The Reaping Ceremony

The reaping ceremony takes place in the town square. Mayor Undersee reads the history of Panem and the Hunger Games. Effie Trinket, the district's escort, draws the female tribute's name: Primrose Everdeen. Katniss is stunned and horrified. As Prim walks to the stage, Katniss volunteers as tribute, pushing Prim behind her. The crowd gives a silent salute, touching three fingers to their lips and holding them out. Haymitch Abernathy, the district's only living victor, stumbles onto the stage drunk and falls off, providing a distraction.