A/N: I know this story structure has been done before, but what I hope I do differently is stick true to the characters (particularly Katniss and Gale) and develop a story that makes you want to continue reading just like the real books.
A/N2: The title is taken from the famous Robert Frost poem.
CHAPTER 1
Memories of my conservation with Gale this morning swirl in my head as I walk back home in a daze. His unfulfilled fantasy of us running away from District 12 and living in the forest is a fanciful and impossible dream. Admittedly, I had thought about it before Gale brought it up. We effectively live off the forest, but we wouldn't make it far before someone noticed we were gone.
I trudge on the dirt road ignoring the cautious stares through shuttered windows. This behaviour always happens on the day of The Reaping. I quicken my pace to the shack I share with my mum and sister, Prim to prepare for what is always an unpleasant day. The feeling is amplified as Prim is 12 years old and this is her first Reaping.
With Prim's hand firmly clutched in my own, we walk with lead feet into the town square. I see my mum get swallowed into the crowd, her worried eyes never leaving mine. Prim and I take our places with Prim several rows behind me. The fear in my gut grows with each passing second, so I glance across the aisle searching for Gale to calm my nerves. Our eyes meet and he gives a shadow of smile, an unspoken sign of comfort from him to me. I swallow hard and force my eyes to the stage in front of the Justice Building.
Our Capitol representative, Effie Trinket, strides on to stage with Mayor Undersee and a man completely intoxicated and therefore can only be Haymitch Albernathy. We stand in the glare of the hot sun as the usual ceremony of the history of the Hunger Games is told and the anthem is played. I digest none of the information having heard it before, plus the added stress of Prim's name in the tribute lottery makes it difficult to concentrate. Before I know it, the moment has arrived. I see Effie Trinket dip a dainty hand in the glass bowl containing the names of the eligible female tributes and extract a slip of paper. My mouth is dry and my heart is racing as Effie poises herself to announce the "lucky" tribute.
"Primrose Everdeen" Effie announces into the silent town square.
My heart drops to the floor as I see tears well up in Prim's eyes. Peacekeepers move in and grab Prim to escort her to the stage. I would die if I lost Prim, especially to the evil machinations of the Captiol. I swiftly move to the aisle and call out for Prim.
"Prim!" I yell. Peacekeepers converge on me, but before I lose my chance I yell out "I volunteer as tribute." I feel thousands of eyes turn on me. I become very self conscious, but the absolute terror in Prim's eyes, magnified by her tears steels my resolve.
"A volunteer!" Effie announces gleefully, but somewhat cautiously. "District 12 has never had a volunteer before." Effie signals the Peacekeepers to bring me forth and put Prim back in place. It's a good thing Peacekeepers are forcing me to walk because my feet have turned into concrete and I couldn't make it up to the stairs alone. Prim screams my name once, but it dissolves into a wail as she is put back into line. For the first time, I feel the ramifications of my decision. I'm going to into certain death to save my sister. But that is only for this year, what will happen for the next Hunger Games? I push the thought aside and stare out into the crowd as Effie walks towards the glass bowl for the male tributes. As she reaches into the bowl a strong, male voice echoes in the town square.
"I volunteer as tribute."
My heart drops as Gale walks towards the stage.
Thank you for reading. The next chapters to be published soon!