It is a very cloudy day today. The sun is no where to be seen yet town square is the most crowded all year. Skipping the reaping isn't an option here in District 10. President Snow and his administration are strict with no-shows, regardless of the reason. Tributes are reaped regardless of their mental capacity and physical capability. I remember back during the 40th games, a tribute from District 9 was reaped despite not being able to even walk and you can guess, they didn't make it that far in the games.

Sally and I say our goodbyes to our family and reluctantly make our way to peacekeepers who are checking us all in. Sally sheds a tear and I give her a cloth I stored in my pocket just in case. As we wait on line, Whitney approaches Sally and I.

"Sally, I love your dress... and you must be Kobe, right... I heard all about you from Sally" Whitney cheerfully says trying to lighten up the mood, as if the morning can become any less depressing. Sally gives Whitney a hug and nods in agreements and a small smile comes out of Sally.

"Ahh yes, Sally told me all about you and you are the fastest in the class..." - I jokingly say as it appears Whitney is keeping her end of the promise to pretend she didn't see me yesterday.

As we discuss and chat a bit more about our lives and what's new, the peacekeeper calls us up. I try to distract both Sally and Whitney as best as I can as their blood gets taken and they get checked in and I quickly follow.

"Yeah, this sucks, but at least it's quick..." as I put a cloth on my finger to stop the bleeding - "Sally, I'll see you soon, I am looking forward to getting some cookies from the bakery on the way home, Whitney please feel free to join us... The bakery right by our house makes the best cookies like ever..."

Whitney nodded in agreement right away and I give a hug to both of them as they reluctantly make their way to the front of the "female" tribute section as they are both 12. I slowly walk my way to the "male" tribute section and sit among the 14 year olds.

Even though we're all from district 10, we all look different. Some of us live on the poorer side and are a bit malnourished while others live somewhat well and have a bit of muscle and nicer clothes. The clouds are still covering the sun and the day is about to become more depressing as Velina Charm makes her way to the platform with the Mayor.

Velina Charm is the Capital representative for District 10 or you can say escort to our deaths. Velina Charm has a ton of make up on and looks completely out of place despite trying to wear a cow boy hat, cow boy boots, and outfit that stereotypes District 10 so much that it's not even funny. I can tell by the Mayor's face and others in the crowd, that no one really understands why Velina is dressed up like this. Usually reapings are pretty quick here, so at least it will be over soon and I'll be able to get some cookies with my family.

The Mayor gives a quick speech about the upcoming games and hands it over to Velina to spread some propaganda to the district.

"Hello, Hello, District 10! Two courageous tributes will have the opportunity of a lifetime to represent District 10 in the upcoming games. I heard from others that the upcoming games will be the best yet... and even better, people are betting on District 10 winning this year... How cool is that!?" ... Velina cheerfully says as we sit in silence.

"Well - I expected a more cheerful reaction but I get it is early in the morning so I'll give you all a pass, ah ha ha, and as always lets ladies first..." as Velina makes her way to the female tribute bowl.

"ohh there's a lot of slips this year... more than last year... I am so excited to see who this is... ohhh how about this one ah ha ha" Velina says as she makes her way to the microphone in a dead silent crowd.

"Well the suspense is real... I can see it all your faces a ha ha... the female tribute for District 10 will be... Rodea Bell, oh what a beautiful name, isn't that your daughter Mayor Bell a ha ha..." Velina jokingly says as all eyes turn to both Mayor Bell and Rodea.

Rodea is a 17 years old and is the Mayor's daughter. Rodea is well-off and would never need to put her name into the reaping bowl more than she would need to. I can tell Mayor Bell is in disbelief and frozen as Rodea reluctantly and tearfully makes her way to the stage. It just shows no matter who you are, the capital will destroy everything you ever loved... but well at least, Sally is safe this year.

The Mayor tries to comfort his daughter however the peace keepers pull him back forcefully.

"Your dress is beautiful as your name, Rodea, I love it. Please tell me on the train to the capital where you got it, I must know ah ha ha..." Velina jokingly says as Rodea is in tears... "Well off to see who the male tribute will be a ha ha..." Velina says as she walks to the male reaping bowl.

"Oooo even more names a ha ha, I see some of you put your name in more than you have too, how honorable... how about this one, this one is definitely a winner..." Velina says as she walks to the microphone. Velina is definitely on something this year because she is acting ridiculous and can't clearly read the room as she almost tripped in her cow boy boots.

"a ha ha, the male tribute representing District 10 this year will be Kobe Tanner... another beautiful name, I love it ah ha ha..." Velina says as the crowd looks at me as I freeze up and as I begin to process that I will be dead in by the end of the week.