My name is Katniss. My parents were in the Hunger Games. They are games that you have to be in to learn about survival in my country. My own mother couldn't stand the games and killed herself. When my father found out, he killed himself, too. Now, being only 17 years old, I have to take care of my 9-year-old sister, Prim, and my 6-year-old brother, Jack. I have to hunt, sell, trade and risk many things to keep us alive. My only friend is named Gale. He is the reason we are alive. I live with all of them in a small wood cabin. We are lucky to find a loaf of bread twice a year. "Katniss, why did Mom have to go?" Prim said, crying. I replied, "She couldn't stand the games, and you had better be lucky that we are still alive."