I woke up at 06:00 and the first thing I saw was the grimey, dirt-encrusted windows plus grey clouds and dainty raindrops gently flicking on the window. I looked at May, lost in sleep and her hand rested on the pillow. She looks so peaceful; unaware of what was going to happen today. The reaping. Even the thought makes me feel light-headed and nauseous. I notice my mood is reflected upon the people of District 12. Citizens are drained of any glimmer of hope they had left in them, since our last winner was Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. That was 25 years ago. I admire Katniss, the way she volunteered for her sister. I desperately hope someone does that for May one day. Thank goodness she is only 10, she would never survive the Hunger Games. Well at least she doesn't have to worry about that, yet.
The next thing I see is my twin brother, Jude. He essentially looks the same as me; brown, wavy hair, ocean-blue eyes and olive skin. I know that we have to go hunting soon. We have to hunt daily to ensure our family's survival. With mum being in a wheelchair, Dad living in the Capitol for his job and May only being 10, it only leaves me and Jude to hunt and gather food. Sometimes, we even trade with the mayor and Peeta for delicacies like cookies and pork, because 25 years ago, peacemakers mercilessly destroyed the hob in spite of District 12.
The woods. Trees looming above me and the harsh wind whipping your face. I know we're not meant to be here since it's illegal but I know the woods like the back of my hand. I thought the woods were a source of distraction but now I know I was clearly wrong. All I can think about is the Hunger Games and how the odds are in my favour because I've never taken any tessarae- but it doesn't stop me from being chosen...
In fact, this day, I didn't shoot anything on target because I'm engulfed in my thoughts. As usual, Jude shoots all of our catch; he's always been better at hunting than me.
