Dinner this evening was a disastrous affair, as usual. For once, Father was home from the hospital and Mother had ordered an overly extravagant meal to both please him and celebrate the official beginning of the Hunger Games season.
"So, Primus my boy, how was class today," my father begins. Primus is his favourite, of course - he's the oldest, he's male and he too is studying medicine at the University of Panem.
"Well, Father, there were classes mid-morning, as usual, but after that, the main focus of the day was the Reapings, as you well know," he replies smartly.
"Yes, yes. I remember Reaping Days from way back when I studied there," Father continues jovially, before looking over at Athena, "And tell me, little princess, who do you plan to sponsor this year?"
"Well, Papa," she whispers demurely, "I'm waiting to see the interviews and training scores, but I really like the look of the girl from District 1. Her name is Glimmer and she looks strong. I definitely think she has a chance of winning."
"She sounds like an excellent choice darling," he replies, "Primus, who are you looking at this time around?"
"It's difficult for me to say just yet. Most likely, I'll choose either Marvel from District 1 or Cato from District 2, but there was the guy from District 11, Thresh; he's bigger than both of them, built like a tank and very powerful looking," Primus returns.
"Well then son, I'll leave the choice up to you, as always, but you know how much I like you to pick a winner. This Thresh character sounds all well and good, but he does come from District 11, I warn you."
"And what about you, Artemis," my mother starts in, though she's remained silent for most of the conversation, "are you planning on sponsoring anyone this year, or are you just going to let the money go to waste in the bank like you always do?"
"Actually, Mother," I begin, "I was thinking I might sponsor someone this year. I'm assuming you've watched the Reapings, and I was considering donating to either Rue from District 11, or that Katniss girl from District 12. I haven't decided if it is worth it yet, but I might just do it."
A look of horror flashes across my mother's face; my father drops his fork and it clatters loudly on the fine china plate.
"Surely you won't waste your money on those tributes," Father grumbles, "if you're going to use all that money you've saved, why would you waste it on District 11 or 12?"
"I hardly believe you're going to actually sponsor someone at all," snipes Mother.
"She won't, Mother," says Primus calmly, "she never does and she never will."
Only Athena looks quiet and thoughtful.
"Rue... Rue. Yes I remember her reaping. You know, Minerva mentioned that her older sister, Nyx, was planning on sponsoring that little girl. She said that she felt sorry for her... Maybe you should talk to her? I can give you their vidphone number?," she says quietly.
My parents look even more appalled, and I decide that this would be a good time for me to leave.
"Thanks, Athena. Maybe later." I say, before getting up from the table, "Dinner was great as usual, Mother."
I stalk out of the room, and although my father makes a noise as if to protest, the normal dinnertime conversation resumes before I am even halfway down the hall.