All rights reserved to Suzanne Collins; I do not own the Hunger Games. Please read, review, and enjoy.

When I wake up, the sun shining brightly through my window. It is a beautiful day outside. This belies the feeling that I feel in the pit of my stomach, for it is Reaping Day. The Reaping Day that will decide the contestants of the 75th Hunger Games. Although the odds are astronomical that I will be chosen, those odds sure didn't help last year. The only thing that saved me was Katniss and her selfless volunteering. She is not allowed to compete again, so it's all I can do to hope not to be picked.

Well, since Katniss won the Hunger Games last year along with Peeta, life has been sweet. About a week last year after the end to the Games, we moved into our wonderful new home in the Victor's Village. It's amazing. We receive about 2 weeks worth of food every week in a form of a deliveryman who even comes inside the house to put it way. We are never hungry, in fact, Mother has even gotten a little on the heavy side. All of the rooms are decorated with the finest things, such as classic paintings, or the most splendid china. The furniture is the most plush I have ever felt in my entire life. Who knew that my being called last year would be the event that would change our lives for the better, not worse?

Over the past year, Katniss has not let her skills diminish. She still sneaks out to the woods with Gale to hunt, more for pleasure now rather than food. Gale's family never hungry either, because we always share our surplus of food with them. Basically, I live a charmed and spoiled life. And you know what? I'm loving it.

I guess the only drawback to living in the Victor's Village would be the neighbors, the Mellark family and Haymitch Abernathy. Katniss confided in us how she and Peeta faked their romance only so they would both live. Well actually, it was only Katniss who faked it, which is why she and Peeta barely speak anymore. It makes me sad to see this, because I can tell they still both have feelings for each other, but they can never voice them out loud to each other. Gale is still Katniss' best friend; though I feel he cares about her more than a friend should, but no matter. It's none of my business.

So, on this Reaping Day, a large chariot arrives to chauffeur us to the square, where the Reaping will take place. All of the residents squeeze into the chariot, and off we go. We are all required to attend, me as one of the possible tributes, and the other as the victors and their family. When we arrive, we are greeted with a rousing chorus of applause. Another good ting about being related to a Hunger Games victor: everybody loves you. Well, I was loved before anyway actually (so modest, right?) I figure the applause is probably more for my family rather than the other two victors and their families because our family periodically shares our food intake with the community. This means a lot to the people.

Anyway, I take my position with other children my age, thirteen. I'm a teenager now. From my position, I look at Katniss who is sitting on her victor's chair up on stage with Haymitch on her right and Peeta on her left. I give her a reassuring smile, for you see, she still has two people she deeply cares about in danger, Gale and I, at risk of being chosen in the Reaping.

We are at risk because of two new rule changes. No one really knows why the Capitol decided to expand the age limit from twelve to nineteen. Some put it down to the tough times, or the way they got showed up last year at the Hunger Games. Maybe they did it to remind the Districts that they are still in total control. But as a result of this, Gale is eligible for one more year. And the odds are not in his favor, because even though he hasn't had to apply for tessarae this past year, his entries the previous years have added up still enough that he stands a good chance of being picked.

As for the rule that affects me, it states that if somebody volunteers for a person that has been selected, the selcted person is eligible to be re-selected. Those new rules came into effect this past year, and were imposed on all children within the age limit, regardless of past years. That's why Katniss is so worried.

I turn my attention back to the onstage proceedings. The mayor has just finished his speech, and it is time to begin the selection. The difference from last year is, there is no Haymitch to stumble onstage, terribly drunk and late. The past year, he still drinks in moderation, but has cleaned up his act somewhat. I guess helping two tributes survive in one year has given him a sort of hope for the next Games to come. Effie Trinket, who despite her wishes, has not been promoted to another district, starts the show by saying "Ladies first!" She then proceeds to one of the glass balls, and selects a name.

Her face changes from an expression of smiles to on of pure shock. She sputters, "Well. I'd never thought I'd actually call a name out twice at Reapings; it's never happened before, but here we go! Primrose Everdeen, come on up!"

My heart stops. How can she sound so enthusiastic about it? What were the odds? I had two names in. Just two! Last year I only had one! What is wrong with the world? Why does fate have to be so damn eager to kill me? The crowd is murmuring; it sounds totally in disbelief. My heart is pounding, but I can't refuse. Who knows what the Capitol would do to the District if I refused? I begin to make my way onstage.

From her position onstage, Katniss cries out in desperation, "Wait! I volunteer instead!"

Effie says, "Sorry, dear. You know you can't. Hunger Games victors are not allowed to participate in the Games again."

A voice in the crowd says "She may not be able to volunteer. But I can."

The crowd steps apart to reveal Gale. He stares directly at Katniss and says with a sure voice that must be the opposite of how he is feeling, "I volunteer as male tribute. I'll keep her safe, Katniss. No matter what."

My heart fills with gratitude. At least I will have one ally for the Games, even though now Gale is in the same jeopardy that I am in. Selfish, right?

I peek at Katniss. Her eyes are brimming over with tears. She's about to lose it. You see, this year, there will definitely be no rule change about two possible victors. This time, at least one, probably two, of the people she holds most dear in her life are going to die.

Other stories of mine: From The Other Side, Sharp As A Knife, The Boy With The Bread, The Hunger Games Premiere.