Authors note… so I don't do this. But I want there to be more depth to this part of The Hunger Games. I do not own them. So I hope you enjoy!

I have to volunteer. I was raised to do this. I must do this, or my name will be ruined and I will be mocked forever. I have a chance to win this. I am strong and can do this. I look over at my parents and nod. This is my chance to keep them content for as long as I can.

"I volunteer" I am surprised the scrawny boy does not fall over he sighs so big. I am brought up to the stand next to Clove and nod. We are now opponents. They bring us into the Justice building and we are allowed to see those who wish to say goodbye to us.

First my siblings come in. My little sister does not understand why I am going away but I tell her it will be ok and she keeps twirling in her dress. My older brother pats me on my shoulder and wishes me luck. We never were close. Next comes the hardest, my younger brother, tayden. We are only a year and a half apart and he almost decided to train as well. I refused we are close, but I could never let him go through what I have gone through. I love him so much, he is everything a young man should be and more but now is not the time for goodbyes. That will be too hard for us; instead it will be I will see you soon. Before they leave Tayden slips his leather bracelet into my hand and I know it will be my token I take into the games.

My parents come in and things between my dad and I have always been awkward. We never got along, but my mother. She is the most beautiful woman in the world and the idea I may never see her again brings tears to my eyes. "I love you mom" I say quietly into the nook of her neck, "I love you too my little catastrophe". I smile because she used to call me that when I had my trouble maker face on. "I'll see you soon" she says. Then she is gone.

We load the train and are shuttled into a room where we meet our mentors and watch the rest of the reaping. That's when it happens hell breaks loose in 12 for a minute. A first year is chosen and as she makes her way up to the stage a figure comes blazing through the crowd. I have never seen someone weave like that. She runs like a gazelle, elegant and tall.

"I volunteer" she yells. I know how that feels. I know how much it hurts. But I don't think I will ever know how it feels to love someone so much that you would end your life for them. The boy looks mortified when he comes up.

"Wow" I hear Clove and Brutus laughing. Then I notice their mentor has fallen head first off the stage. I then realize what the pretty girl knew all along. They don't have a chance because their mentor is a drunk. What was her name? I really shouldn't be so concerned for her. I have to kill her. I had to stop her heart from beating. That's when I hear the words that have never meant so much to me.

~This is The Hunger Games may the odds be ever in your favor.~

What did you think? Review please!