A/N: in this version once a tribute wins the games, they can't be chosen again, regardless of the Quarter Quell and they can grant immunity to one chosen tribute

Peeta POV

I couldn't believe it. I really couldn't. Out of all of the eligible males in District Twelve, Effie Trinket had to draw me. I felt numb as the crowd parted for me like the Red Sea. I felt the gazes of pity and relief as every other guy had been spared for another year of the Games.

As I walked up to the stage, I couldn't think, I couldn't breathe, and I certainly couldn't speak. Ascending the steps slowly, I looked at the girl tribute. I didn't know her name, nor had I seen her around, but I could tell she was worse off than I was. She was all skin and bones, shaking as tears fell from her sunken eyes. She was what, twelve or thirteen at most? There was no way she would last past the Bloodbath at the Cornucopia. She was doomed for sure.

I quietly spoke my name into the microphone as Effie instructed me to and then stepped back, still trying to wrap my head around the situation. I started to feel a tightening in my chest and thought of her.

Katniss Everdeen, I could see she was in the crowd, looking at me. Funny, I chuckled to myself, the only time I get her to look at me is when I'm being sent to my death. I couldn't tell what emotion she was looking at me with, but there was something there, maybe a figment of my imagination. I pulled my eyes away from her as I was led to the building where visitors were allowed.

I was instructed to sit down in a small waiting room as the Peacekeepers went out to check for any visitors. I raised my head up as i heard the door open to reveal my father and brothers. Dad had tears in his eyes as he walked towards me and gave me an awkward half-hug. He said, "Stay strong son, there is a chance for you. Your mother couldn't come, she said she needed to get back to the bakery but I know she wanted to be here."

"Dad, please. We both know she wouldn't be here unless Peacekeepers forced her to."

"Yeah, Peeta's right Dad. The witch wouldn't come." Rye said bitterly as he looked at the ground. "Peeta, I don't know what to say, but I honestly wish you make it out of this alive, think about it. That girl paired with you is sure to die in the Bloodbath, so one down, twenty-two to go." I could sense his remorse that he hadn't volunteered in my place, so I attempted to placate him, which in this setting is sort of ironic. My other brother huffed a quick "good luck" with a pat on the back and then the Peacekeepers took them away.

I thought that would be the end to my visitors, but who walked through the door next gave me the surprise of my life.

"Hello Peeta."