Chapter 1: The Reaping Day
Elena's POV-
March 23rd. I woke up hearing my brother head to the kitchen. I was 18...Jeremy, my brother who everyone called Jer, was 16. It was my last year. This is the last time I would have to worry if I would be chosen for the Hunger Games. It was the 76th annual Hunger Games. It was 11 am. The miners were already on their way to the mines for the day. Jeremy and I, along with my parents, Grayson and Miranda, lived in District 12...the poorest district in all of Panem. Jeremy would have his name entered the reaping 20 times, while I had my name in 35 times. It seemed the odds were not in my favor this year. However, I was worried about the Salvatore brothers. The oldest, Damon, had his name in 35 times too. His brother, Stefan had 30 times. Damon and Stefan were as close as Jer and I were. The problem was, if Jer was chosen I couldn't volunteer for him, I was a girl. Girls can't volunteer for boys and vice versa.
"Morning Elena." Jeremy said as I walked into the kitchen. I was quiet and nibbled on some bread, "You nervous?" I gave him a look. "Right...Stupid question" He began eating some bread. "Happy Hunger Games" I laughed a little as he mocked our escort Effie Trinket. One thing I had to admit was I was glad we had 3 great mentors to help us. There was Haymitch Abernathy, the not so drunk, over the past year he's been trying to stop his drinking habits. Then there were the star-crossed-lovers of District 12, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. They won the 74th games. During the quell the games were stopped. No one knew why. It was a Capitol secret. Our parents walked into the dining room and wished us a happy hunger games, I went back into my room and got changed into my reaping clothes. Mom had layed out a simple blue dress, it was simple yet it was a little flowy at the bottom. Jer had on a white shirt with tan kacki pants. At noon, we all made our way to the square where the Reaping was held. For one last time I had my finger poked, and went to stand in line with the other 18 year olds. One of my friends, Raven, leaned over to me.
"May the Odds be ever in your favor Elena." Raven said trying to smile and she grabbed my hand. Peeta, Katniss, and Haymitch all made their way to the stage, then came out Mayor Undersee and his daughter Madge. Finally came Effie Trinket, she had a blue wig on and a blue outfit. I guess she wanted to blend in with the rest of us.
She smiled her Capitol smile, "Happy Hunger Games! Every year we select one man and woman to represent District 12." Effie did her giggle, which I hated with a passion, and proceded to show us the video we've seen every year about the forming of the Hunger Games. Effie always pulled out the girl's name first. "Elena Gilbert!". My heart sank...Did she really just call my name? I heard my mother start crying as I was escorted by peacekeepers to the stage. Effie went over to the bowl containing the boys names and pulled out the name, "Stefan Salvatore!" She called out. No...not Stefan...I can't kill the only friend my brother had, well besides Gale Hawthorne. Then I heard a voice call out from the 18 year olds. "I volunteer as tribute!"
It was Damon...the man I had a crush on for four years...