Prologue
I squeezed my eyes closed as the translucent cylinder ascended into the unknown world of the arena. This is it Katniss, you and him, up against the world. And there I was. The cornucopia gleaming in front of me. I didn't pay attention to my surroundings like I should. My eyes swivelled around the circle, remembering all the people who were now going to die. I searched for him. But before my eyes could meet his, I was suddenly aware of the commentator's voice.
"Welcome to the annual Quarter Quell. Enjoy yourselves. Oh – and may the odds EVER be in your favour." That was it. I stood dumbfounded, urging my legs to move.
"Katniss run!" And my legs took off towards the forest. I felt the wind in my face, the ground beneath my feet – and Haymitch's hand slip into mine.
