I walk silently to the town square with Mum and the twins. My Dad died when I was 3, so I don't remember him. He was hit by a train, while working on the magnets the trains are attracted on.
On the way to the square, I see my best friend from school and work, Cole. Cole and I have known eachother since we were babies. His mother and mine went to school together and have been friends ever since, so that's how we got to know eachother.
"Nervous?" I ask him.
"Indeed I am." He replies. He wipes his light brown hair from his dark green eyes. We arrive at the square and get our names marked off. I wander through the crowd to the back, a habit of mine, I guess. At school, well, um… Cole and I didn't usually take work seriously, but when a new school peacekeeper came, we were punished. So now, I like to keep my head down and out of the radar.
I see Mum, Lila and Woody standing in the parent's area. All I want to do is snuggle up next to Mum, but the peacekeepers won't allow it. Cole stares off into space and I just keep my eyes to the ground. Cole has had his name picked out before. His older brother, Rex volunteered. Rex was killed in the bloodbath at the very start of the games. My thoughts whirl around and before long, Salamaya, the escort, is up on the stage.
"Greetings everybody! Welcome to the reaping for the 74th annual Hunger Games! I am sure that all of you District Sixes are very excited!" She blahs on about the dark days etc etc, and during a video on this, there is a snort of laughter. I turn around and see Ash, who is my age and a complete fool, and his two friends, Edie and Red.
"Jerks," Cole mutters.
"Now, my friends, it is time for the drawing of names! Hmm… Ladies first, I think." Salamaya says.
"The tribute for District Six for the 74th annual Hunger Games is…." She draws the name out of the big, glass bowl and I hold my breath.
"Mai Jermalle."