Chapter 1: The 65th Reaping
It was the day of the Reaping for the 65th Hunger Games. Everyone was getting the best outfits they owned on when the horn went off.
This is what happens every year on the same day, the same time.
This will be my 3rd year at the Reaping. There are thousands of kids in District 4, so there is no way I'm going to be picked.
I start walking to the Justice Building. Peacekeepers are everywhere. This is like any other reaping day.
I stop at this table where peacekeepers prick everyone's fingers, to make sure everyone attends. This is new to me. 3, 2, 1... "Ouch!" I said. The peacekeeper says nothing.
I walk on the platform where 14-year-old boys go. I see kids from all over district 12. Poor to very wealthy. In the distance I spot my father holding a big net of fish.
District 4 is the Fishing District. There used to be 13 districts, but one seceded when the war happened. The war that the Capitol decided to create the Hunger Games from.
I'm not paying attention. I am biting my nails, when I hear a name.
"Finnick Odair"
My heart was pounding. How did I miss the girl's name? Was I really not paying attention? Is someone going to volunteer? These are some questions I had in my mind.
15 seconds passed. I didn't hear anything. I had to walk up on the stage.
...
I'm sitting in a room all alone when my door opens. It's Annie.
"Hey Fin, I have something for you" Annie says shyly
Why would Annie have something for me? "Thanks Annie, What is it?"
"I made a shell bracelet for you."
"You knew I was going to be reaped?"
"Well, no. I made it so if someone I knew was going into the games, this could be their token from their district. Could this be yours? Please?"
"Fine." I say very stern.
"I'll miss you, Fin"
She gives me a very tight embrace. One that you would think someone who's 12 cannot do. I don't know what to say to her so I say, "don't worry. I'll be back in no time."