Tears stream down my face as I stare outside. I know today is the Reaping, and even though I know I'm not a child of the capitol, I am still worried. Capitol Children and citizens have gone mad. There are even rumors about a new rebellion.
"Evangeline, it's time to go," my mother calls from the other room. I glance up and wipe the stray tears from my eyes. "Don't be sad. We are going to be watching history happen, we are going to watch change," she says cheerfully. Her expression says it all. She isn't ready for it either. How can we possibly be happy when there is talk of a rebellion?
"I'm not sad," I say. It is true, I am not sad. I don't know what I am feeling. Can it be sympathy, worry, even anger? I stand up and walk to her side. Noticing in her hand is a small rose. This rose was given to her before my dad left. I don't know where he is, or if he is even alive. All I can hope for is that best.
We pass by my neighbors and stare up at the tall hill. Up there was Katniss and Peeta's house. No one else knows about Gale except for me. It's because Gradon himself told me. That's Katniss's son. We are about the same age. He is 15 and I am 14. We are good friends. He tells me all about his life and Katniss's. She is my hero. I want to make a change and she is fueling me to do it. I see him get on the train a few doors down. He winks at me and steps onboard.
I step on and my mother follows, still clutching the rose. The train lurtches forward and history begins.
Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
