I contemplate on using a touch of makeup for the reaping, but decide against it. I want to look as threatening as possible when I volunteer, and makeup wont help. I finish ripping through my tangled curls of hair, and throw my brush down on my bed. When I reach the kitchen where my sister and father are waiting for me, I try my best to smile. My sister has a dress the same colour as mine, but her hair is done up in a long blonde braid. I jog over to the front door, and push it open so the cool air rushes into my house and chills us all. "Are you guys coming?" I groan tapping my foot impatiently. They nod and follow me out into the street.

We reach the square where the reaping is held just in time. I am directed to the 17 year old section, my sister to the 12 year olds, and my father to the crowd. I wait anxiously as the mayor says the same speech as every year. Once district 4's escort is up on stage, I bite my lip awaiting for her to call the names. "Ladies and gentlemen of district 4!" She exclaims in her ridiculous capital accent. The thundering clapping hurts my ears, and I see a few little kids covering their ears. "Now, lets get on with this! The boy tribute from district 4 is... Cal Kempson!" She yells a huge smile on her face. I watch as a shaking little boy from the 12 section makes his way up to the stage. The escort's large grin falters for a second at the size and age of the child, but it quickly returns when a loud male voice comes from the audience, followed by a huge kid from the 18 section racing up to the stage. "I volunteer!" His booming voice announces.

Our escort nods gratefully, and the little boy runs bac to his section crying with tears of gratitude. Its very common for volunteers in district 4, so its no surprise this happened. The volunteer is perfect career material. Huge, muscular, menacing. "Now, what is your name?" The escort asks the volunteer. He grins wickedly and says, "Im Randy Orlise. You next victor." A little too cocky formy taste, but I listen as the girls are being announced. "And now for the girls! The female tribute from district 4 is... Clare McElmon!" A tiny girl from the 13 section races on stage, a smile plastered on her thin, pale face. It disgusts me that a little kid her size is happy to be chosen. I don't hesitate to yell as loud as I can, "I volunteer!" The girl, Clare, lets out an infuriated wail and slams her foot on the ground. Brat. She angrily stomps back to her section, while I strut up to take her place. Randy gives me a calculating look, probably evaluated how good of an ally I might make.