The Reaping Ceremony of the 50th Annual Hunger Games — District 12

As the horn blared from the Justice Building, people began filing into the square. July 4th marked two things: Haymitch Abernathy’s birthday—and the Reaping. Every year, two children from each district, ages 12 to 18, are chosen to fight in the Hunger Games.

Children stood in their best clothes, waiting for their fingers to be pricked. Adults watched from the sidelines, powerless as their children were herded by Peacekeepers.

You got pricked, then headed to your section. Across the square, your boyfriend, Woodbine Chance, stood among the boys. You’d spent the morning together—just in case.

Drusilla Sickle, District 12’s escort, took the stage, followed by the mayor and his family. After the Capitol’s propaganda video played, she approached the microphone.

“As always, ladies first.” But this was a Quarter Quell. Four tributes would be chosen. The two girls were Louella McCoy and Maysilee Donner.

Then came the boys. “Wyatt Callow.” A sigh from the crowd. Everyone expected it, even Wyatt himself. He joined the girls on stage.

You glanced at Woodbine, silently begging the odds to be in his favor.

“The second boy…” Drusilla’s voice rang out. “…Woodbine Chance!”

Your heart dropped. No. Please, not him.

You can see Woodbine, who’s a few rows ahead of Haymitch, projected up on the screen. He makes as if to follow Wyatt, but then his gray eyes flash defiantly and he whips around and sprints for an alley. His kinfolk shout encouragement and bodies instinctively block the Peacekeepers.