If I had to write a list of the most unpleasant ways to be woken up, this would crack the top ten. I heard a loud crash followed by my siblings' shouts. I stumble down the stairs only to trip into a solid chest.

"Morning Ed," I say sleepily.

"Hello Tess, nice of you to join us," he says sarcastically.

"What's the cause of the commotion," I ask.

"The twins broke mom's vase."

I suddenly felt a lot more alert, "What!"

"They were running, and it fell over," he explained.

I turned to the twins with a raised eyebrow, only to see them glaring at each other.

"You want to explain to me why you thought it was a good idea to run inside?"

"We were just playing," Issac said defensively.

I sighed, "Fine, you break it, you pay for a new one."

"Alright," Newt said sullenly.

"Good, now let's clean this up," I say, looking at the broken pieces of the vase on the ground. The rest of the morning continues with us making breakfast for mom as an apology. After breakfast, we were all sitting around the table, making a plan for what we needed this week. We needed food for the special after reaping dinner. We also needed a few spices that were running low.

With 6 people living under one roof, everything had to run like a well-oiled machine. Electra and Edison were working today, along with mom. Which left my younger brothers and me to take care of everything else. They, thankfully, still had two more years until they were eligible for the reaping.

In an hour, my mom was kissing my forehead goodbye, and the day had officially begun. For the first time this morning, the house was blissfully silent. My siblings and mom wouldn't be back until six, which gave us plenty of time to get to work. I would be taking care of the hunting and trading mainly, while Issac and Newt took care of cleaning and getting a new vase.

My boots felt comfortable trekking through the familiar woods. There was a light breeze going by, making the air feel mild. Summer was always the best season in district 5. It wasn't bitterly cold like winter or autumn, nor did it have a ridiculous amount of pollen that the spring was plagued with. I was unfortunate enough to be cursed with spring allergies like my dad and younger brother.

My mom always said I reminded her of him. I suppose I would we have the same quiet demeanors, same fiery red hair, same allergies, the same passion for science, and the same freckles on our faces'. I smile at the thought losing him still hurts even though life has moved on; I suppose that type of pain never leaves entirely.

Shaking off the thought, I head deeper into the woods to set up my snares. Hunting wasn't technically legal, but what the peacekeepers didn't know wouldn't hurt them: right. Typically my older siblings would come with me. But the plants had been working overtime to producing enough energy for the games. They had even taught me how to use a knife. At first, they were just tricks, but It seemed to be getting more intense in the last year.

The movements are fluid and natural by now, honed with years of experience. In no time, I was walking back home with a filled bag and an exhausted smile.

I noticed a new floral vase on the dining table; the boys really do have great taste. Still, more work awaited me sorting and putting away my bounty. I grabbed a light lunch with Issac and Newt; then head out the door to trade. The rest of the day continued rather monotonously, familiar trade routes with familiar faces just like any other Saturday.

It was a relief to get back home after such a long day. Dinner was prepared, and soon enough, I was laughing at one of Electra's jokes.

When we were getting ready for bed Electra, lead me to our room and sat on my bed. Usually, I would be annoyed by her intrusion of my personal space. However, the look on her face quieted any protests. Seeing her brows draw together and a frown on her face was strange, to say the least.

"You need to promise me that if my name gets drawn, you will not volunteer."

"What, no way-"

"You need to listen to me; I'm older, and I have a better chance at winning."

Her words stun me to silence for a few moments, mulling over her words. As much as I hate to admit it, she has a point.

"Fine, but only if you promise not to volunteer for me!" I say, meeting her gaze.

"No."

"I don't want you to give up your life for me; you deserve to have a happy life. I won't be the reason it's ruined," I refute, tears prickling my eyes.

Her face softens a little and pushes back a piece of hair that fell out of my ponytail.

"You could never ruin my life," she says calmly.

"Still promise," I put out my pinkie finger.

"I promise," Electra says as she latches her pinkie onto mine. "Now, it's time to get to bed."

With a kiss on my forehead, she climbs onto the top bunk and turns on her reading light. With that done, I settle into bed with a warm heart.