Myah Coriander, 13

I stand with my three friends, Jade, Alaina, and Donelle, and I couldn't be happier. They're the best things to ever happen to me.

"What are you going to wear tonight?" Donelle asks us all. As nervous as we are, we try to stay positive.

"I have a beautiful white dress that my sister gave me the other day, I'm very excited for it." Alaina answers. Jade shrugs.

"Whatever I can find, hopefully it'll look decent." She says quietly.

"I dunno, I'll have to go through my closet. Hopefully I'll find something nice." I say with hope in my voice. My mother and I struggle, as most do in the Seam, but I don't mind. She's the best mother a daughter could ask for.

"Could you hook me up with some of the jewelry she makes? God, it's all so pretty." Donelle states, and I shrug.

"I'll have to see, maybe I'll be able to make you a piece." I say, hoping it's true. I've been using scrap material to make necklaces and bracelets, but I'd love to try my hand with real, complete materials. Maybe when I'm older my mother will let me work at her shop with her. The idea excites me.

"I'll hold you too that." She winks at me and it takes me a while to process her humor. By the time I chuckle, she's onto the next thing.

"Well ladies, it's been fun, but I have to get beautiful for the reapings. I'll see you there." Donelle waves goodbye and Jade follows her out. I give Alaina a hug and we separate, heading to our respective houses.

Many people pity my mother and I for how we live. Even though we're poor, we're still happy. I'm sure life would be easier if my father never left us, but he made his choice and I cannot dwell on it. My mother told me he's a merchant in a nearby shop, but I've never met him. Or, maybe I have and I just never realized it. I wonder if he would recognize me.

I open the door to my house and see my mother making jewelry. I smile. She gets so into her work, she tunes out everything around her. She doesn't even look up at me until I put my hand on her shoulder.

"Oh, hi sweetie, I didn't hear you come in." She says.

"What are you making today?" I ask, looking at the pieces in front of her.

"It's a surprise, I was hoping you would wear it today." I hug her tight.

"Thank you, mom." She hugs me back before resuming her work. I head to our shared bedroom and bathroom and try to find something nice to wear. I go through my few clothes and find a decent pale blue dress. I think it used to be brighter, but years and years of wash have toned it down. When I put it on I see a small stain on the front. Oh well.

When I return to the kitchen I see my mother has left my necklace on the table. It's a simple string necklace with a copper heart charm on it, it's beautiful. I clasp it on and smile. This will bring me luck today.

I start the dreadful walk to the square, eager to get it over with. I can do this.

I sign in and stand near the back with the other afraid thirteen year olds. The mayor reads his speech, a sad look in his eyes. The escort comes up next, as excited as always.

I pray I am safe another year as she tediously chooses a single name. She pulls one out and walks to the mic to read her selection.

"Myah Coriander!" My brain doesn't quite register the words that come out of her mouth. Many awkward moments follow before I realize what she said. I slowly make my way to the stage, trying to control my breathing. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry.

I hold my necklace tightly in my hand. It will be okay. It has to be okay.

Corbin Chan, 17

I move the tool through the wood, crafting an eloquent design. I hope it sells well, I haven't had anything decent to eat for a few weeks now. But what if the design isn't good enough? I put the tool down and start to panic. No one will buy this, it's so ugly. Why can't I do anything right?

I stand up from my seat with deep breaths, trying to keep the tears inside. The day of the reapings stresses me out more than any other day. Crowds of people, all huddled together, everyone watching each other. I can't stand it. I can't stand the thought of everyone judging every move I make. I close my eyes. Two more times, I only have to stand in that crowd two more times.

I start thinking about all the tesserae I have in that bowl, over a hundred times. All my family is dead, yet the Peacekeepers don't care, they let me take it all out anyway. Both a benefit and a curse.

I find a piece of tesserae bread and slowly snack on it. It gives me something to do that calms me as well. I look at the wall, a carving I made hangs on it. Even if I can't do it well, at least I can do something. Sort of.

I shake my head, finish my bread, and go to the other end of the room. I take out an old brown shirt and black pants that are ripped near the bottom. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford new pants.

I slip them on and find a decent pair of sandals. I brush my black hair back. My black eyes stare back at a pale, malnourished boy. I start shaking when I think about going to the square, surrounded by all those people. Why can't I just stay home?

I find the courage to go outside and am immediately overwhelmed by the crowds. I struggle to get to the square, but eventually do. I shake as I sign in, I get a weird look from the Peacekeeper and enter the crowd.

I keep my eyes closed for the first half of the reapings. If I keep my mind focused elsewhere, I may be able to make it through this event without embarrassing myself.

I keep my eyes shut as the girl is reaped. I don't recognize the name and I hear her small footsteps go up onto the stage. I open my eyes and see a small, scared girl up there. Just like last year.

The flood of anxiety comes back as the boy's name is drawn. I can feel myself hyperventilating as our escort reads the name.

"Our male tribute is Corbin Chan!" My breaths become quicker and I shake my head. No, I refuse to go up there, they can't make me.

I feel two people grab me from behind and take me up to the stage. I start screaming, they can't take me like this! My breath gets shorter and shorter and the screams I manage in between make me light headed.

They push me onto the stage and I slowly stand up. I control my breathing, looking my partner in the eyes. We shake hands and I've never felt more hopeless in my entire life.

We're done with the reapings! Let me know if you want any particular tribute to be your tribute's ally.