Today we got off work early from the farm, two hours early to be exact in order to give us time to prepare for the annual hunger games reaping. I am one of the newest herders on the farm in field C, or the field with all the cows that will be used for human consumption. The job isn't so bad once you get used to the long hours, periods of dehydration, and long days in the sun. I should be in school but the capitol requires more beef and leather this time of the year in order to prepare for the annual hunger games. My mother practically made me take this job when it was offered to me as we needed the money to survive this upcoming winter.

My name is Kobe. I am 14 years old and I have lived in District 10 my whole life. I am the oldest of 5 siblings, 3 sisters and 1 brother. My father died a couple of years ago when a group of aggressive bulls trampled over him. My father was hardworking, determined, and always tried to maintain a positive attitude around my siblings and I. He sometimes skipped meals after a long 12 hour shift so my siblings and I could have supper. I really wish he was still here today to teach me the ways of being a herder as he was one of the best on the farm he worked at.

My mother hasn't been the same since and I have tried to be a fatherly figure for my siblings. My mother works at one of the dairy farms full time and isn't home much. When she saw I had the opportunity to make some money, she practically forced me to accept the job. Although I still attend school for all the mandatory courses required by the capitol, I still work a 4 to 6 hour day most of the week. The little money I make along with the tesserae I have to take to support my family allows us to get by day to day.

As I approach my home, I see my 12 year old sister, Sally, crying right by tree in front of our home. I assume it is because it will be her first reaping. Her name is in their once as I did not allow her to take any tesserae out for our family. Unlike her, my name is in there 15 or so times. She is too pure to be sent to the games, she would never hurt a sole. She loves working with animals and plans to become a vet. She is one of the brightest students in her grade.

"Sally, what's wrong? Do you want to talk about tomorrow?" as I wrap my arm around her to comfort her.

"I keep thinking about how my name will be chosen tomorrow and I will be dead by next week. Kobe, how did you manage to do this for the pass two years?" Sally asked as tears fall down her face

"I don't know to be honest, it is never easy. Your name is in their once, your odds are practically zero of getting reaped this year?" I explain as Sally cuts me off.

"Kobe, I just want to go back to school two days from now. I don't want to die," Sally cries.

"Nothing I can say will make you feel any better, but I have something for you to have for tomorrow. I had this for my first reaping and I think it's my good luck charm. It's our father's ring he received when he got promoted to one of the head herders prior to his death. Mom told me to have it so I can always feel like I have a connection with our Dad. I want you to have it for tomorrow, so you can feel his presence even if he is not there." I say as I take off the ring from my hand.

"Really, I would love that. I really miss Dad. Thank you, Kobe, I love you," Sally quietly says as she accepts the ring and puts it on her hand.

"Let's get ready for supper, Mom told me this morning that she is making her famous meatloaf with fresh beef she got from the butcher." I start to get up and take Sally's hand. We walk inside and are greeted by Mom who is practically done preparing supper. I also see my siblings preparing the table and preparing Sally and I's outfits for tomorrow. I quickly greet them and tell my Mom I'll be back in a couple of minutes as I forgot to give my coworker his handkerchief back after borrowing it.

I don't have a handkerchief to give my coworker, I just made that up. I need some alone time for a few minutes. I walk to the trail right by my house and go about a quarter of a mile in so I can be alone. I sit by a tree and begin to bawl thinking about tomorrow. I am terrified about my name being called.