Chapter One
I'm standing by the ocean, skimming rocks across the lake as I watch the sun rise above the horizon. It's insanely beautiful out here in the mornings. The muted colors mixing in the sky. Beautiful oranges, reds, yellows, purples, and blues mixing together to make a beautiful display above the calm ocean. The waves lap around my bare feet and mingle with the sand. The foam stays for a moment before slipping away back to its home.
The sound of waves crashing in on themselves in the distance fills my ears until I hear my name called.
It's Henry. I turn around to face him with a wide smile. He picks me up and spins me around in his arms. For him, it's a celebration. His nineteenth birthday was last week. He doesn't have to participate in the Reaping again this year or ever again. He stops spinning us long enough to set my feet back on the sand, take my face in his hands, and kiss me. I'm so happy that he won't have to worry about going into the Games again.
But I do for another three years. I try not to think about it as he kisses me again. The bell tower in the square chimes noon, and I know that I should be home right now preparing for the Reaping. It's at one o'clock as it always is so that the people in the Capitol can watch it live.
Henry and I intertwine our fingers, he picks up my sandals from further up the beach, and he walks me home. Even though he isn't part of the Reaping anymore, he is still required to go. Everyone is required to go unless you are on your deathbed. Even then, they would prefer that you be in the square to witness the Reaping.
When we make it to my house, I give Henry a short kiss before walking inside. My father is in the kitchen making lunch. I give him a kiss on the cheek before heading to my room. I smile when I see the blue dress that had belonged to my mother lying on the bed. Acting upon instinct, I reach for my necklace. It had been my mother's. A simple pearl on a silver cord. My father had made it for her the day before their wedding.
A few years ago, a fishing boat had caught fire miles out from shore. My mother had been on the ship and had got tangled in some seaweed while underwater. My father had taken it hard, but he knew he had to be strong for me. So he was.
I bathe quickly and put on my mother's dress. Looking in the mirror, I feel like I'm looking at one of the old pictures of my mother. Our sun-stained, curly hair and our bright blue eyes were practically identical.
"Capri," my father sticks his head in the doorway, "It's about time to leave, sweetheart."
