So, this is going to be… A Hunger Games story! Yeah, I hate blood and gore, but I'm trying this out… I know that it's sort of sudden, but I just got an urge. So, I hope this lives up to your expectations.

Nina

I woke up in the little shed me and Gran lived in near the Seam. I smiled at the leaky ceiling, until I remembered what day it was. The Reaping day. Katniss and Peeta had won two years ago, but in the end, the fight wasn't enough. This time, the Capitol made everyone put their names in one hundred times, regardless of age.

I got up and looked at the dingy mirror next to the bathtub. My body was thin, malnourished, but I had some muscle. I quickly bathed and brushed out the snarls in my hair.

I got dressed into the soft yellow sundress that Gran had lain out on her bed before she had left for the Hob. My eyes softened; it was my mother's before she had died giving birth to me. My father had died in a mine explosion. I brushed away the tears, and slipped into the light cotton dress.

I checked my watch; it would take about fifteen minutes until the Reaping. I yanked on my favorite combat boots that contrasted with the dress, but were comfortable, and ran outside and down to the plaza.

When I got there, they analyzed my blood and let me through. I moved next to my friend, Caroline. Caroline hugged me. "Do you think one of us will be picked?" she whispered. "God, I hope not," was all I could say.

"Welcome to the seventy sixth reaping!" Effie Trinket yelled, cutting off our conversation. It was a very humid day, and everyone wanted this to be over. Twelve year olds and eighteen year olds bit their nails as she rattled on about the history. "And now…" she said, dragging it out. "Ladies first!" she grabbed a white slip from the girl's bowl. She unraveled it, and shouted, "Nina Martin!"

The crowd around me relaxed, except for Caroline. Caroline freaked out and shouted, tears streaming down her face. "I VOLUNTEER!" My mind, which was already in panic mode, completely freaked out. "NO!" I yelled, rushing out onto the aisle, Caroline gripping my arm. "Nina, let me go, take your place!" she screamed. "NO, I WANT THIS!" I yelled, shaking her off me. "NO YOU DON'T, YOU CAN'T FIGHT!" she wailed. "GET OFF OF ME, CAROLINE! I AM DOING THIS!" Caroline sobbed as the peace keepers shooed her back into the crowd. My body was completely numb as they brought me up to the stage, and set me next to Effie.

"Don't want her to steal the glory, eh?" she asked jokingly. My mind was numb, too, but I had to appear strong, even as my best friend's body wracked with sobs in the silent crowd. I forced my lips into a friendly smile, and said, hopefully seriously, "Well, you know there's no better glory than winning the Hunger Games."

The crowd didn't make a sound, and even Caroline had drawn her puffy face upwards in confusion. I didn't have to look at the big television screen to know I was fooling everyone. "Well, I'm glad to see some spunk!" Effie smiled almost condescendingly, as if she would enjoy watching twenty three tributes die in HD. Well, check that-she would. Sometimes I wondered if Capitol people needed 'special' help.

"And now the boys," Effie announced, and grabbed a piece of paper from that wretched glass bowl. She unraveled it, and called in that freakishly high, clear voice, "Alfie Lewis."

Alfie. I didn't know him all that well, but he was a local prankster, in the Seam like me. He stepped up nervously. "Let's give a warm welcome to our District 12 tributes!" The crowd clapped nervously, as if they didn't want to be hurt by the peace keepers.

I smiled at Alfie, but he looked at me like I was crazy. Maybe I was, but it was better than his complete shock and sad expression that he had had on when he stepped up slowly to the stage.

Before I could talk to the person I'd probably have to kill, the peace keepers led us to the justice building, where I was led to a room with a plush carpet and comfy chairs. I sat peacefully in the silent room. I'd never actually been to the justice building, and this was no doubt the last time. This was one of the last days of my life.

The first person to come in, surprisingly, was Katniss Everdeen. She had a dull expression, because Prim had died. Everyone knew she wasn't over it yet.

"Hi," she said bleakly. "I'll be your mentor." I was surprised. I didn't want Haymitch, but she didn't seem in a good shape. "I know, but Peeta's doing it, too." Oh. Peeta was a really nice guy, and he was probably trying to lift Katniss out of that shell. I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's hard," I said simply.

She looked at me hard, and said, "Good luck. You'll need it," and she abruptly left, leaving perplexed.

Gran came in next. No words needed to be said; she just held me quietly, wiping away the tears that were leaking from my eyes.

"Gran…" I said hoarsely, pulling away. "I know it was an act. But, keep on acting. And I love you," she promised, kissing my forehead. I grabbed my skirt, and wiped away the remaining tears.

The peace keepers came in and tapped my gran's shoulder. "Bye, sweetheart, and survive," she said, and let the peace keepers lead her away.

Before I could register that that may be the last time I saw her, Caroline rushed in. "Nina…" she sobbed, clutching my shoulders hard. I let her embrace me, trying to keep my own tears at bay. "Nina, you are strong. You WILL get through this." She reached into her pocket and removed a locket with an eye as the charm. "Your gran gave this to me in the hall. It was your mother's. She said to use it as your emblem in the arena," she said, pressing it into my palm. I just stared at it. I had seen pictures of her wearing it, and I knew for a fact that Gran had kept in a pocket over her heart. It was so precious to Gran, and the next time she'd see it would be on my dead body being shipped back to District 12.

"Thanks," I whispered, taking the delicate clasp and unhooking it gently. I put it on, and gazed down at the necklace, which was almost emanating hope. Gran thought I could survive. I hope to god she's right.

I know that everyone knows that Nina survives, but I may put in a twist. Teehee.

~ChocoAwesomeness~