There had not been a baby born alive in district 12 for two years. There had been a steady decline for years and then there was the year of no births and then year two.

I live in Panem. From history books I know it use to be called North America. Then there was The Great War. The new Government that formed separated what was left into 13 districts, and named itself Panem. District 13 wasn't successful so it was disbanded, and incorporated into the other districts. I live in 12. The poorest district. The Government is ran out of the Capitol.

I find life in 12 pretty quite I would say normal however I don't have anything to compare it to. Most people work in the factory making medical supplies or in the mines mining for coal that heats all of Panem. It's hard work, but it makes a descent living for 12. I'm sure what we make wouldn't pay the rent in the Capitol.

Part of the medical factory here has struggled since there are fewer births. There were capitol representatives here last week. Looking at our hospital and checking the factory. It's rumored part of it may close.

My father died when I was younger. In a mining accident. I'm too young to actually work. And my mother had been so depressed that there was a time I thought we would starve to death. I started begging for food and for a while that worked, but people in 12 don't have a lot to begin with. When I turned 13, people stopped helping. I knew there were two options. Go to the forbidden woods and hunt or sell myself for food. The latter would be easier I thought, I took myself down to the ally and stood next to a few other girls I had seen in school. I wasn't there long when a guy walked up. He wasn't much older than me.

"What are you doing here" he asked

"What does it look like?" I responded

"Looks like you're trying to do something stupid. Come on I'll walk you home."

"No!" I shouted "you don't understand, I have no choice"

"I'll show you another way" he answered.

I went with him fully expecting to return to the ally the next night.

"What's your name?" I asked him

"Gale Hawthorn, and you are Katniss Everdeen."

"How did you know my name?"

"I remember you. Our dads were friends."

"Oh, well thanks for, you know, walking me home."

"Katniss, don't you remember your father teaching you in the forbidden woods?" He asked

"I do. But, it's so hard." I answered

"It's not. I'll teach you what you don't already know. Be out in front of your house at 4am. I'll be here to get you. If you can't get what's needed you can go back to the ally and I will not bother you again."

I took that deal and 3 years later we are the best of friends and hunting partners. That's where we were when the announcement came about the assembly tonight. When there is an assembly everyone has to attend unless there is some fatal health issue and even then it is investigated. We were lucky we got back in time to wash up. You can't go to an assembly dirty. Some government officials are sure to be there. Gale and I are pretty sure they are announcing layoffs.

The assembly is held in the center of town. We live on the outskirts of town know as the Seam. No one wants to acknowledge it exists. They would never allow an assembly to be held there. It takes me 40 minutes to walk into town. I have company though. My mother of course walked silently a few paces behind me. Gale walks beside me. Some people think we are brother and sister. With our similar looks. Dark hair and eyes. Others believe us to be lovers the way we cut up and carry on. Nether one are true.

As we arrive in town we see the chairs are split into two sections. We assume it is for the town people to sit on one side while the seam sit on the other. No town person wants to sit next to a seam person. We see most of the town people staring to arrive and take their seats on the right, so we take our seats on the left.

There are a few police and guards one the stage with the mayor and our district representative to the capitol. The representative it a large mouth woman that wears outrageous clothing. Her name is Effie. Her job is to report to the capitol all the things that are district 12. And to bring us news from the capitol. She takes the stage first.

"Welcome, Welcome, Welcome. It is nice to have you all gathered here on this very historical day. Today we will hear a message all the way from the capitol. What a treat that is. I am here to answer any question you or your parents may have for the ladies. And for the young men we have Mr. Abernathy who will surly be along shortly, he will be able to answer those questions for you, should you have any. Alright then let's get started."

I think about Effie and how she has never lived in 12. How is she suppose to come here and know what we need and how to relate when she isn't from here? I'm not sure what part of her job she is actually qualified for.

The message starts. It's from the director of medical in the capitol. Dr. B he says his name is.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for joining us today."

He says that like it was a a choice.

"as you know your district has been plagued with disease. As a result the birth rate plummeted to nearly 0% for live births. What you may not know is that it is not just your district that has been effected. It is also that of every other district and it has now spread to the capitol."

What is he saying there are no more children? How will we survive without children?

"We believe we have a solution, there are test and matching of genes that must be done to save the human race. Therefore it has been written into law that no man and woman who do not have a child shall become pregnant without first undergoing testing. Any unmarried man or woman aged at least 16 years will be tested and matched with a mate suitable for reproductive health and will marry. Upon marriage the couple will produce at least two children before their 6th wedding anniversary. If the couples can not reproduce, they will endure further testing and may be subject to rematching. Couples will first be matched to those of their own district, if no match is found they will go on a national register for matching. If matched outside your district you will reside in the district of the male. Good Luck to you the citizens of Panem, and as always. May the odds be ever in your favor."

It's quite. No one is saying a word. We all look shocked and I for one can not speak. People are moving about but I can't here any thing. Gale shakes me.

"Katniss:., Katniss... move"

"What?" I reply.

"Katniss. You have to move. This side is for the guys. The girls are to sit together on the other side".

Oh. That's what they just said. Effie wants to boys are girls separated.

How can they do this? Make it law we have to have kids. I don't want kids. Maybe I can drag it out the full 6 years. Who will I be matched with? I look over to the boy side. Gale, that's the last person I think of in this way, but the only person I really know. I have a very good possibility of being matched with a stranger. Gale looks at me and mouths "are you ok?" I nod my head. I'm not ok tough. I look for my mom. Where is she? I can't seem to locate her.

The mayor is talking now.

"Before you leave you will be given a quick pick of the finger and a slip of paper. The paper will have the date and time you are to report to the clinic for further testing so that you may be matched. If you are found to be infertile, you will not be matched."

The video forgot to mention that.

"Also if you are under 18 you may have a parent accompany you to the clinic, but only to ask questions. They can not be present for he exam. You are all free to leave as soon as you have your slips of paper."

Infertility. It's a common problem. Maybe that is how I will get out of this.

I go get my finger picked and they ask my name. I want to lie but I don't. "Katniss Everdeen" I say. "Age?" She asked. "16". "Very well. Take this slip" I take it, but don't want to. It says Tuesday 8am. Today is Monday. I guess I get to go first. I start to walk towards home when I hear my name being called. It's Gale.

"Katniss, wait". I stop and let him catch up.

"When is your time?"

"Tomorrow 8am. You?"

"Wednesday 2:30pm. Some of the 16 yr old boys are going tomorrow. They must be going in order by age."

I had forgotten he was older. 2 years to be exact. I didn't notice anymore.

"Oh, well that's good I guess."

"listen Kat maybe if we beg they will let us be together, I mean..."

"No.." I interrupted him, I mean. If we are matched that's fine, I mean I may be infertile."

"That's a possibility I'm willing to take." He answers

"But the capitol isn't. Let's face it. We are going to have to get tested. I just hope I don't get matched or that I'm infertile.

"Fine. Have it your way. But don't come crying to me when you have to mate with some old man."

At that Gale stomps off. He's mad And I guess he has good reason. He basically just asked me to marry him and mate and I turned him down. For a stranger basically. I sigh and head toward my house. I see my mother ahead walking. I don't catch up. I walk behind her. The silence back here alone is better than the silence that is with her. I hear someone behind me and I know it's Gale. I would know his steps anywhere. I don't turn to look and he doesn't catch up to me. He must be angry, and honestly I can't blame him. Maybe I'll change my mind after I've been matched. It would be too late then. Surly they will give people who are engaged a pass. We could say we have been together all this time. People would believe it. I stop and the foot steps behind me stop as well. I don't want to marry Gale and have his children. I don't want to leave 12 and have some strangers kid either, between the two it looks like I'm choosing Gale. I stand there frozen. I can't turn around, what if he changed his mind and doesn't want me anymore? What if he's too angry? I am so caught up in my thoughts that I don't hear him approach me.

"Katniss?"

The sound of my name startles me.

"Hey, it's ok. It's just me." Gale tried to comfort me.

"I know. I was just ... somewhere else I guess. Listen about before."

"No, Katniss I get it. You don't love me. Not in that way. I'm sure whoever you are matched with will be great."

"Wait. I ... I ... I may not have those feeling for you now. But I could. Later when all this is over. I'm so overwhelmed I just."

"Shhh... it's ok" Gale says as he wraps his arms around me. It feels good. Like home.

"We can do this. We will go together and fill out intent papers in the morning. Mr. Abernathy says that's the way, this works. We still have to be tested and they can still say no. But, it's a good chance they will allow us to marry. We will still have to produce 2 kids though. In the first 6 years."

"Ok" that's all I can say. I'm not happy. I'm a little sad even.

"Alright. I'll meet you in front of you house at 7 in the morning."

"Alright". Again a one word answer. Nothing else will come out. I turn and walk the rest of the way home. Silent but no longer alone.

The morning comes too soon. What has transpired overnight is something I never would have expected. Arranged. No, forced marriage and reproduction. Could there be anything worse? Do they not realize this is real life and not a game? I am surprised that when I wake my mother is in the kitchen with my sister. Prim.

"Mom is teaching me to bake muffins." She says with such joy.

"Muffins. Wow. That's great Prim."

"She said it's a special day, you and Gale are getting married. I can't believe you didn't tell me Katniss"

I freeze. How did she know that? Married today? No, we are signing intent papers and having test ran.

"Prim I don't think we will be married today. More just having some test to see if we are a good match."

"No, Katniss. It's streaming on the tv. People who sign intents and pass testing will be married my morning."

Married by morning. Wow I never wanted to get married at all. Now I have to marry my best friend by morning. This is too much. I need to escape. I grab my jacket and slip on my boots. I yell to Prim I'd see her later and head out the door. But, there standing in the yard is Gale. I can't escape this. He smiles at me, and I do my best to smile back. I'm sure it looks forced, but I was never good at games.

"Good morning Katniss. Did you sleep well?"

Oh for heavens sake. With the politeness.

"Morning to you too. And no, not at all."

"Ah. Sorry to hear that. Shall we get going then?"

"We shall" I answer with thick sarcasm. He can tell I'm not happy. He's smiling though so I know he's enjoying it.

The walk to the clinic is shorter than to town. There are a lot of couples there to sign intent papers. They will all be married this afternoon. I guess they like Gale and I would rather be with someone they at least know than be shipped of to only God knows where for their match. There are two lines. One for people with intents and one without. No one is in the without line yet.

"Katniss hey,"

It's Delly a girl from school. She's the shoemakers daughter. She's in line before us. With the dress makers son. What's his name? Come on Katniss you could at least remember his name.

"Hey Delly, getting tested?" I ask knowing the answer.

"Yes, its great. I never thought I'd get married so young. But really we just get to start are lives early. That's what my mom says anyway. And it's great. We've been dating a year so it just seems right to go ahead."

Of course it does to you.

"Gale and you have been together for years though. This must be a dream come true!"

I open my mouth to set her straight but Gale beats me to it.

"It is a great honor to start a family with Katniss today."

I turn to look at him like he's lost his mind when the door to the clinic opens and we are ushered inside. There is a feeling in the air here that isn't quite pleasant. Dread maybe. We are ushered into rooms together. A tall man comes in the room and introduces himself.

"Hi. I'm your clinic physician Dr. A."

"A? Just A?" I ask.

"Just A, for now. If there is a reason for you to know my full name i will give it to you if not then you won't. Let's see. Gale Hawthorn?"

"Yes, that's me" Gale answers.

"18?"

"Yes, Sir"

"Alright, the finger pick test last night showed us that you are a healthy male and should be good for fertile. We need a sperm count from you though to be sure. That takes 5 mins after the sample is given so you can do that as soon as we are done here."

"Katniss Everdeen?"

"Yes" I answer

"16?"

"Yes"

"Has Mr. Hawthorn paid you or made any promises to you to get you to come with him this morning?"

I am taken back at this question. Promised me things? Paid me? What kind of person does this guy think I am? Maybe he knows of the one night three years ago when I tried to sell myself. I then think probably not.

"Well, no. Not really. I mean we have promised each other many things, but it was before this. You know to love each other and all that." I hope I sound convincing.

"Good, that's good." He answers.

"I have good and bad news. First I want you to know that you Katniss are fertile and healthy despite your malnutrition I believe with the night vitamin supplements you could have healthy children."

(Great)

"The bad news is Katniss and Gale you guys together can not have any children. Therefore you can not be married."

What? How is this possible. I look at Gale who's face I can not read.

"Why?" Is Gale's question.

"Well," Dr A starts

"It seems you have too many gene markers that are the same or close to the same. These gene markers can cause deformities and a rise in infant mortality. Your children would not likely survive birth."

I am stunned. I can't believe what is coming out of his mouth.

"There must be some mistake." Gale is trying to reason with him.

"I assure you Mr. Hawthorn it is no mistake. You and Ms. Everdeen are not compatible. I truly am sorry. There is still the sperm count for you and a full exam for Ms. Everdeen. Then we will get you on the district list, if that doesn't hold a result you will both move to the national register."

I didn't want to marry Gale, but now that I can't and I will have to marry and procreate with someone I do not know, I would give just about anything for it to be him.

How has this happened.