One more reaping and you're out. Isabela stood with the other eligible girls of district twelve. Since Isabela was eighteen, this was her last year being able to be chosen for the Hunger Games. Every year, a boy and girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen from each district were sent to an arena to fight to the death. Isabela, her sisters, and her two older cousins, Camilo and Dolores, were eligible.
Isabela looked over to her sister, Mirabel. She had just turned twelve. This year was her first year being eligible for the reaping. Gabriela De León walked onto the stage. She was the representative from the capital of their district. "Welcome, everyone, to the reaping for the seventy-second Hunger Games," Gabriela said. "As always, let's start with the ladies."
Gabriela pulled out a slip of paper from the bowl. She read the name on it. "Mirabel Madrigal," Gabriela announced. Isabela felt all the air leave her lungs. Mirabel started making her way to the stage.
Isabela spotted her second youngest sister. Isabela could tell Luisa was about to volunteer. Do something. You can't just let either of your sisters enter the arena. "I volunteer," Isabela screeched. Everyone looked at the girl. "I volunteer as tribute."
"It seems we have a volunteer," Gabriela said. "Very well. Come to the stage."
Isabela climbed onto the stage. Everyone looked at the district's golden girl, now standing as their newest Hunger Games tribute. "What is your name, darling?" Gabriela asked.
"Isabela Madrigal," Isabela stuttered.
"I bet that was your sister," Gabriela said. "I can't remember the last time district eleven had a volunteer. Very well. Now onto the boys."
Isabela felt her soul leave her body. Gabriela felt around the infamous glass bowl. Isabela paled as her eyes scanned the crowd. Her parents knew they were losing a daughter, no matter if Isabela volunteered. District Eleven hadn't had a victor in years. Only one person was leaving that arena alive.
"Camilo Madrigal," Gabriela announced. Isabela watched her cousin walking toward the stage. Isabela spotted her cousin and best friend, Dolores, holding back tears. Isabela knew she would be volunteering if she could. Camilo was the same age as Mirabel.
Camilo stood beside his older cousin. "These are your tributes for this year's Hunger Games," Gabriela declared. Camilo and Isabela turned to face each other. They shook hands, having a silent agreement.
'We're in this together.'