Prologue
"Hello, District 1!"
Excited to be the escort of such a high district, the newly appointed Kaito Shion hurried to the reaping bowl. He even forgot to say, "Girls first." in his excitement. I looked over to my older sister, but she only glared at the stage in front of her. I sighed and looked back toward the fumbling, blue-haired mess of an escort. He had finally grabbed a slip of paper and was opening it.
"Oh, this is the male tribute. Umm…let's see…The male tribute for District 1 this year is…Piko Utatane! Please come up, then…"
A bored looking, white haired boy started walking to the stage. He got halfway, then stopped in confusion. He hadn't heard the news, then. He must not have any older siblings. District 1's first tragedy.
There wouldn't be any Career Tributes from District 1 this year.
There was an accident in the Career Center. Most of the trainees died. The rest were here, at the reaping, but too traumatized to step up and volunteer. My 17 year old sister was one of them. The 13 year old, Piko Utatane, who looked like you could kill him with a toothpick, was completely alone.
Piko had finally made it up the stage. His expression was pitiful. He realized there wouldn't be any volunteers for him. A purple haired girl near the back of the stage looked at him with concern. I looked at my sister, who had clenched her fists. I prayed she wouldn't get picked as Kaito walked over to the other reaping bowl. He didn't bother with Piko's interview. I don't think there would be much of a reply even if he tried.
"And the female tribute this year…"
Please…anyone but Merli…anyone…Not my sister…she can't go…not after the Career Accident…
"Is Aoki Lapis. Step up to the stage, miss."
My wish had been fulfilled. Merli wasn't going to the Hunger Games. I glanced at my sister, who was staring at me with a mixture of relief and agony. She wasn't going to die. But Aoki Lapis was. The female tribute for District 1. A twelve year old girl who no one would volunteer for. Aoki Lapis, sister of Merli Lapis.
Me.
Welcome to the 42nd Hunger Games.
