Chapter 2

When I get home I set everything down, and my mother comes and gives me a hug. "How was your walk ?" She asks with a wink.

"It was good, are you ready for today?" I reply.

"Of course I am, but I think it's time you get ready. I have a dress ready for you on your bed, you should also wash up while your at it".

While she gets my bath ready for me, I wonder around our small house. On the fireplace there is a picture of my father. He died four years ago in a mining explosion, a lot of good people died in that accident. I'm fifteen now, but I don't feel like it at times. My mother calls me to come when bath is ready, as I go to her I slowly realize Tobias must have left.

When I'm done washing, I go to see the dress my mother laid out for me. When I see it I gasp, it is a dark green with long sleeves and seems like it will only make it to my knees.

I look at my mom, "Are you sure you want me to wear this one? It's so beautiful."

"Of course I want you to wear this, it will look wonderful with your eyes" she replies.

When I'm done putting it on I don't recognize myself. Mom was right it does bring out my eyes, which are a glowing blue with dark blue flecks. She hands me black flats and a green ribbon. I put on the flats and the ribbon on my hair so it's loose and a bow sits on the top of my head. My mom applies a black pencil on my eyes and when I look into the mirror my eyes definitely pop out now.

I turn as I hear the door open. Tobias. As he walks in he gives me a confused look.

"Who is this?" He asks mom.

"Why, it's your sister of course dear" my mom says with a wink. What is up with her and winking? Tobias just laughs and gives me a hug when he sees me making a face.

Soon it's 1:15 and we head down to the square. You can see everyone is nervous for what's to come. It's a hot day and I'm starting to regret the long sleeves and try to resist the urge to take the green ribbon and tie my long black hair into a pony-tail. I look at my brother for reassurance. For some reason in the back of my head I know he has none to give.

Once everyone is in order and the mayor has done what he has needed, a woman with a bright purple wig and hot pink dress comes up and talks happily about the games. Her name is Effie Trinket, and she's from the Capitol. She's always annoyed me by her stupid accent, hair, and clothing.

"Now to draw names, ladies first as always" she says excitingly. She pulls out two names by accident and throws one back into the bowl containing the girls' name.

She reads the name clearly and loudly. For some reason it takes a minute for it to hit me. It's my name she has called, Carter Eaton.

A scream fights to exit me but I swallow hard to keep it down. I walk quietly to the stage and Effie gestures to me to climb the stairs, so I do. She takes my arm and lifts it up.

"Our district 12 girl tribute!" She says with so much excitement it sounds fake.

She walks over to the other bowl and draws a boy's name. The name is familiar and I recognize it. It's an old friend of mine: Kyle Shakei. Kyle and I used to be really good friends, until I shut him out along with everyone else when my dad was blown to pieces. He walks up and Effie says a little more. The mayor talks about something I'm not listening to then the world's most stupid anthem plays. Kyle and I shake hands and are rushed into the Justice Building.

I sit and wait in the room they forced me into. My mother and Tobias rush in. Tobias pulls me into a hug and whispers,"I can't believe it, out of ask those names they picked you. Why?"

"I guess this year things aren't exactly in my favor. Any advice?" I say

"We hunt don't we?" He asks me.

"Of course we do, that's how we live." I say

"Then think of that, if you can hunt animals and kill them them you can do the same with people. Also your good with hand-to-hand combat." Ha tells me.

"I guess, but people aren't exactly animals though.." I point out.

"And I'm not saying they are, I love you okay and I want you to survive" he tells me.

My mother comes up to me and hugs me. With no words she kisses me on head, but before she says anything peacekeepers escort her and Tobias away. I sit down and rub my temples. How did I ever get stuck with all this?

Sooner or later a few peacekeepers come and escort me. Well to my death to come anyway. Honestly I'm not surprised no one else came to visit. Everyone else I love is dead.