I wake to the sound of metal hitting metal, and somebody breathing loudly. I open my eyes and see my brother, Sam, lifting weights.

"Sam, can you hold off on that for like, 2 more hours? I'm trying to sleep!"

"Why? Is little Peeta scared I'll beat him next week in the wrestling tournament?" He teased.

"It's really not fair since you spend every second of your free time lifting those stupid weights. Whereas I actually work. But maybe if I was mom's favorite I would be free to do what I want, like you." I reply with a scowl.

"Yeah I guess I am her favorite.. If only you were a girl. Oh wait.." He said as he smiled.

"Shut up. And could you at least try to get something done before the reapings?" I ask with an irritated expression.

"If by something, you mean look incredibly good looking for the ladies. Then consider it done." He replied with a wink.

"Whatever. I'm gonna go get some breakfast." I say as I leave the room.

I make my way down the hall, paying extra attention to be quiet when I pass my parent's room. My mother was no doubt still sleeping, even though she would strangle us if we slept in past 5.

I sat down at the table and grabbed a fresh baked roll, probably made by my father.

The roll was warm and delicious, something we only got on special occasions. And since today was the reapings we were spoiled, if only a little bit.

We arrived in the square at 1:30, giving me about half an hour to talk to my friends. I quickly spotted our group and made my way over to them.

"Hey Peet!" My friend, Jace, said as he patted my back when I walked up.

"Hey guys," I replied with a nod, "I miss anything?"

"Well the drunk has fallen off the stage twice, and the fruit loop has straightened her wig at least 15 times." He was obviously talking about District 12's mentor and escort, Haymitch Abernathy and Effie Trinket.

I laughed, "That really doesn't surprise me." I look at one of my other friends, Luke, "Where's Emmy? I thought you two would come together.."

Luke laughed, "I broke up with her. Wouldn't put out. Ya know?"

We all laughed, but my best friend, Gene, spoke up. "Yeah, Madge won't either. But I kinda respect her for it. I told her it didn't matter to me."

This made our group roar even louder.

"Oooh, look at Gene. He cares."

The rest of our group laughed but I couldn't even manage a chuckle. Madge was one of my closest girl friends, and I wasn't about to demean her for not being a slut like so many other girls I knew.

Just then I saw Katniss Everdeen enter with her sister. And who is that with them? I can't really see the face- Oh, that figures. It's Gale Hawthorne. Him and Katniss were basically an item, they went everywhere together, even hunting. He's one of Sam's friends, and I guess he's pretty nice. But that still doesn't mean I want him with Katniss. I've been absolutely in love with her since that day in 1st grade. She sang for our class, and was amazing. Everyone stopped to listen.

I'd long since tuned out my friends, and I'm pretty sure I'd started drooling when the mayor's voice came booming through the square. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the reapings for the 74th Hunger Games, sure to be the biggest Games yet!"

He went on to explain why we had the Games, about the failed rebellion so many years ago, and so on, so forth. I'd begun to stare at Katniss again, when Effie bounces over to the microphone and announces, "Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" Everyone clapped weakly, but that's only because we were forced to. All of District 12 hated the Games, and the Capitol for that matter. "Ladies first!" she said in her irritating Capitol accent.

Please don't be Katniss, please don't be Katniss. I silently begged with God. I knew she had probably taken out tessarae, and that meant the odds definitely weren't in her favor.

"Madge Undersee!" I grabbed Gene's arm. I knew he loved her, and this must be horrible for him. We watched as she made her way up the stage and were all shocked when Effie asked her name.

"Madge Undersee, future victor of the 74th Hunger Games!" She was smiling. Smiling! I actually laughed and saw Gene smiling sadly.

"Well I'm glad to hear that, Madge!" Effie said, obviously caught off guard. Most of District 12's tributes were a mess, some even crying. "And now for the boys!" She said as she reached her hand into the glass ball. I almost didn't have time to pray that it wasn't me, Sam, or any of my friends, as Effie open the slip and read:

"Gale Hawthorne!"