Avalon.

"Here she is everybody; get a good look, and your 74th annual hunger games girl tribute."