My stomach was twisted into knots as I moved up in line. I made my way up to a man, clothed in bright white. He pricked my finger, shooting a small, sharp pain through it. I winced, and moved to the large group of people waiting with nervous looks. I could feel the tension and nerves in the air, and looked around at frightened families and their kids. All I could think about was how much I did not want to be a tribute in the Hunger Games. I could only imagine the pain it would bring to my family, seeing me struggle and die on live video. Finally, Harper Hayes walked out, and the crowd’s nervous chatter fell silent. You could hear the clicking of Harper’s heels, as she walked up to the microphone with a large smile plastered to her face. Sweat began to bead at the top of my forehead, and my nerves were roaring like a lion inside my brain.

Harper began to give some speech about how wonderful this experience of the Hunger Games is, but I lost interest in her lies. Finally, it was time to call the names. I pinched the inside of my hand so hard, that pain shot through me like an arrow. Harper slowly reached into the bowl, her brightly colored fingernails swirling the small slips of paper around. She pulled a crisp, white paper out and squinted to read the name. After a clearing of her throat, she opened her mouth and read the name: “Juanita Plumcat”. My breath stopped. My face fell white like a ghost. I looked back at my mother, and the tears were streaming down her face. My father nodded at me, almost to say that he has faith in me. I tried to pick up my feet, but they wouldn’t seem to budge. Someone behind me gave me a little shove, and I trudged up to the stage. I tried not to look too terrified, because I knew potential enemies were watching this, and I didn’t want to seem weak. Harper congratulated me and asked me if I had anything to day to all the districts. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. I managed to croak the words “No, thank you.” Then all of a sudden, I felt the tight grip of a man pull me, then I was being whisked away by men in white uniforms. I could not believe all this was happening to me. My stomach felt like there was a pit in it, and I can only imagine how wide my eyes were. Suddenly, I was being taken to my family for my last goodbyes. My parents sobbed loudly and my baby brother looked confused. I decided I would win, to come home and get to see my brother grow up, and to see my parents again, without tear-streaked faces.