Emily Jacobs, Capital Woods

Today is my worst nightmare.

When Katniss Everdeen of District 12 walks up to the stage, I'm absolutely terrified. Had anyone here ever actually experienced something like this? I'd think not. I don't know anyone that isn't scared now. The Capitol is supposed to watch the Hunger Games, not be in them!

On my left is my friend Michelle, and on my right is a short and skinny twelve-year-old, Alexa. She would never survive in these brutal games. A fight to the death? Far from it. I don't have a huge chance of being chosen because I only have three entries. Michelle has five and Alexa has eight. They both signed up for tesserae, while I didn't.

My family didn't need tesserae, because my stepdad's filthy rich. That's why my mom married him, I think. He has an awful personality: snobbish, drug-addict, and greedy. Not to mention he hates me, and completely supports his ridiculously sensitive daughter, Ashley. The brat. He doesn't even seem to love my mom half the time.

Katniss taps on the microphone. "Attention, attention! Today is the mark of a new Panem, one where everyone gets equality – or at least, a piece of it. It's time for all of you people of the Capitol to see how all of us districts have felt for seventy-five years!" Cheers come from the bleachers, with hundreds of survivors from the war. Most of them have casts and bandages wrapped around their heads. "Hundreds of children have died thanks to your 'amazing' Games, and all you wanted is a show! Well, they weren't entertaining at all! You'll see what I mean, when this seventy-sixth Hunger Games begins!"

Cheers erupt, and I start crying. I had never liked the games, but never really resented them as much as her. But I don't want to have anything to do with it. I really wish I can't.

But I have no choice over my destiny.