Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the 'Hunger Games', only my own creations and ideas.

I really hope this story turns out well. I have been contemplating on whether or not if I should make a story including Cato. I think what I have so far is good. I just hope that it will be something interesting. I want to keep Cato alive and go through all of the books... maybe.. with my OC and him together. I will have Katniss and Peeta as well because they will all turn into friends later on. I will try my hardest to keep away from Katniss and what she went through with Peeta being gone and all, but that comes later on. Lol.

Hmm... I might actually need suggestions and opinions about this story and if I might have to add anything to make everything clear. *sighs* Just make sure it's good opinions and not mean ones. I allow critiques, but if it's something unnecessary then I won't take it to mind. ^_^' Blah, too much typing.

I accidentally uploaded this chapter without editing it... ugh. So now I have to go in and fix the dang thing. Haha. Peace guys! Hope you like it so far.

When I was younger, my father would take my brother and me to his meetings. They were all held at different districts since my father was the bodyguard and sole advisor to the mayor of district seven. My brother and I had a lot of fun while visiting the districts. We made many friends – one boy and girl in particular.

My father and the mayor grew up together and were best of friends. So why not choose my father as advisor and bodyguard? The mayor of our district was a fairly skinny man. He was 6'2" in frame, had long arms, spidery legs and a small upper torso. My father on the other hand was a big man – 6'1", big chested, 30 inches around his biceps, had huge, muscled legs. Being from district seven you would think that every man would be built. But, I guess lumber jacking wasn't every man's dream.

Though all the girls were supposed to work in the house and help the men do other daily activities, I was always outside with my father. He taught me how to climb trees and use the hand axe to chop off smaller branches. Of course, he also taught me how to hunt in the forest using a bow, knives and axes. My brother was too little to go out in the forest and help the men, so he stayed in the house and helped our nanny around the house.

I guess you might be wondering why I never mentioned my mother. She passed away while giving birth to my brother Oliver. I was only five at the time, so I don't really know that much about her. But, I do remember that she was a very beautiful woman and always loved to sing while playing the guitar or piano. She was always smiling and never had any doubts about her loved ones. I had many neighbors tell me that I looked exactly like my mother, but I never really acknowledged it. I guess I was too much of a tomboy… or maybe I really didn't want to think about my mother.

Later on when I turned of age to receive tessera, my father told me to not sign up for it. He also told Oliver to never sign up for it either. My father said that we could survive on other things – me and my brother's hunting skills, his wages he got from work, different bark from trees, roots, etcetera.

For five years we survived on wild game, milk from my brother's cow Tessa and the money from my father. It was a hard five years, but we managed. Dad and I taught Oliver everything we knew about surviving for the Hunger Games – making traps, jumping from tree to tree, throwing weapons, knowing what to eat and what not to eat; using your head! Oliver was of age now, so his name would finally be in the drawing along with mine.

Though many higher citizens do not get called to go to into the games, it doesn't mean that we will never get called. Father once told me that the mayor's first son was called into the games a long time ago. He didn't come home that year.

My father was positive that neither of his children would be called in the games. I'm sorry to say that my brother was one. I, on the other hand, volunteered to save my brother's girlfriend from going in…

It was the day of the reaping – sun shining through my curtains, birds chirping. Looked like it would be a wonderful day to be happy about, but really, who is happy on the day of the reaping? No on, that's who!

I was in bed having a dream about flying with the birds, when to my horror my door slams open and in comes my brother screaming, "Elora! Elora, wake up! It's time to get ready for the reaping. I'm already dressed and dad has breakfast going."

I feel a body jump on my stomach and I instantly bolt straight up, knocking Oliver off the bed and onto the floor. I hear an 'Oof' and I groggily reply, "Sorry, Oliver, really I am. But, do you really have to jump on me? You could have just gently shaken me awake." I rub my eyes and blink a few times.

Oliver stands, wipes the dirt from his clothes and retorts, "Yeah, like I could shake you awake! You're like a rock- dead to the world!"

I glare in his direction for a few seconds but then burst out laughing. He smiles and then helps me out of bed. I don't know why he feels the need to help me all the time. I know I'm his only sister, and he feels the need to protect me, but sometimes I want to be the one to protect him. I make my way to the shower and tell Oliver to tell dad that I will be downstairs in a bit. He nods and walks down the stairs, heading to the kitchen.

I walk into the bathroom and stare at the mirror. I sigh and start taking out my braid. I wonder who will be getting called this time. Hopefully it's no one I know. I don't want to watch someone I know go into the arena and end up dying. I hop out of my underclothes and turn on the faucet. I put my hand in the running water to see if it would be warm enough. Luckily it's just right this time and I jump in the shower.

In less than 10 minutes I am out of the shower and dressed in a brown summer dress. I don't normally wear dresses, but here lately I have been having the urge to dress more like a girl. I towel dry my hair and let my waves of hair fall down my shoulders. I have naturally wavy hair, so I don't need to do anything with it. I step into a pair of sandals and head downstairs to eat.

My father looks up from his plate of food and says, while eating, "'Ewwo, weetie."

I stifle a laugh and sit down where a plate of food awaits me. Oliver spits out some of his food while laughing and puts a hand over his mouth, chuckling.

Dad swallows and continues, "Sorry, dearest. I meant to say 'hello sweetie'. Did you sleep okay?"

I nod in reply.

"That's lovely, dear. Oliver tells me that you sleep like a rock." Looking in Oliver's direction he asks, "How long did it take you to wake her up this time?"

Oliver scoops up a piece of egg and hash brown saying, "Only about five minutes. Normally it would have taken more, but this time I jumped on her." He stuffs the food in his mouth and swallows.

I roll my eyes and retort, "Yeah, but that only caused you to flip off the bed and land on the floor. Was it worth it, really, to get hurt in the process of waking me up?"

"It sure was, sis. I would do it many times over to see the look you had on your face." He mimics what I did this morning and laughs.

Father shakes his head and holds in his own laughter. I glance his way and he makes a straight face. Looking at the eggs as my enemy, I poke them with my fork and shove them in my mouth. Once I look back up I see them both staring at me. I swallow my food and laugh loudly at their expressions. They look to one another and laugh as well. Man, I love my family.

I finish my breakfast and put my plate in the sink. I ask Oliver and my dad if they are done and they nod. I take their plates and set them in the sink as well. I start washing the dishes. When dad says that it's getting to be that time I stop what I'm doing and dry my hands off.

Oliver looks at dad and asks, "Do you think we will get called this time, dad? Or maybe even someone we know?" He looks to his shoes and then back up to face our father.

Shaking his head, dad replies, "I don't know, son. I just don't know." Dad places a hand on Oliver's shoulder and gently squeezes. He sighs and then looks to me, "Elora, dear, come on. It's time we get going."

I smile and walk outside the front door.

Oliver's hand is placed in mine. I don't know if he's doing it because he's scared or thinks I'm scared. But either way, I'm glad for the warmth of his hand. We drop hands as we are placed in separate lines – girls in one, boys in the other.

I finally reach a white table and hold my hand out for the Peacekeeper to prick. The lady smiles at me, but I just keep a straight face. I hate these people. They think they are doing the good of mankind, but really they aren't. I've seen some of my neighbors being whipped for something unnecessary. I feel a sharp prick in my forefinger and clench my jaw. She did that on purpose. I pull my hand from her grasp and stick my finger in my mouth to keep the blood from dripping on my hand. I pull a fake smile and walk in the direction of the other girls.

I look around for Oliver. He's somewhere between the other boys, for I can't make him out. I sigh and look to the podium. We listen to a sermon for a few minutes about why we are placed in the Hunger Games and yada, yada. I tune everything out. I have heard this sermon numerous times since my name has been in the drawing. I roll my eyes when I see a colorful woman walk on stage holding her hands delicately out in front of her. Her hair is a bright green and her clothing looks something of a clown, though not as poofy and horrifying. Her name is Petunia. You would think, since her name is after a flower, she would resemble one. Alas, she does not.

Her voice suddenly shouts out through the microphone, "Hello to District Seven! I bet everyone is delighted to be here this morning. I am!" She giggles while the rest of us are silent. "Well we should get this drawing over with, shouldn't we? Okay!" She walks over a bowl with little white paper inside. Each one is covered in our names, possibly even more paper with the same name written on it. She announces, "So, we shall call the girls first." She sticks her hand in and fishes around for a name. She pulls out a piece of paper and slowly opens it. "Our girl tribute is Felinia Obtusien."

I take in a breath of air and look around for Oliver's girlfriend. No, I can't let this happen. He wants to be with her forever. And she's so small, she wouldn't make it. I see a frightened girl heading in my direction and I walk towards her. She stops when I get in her path. Felinia looks up at me and I see small trickles of tears racing down her face. I push her aside with the other girls and turn around.

Petunia notices the switch and calls out, "It seems we have a volunteer, folks." She giggles in excitement and claps her hands.

I take in a shaky breath and walk up the stairs to the podium. I glance at Felinia and notice shock written on her face. I smile and turn to Petunia when she addresses me. "What?"

Her smile falters and then repeats her question, "What is your name sweetie? Are you related to her?"

I shake my head and reply, "No, I'm not related to her. But I know her. My name is Elora Vandiir." I hear murmurs in the crowd and I try to find my brother among them. I finally notice him among the crowded boys and see him shake his head.

"Oh… so you are advisor Xavier's daughter? Wow, I never imagined his children ever going into the games. But! All of that aside it is now time to choose a boy tribute." Petunia sticks her hand in the opposite bowl and slowly trails her hand over the little, folded papers. Her hand stops in the middle of the bowl and she picks a piece of paper from the top. She unfolds it and inhales. Petunia glances in my direction and then grabs the microphone, "The boy who will be entering the games is Oliver Vandiir!"

WHAT! I have to fight in the arena with my brother? I can't kill my own flesh and blood! Terror consumes me as I watch my brother walk up the podium. It's good that he has a straight face, but I can tell that he doesn't approve of this.

A few Peacekeepers have to hold back a man as he runs towards us. I then realize it's our father. DAD! Wonderful! Not only did he think that only one child would be entering the games, but now both of his children will be in there! My father yells, "You can't take both of them! I can't lose them both! Oliver, Elora!" I watch in horror as the Peacekeepers drag our father away. Mayor Harrison jogs after them. In the distance I watch Mayor Harrison's hands fly back and forth. Possibly trying to come to an agreement.

Petunia wraps both of her arms around mine and Oliver's shoulder. "Let the odds be ever in your favor, young tributes!"

My brother and I were whisked away to the Justice Building. From what I know, my brother and I will be in separate rooms saying goodbye to our family and friends. Normally the tributes wouldn't be related, so each tribute would have their family talking to them. Oliver and I only have our father and caretaker 'Nanny', as we like to call her. I have a few friends, but I doubt any one of them will come to wish me good luck.

I am pushed into a small room containing only the four walls. Nothing else is in here. Shouts are heard from outside the metal door and I know that my father is coming to see me at last.

He barges through the door, nearly ripping it off of its hinges. He'd been crying. I can tell because his eyes are all red and puffy; his face red. My father falls to his knees right in front of me and softly says, "Elora, honey dearest, please take care of yourself and Oliver. Especially your brother – he's big for his age, I know, but that doesn't mean he would be good in a fight. We taught him all we knew, but I'm scared for him. Just make sure one…of you… comes back…" sobs rake his body.

Tears trail down my face as I wrap my petite arms around his neck. I whisper, "I will try my hardest to make sure that Oliver survives, even if it costs me my own life." His arms wrap around my waist. I take in a deep shaky breath, "If something happens to one of us, or both, don't lose your senses. You still have a whole town to take care of. Daddy… I … I'm going to miss you and Nanny a whole lot! I – " The door opens and in walks Nanny with a Peacekeeper behind.

"Two minutes left, make it quick." The Peacekeeper stiffly replies and walks off.

"Nanny!" I exclaim. She wraps her arms around dad and me.

She looks directly in my eyes and says sharply, "Keep your mind focused, you hear me?"

I nod, "I will. I love you both. Tell Oliver that I will do my best to keep him safe." I watch them bob their heads in understanding. They stand and walk out of now opened door. They are then escorted to Oliver's room. All the while, my eyes are locked to their backs, wondering if I would ever see them again. I speak to myself, "I will find a way to keep Oliver safe."

Once Nanny and my father are led away to my brother's room tears stream down my face. I didn't want to go into the games with my brother. That's something I didn't want to happen. The reason why I volunteered was so Oliver wouldn't have to watch Felinia die. No good that did!

None of my friends came to see me. I didn't blame them either; I wouldn't want the last thing I said to my friend to be goodbye.

A millisecond went by before the door was swung open and a Peacekeeper waltzed in. He had a smile on his face. "Hello! If you would, follow me please. I will get you all situated on the train."

I quietly replied with an 'okay' and followed the man. Upon reaching the train I found Oliver and reach for his hand. He holds on tight and follows me into the train. We are led to a compartment containing tables full of food, eloquent tables and chairs, and even a view of the whole district. I sigh and make my way to a window. Oliver follows and leans against one of the windows. I reach for the lock and unlock it, dangling my arms outside. My eyes catch the faces of some of my friends and they wave. I smile sadly and wave back. I turn my head to the sight of Felinia running towards the train. I poke Oliver and point in Felinia's direction.

Oliver's eyes cloud over and for a second it looks as if he is about to cry. He puts his head out of my window and shouts, "Felinia! Felinia, I love you!"

She raises her hand when she stumbles to the train and strokes Oliver's face. She murmurs, "I will always love you Oliver." Felinia turns in my direction and whispers, "Elora, thank you for volunteering, but I… Please make sure he comes back to me… please…"

Oliver looks at me and I look at him in return. I smile and retort, "I will make sure he comes home to you Felinia. Don't worry about him darling; his big sister will take care of him this time." Felinia smiles knowingly and backs away from the train as it spews forward. I look over the crowd once more and see our father and Nanny waving. I wave back in their direction and Oliver does the same.

When we are out of view Oliver turns to me and asks, "Are going to die trying to save me?"

My eyes widen and I stutter, "O-of course. You're my brother, why wouldn't I?"

"I don't want you to die. I don't want anyone to die…" his head drops.

My eyes soften at his tone and I raise his head to look at me, "I understand how you feel, Oliver. But, one of us has to come home, right? Father and Nanny don't want us to die, but I would rather have one of us home than neither. You understand?"

Oliver nods his head in reply.

I grab for his hand and drag him to the table of food saying, "Come on. I'm starving, let's eat!" I hear a chuckle and an 'okay'. I inwardly smile, knowing that I got his mind off of one of us dying. I pick up a plate and plaster food on top. I wait for Oliver to get his food before I start to eat. He sits across from me and shovels food down his throat. I shake my head at his table manners and swipe up a few green peas with my spoon.

Author's Note: Okay, so hopefully you guys liked this. I think it turned out okay. I might have to pick better stopping points though. -_-' You guys can leave me reviews if ya want. I would greatly appreciate the outlooks on this story.

~!*CuteSango07*!~