The Hanging Tree

Chapter 1

"Katniss, psst, wake up I have a surprise for your 13th birthday". I could hear my Uncle Reid who was shaking me back and forth. "What is it?" I asked trying to wake up, but was too tired. For his last attempt seemed over until he poured a jug over my head. "Really!?!?!" I yell an anger sitting up from my bed hopping up grabbing a towel that he was holding. He shrugged at my anger. "Get dressed" . He says getting his coat and walking to the door waiting for me. I change into my only black shirt and last pair of jeans in my closet. I quickly put one arm in the jacket with the other following the other arm. I then put on my boots and I dry myself off and finally run to my uncle who was waiting patiently for me. "Ready?" He asks me about to the door. I quickly nod excited to see what my gift is. He opens the door, nothing, he walks towards the woods that I never go in. I follow him 'til we come across a fence that had bob wires on it. I looked at my uncle with a frightening look. "Katniss, have you ever wandered what's out there in the wilderness or outside not in the borders?" He asks me. I nod wanting to hear his finishing sentence and to what this was leading to. He's hand is about to touch the bob wire. He is clutching his fingers on it, nothing, he isn't electrocuted? I ask myself. He puts one foot after the other not getting shocked! "Katniss, The capital has these fences why?" He asks me. I think for a moment. "So that we don't ecscape?" I reply guessing a little. "Exactly, but the capital ain't smart enough for us citizens trading and all that nonsense, you see that squirrel over there, I bet he's worth a button." He says pointing out the rodent. "What do you mean worth?" I asked not understanding if you have to grab the squirrel by the legs while all that hard work trying to make him stop moving. "Katniss, listen, a dead animal does more then you think, not for fun, but for survival of the wilderness." He replies grabbing my hand helping me cross the fence.