Dakota's POV:

    I stand still as one of the Peacekeepers pricks my finger and takes a sample of my DNA. The Peacekeeper nods and calls for the next in line. I hold Rose's hand as the needle pricks her, it's her first time going to the Reapings, and it's sad how evidently scared she is. I take her to her place in her age group section and then make my way over the the 17 year old and 18 year olds section. I glance to the other side of the square and search for my brother among the other boys. I see him and offer a sad smile. He nods in return and we turn our attention to the stage.
    District 7's escort was making her way to the stage. Her colorful outfit almost blinded me, the sequins and diamonds catching the light of the sun. She smiled sweetly as the usual video began to play. The same video every years can get very boring, but there are far worse things that could be happening right now.
    When the video ends, the escort, Mae Winnthers, turns back to the audience and smiles that disgustingly sweet smile of her. "Welcome, everyone. Isn't that video just so amazing?" She sighs when, of course, no one dares reply. "Anyway, let us begin. As always, ladies first," she beams, trotting over to the bowl contains all the girls names. After a few seconds of swishing her hand around inside the bowl, she picks a piece of paper and goes back over to the mic.
    My hearts beating so fast, it could burst into a million flames. You know that feeling, deep in your gut, when you know that something bad is bound to happen? Well, that's the feeling I had now, that sinking, sickly feeling. And then, I knew why...

    "Rose Adair," Mae Winnthers prickly, nasal voice can be heard clearly over the microphone. "Rose? Is there a Rose Adair here?" The colorful escorts annoyed tone rung out again like a shock wave through the air. All heads turned slowly toward Rose as she began to makes her way to the stage. She looked as if she was in shock. No, not Rose. She was already sick with a fever. And aside from that, she was way to young.
    Before I knew what I was doing, I ran out into the isle and yelled, "I VOLUNTEER!...I volunteer as tribute!" My poor sister turned around, shocked. She ran to me and flung herself into my arms.
    "No! Nononono, you promised! Koda you promised!" She cried as the Peacekeepers pulled her off me. "You promised you wouldn't leave me," she whispered with tears in her eyes as the Peacekeepers took her take to her section. Tears threatened my eyes, but I wasn't about to cry in front of my entire district, and the Capital. I walked toward the stage, keeping my eyes glued ahead of me. I didn't want to see the heartbroken face of my brother as I stood next to our escort on the stage.
    "Well, a volunteer! How surprising! Tell me, what is your name?" Mae Winnthers asked.
    "Dakota Adair," I reply with as little emotion as I can, afraid to talk, still in fear of crying.
    "Oh! I bet my buttons that was your little sister," she comments, making me slightly annoyed. Of course she's my sister!
    But I reply simply with, "Yes, she was," and look away.
    The escort clears her throat awkwardly and says, "Well then, uh, on to the boys," and makes her way over to the other side of the stage. The picks a papers and slowly unfolds it, before announcing, "Jaxon Adair, please come to the stage," then, seeming to realize what she said, her eyes go wide and she covers her mouth with her hand. "Girl, please tell me that he's not your brother!"
    I'm too shocked for words. How!? How could this happen? Rose would be left alone to fend for herself, she'd never make it, she's already sick! I just kept screaming in my head for someone to volunteer, but of course, no one did. In fact, the audience were all holding up three fingers in a silent solute. The greatest show of respect. Mae Winnthers seems uncomfortable, and after clearing her throat yet again, tells us to shake hands. We do, by now I'm in tears, and Jaxon looks as if you just killed a puppy, a tear threatening his eye. I turn away, unable to look at him any longer.
    Mae sighs and announces almost sadly, "Give it up for Dakota and Jaxon Adair, this years tributes for district 7!" No one cheers. No one smiles. No one even moves. It's like a silent army come back from the dead, too shocked to even make a move. The Peacekeepers lead us into the Justice Hall, and we wait to be visited by our family. Well, more like visited by Rose, she was all we had left. (Their parents were killed by Peacekeepers for "disrespecting" Snow's laws)