(Ruby's POV)

"So, since Lily Serpent, announcer of district 4, messed up and pulled 2 males instead of one, we only need a female from you." Said President Morrowseer himself. He was our announcer because my mother (Mayor Scarlet) had killed the old one for drawing the name of my father, executed my father for not going, and been executed by the Capitol. Since then, Morrowseer had deemed our district too dangerous and showed up himself for the next Reaping.

Technically, I was mayor now, since I was the oldest living child of Scarlet. However, my two-year-old son, Cliff, ran most of the stuff around here.

This was my last Reaping. I was 18, and after this, I could take care of my family in peace.

"Well, the person who really needs to die here is... Ruby Skylar!" I gasped when I heard my name. I came to the front, and heard a wail from Cliff when he recognized me.

"NOOO MUMMY DON'T YOUS GO!" He screamed.

"Oh, you have a son?" Said President Morrowseer with a sneer. "At least Scarlet wasn't a whore."

I turned towards him, seething with rage. "What did you just say?"

He gave me a grin, a malicious grin.

I will never fight in your Games. I dare you to make me fight when you can't find me.

"It will be alright, Cliff! Peril will take care of you! Mommy will be back!" I called back.

Three hours later, on the train, Cliff's desperate wails still haunted me.