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It was the day of the reaping. I couldn’t sleep and decided to head out to clear my head of the terrible thoughts that come back every year around this time. It was probably for the best to hunt some squirrels or other animals of the forest. Who knows? There was a chance that I wouldn’t be here tonight.
The cry of my little sister brought me out of my thoughts. I had been awake for a long time and was finally getting ready to head into the forest. When Prim told me about her dream, I realized that it was the first time for her to be part of the “ceremony”. Her name was amongst all the names of all the young people of District 12 who were old enough to be drawn. Her name was there, just once, but it was inside the container. She told me of her dream. That she had been pulled and that she did not want to go into the arena. There was not much I could do to reassure her. There was a chance she would be drawn. Even if it was a very small one. I tried to calm her down by singing one of Districts 12’s songs:
"Deep in the meadow, under the willow.
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow.
Lay down your head, and close your eyes.
And when they open, the sun will rise.””
You know the rest. I have to go now, but I'll be back soon, ok?"
I caressed another strand of hair out of her forehead and then went out into the forest to hunt. A few hours later, I came back to ready myself for the reaping. Prim was in the room, who had already finished getting ready. However, a piece of her blouse was still peeking out of the back of her skirt. I tucked it in and said, "Tail in, little duck." She smiled at me, and I and for a moment I forgot the games.
Later, as we were on our way to the courthouse where the reaping event was held each year, Prim suffered another panic attack. I told her that she would not be drawn and that the mockingbird brooch I had given her would protect her. We were separated after having to give a blood sample, but I tried to keep an eye in her. Unfortunately, I lost sight of her. A short time later, the shrill voice of our district's supervisor, Effie Trinket, was heard throughout the central plaza. She greeted us with the usual phrase, "May the odds be ever in your favor!", she said in her stupid Capitol accent and showed us a video. It was always the same, every year. In it, they talk about the Dark Days and explain why the Hunger Games exist in the first place. After the video had ended, Effie stepped back up to the microphone. "Ladies first!", she exclaimed cheerfully. She stepped up to the container with the names of all the girls in the district in it. Her hand sank down and she grabbed a piece of paper and unfolded it. In a clear and distinct voice, she announced: "Primrose Everdeen!"
I froze of shock and helplessness. I saw them come for my little Prim, but I couldn't move. Everything suddenly passed me by so quickly. A thought came to me - I wanted to volunteer, but as I thought that the name of the male Tribute was already being read out. It was Peeta Mellark. I had missed my chance. I could have prevented my sister from being sent to the arena. Why hadn't I come to my senses sooner? After they were led into the building, I ran and tried to get past the peacekeepers, but they wouldn’t let me through. They blocked my way. I pounded furiously against the chest of one of the guards, but he did not step back. Hot tears ran down my face and I sank to my knees in front of them. "PRIM! PRIM!", I screamed over and over until my voice failed. I didn't notice someone grab me from behind to carry me off the stage. It was Gale, my best friend and hunting buddy. My mother gently stroked my back and tried to calm me down, which she did rather poorly. I couldn't believe it. It was my fault that, from now on, Prim had to spend her remaining days alone in fear. It is because of me that my mother has lost her beloved husband and now, her daughter. I just know because Prim wouldn’t have a chance.