The first time the name Sage Everdeen was written on slips in the reaping bowl she was twelve, like everyone else. Except she wasn't like everyone else, because her name was in six times. Her muscles were tensed and her whole body was shaking as she stood in line with the other twelve year old girls, dressed in a too tight skirt and too loose shirt. Reaping clothes.

When she was thirteen her father died in a mine explosion, and the only good thing that came of that was her name going in one less time. Actually, that wasn't true. There were no good things about that. Sage watched as her mother retreated back into herself, refusing to speak or even look at her three daughters. So she had no choice but to use all the hunting skills her father had gifted to her and go hunting herself. Reaping day passed quietly that year. Sage was barely in the house, she was working so hard to yet food.

Fourteen was the age she started to worry for her family, as Katniss was now in danger of being reaped. Her sister had her name in twice, and as the names were pulled Sage wasn't even thinking of herself, or the fact she was in danger. Her eyes were on the black braid two rows ahead of her, and the same shirt she'd worn when she was stood there two years ago.

At fifteen years old Sage started to get used to her life. She'd been hunting for a while now, even meeting Gale, an ally (or maybe even friend) in the business, and she'd also been providing for her family by trading and buying at the black market in District Twelve, the Hob. She was falling into her way of life and, even though it wasn't fair, it was necessary.

When she was sixteen she became friends with Gale, and her mother started to take care of things more around the house. She started to look for work again, healing wounded mine workers and bringing in a moderate amount of money. But it was still mainly Sage's income that they relied on.

At seventeen Katniss began to show an interest in hunting. Sage, who was skilled in both archery and knives, but more so with knives, was only too willing to comply. She started taking Katniss hunting with her and Gale, trying to teach her. By the end of the year, she was quite good.

Life in District Twelve wasn't good, but Sage was getting used to it.

Maybe just a little bit too used to it.