Penelope Celeste

I stare at the ground. Why me? Out of thousands,why? I try to imagine this was all a dream and I was not chosen. Maybe it was rigged. No, they couldn't care less who was picked. All they want is entertainment. I could see a family from the Capital sitting on a couch, turning on the TV, letting themselves and their kids watch children from the districts get murdered. They bet on their favorite champions and later see them dead and not give a fuck. It's like a game show with either you win and live rich for the rest of your life or die in the arena. The odds of surviving aren't high.

She repeats my name. The crowd that surrounds me slowly moves away. I take slow steps with my dirt covered shoes from walking around places for about 4 good years. I reach the steps. Peacekeepers lead me to the blue wig lady.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our first tribute from District 4!"

She heads towards the other glass bowl and reaches down for a scrap of paper. She picks from the top. Will Reeves. He walks up quickly. He's eager to kill, I bet. Great, another enemy. My hopes aren't high of having a sane person in the arena.

"Will Reeves, our second tribute! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

They tell me I have a minute to have a last talk with my father. He comes in.

"Dad, just do you usual fishing and selling. You'll have enough to eat without an extra mouth in the family,trust me.."

"Is it going to be that way forever? Even with enough to survive, I know there's no one left I love."

"If I have a chance to win, I'm gonna win for you."

"O-."

He was cut off by a Peacekeeper and was dragged out of the room.