Marilynn Rockford POV District 2

"Marilynn Rockford this is the last time I am going to tell you to get up!" Mom called up the stairs.

"Kay!" I say even though I just roll over and pull up the sheets.

"LIAR!" Dad roars jumping on my bed, ripping off the sheets and tickling me.

"St-st –stop Dad," "I said between giggles. "I'm too old for this."

He stopped and looked at me as if I was crazy. "What? Too old? You will never be old too old for the tickle monster!" he said tickling me again. I tried not to react but, my dad could get the biggest and toughest grown man to fall down giggling. I finally managed to get away and ran downstairs avoiding his torturous hands. I smelled the french toast before I even reached the kitchen.

"Yum!" my two younger siblings and I said at the exact same time. We all laughed at the same time grabbing plates for the toast.

"So Marilynn what are you going to wear to the reaping?" my little sister Saren asked. Any other family in a different district would have fallen silent but, District 2 always has volunteers so no need to worry

"My bright blue blouse that sparkles with my black skinnys." I said.

"You have your outfit picked out?" Dad laughed out.

"She's a teenage girl, honey." Mom replies. I laughed going upstairs to get changed. I got changed and looked in the mirror. This shirt really makes my clear aqua eyes look amazing. And it also makes my tan really look stunning. I love my dad because he is so sweet and he has a sense of style. I grab my brush and run it through my wavy auburn hair.

"Time to go Marilynn!" Dad calls. I run down the stairs and give my parents and my sis a quick hug.

"Marilynn you forgot about me!" Aaron accused pouting. I walked over to him and smiled lifting his arms. I scooped him up in hug and kissed his forehead.

"Bye, see you soon!" I called out setting Aaron down and running out the door.

…

I get there just in time to hear the same exact speech again. I stand by my friends in the sixteen year old section. And we are just being a crazy selves until we get glares from peacekeepers. We fall quiet so quickly it was funny. Our escort finally arrived five minutes after the mayor finished her speech. She introduced our escort as Love. Maybe that's why she is Valentine Red, I thought. She ran over to the ball and pulled out the last name I thought would ever be reaped.

"Marilynn Rockford1" Love announced. I didn't move because someone always volunteers. She called my name again and I felt my heart drop. What if no one volunteers! I think hysterically. I get on the stage and she asks for volunteers.

There are none.

…

"Why didn't anyone volunteer for you, Mari?" Aaron asked sniffing.

"I don't know." I answered monotone. I felt numb. No one volunteered. The one time I needed them to. People always volunteer. Since I could remember. Why didn't they today?

"Marilynn," Dad says bringing me back to reality. "You are a smart girl. You can win this and come home."

"Yes, Mari you are smart," Saren agreed. The door opened and a peacekeeper informes them that it was time to go. "No." Saren says refusingly. She wrapped her tiny arms around my waist and it broke my heart.

"Saren you must go."I said though I hugged her back.

"No! You can't take her! I volunteer! I'll go instead!" she shouted squeezing tighter.

"It's too late." The peacekeeper growled. He ripped her arms off me and slmmed the door shut behind him. I could still hear her screams of protest. I let out a horrid choking sound and the tears boiled over.