A/N: Hi guys! So I've been wanting to write this story for a while because I've always wandered about Annie's story and what happened really happened to her in the games. So yeah, I hope you like it, here goes!

Disclaimer: Definitely not Suzanne Collins!

Chapter 1

I smile as I pick up a large white shell and run my thumb along all the ridges and crevices. I have been scanning the shoreline for shells all morning but this one is my favourite so far. Usually I would have been selling the fish down at my fathers little tackle stall in district four's market but as it was the day of the reaping the whole district was excused from work. Most took the opportunity to get some sleep as it didn't begin until the afternoon but I couldn't sleep, not today. Besides I love it out here by the sea; the fresh air and salt smell help clear my head and keep my mind off of things. Further out I can see my older brother, Nicholas and my father sitting on the pier fishing for our supper. We were supposed to have a celebration after each reaping, a special meal; to be thankful that it wasn't your children going off to die in the games. I absently sift the fine sand through my fingers and despite myself I let my thoughts wander to the reaping, which is less than two hours away now. I think about my name in the reaping bowl; four times it's in there now, thankfully I have never had to sign for tesserae. It's extremely unlikely I will get picked and I know that I will be ok, of course I will. I tell myself that over and over, but I'm having a little trouble believing it. Every year I am nervous, but this year it feels different. I have a bad feeling, like dread spreading through my body, making my limbs heavy as though they are made of lead. And no matter how hard I try to ignore it I can't. This year I am scared.

My thoughts are interrupted by light footsteps behind me; I turn and see our districts male victor, my brother's best friend, Finnick Odair. I had forgotten that he was back in town for the games; he's one of our districts mentors. He is as heart wrenchingly gorgeous as ever with his flawless golden skin and perfect bronze hair... and those eyes; a piercing sea green that never fails to make me feel a little dizzy. Of course I shouldn't be thinking like that, not only is he way out of my league, but he's as good as family. He smiles his heart-stopping smile, the one that makes all the ladies in the Capitol melt, "hey Anchor, miss me?" he asks with a wink, sitting down beside me. 'Anchor' was the nickname he had given me when we were kids, I had always hated it, but it has grown on me over the years.

"Well I certainly didn't miss your ego," I tease, with a laugh.

Finnick chuckles and I feel the corners of my mouth turn up into a smile; he always manages to cheer me up.

I stare out into the ocean, mesmerized by the soothing churning of the waves. "Nick's out at the pier," I tell him.

Finnick nods, "I know, I spoke to him earlier. Actually, I wanted to talk to you," he says quietly, I can't help but be surprised how serious he is, usually he's always joking around but I guess even Finnick Odair can't make light of the reaping.

I arch an eyebrow, "yeah?"

He's quiet for a long moment and then he turns to me with those breathtaking green eyes and it takes all of my will power to keep my focus, "are you nervous?" he asks me at last.

"No," I lie.

"You always were a terrible liar," He says, with a rueful smile.

I sigh, "what do you want me to say Finn? Of course I'm nervous, everyone is, but the odds really are in my favour this time. My name is only in there four times, it could be a lot worse," as I say this, I can't help but wonder which one of us I'm trying to convince.

"You're right," he agrees. "It won't be you."

I give him a brave smile, "good. Now stop fussing, honestly Finnick you're like an old woman!"

Finnick laughs, "Just looking out for you Anchor." I suppress a sigh; don't get me wrong, I like that he wants to look out for me, that he cares about me. But he see's me as the little sister he needs to protect. I don't want him to see me as his sister.

"Well from what I hear about your adventures in the Capitol, I think perhaps you're the one who needs looking out for," I say wryly. Finnick Odair is, understandably, a heartthrob in Panem and we all know about his string of fancy ladies in the Capitol.

He frowns, "I think you might be right about that Anchor." What's that suppose to mean? I look at him, waiting for an explanation but it doesn't come. After a long moment, he looks at his watch and mutters something that, even the fishwives down at the market would have been shocked to hear. "I've got to get to the town hall!" He says jumping to his feet and heading up the beach back into town. He turns a few feet away from me and yells, "I'll see you soon Anchor! Oh and Annie, wear something pretty." He adds with a grin.

I walk towards the town square and slip into the sixteen year old girls section, squeezing in beside my friend Callie. She smiles at me reassuringly and I manage a weak smile back. I had taken Finnick's advice and put on my best dress, it had been my mothers once and she had given it to me before she died, it is simple and light blue and comes just above my knees, I made an effort and even bothered to rag a comb through my tangled brown hair. I wait fidgeting nervously with the buttons on my dress as the escort reads out the history of Panem, with every word my panic seemed to rise until finally, "ladies first!," the escort crosses to the first bowl and dips in his hand, then he walks back to the podium and smoothes out the slip of paper, he looks out into the crowd, "Annie Cresta!"

I don't know exactly what happened in the next few moments. I just stand there frozen. I vaguely remember Callie giving me a hard shove in the back and then I'm walking up to the stage, forcing one foot in front of the other. The town square is completely silent; every step I take echoes across the pavilion like a thunder clap. I climb the steps and then I'm on the stage next to the escort looking out over my district, the familiar faces look back at me with pity, this is the place I grew up, my home and I know I'm never going to see it again. The victors sit in chairs to my left, old Mags in one and Finnick in the other. Finnick looks pale, probably worried about telling his best friend that his sister isn't coming home. Timothy asks if there are any volunteers and the town square is so silent, that I could have heard a pin drop. Of course no one volunteers for me and I don't expect them to, don't get me wrong I'm well liked here, but no body cares that much.

"Now district 4, I think perhaps we have a victor here!" The escort says half-heartedly, I am small and untrained. I'm weak and we all know I'm no victor. "Come on now, a round of applause for Miss Cresta!" There's an uncomfortable silence followed by a few weak claps.

I barely even notice when the escort calls out the name of the male tribute, "Bran Ashley!" He is a strong eighteen year old, a vaguely remember seeing him around school; he has a better shot than I ever do. The next thing I know I am being ushered off the stage and shoved into a plush visiting room. And only when I am finally alone do I allow myself to break down, sink to the ground and cry. I am as good as dead.

A/N: So here's the first chapter, I'd love to know what you guys are thinking so please review, it means a lot! :)