Serena's POV

Today is Reaping Day. The day where 24 children are chosen to fight to the death in an arena until one remains. Two are chosen from each district. One girl and one boy. I'm from District 4. My district is known for fishing.

My mom and dad have always been scared about me being chosen. I promised I would never volunteer, but this year I want to. I have been getting ready with my brother all day.

"Serena! Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah mom. I'll be right down." I finish brushing my hair as I talk. I put down my brush and ran down stairs, my turquoise dress flowing. My mom was putting the stew on the stove so it could cook while we were at the reaping. We would eat it when we got home. My dad was dressed in a suit and my mom was dressed in a simple green dress.

We all walked out the door, heading for town square. Every child from age 12 to 18 signed in as their parents went to stand in the back. I stood with my age group. The district escort Azalea Alfaro walked up onto stage with a wig that was the color of golden yellow. The mayor recited the usual speech about 13's rebellion and the history of the Hunger Games. When he finished Azalea walked up to the mic.

"Ladies first." she walked over to the bowl holding the girls names.

"Serena Smith." I walked up to the stage and stood by the mayor. She walked over to the bowl holding the boys names.

"Nicolas Matias." he walked onto the stage and stood beside me.

"Any volunteers?" no one raised their hands.

"Meet your District 4 tributes for the 72nd Hunger Games." she walked us into the Justice Building and into our separate rooms to say goodbye. I waited a few minutes and my family came in. My mother was bawling.

"Mom. It's okay. I promise I'll come back. I'm trained in some weapons and I know how to survive in the wild." she doesn't say anything.

"Here use this as your token," Grayson handed me a necklace with a silver chain, blue diamond, and white diamonds around the gem.

"I love it. Thank you Grayson."

"I believe in you. You have to come back. I can't lose you too."

"I will." A peacekeeper came in and took them away. They were my only visitors. Azalea came back in 30 minutes later to take me to the train. Me and Nicolas sat beside each other as Azalea rambled on about the capitol and their new styles. I tuned her out after a few minutes. We arrived at the train station after 10 minutes.

I stepped out of the car and walked onto the train platform. Two peacekeepers led me into the dining car of the train and I sat next to the window. The train started moving and I watched as I left my district behind. I heard someone walk in and start talking.

"Serena. Come over here and we can start talking about strategy."

"Coming." I stand up and walk over to the table taking a seat next Finnick, the district 4 mentor.

"What weapons are you skilled in Nicolas?" Finnick asked

"I can use a knife and a sword."

"What about you Serena?"

"I can use a trident and a whip if that would do any good."

"Yeah. That's great. Did you know I won my games with a trident."

"Everyone knows that. We had to watch the games. What else do we need to know?"

"You will learn most things at training, but don't team up with the Careers. They will stab you in the back. Literally. You guys should get some sleep. We should be arriving in the Capitol tomorrow." Azalea led me to my room. I stripped down and took a quick shower. Then, I laid down, falling asleep in a matter of minutes.