I wake up to Bri's scream and hop out of bed. I know she had nightmares, why wouldn't she; today is the Reaping. I hug her and pet her head until she calms down. When she's asleep, I head out in a big coat, leather boots, and my long, black hair in a ponytail. I live in District 11, and we used to have 13 districts until 13 rebeled and got deystroyed. I go to the market on the square, finding it deserted. Of course. Instead, I walk to the Bin, a small area for people to talk. Ginger, my friend, is there, and we talk about the Reaping.

"Rubin, how is your sister, and all?" Ginger asks as she hands me an apple.

I smile, take it, and sit down on a barrel.

"She's fine. I woke up from her screaming though. You know, with the Reaping."

Ginger nods and swallows a chunk of green pear.

"Zill was like that too. First year. But Pinn, Dea, and I have had experience. Mom's all freaked out that Zill's gonna get picked."

Her long, narrow, tan face is framed by curly, blonde hair. The blue in Ginger's eyes has little flecks of gold submerged in the pupil.

"Yeah. Well, I really have to get back to my family. Breakfast isn't making itself."

She smiles and gives me a big hug.

"Bye, Rubin!" Ginger yells.

"Bye Ginger!" I yell back to her.

Before I go home, I stop by the market to see if it's open. Fortunately, it is. I buy a small dried trout, a bundle of greens, a seasame bread loaf, and head back home. When I open thesmall wooden door, my sister Bri is standing next to the old broken mirror, dressed in a black and white plaid shirt, and a blue miniskirt with black flats.

"Oh, you look adorable Bee!" I rush over to her and scoop her into a hug, and she grins. Her brown short hair is braided and tucked back from her ears. Katniss, my mother comes over to me and touches my shoulder.

"A bath is ready for you, Rubin."

She takes the food out of my hand and sets them on the counter.

"I'll make breakfast."

I nod and turn to the bathroom. Taking off my clothes, a heated tub of water waits for me. I scrub the grim and dirt off of my body and wash my hair. When I get out, I dry off and comb out my hair with my fingers. My mom has laid out one of my fancy dresses; a purple cotton dress with green flowers. White flats are also on the bed. Then I do my hair. I put it in a high ponytail, and then wrap it around the base to make a bun. Bri puts small white flowers in my hair and gives me a hug. We eat the fish and greens in bread, swallowing with water. It's time to go. Bri and I wait in line to sign in, and I tell her to go to the thirteen year olds once we are finished.

I turn to go to the fifteen years. Gimsina Dailes comes up to the mic and smiles. Her bright white teeth glow next to her pale skin. She is wearing a blue blouse and red leggings. Her peeptoe heels are blinding. Gimsina tapes the mic and begins.

"Welcome. Happy Hunger Games! Here is a special film, all the way from the extrordinary Capitol!" The film begins and ends in about thirty seconds.

"Now it is time to pick this year's tributes!" She walks over to the girls' bowl and dunks her hand in.

Walking back to the mic, Gimsina clears her throat and calls out the name in a clear voice. "Rubin Mellark!"