You Never Knew You Were Protected

by Peeta's a stalker

Loving her from a distance has been difficult. But I've done it for eleven years. When she and I are reaped, I know I must protect her. Leading to the ultimate sacrifice. Basically, Peeta's take on the Hunger Games. This is my first fanfic, and I'm only thirteen so no swearing please. Constructive criticism would be appreciated, as long as it's nice.

1. Chapter 1

Author's Note

Disclaimer: Of course I don't own the Hunger Games. If I did would I be writing fanfiction? I don't think so. All rights go to Suzanne Collins.

"Peeta Mellark you come downstairs right now or you are gonna get it! "

I roll my eyes. I love my mother, but she has to be one of the most irrational people I know. She wasn't always that way though. When my sister was reaped, and never came back, my mother changed. So did my dad. He used to be outgoing and happy. Now, you could barely get a word out of him.

I hate the Capitol.

As all the people in District 12 gather in the town square, I know we are all hoping someone else will get reaped. The Hunger Games is celebrated in the Capitol as a month-long holiday. Here, in the districts, it is a month of punishment. Our district escort, Effie Trinket, comes out on the stage.

"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor. " To the Capitol, our favor is to be picked. Here, it's to live through the dangerous 7 years when you are eligible to be reaped.

She goes on, but I just ignore her.

"Ladies first!" This gets my attention. The reaping begins.

"Primrose Everdeen! Where are you sweetheart! Come on up!" Oh no. This is bad. That girl is Katniss' little sister, and she's only twelve. This was her first reaping. It can't get any worse.

"No! Prim!" Katniss is desperate. "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" Oh. I was dead wrong. It can get worse. Much worse. I never even spoke to her. And now she's never gonna come back and her family will starve. This shouldn't have happened.

"Well! Isn't this exciting?" Katniss looks ready to cry. She sees all of District 12 staring at her and changes her mind. Then, slowly, we give her our goodbye sign. The one that means she is loved, special. To me she always was, but now all the district thinks alike. What you did will never be forgotten, it says. You will always be special.

"Now for the boys!" She swishes her hand around the ball for awhile, until she finally picks the slip. "Peeta Mellark!"

Well there goes my day.