What would happen if Katniss never volunteered for Prim? Find out:

I can't breathe. I'm going to die. They're after me, the careers. They will find me. I don't want to die. I quickly hide in a bush. Maybe they won't find me here. I hold my breath as they run here. They have lost me. They start to look around, but give up. I wait about five minutes after they leave to get out. I look around and let out a sigh of relief.

"I'm safe for now," I think. I have just enough time to think that when a spear is plunged into my stomach. Everything falls black.

I wake, screaming. I run to curl up with Mom. It's the day of the reapings. I'm scared to be chosen. I will die if I'm chosen. I have a nice life. I have a sister and food and water and a mother and all of that. I don't want it all taken away from me.

Katniss tells me I won't be picked, that it's only my first year, but what if I am chosen? What if I'm safe this year, but chosen next year? She tries hard, but she can't protect me from everything. I wish she could. And if I am chosen, who will the male tribute be? Will he protect me? Will he kill me before the others?

I don't have any skill. I know how to heal small wounds and all that, but I can't mend a wound to the heart. Plus, the mentor's an idiot... when he's even sober. I'm not sure what to call him when he's drunk.

With all of these thoughts, I can't sleep. I welcome my loyal companion, Buttercup. He helps me sleep and I close my eyes.


I'm in the row with the other twelve year olds. I look around. There's so many other kids, I probably can stop worrying. That calms me down for a minute. I clutch onto my best friend's arm. She hugs me in comfort, but I think it's mostly for her. I can't say I blame her.

Effie Trinket walks up to the mic and starts the treaty of treason (I think that's what it's called, sorry...) and then starts with the drawings. "As usual, ladies first." Her bubblegum pink wig bobs the whole time she walked to the ball.

She reaches in and draws a slip. I look at Katniss for support and she nods at me in comfort. I hold my breath as she opens it.

Effie takes a small breath as she reads the name. "Primrose Everdeen."

I feel like all the air from my lungs has been knocked out of me. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach. My friend starts to cry. I look at Katniss, and she is doing the same.

I hear the crowd groan like they always do when a 12 - year - old gets picked.

I slowly walk up to the stage. Peacekeepers surround me. I feel a small tear fall down my cheek.

I try to find Katniss, to get her reasurrance, but she's mouthing something to Gale. He nods at her, and she cries harder.

Effie smiles at me, and I shudder. Man, that woman is scary. She walks over to the other ball.

"Now for the boys." She draws a slip and walks back up to the mike. A boy named Peeta is called, but he can't even get to the stage before Gale is up. "I volunteer!" he says.

I gasp. No one ever volunteers in district 12. At least one of us will die. If we end up last, he will kill himself. I don't want that. Too late now, though. "No!" I cry. He doesn't listen to me.

Gale hugs me and I feel better. He will protect me. He's practically in love with Katniss, so he will protect her little sister.

I saw Peeta let out a sigh of relief. He doesn't want that. He would die.

Gale and I are shoved into the Justice Hall.