Chapter I

I sit on my back porch watching my brothers fool around with our cows. Today is reaping day, the day each district chooses one girl and one boy tribute to compete in the Hunger Games. I distinctly remember last year's reaping when I was called.

"Olivia Watson!" the announcer had yelled. I remember the PeaceKeepers pushing me out of the crowd. I try to protest, but my body doesn't listen. I didn't want to be the tribute. District 10 didn't approve.

"Stop!"called a voice, my twin sister's. "I'll do it! I volunteer!"she yelled.

I screamed at her,"Stop, Moira! You can't!" But no matter how much I had protested, Moira was a tribute.

I remember watching the games, being so surprised that she had made it to the final three. Then, the Capitol came, and forced the other two tributes who happened to be in an alliance right onto her. I had run out to the square to find a crowd of people punching walls, and throwing chairs.

"Via, boys, time to get ready!"I hear my mother call, inturrupting my thoughts. I stand up, and walk into our house. My dog, Dancer, follows me along with my brothers. Mason, the oldest is 17, then comes the remaining set of twins Jax and Corana who are 15. I'm the youngest in the family,although I was older than Moira.

My mother gives me an old dress to put on, and shoos me upstairs to change. It has short white sleeves, with a pink covering like a shirt. The skirt was white with a lace design. I put on some white shoes to match to dress, and ran downstairs.

I put my hair in two braids while I was waiting for the boys. I hug Dancer as they stomp down the stairs. "Let's hope I have better luck this year,"I say to Jax and Corana.

As we walk down the path to the square, I squeeze Mason's hand, fearing I'll be picked again. "Good luck, Via,"Mason whispers as he leaves me with the rest of the girls. "You're name's only in there four times, okay?"he reassures me, and I nod.

The announcer from last year, Missy Shields, walks onto the stage. I watch as she speaks into the microphone, babbling on about last year. I think I hear Moira's name, but I'm not sure.

Missy walks over to the container with all the girls. She sticks her hand in pretty far, and finally comes out with a name. The opens it up with a smile for ear-to-ear. Her smile suddenly drops as she reads the name to herself. "Olivia Watson,"she reads.

I see the Peacekeepers coming for me. I listen for anyone who wants to volunteer, but all I hear is silence. I'm escorted up onto the stage. Missy gives me a sad look. "So, Olivia, you-"

"Via,"I correct her.

"Yes Via,"she says. "You've gotten called again. How do you feel."

"I feel all of these people are idiots for thinking I want to go into the games that killed my sister!"I snap.

"Okay, well then. Time to choose the boy tribute,"chimes Missy. She walks across the stage to pick the boy tribute, and I see the twins red with fury. That no one volunteered, I think. I don't even notice the 17-year-old boy standing next to me on the stage. I recognize his strange violet eyes at once. Liam Quinn.

Missy makes us shake hands, and I see symapthy in his eyes. I am taken to the largest building in the square to say my good-byes. I sit in a room with just a red couch, and a door. The door opens, and Keira, my best friend comes in.

She hugs me, and I feel tears falling onto my back. "Via,"she whispers. "You can do this. You're the smartest girl I know, and you can outsmart the capitol,"she says.

"Keira, I have no chance of winning, maybe I can outsmart the capitol, but not my opponents. I mean, look at Liam, how can I beat him?"I say.

"It's called an alliance,"she says. "Get to know him on the train."

"He's sevent-"I'm interrupted by the door opening.

"Win for me, win for Moira,"says Keira as she door slams behind her.

Next, my mother and brothers come in. "Via, all I see before me is a strong, confident, beautiful girl,"says my mother.

Corana places something on my lap. It's a dog collar. "Take this with you Via. Dancer will help you win,"he says.

"What hope do I have Corana, I'm thirteen!"I say.

We all stand in silence for a while. The door opens, and my mother rushes out crying. Jax and Corana follow. I stand up and hug Mason. "God, help you,"he whispers before her walks out.