I have recently gotten hooked onto 'Hunger Games' (I blame my friend for that) and I thought up of a brilliant storyline for the second book. I mean, really, I can't think of a creative, original way to play with the first book. Therefore, meet Nicolette Greyson, female tribute for District Five in the 75th Hunger Games. (I know District Five has a female tribute, but let's pretend they don't, okay?)

I'm not really a fan of normal pairings, so be prepared for a little Peeta/OC and a touch of Finnick/OC. I dunno why. I just love Finnick

Summary: All Nicki ever knew was surviving. It wasn't easy for her, losing her parents at the tender age of eight. The last thing she wanted was to be the female tribute. Leaving her siblings behind was bad enough. The fact that she might not make it out alive didn't make it any easier for all of them. The last thing she needed was to feel something other than hate for her fellow tributes, knowing she would have to kill them off. Feeling drawn to both the ever flirtatious District Four tribute and the very married District Twelve tribute, Nicki's in for a whirlwind of adventure and emotions.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hunger Games. If only… sigh.

*NICOLETTE*

Chapter 1: Worth Saving

Show me what it's like
To be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I'll show you what I can be
Say it for me
Say it to me
And I'll leave this life behind me
Say it if it's worth saving me
- Saving Me by Nickelback

A sharp trill of a bird woke me from my brief slumber. I blinked my eyes open and sighed lightly as I lay in bed, my auburn hair fanned out around my head like a halo. A sense of dread slowly but surely washed over me.

A ray of sun touched my blanket-covered feet, but I didn't feel warm. If anything, I felt cold.

I listened for signs of any of my siblings being up, but the house was quiet. I was up before anyone else once again. Considering the day today, it wasn't much of a surprise.

It was the day. The most dreaded day for children like me.

It was Reaping Day.

I slowly sat up, trying to prolong the inevitable for as long as possible. I took in a sharp breath as I realized something else: my little brother was now twelve. It would be his first Reaping Day.

I froze in my bed for a moment before another realization came into my head, causing me to slump my shoulders in relief. I had forgotten. It was the Third Quarter Quell. They had announced that only previous victors would be taking part in this year's Hunger Games.

I blinked. But District Five didn't have a female victor. Our only female victor had drowned in a lake two years ago. They said she killed herself, unable to live with the memory of those she had killed. It had driven her insane.

It could only mean one thing. Only the girls would have to be reaped today. Since I had taken tessarae for Danny, Mika and Roland every single year since I had turned twelve (despite my older brother telling me not to), I would have taken twenty-four tessarae altogether.

It's a small amount compared to others, but I've been told that I've taken out the most tessarae compared to the other girls. I had a higher chance of getting picked.

I sat in my bed, my bare feet touching the cool floor of my bedroom. I glanced at the clock on my barren dressing table. I had about an hour before it was time to wake Danny, Roland and Mika.

I hurriedly made my way to the bathroom to get ready for the day. I peeled of my clothes and turned the shower on, shivering slightly as a blast of cold water hit me. I dunked my head under the running water for a moment as my nightmares flashed beneath my eyelids. My hands fisted involuntarily as I recalled memories and torturous nightmares.

I shook my head, sending water droplets flying. No. I wouldn't be thinking about that. Not today. Especially not today.

Hurriedly, I washed myself. Shutting off the water, I wrapped my towel around myself as I faced the bathroom mirror. My auburn hair was long, almost reaching my waist. Water dripped from my wet locks onto the floor. I had dark circles underneath my green eyes. I didn't look like anyone from my district. They either had brown or blonde hair with brown eyes. My hair color already made me an outcast. My eyes just seemed to cement that.

I sighed at my reflection, padding silently into my room and putting on my Reaping clothes. It was a soft blue summer dress with spaghetti straps. It had a floral design at the hem and along the left side of the dress. It stopped at my knees, swishing slightly when I walked.

I left my hair loose for now. It was too damp for me to do anything with it. After slipping on a pair of old sandals – my best pair – I walked out of the house. There was still time. I could let Danny and Mika sleep for another fifteen minutes.

Creeping quietly past their rooms, I slipped out the back door and into the forest. I see a familiar mockingjay pin hanging on a tree branch and couldn't help but smile. I knew he'd be out there already. Slowly, I began climbing the tree, grabbing my bow and quiver from where it was hidden and snagging the pin off the branch.

Dropping to the ground soundlessly, I made my way to the clearing we normally went to. Usually, we hunted for our families, but not today. Never today. Never on Reaping Day.

"Hey, Ter," I greeted him as I spotted my best friend, Terran Blaine, sitting down against a tree. He was in his Reaping Day clothes, but then again, so was I. He had his bow and quiver with him too. We may know the forest like the backs of our hands, but we also know the creatures that may be out there. It's not safe to go roaming in the woods unarmed.

He opened his eyes, his brown, sorrowful gaze boring softly into my own. "Hey, Nicki," he replied quietly. "So, another Reaping Day, huh?"

I shrugged, sitting next to him. If my mother saw me sitting on the ground in my Reaping Day dress, she'd have a fit. Well, my mother isn't here. "Another Reaping Day," I sighed out. "It could be worse. We could be dead right now. We could have been like Brielle and Carter."

Terran nodded sadly. "If it weren't for the Careers, I would've bet my money on Brielle. She always was smart."

"Yeah," I agreed. "But being smart isn't enough. Not in the Games." She had been one of my closest friends. It made me wonder why I didn't volunteer in her place. I should have.

I leaned my head against the tree, looking up into the sky. I heard a mockingjay singing a song I had sung yesterday, causing a small smile to come onto my lips.

I sighed as I thought of Brielle. "I should have volunteered in her place," I told him quietly. "Like that District Twelve tribute, Katniss."

I saw him look sharply at me from the corner of my eye. "Yeah, then you'd be in Bree's place instead. Who would take care of Danny and Mika?"

"They've got Roland," was my answer. Truth was, ever since I saw Katniss volunteering for her sister, I've been wondering what would have happened if I had volunteered in all of my old friends' places. Brielle. Krysta. Faylinn.

"How many this year?" he asked.

I didn't need to ask him what he meant."Twenty-four."

"Nicki…" he groaned.

"I do it every year," I said defensively. "It just added up!"

"You're the girl with the most tessarae in the whole district! You're bound to get picked now!"

I rolled my eyes at my best friend, knowing it was true. "Now you're just being dramatic. I haven't gotten picked. I won't get picked." I looked over at him, smiling a little. "Have a little faith in me."

He didn't answer, but from the look in his eyes, he didn't believe me. I could feel the atmosphere souring, so I changed the subject. "How's Reisa?" I asked, hoping I could take his mind off the fact that I might get picked as tribute and die within the next few weeks or so.

He frowned slightly at the mention of his little sister. "She's scared," he whispered. Reisa was the same age as Danny. She would be part of the Reaping later.

"She won't go to the Games," I told him firmly, knowing what he was most likely thinking about.

"How do you know?"

"I just do."

He laughed mirthlessly. "I wish I could believe you."

I wish I could too.

Instead of answering, I stood up and dusted off my skirt, extending a hand towards him. "Come on," I told him, jerking my head in the direction of the square. "I have three siblings to wake up and you have to get home before your mother throws a fit."

He took my hand and I pulled him up. We started walking back to town. I felt ridiculously small next to Terran. He was over six feet tall, dwarfing my five feet six. His blonde hair glinted in the faint sunlight.

I sighed inaudibly. I had a feeling something bad was going to happen soon. Glancing at Terran, I decided I didn't need to voice out my worries. He worried enough for the both of us.

We emerged from the forest, the sunlight almost blinding. We walked in the direction of our houses.

We lived in the slums of District Five. Since our families barely got by, we hunted so our families could eat regularly enough, even if hunting is illegal. Terran and I both took tessarae in order to give our family better meals too. He might complain about my number of tessarae I have so far, but hetakes tessarae for his three brothers, parents and his little sister. He refused to let any of his other siblings carry the burden of having their names placed in more than once, much like me.

I noticed the time and ran back to my house, shouting a hurried goodbye over my shoulder. If I didn't hurry, we'd be late for Reaping! No matter how much we hated it, we still had to be on time, or the Peacekeepers would dish out severe punishment.

I slammed the door open and was greeted by the sight of Roland already out of bed, boiling water for Mika's bath.

"You're up already?" I panted, leaning against the door.

"Good morning to you too," he said, his smile tense. "Did you have a nice walk?"

"Nice enough," I replied, kissing him on the cheek. "Good morning. Are Danny and Mika up yet?"

"Danny just got into the shower and Mik's still in bed," he answered. My head tilted to the side as I leaned against the kitchen table. His face was tense, his body posture almost rigid.

"What's wrong?" I asked, eyeing him.

"Nothing's wrong."

"Don't lie to me."

He exhaled sharply. "I'm worried."

"Why? You're eighteen this year. If it weren't for the Third Quarter Quell, this would be your last Reaping Day. As it is, you don't need to worry about being reaped."

"I'm worried about you," he clarified, turning to me. His green eyes that matched mine were dark with worry. I didn't know why, but our eyes changed shade with our moods. I think we inherited it from our mother, but I can't remember.

"You don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine."

"You've taken out the most tessarae. At least among the girls."

"I know," I said quietly. "I've already had this talk with Terran. I don't need it with you too, Ro."

"We're just worried for you."

"He has to worry about Reisa. He doesn't have to worry about me."

"You have a higher chance than Reisa does of getting reaped."

I shook my head. "I'll be fine," I repeated. Maybe if I say it often enough, I'll convince other people. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll even convince myself.

He sighed lightly. "I think you should go wake Mika up," was all he said.

Judging from his still tense posture, he was about as reassured as I was, which wasn't saying much. I knew he'd be worried about me. I'm the only one in my family being reaped today. Mika's nine and Danny's a boy. They were in the clear.

I made my way to my little sister's room, pausing by a family photo that hung on the wall. It was taken back when Mika was born and my parents were still alive. My mother was holding baby Mika and my father was holding three-year-old Danny. Mom was seated and Dad was standing behind her. Roland and I were seated at Mother's feet. We were all smiling happily. I spotted a gap in Roland's front teeth, from where his tooth had fallen out.

I sighed, brushing my fingers against Mom's face. I missed them so much. People often told me I looked like her, but I had Dad's spirit. Frankly, I couldn't see the resemblance. Mom looked regal and elegant, her hair always in neat waves. I looked like I just walked out of the woods, my hair always in a ponytail or a braid. Of course, most times I had just walked out of the woods, but that's not the point.

Tearing my eyes away from the picture, I continued my way to Mika's room. I didn't have time to dwell on memories of my parents.

Mika was already up when I entered her room. She was sitting up in bed, rubbing her eyes.

"Rise and shine, Mik," I said, smiling at her.

She yawned, streching her arms out. "Is it time already?" she asked sleepily.

My smile turned sad as I sat down next to her on her bed. "Almost," I answered quietly. "Come on. Let's get your dirty self cleaned up!"

She squealed as I picked her up and carried her to the bathroom, tickling her. It couldn't chase away the dread bubbling in the pit of my stomach though. It hung over me like a cloud, or an unwelcome tracker jacker.

No. I refused to let this haunt me. It probably didn't mean anything. I was just being paranoid.

Setting her down on the floor, I tested the water in the tub to make sure the temperature wasn't too hot before slipping Mika out of her clothes and lowering her into the water. I splashed some water onto her, smiling a little as she splashed me back a little too. She soaked in the water for a little while before asking quietly, "Nicki-May?"

"Yeah, Mik?"

"Are you gonna be reaped today?" Her blue eyes that matched my dad's peered up at me beneath her wet auburn hair. I sighed, kneeling on the floor next to the tub so I could look her in the eyes.

"What makes you think that?"

"Ro-Ro's real worried, 'cause you're the only one getting reaped this year, and you take all the tessarae," she replied, splashing around in the water a little. Her eyes were looking down into the water, following her hand.

I tapped her chin lightly with my finger, causing her to look at me. Smiling slightly, I told her,"I won't get reaped. I've got too much here to get reaped."

"Promise?" she whispered. She looked so worried I would get reaped, that I wouldn't be going home at the end of the day.

I held out my pinky. "I pinky promise that I won't get reaped."

She locked her pinky around mine, a small smile on her lips. "Good."

I jerked my head out to the door. "I think you're all cleaned up. Any longer and you'll turn into a prune."

She giggled, climbing out of the tub and wrapping herself in a towel. I pulled the plug and let the water drain.

Ushering her into the room she shared with Danny, I quickly dried her off and slipped her into her Reaping dress. It was a dark purple dress with a lavender ribbon around the waist. The sleeves were slightly puffy and ended at the middle of her arm. I ran a brush through her hair and placed a head band keeping her fringe away from her face.

"You look great," I told her, dropping a kiss on her forehead. "Go eat breakfast while I do up my hair."

She nodded, hugging me quickly. "I love you," she said, her voice muffled against my chest. I squeezed her shoulders.

"I love you too. Now go eat breakfast." With that, I ushered her out of the room, making my way to my own room to tie my hair.

Sitting down in front of my mother's old dresser, I sighed as I ran a hairbrush through my hair and grabbed a pin, twisting my hair into a simple bun. Two tendrils of hair escaped from my bun, framing my face, but I didn't bother trying to put it behind my ears. It wouldn't stay anyway.

Scrutinizing my appearance, I decided that this was the best I could do. I'm not out to impress anyone. I just wanted to get past another Reaping Day so I could go home afterwards and hunt something for my family for dinner.

Sighing at my reflection, I told myself, "You've gotten through Reaping Days before. You'll get through this one. Easy. So don't worry."

I didn't look convinced, but I sounded convinced. Shaking my head at my ridiculousness, I made my way out of my room and out to the dining room, where everyone else was waiting. Roland washed up the last dish and wiped his hands on a dry towel.

"You hungry?" he asked, scanning my face. For what, I didn't know.

I shook my head. "I already ate," I lied. I hadn't eaten. I'm pretty sure if I ate, it'd come back out. That unpleasant feeling in my stomach hadn't gone away. If anything, it grew worse the nearer Reaping Day came. "Come on. We have to go, or we'll be late."

We made our way to the square in silence, our mood dampened by the possibility of me being sent away to an arena where I could die. We stopped at the entrance of the square, where I would have to be registered. I went toward the woman, but hesitated when Danny's hand on mine tightened. He tugged slightly on my hand and I looked over at him, crouching down.

"You'll be careful, right?" he asked, looking worriedly into my eyes. I forced a smile on my face, refusing to let the worry I felt show.

"Aren't I always?" I asked, tapping his nose lightly. He wrinkled his nose and I laughed lightly. Dropping my voice to a whisper and making sure no Peacekeepers were nearby, I said, "How about after this, I'll teach you how to hunt?"

His eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really. What do you say, Danny-bear?"

He grinned. "Yeah!" Looking around quickly, he hugged me briefly before stepping back. "Love you."

I smiled gently. "Love you too."

I stood up and brushed the dust from my knees, smiling up at my older brother. "I'll be fine," I reassured him again. His eyes were still dark with worry, but he didn't let Danny and Mika know.

"I know. Love you, lil sis," he said, hugging me and kissing my forehead.

"Love you too, big bro." With a deep breath and one last smile at my family, I walked off toward the registration booth.

The registration was quick and I made my way to stand over at the seventeen-year-old section, smiling briefly at Lonna Larson.

"Hey, Nicki," she greeted, her normally twinkling brown eyes subdued by the prospect of what would happen.

"Hey, Lonna." I couldn't seem to get anymore words out. The dread was crushing me, making it harder for me to breathe. It was irrational. I'm sure everything would be fine.

I scanned the crowd of twelve-year-old girls, smiling at Reisa when she looked over at me. She was thin, but all slum children were. We rarely had the luxury of eating proper meals. Her blonde hair was tied in a French braid and her dress was a deep brown that matched her eyes. Her answering smile was nervous, but her features relaxed slightly when she saw me.

"You'll be fine," I mouthed. She smiled weakly before turning to the stage.

No other words were exchanged as District Five's escort, Griselda Banks made her way on stage. I had completely missed the speech and video they showed us every year. She wore a blood red wig with a matching dress. The dress was obviously Capitol-designed. No one from the districts would be caught dead wearing a dress like hers.

She tapped the microphone with a manicured finger, her nails painted a deep scarlet. I couldn't help but think how fitting her attire was, since she would be sending a victor who has already lived through the Games once and an innocent young girl to their deaths.

"Happy Hunger Games, everybody!" she said into the microphone, trying to excite a silent and reluctant crowd. "And may the odds be ever in your favour!"

Nobody made a move to cheer or even clap. Clearing her throat, she said, "Ladies first!" as her hand dipped into the reaping ball. The square was completely silent as everybody held their breaths.

She pulled out a white slip of paper, slowly peeling it open to elongate the suspense. Her crimson lips curved into a smile as she read the name.

"Reisa Blaine!" she cheered as her amber eyes scanned the crowd of girls standing in front of her. My heart stopped, then started at twice the pace it was before. No… no! Not Reisa, anyone but Reisa!

The crowd parted, leaving a pale Reisa standing in the centre. Her eyes were startlingly black against her white skin. She swayed slightly, but tried to stand tall. I could tell she was trembling, even from this far. I stumbled back into Lonna, who caught me by the shoulder.

"Isn't that…" she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

My breath was shallow as I scanned the horrified crowd at the back for my best friend. I found him standing with his family. They were all painfully pale as they watched their youngest stand rooted to the ground while the Peacekeepers neared her. Terran was staring at Reisa, absolutely stunned. No one had expected it. Reisa was only twelve!

Memories of Krysta, Faylinn and Brielle in the exact same position flashed behind my eyelids. I was too scared to do anything back then, even a year ago. I wasn't brave enough. I was too scared. When Krysta was reaped, I was only fourteen. We both were.

Even at fourteen, Krysta was resourceful. She had managed to make it far. She would have made it further if she had chosen a more trustworthy ally. She would have chosen better if she had more experience.

The next year, Faylinn's name had been picked from that same ball. She had walked up to the stage the same way she lived her life: with her back straight and her head held high. She looked so broken when I visited her in the Justice Building. So different from moments before when she walked up to the stage with no fear. It was heartbreaking to see tear tracks marring her pale face. She learned from Krysta's mistake, but she didn't watch her back well enough. Seeing her impaled by a spear a week and a half later had me breaking down in tears.

And Brielle… she played it smart, like she always did. Her strategy was well-thought out. Let the other tributes kill each other first until only one was left. In the meantime, steal food from everyone else. It was a good strategy, if only she hadn't eaten those berries.

However, the difference between them and Reisa was that they were older and had more experience. She wouldn't make it in the Games. She wouldn't… but I could.

I had been hunting since I was eleven. I was a good judge of character. Brielle taught me all the strategies she ever had in case we were caught up in the Games. I could make it.

I hesitated. But was it worth it? I promised Danny I'd take him hunting after this. I promised Mika I wouldn't be reaped. I promised Roland everything was okay. I could die. There'd be no one to hunt for my family and Danny might need to take tessarae.

My eyes found Terran and his family. Mrs Blaine was huddled against her husband, her sobs audible even from here. I could see the grief on every one of their faces. I couldn't bear to see that grief again if Reisa was in the Games, if she was killed. It might tear them apart.

I'd promised my family I'd be fine. But I'd promised Terran Reisa wouldn't go to the Games too. I couldn't bear to look Terran in the eye if I went back home and let Reisa die.

With a determined look in my eye, I raced out of the crowd. Reisa was almost to the stage. Running towards her, I screamed, "No! Wait, stop! I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"

Gasps rang out throughout the square, but I ignored them as I pushed the Peacekeepers away from Reisa and gathered her up in my arms. Her trembling worsened as sobs of relief wracked her body. She buried her face in my neck as her tears dampened my neck.

"No!" I heard a strangled cry. I turned, my heart breaking at the sight of Danny running towards me, only to be stopped by Roland. His anguished eyes met my own as he yelled out my name. "Nicki!"

I shook my head slightly, not letting a single tear drop. "I'm sorry," I whispered.

I went to stand up, but Reisa's arms around my neck stopped me. Terran pulled her away so I could stand up. He still looked pale, but the grief lessened in his eyes slightly. He knew why I had to do it.

Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the stage with my back straight and my head held high, the two Peacekeepers walking next to me. They were probably worried I'd try and run. They wouldn't have to worry about that.

I made a promise, and I intended to keep it.

Griselda's blood red lips widened into a grin as she looked at me. "Excellent!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. The only sound that could be heard was coming from her. I stared at her as she turned to me. "What's your name?"

"Nicolette Greyson," I told her, glad that my voice was even. My face was carefully arranged in an emotionless mask. I wouldn't let the other tributes see me crack. I won't let that think I'm an easy target. Johanna Mason might have no problem putting up an act in front of others, but I refused to act weak.

She giggled as she wrote my name somewhere. Then she dipped her hands into the reaping ball for boys, which only consisted of three names. I looked at the remaining victors we had. One of them looked old enough to be my grandfather, another looked like he would rather be anywhere but here and the last looked like he was drunk. If it were up to me, I'd rather go up against grandpa. He looks like he'd be easily killed by one of the Careers, so I wouldn't have to worry about him.

"Garret Dolan," Griselda read, her nose wrinkling slightly. The one who looked drunk sighed and began making his way up, stumbling slightly when he reached the steps. Oh boy.

He made his way next to Griselda and slouched next to her. Coughing lightly, Griselda moved away from him and closer toward me and the microphone and held one of our hands above our heads. "May I present this year's District Five tributes!"

Nobody cheered. It was eerily quiet as they watched the both of us. I bet we looked pretty pathetic. A drunk and a seventeen-year-old girl who looked like she wouldn't make it past the Cornucopia. Then the crowd shocked me by placing a fist on their chests where the heart would be and placing two fingers on their lips.

I blinked back tears. That gesture was usually only given to those who died or to show great admiration. I didn't know if that was their way of saying goodbye to us - of telling us they didn't believe we would go very far, or their way of showing their admiration. Honestly, it could go both ways.

Griselda told us to shake hands. I stared at her for a moment before shaking Garret's hand. I looked up at him, the man I'd needed to kill. We shook hands briefly before we were ushered into the Justice Building.

I was brought into a familiar white room I had been in many times before and waited for the only hour I would have with my family and friends before being carted off to my death.

*NICOLETTE*

Well, there you go! The first chapter of Deadly 5! I hope you guys like it. The song at the top is pretty much my inspiration for the chapter and I had it on repeat while I was writing this chapter. This chapter is super long because I might not have time to write for a while, because I have exams coming. No fear! I'll update as soon as possible. In the meantime, I hope ya'll review!

~Alex