Six years later, and Annie and I were best friends. Everyday we would go to the beach and I would fish. Because of my fathers status as victor, we never had to worry about food, so all of the fish I caught went to Annie and her family. They weren't starving now, and Annie never had to sign up for tesserae.
Today was reaping day. My name was in three times, and Annies was in two times. I wasn't worried that I would be Reaped, but Annie had a panic attack every year. She thought she would be chosen. But there were thousands of names in the Reaping Bowl, and her name was only in there twice.
When I awoke, I saw dressy black pants and a white button up shirt laid out for me. My mother, like most of the mothers in District 4, laid out my clothes for me on Reaping Day. Something about this terrible day made mothers overprotective. I could understand where they're coming from.
I got dressed and mussed my hair up in the way that made girls all over District 4 swoon. I didn't care what thy thought. I only had eyes for one girl. Not that she would ever like me back.
When I got downstairs, my father was eating breakfast, while my mother stood at the stove.
"Don't you just look handsome!" my mother exclaimed.
She said this every year, and every year I smile and nod.
"Sit, sit! Eat your breakfast. You have to do pick up Annie soon," my mother said, putting down a plate of breakfast on the table.
Annie's mothers condition got steadily worse, until she could no longer get out of bed. She was excused from the Reapings, and I didn't want Annie to walk tot he square alone on Reaping day, so I picked her up.
When I was done with my breakfast, I got up from the table, kissed my mother on her cheek and walked down the street where the victors lived. I waved to a few of them, and greeted Mags as I walked by.
"Hello Mags! Are you mentoring this year?" i asked her.
Mags was a kind old woman who was like a grandmother to me.
"I am Finnick! The best of luck to you!" she called.
I nodded and continued on my way.
When I reached Annie's house, I knocked on the door. Annie answered it within a few seconds. She was wearing a pretty sea green dress that flowed down to her knees. She had an orchid in her hair.
"Hey Fin! MOM! I'm going to the Reaping!" She called into the house.
"Good luck Annie!" a weak voice called from inside.
Annie shut the door behind her and walked next to me on the walk to the square. Peacekeepers lines the streets, glowering at everyone who walked by.
"Nervous?" I asked.
She opened her mouth to speak, made an odd squeaking noise, and then simply nodded.
I took her hand for reassurance, both for her and for me. We did this a lot, even if we were only friends. Not that I wanted to be. Because out of all the girls in District 4 falling aver themselves to go out with me, I only liked one. Scratch that, I love her. I am in love with Annie Cresta. There! I said it! Is that what you wanted?
We reached the square, and we separated, Annie going to the girls side, and me to the boys. She gave me a kiss on the cheek and stood with the other thirteen-year-olds.
I stood next to a boy who I have a few classes with, Jonathan. He gave me a nod. Jonathon didn't have anything to worry about. He planned to volunteer when he was eighteen, so even if he was Reaped, he didn't have to worry about not being trained.
Eventually, Electra Droll (I'm not joking, that's actually her name) came out on stage. Every year, Electra dressed up as a different fish. I don't think she realized that we spear fish here.
"Happy Hunger Games!" she called out in he ridiculous capitol accent.
She introduced the mayor, who read out the reasons we were here. The uprising, the Dark Days, the beginning of the Hunger Games, and finally the law that stated that each District must send two tributes to the Capitol for the Hunger Games. We all heard this speech every year, so nobody really payed attention.
All too soon, Electra was back at the microphone.
"Ladies first!" She called out, reaching onto the girls Reaping Ball. There was a collective draw of breath as she unfolded the paper.
"Violet Jackson!" She called out.
A girl who looked about sixteen was escorted onto the stage. I had seen her around town. Both of her parents were killed in a boat crash, so now she lived in the community home, a place for orphans. She was small, weak, and not a good tribute overall. She would probably be killed in the bloodbath.
But she was spared this fate by another girl stepping forward.
"I volunteer as tribute!" She said in a strong voice.
Violet was escorted off the stage, and the other girl was escorted onto it. She was definitely a career. She looked strong, and had a look of bloodthirstiness on her face.
"What is your name?" Electra asked.
"Beatrice Cummingham," the girl said.
"Now for the boys!" Electra said.
She pranced over to the boys Reaping Ball, and pulled out the fateful slip of paper.
Electra unfolded it, and read out the name.
"Finnick Odair!"