My heart stops beating all together. They must have read the name wrong. It can't be me; it just can't!
"Where are you dear? Come on up!" Effie urges all to cheerfully. I'm still in awe when two peace keepers grab my arms and drag me to the front of the crowd and up onto the stage.
"Awe! There you are dear. Congratulations!" she pats my back proudly, as if I was just awarded $1,000,000.
"Now on to the boys"
I'm still quaking in fear. I'm barely able to hear the name that the pink haired escort calls.
"This years male tribute is... Peeta Melark!" many sighs of relief are heard through out the sea of terrified children. They have managed to survive another reaping. How badly I wish I could catch Katniss' eye. I could use the support.
"Primrose. Shake hands. Primrose?" I am shaken from my thoughts. Effie and the male tribute are both waiting for me.
"sorry." I turn to face Peeta, the other tribute. He has hand held out. I shake his hand. Effie smiles approvingly.
"Ladies and gentleman" she faces the crowd, smiling brightly.
"I give you this years courageous young tributes of district 12" she stands between me and the blond boy that is my fellow tribute.
"Primrose Everdeen and Peeta Melark!" holding both our hands in hers she holds them up triumphantly, reflecting her Capitol personality perfectly; only a capitolite could be excited for the hunger games.
The crowd gives an unenthusiastic cheer. I can tell that they aren't really as happy as they are letting on, but it's enough to fool the naive Capitol escort. If the Capitol wants us happy and excited, that's what we are. One thing I have learned from my years in Panem, what the Capitol wants, the Capitol gets.