Welcome to the 125th Hunger Games!

Just a few things before the story begins. This occurs as if Katniss failed so no District 12. Also, this story is a partner story. While this tells the story of Lance from District Two, there is another story that follows his district partner Glacia. Be sure to check our that story as it will give a different perspective of the same games. And don't worry, the two stories are very different from each other.

I will update the stories on the same day, that way once the games start you can choose which story to read first as there will be some spoilers about what might happen to the other character.

I'll let you begin the story. As always, please review and let me know what you think, good or bad. Any comments are good comments.

Let the Games begin!

Chapter 1:

"Lance, stop sitting around up there because we have to get going!" I sigh as I stare up at the ceiling, not wanting to move from my bed. I had been dreading this day for months now. But Reaping Day wouldn't stay away forever.

Hearing the footsteps on the stairs, I roll over and stand up, smoothing out the wrinkles in my pants before Maylene can get here and scold me for it. If I didn't look nice, I would also be giving her a bad reputation. Maylene Henderson, winner of the 120th Hunger Games. And lucky me, I get to be her younger brother. Don't get me wrong, I love my sister more than anyone else, especially since she practically raised me. Mother died shortly after giving birth to me, something I'll always feel guilty about. Father, on the other hand, became an alcoholic when I was five and Maylene was ten. We were constantly facing abuse from him in his drunken rages and while I just put up with it, Maylene took matters into her own hands and began training for the Hunger Games. If she could win, then we would never have to depend on father for food and shelter again.

Maylene managed to win, outsmarting the others and being more brutal than the others. Once she arrived back in Two, she took her new fortune and me, left father, and never looked back. I'll always be grateful to her that she got us out of that situation but I would never want to train like her and compete in the games. That didn't stop Maylene from making me train a little in our backyard. She tried to get me to be in the training center with her but that didn't last very long. So even though she knows there is no chance of me going to the games thanks to the career system, I think she just missed the constant training with someone. Sure, she helped at the training center but she doesn't have someone to spare with that will fight back with everything they have.

The door creaks open and I look over to see my older sister. She leans against the door frame, arms crossed and still looking like she could win the games. Everyone had underestimated her at first thanks to her small stature. I now tower over her but I still would be scared to fight her in the games. She gives me a sad smile, knowing I don't want to go to the square. "I'm sorry to put you through this, Lance. But Brycen wouldn't have want you to be miserable about this. He knew what he was getting into when he volunteered. We all thought he had a good chance to win."

I look away from her as the memories I had been avoiding all day start crashing through my mind. Brycen, my only friend from growing up, volunteered to participate in the games last year. I spent every free hour that I had glued to the television screen, worried that if I missed a few minutes, that would be the time he got injured or worse. And I had felt myself starting to really believe he would be the victor once he made it to the final four. But then my worst fears happened and after a long drawn out fight with the male tribute from Four, Brycen was defeated. I didn't want to believe it. The shock was so intense and it wasn't until the hovercraft appeared to take away his body that I reacted. Anything I could reach was thrown against the wall, lamps, vases; one of the side tables next to the couch I picked up and slammed against the wall. Anything to take out my anger.

When Maylene tried to stop me, I was so furious I didn't even realize it was her and started throwing punches at her. And she put up with it, blocking most but allowing a few to hit her, knowing the pain I was going through. Once she finally grabbed on to my fists and stopped me from throwing punches, the overwhelming sadness kicked in. I spent hours that night, sobbing against her shoulder and she tried her best to comfort me. But how do you move on from watching your best and only friend be murdered, all for the Capitol's entertainment?

Maylene places a hand on my shoulder, bringing me back to the present. When I see the sympathetic look on her face, I wipe the emotions from mine and quickly brush away the one tear trying to escape. "I'm fine," I whisper angrily as I walk out of the room, not wanting her pity. It's bad enough seeing the pity from the people my age who knew Brycen was my friend; I don't need it from my sister.

She follows me out of the room and downstairs, thankfully not bringing Brycen up any more. I'm ready to head out the door to get this over with when she runs in front of me and blocks it. I cross my arms at her, waiting to see why she's holding us up. "Lance, I'm sorry for bringing him up. I don't want you to stay angry at me, especially since we don't know what's going to happen at the Reaping."

Ah yes, the Reaping. Normally I wouldn't be feeling the looming fear that I have today. Any other year, someone would have been handpicked to volunteer and represent District Two. But this isn't just any other year. It's the Fifth Quarter Quell and the Capitol couldn't have a boring and typical set of tributes.

For the 125th Hunger Games, to show that the choices of the rebels to harm the citizens of the Capitol were absolute, no one will be allowed to volunteer in the place of another…

So here we are, facing the small possibility that I might actually have to go into the games and ruin the life Maylene had worked so hard to give us. The chances of my name getting picked are small, but so are the chances of anyone else getting picked. Barely anyone in Two has to take tesserae since the Capitol rewards our loyalty and supports the ten victors our district has.

I don't want to believe that I'll be chosen. I don't want to have to fight my way home and kill people to survive. But I know it's a very slim chance and I want to be prepared for that chance. I make eye contact with Maylene and nod, letting her come over and wrap her arms around me. I hug her back, finally letting that fear sink in. "I don't want to be angry with you. I'm just scared that I might get picked."

"I'm scared of that happening too," she says quietly and tightens her grip around me. "I worked so hard to win so you could be safe and in a second, that could get completely messed up." My sister steps back and tries to smile at me. "But whatever happens today, we'll get through it. The Henderson's are fighters and if you get picked, I know you will do everything you can to make it home."

I don't doubt this as I nod at her before she turns around and we continue walking out the door. If I do get picked, I have to win and come home to my sister. She takes my hand as we silently walk through the Victor's Village. Maylene nods her head in greeting at Kat, the victor who helped her win her games. I should feel a little self-conscious about being seventeen and holding on to my older sister's hand but you know what, it's Reaping Day and I'm terrified of what might happen. Is this how the outer districts feel every year?

Maylene releases my hand as we approach the village square, probably not wanting the rest of the district to see our feel. She still is a victor and needs to pretend that she's happy and supportive of the Reaping. As we approach the stage, she steps aside and pulls me in to a tight hug. I hold on to her just as tightly, the fear of today fully setting in. "Lance, not matter what happens today, know that I love you."

"I love you too," I whisper back, begrudgingly letting go of her. She grabs my hand and squeezes it while trying to give me an encouraging smile but right now, she just looks sad. As she turns and starts walking up the stairs to take her place among the victors, I can't help but get a sinking feeling about today and that this might be one of the last times I see her.

I try to ignore this feeling as I head towards the Peacekeepers signing people in. Of course I won't get picked today. My name is in there six times out of thousands of names. As I wait in line, I can see the fear on the faces of some of the younger kids, either the ones who don't want anything to do with training or the ones who aren't prepared yet to take on people years older than them. At least I'm not the only one afraid of this Reaping. I reach the front of the line and the man forcefully grabs my hand before pricking my finger. I cringe slightly at the discomfort as he presses it to the sign in book before being allowed to join the crowd. Close to the front are the other seventeen year olds and I join them, ignoring all of them. Not that any of them really want to talk to me, not after last year's games.

As the people around me discuss how the two people who were picked to volunteer before the announcement must be feeling, my gaze goes towards the stage. Maylene has found me in the crowd and when she sees me looking at her, she smiles encouragingly. I try to feel her confidence but it's hard to when I'm facing the Reaping and she's sitting on stage as a victor. I look at the other victors around her, all familiar faces since I've been living among them for the past five years. Sitting next to my sister, Lysander starts talking to her, face still calm and collected like it was when he won the games ten years ago. He always stops by at our home or will invite us over. I think he still feels a little protective of Maylene since she was the first tribute he trained and successfully mentored. The others I didn't really care for except Roxanne since she didn't win her games by being a career. Yet she keeps more towards herself so I don't know very much about her.

The mayor walks to the microphone and I can feel my heart start beating fast as the crowd quiets down. It finally sets in that the Reaping is really happening and for the first time in years, everyone has a chance of going to the games. The mayor begins his speech and I try to block him out as he talks about the creation of Panem and the two rebellions. Hearing him talk about the games is just stressing me out even more. I stare at the large glass bowl holding the slips with the boys names in it, praying that mine are all buried at the bottom.

All too soon the mayor finishes and the eccentric Capitol escort Flannery steps up. This year she has chosen to wear a metallic silver suit, a tame outfit by Capitol standards, but her skin is dyed what appears to be gold. Her head is topped with a voluminous red wig and I start questioning how she manages to keep it in place when she moves around. "Well I just love that speech. And I have to say, it is great to be back here in District Two," she smiles out at us and I start scowling, still not approving of the career system that makes the Capitol escorts fight to be here. Yet Flannery has held this spot for years. "Now as a reminder, for this very special Quarter Quell, there will be no volunteers." The crowd murmurs in dissatisfaction at this and I agree with them, but not for the same reason. They're probably disappointed at not having as good of a chance as winning this year while I'm angry that no one who is willing to fight to the death will be able to take my place if chosen. "Now, ladies first!"

I watch as Flannery dramatically moves towards the bowl on my right, curious to see who will be the female tribute. The nerves are still there as I wait in anticipation but for now, I have no concern about what girl gets picked since I don't know any of them. Flannery takes her time, swirling her hand around in the bowl and trying to build up tension since it finally matters who she picks. She finally selects one and makes her way back towards the microphone. The crowd is silent as our escort holds the paper out in front of her. "The female tribute from District Two is," she unfolds the paper and it almost looks like her face lights up in excitement at the name. I only have to wonder for a couple seconds who it is before she continues. "Glacia Skylar!"

"Yes!" I hear the girl cheer and look over to the girl section. The eighteen year olds are moving out of the way and I catch sight of the girl I've seen many times in the Victor's Village. She looks confident and ready to kill already, starting to walk towards the stage with her head held high. Her pale blonde hair looks almost silver in the sunlight, matching her name perfectly. When she reaches the stairs to the stage, she starts smirking a little and I recall hearing her name brought up by Maylene when the Quarter Quell was announced. I think Glacia was supposed to be our female volunteer this year so no wonder why she looks so excited right now. But everyone knows the name Skylar in District Two and I look at the victors on stage, finding the oldest one who is surely her grandmother. Sylvia Skylar has a very sad look on her face but after a nod from Glacia, she composes herself and tries to look proud of her granddaughter. There are some whispers around me about Sylvia and how she's insane but I know these aren't true from living near her. Dementia, the doctors said was the cause. Understandable at her age and what she went through in the games.

Flannery is trying to compose herself but you can see the excitement as she puts an arm around Glacia's shoulders and guides her to the center of the stage. Of course she's excited, she picked the granddaughter of the oldest living victor in District Two. "Now isn't this just exciting, our female tribute is related to none other than our own Sylvia Skylar!"

Glacia stands proudly at the front of the stage, knowing she deserves to be up there. She stares out at the crowd, a sharp look on her face as if she's daring anyone to question her being the female tribute. Her gaze turns towards the boys and I know from the menacing look on her face that I wouldn't want to be the one to cross her in the arena.

"Now time to pick the boys!" Flannery says cheerfully and makes her way towards the bowl on the left filled with the male names. My heart starts running a marathon and I silently beg for anyone other than me to get picked. Flannery takes her time, once again being dramatic with picking the name. I want to just shout at her to pick one already. Finally, she grabs a slip of paper and holds it in front of her as she slowly makes her way back to the microphone. It seems like it's been minutes as she unfolds the paper. Her face once again lights up and I start panicking, desperately hoping it's not because she sees the name of the younger brother of one of District Two's most recent victors. "And the male tribute for District Two is…" she pauses to build up suspense and I clench my fists, a sinking feeling in my chest as my brain nags that she was too excited about the name. Please not me. "Lance Henderson!"

Rigged. It has to be rigged. Of course, what would make for an exciting Quarter Quell than relatives of two victors picked from a district that always has volunteers? No, this can't be happening to me. I know the shock must be on my face as the boys around me start shifting away. Why me? I never wanted this. I look past Flannery and at Maylene. She looks so disappointed and upset at my name being called. I try to keep myself from getting upset at being taken away from her and fight against my eyes starting to water. Someone behind me gives me a shove towards the stage and I start hesitantly walking towards the stage. No, I can't let them view me as weak for hesitating. I pick up my pace, trying to redeem my earlier hesitation and look up at Glacia as I approach the stage. She's smirking at me and I know she's already viewed me as a target. Damn it, my reaction is going to look terrible next to hers. She glares at me with those piercing ice blue eyes of her, judging me and my ability to compete in the games. She will already have an advantage over me with the sponsors; she wants to be here and I'll admit, if she wasn't always scowling at people, she would be gorgeous. And damn, how does she fit her name so well? But I can't focus on that, I have to worry about making the Capitol like me.

Because I will be the one to come home as victor.

Before reaching the stairs, I glance around at the crowd, almost wishing someone would step forward and volunteer. But that won't happen this year. When I reach the stairs, Flannery is waving at me to hurry up the stairs. I start scowling at her eagerness for these games. Of course she is loving this, she picked relatives of two living victors. The other Reapings won't be nearly as exciting. Once I reach the top of the stairs, Flannery puts a hand on my back and pushes me towards Glacia since I must still be moving too slowly for her. Sorry I'm not exactly in a rush to fight to the death. I meet Glacia's gaze and try to figure out what she is thinking about me, the tribute from District Two who hesitated. Once I'm next to her, I look out at the faces in the crowd. Most of them are shocked at who was picked. A few almost look satisfied at the choice. Damn you people for looking forwards to me fighting children in a death match. "Well isn't this an interesting Reaping," Flannery says with her hands on our shoulders. "We now have the brother of our victor Maylene Henderson!"

I glance back at my sister, never wanting this fate. Maylene looks distraught and I know she's probably mad at herself for not forcing me to train more. But how were we supposed to know there would be a year when no one would be able to volunteer? I turn back around as Flannery starts smiling. "We have our tributes! Glacia Skylar and Lance Henderson!" She is met by a loud round of applause from the district and I look out at them, feeling like they're aren't clapping for me. Flannery motions for us to shake hands and I turn towards the tribute the crowd is really cheering for. Glacia takes my hand tightly, knowing she is the one who trained to be up here. She gives me a glare as we shake hands, almost daring me to become angry and fight her. And I don't doubt that I will have to eventually. There is no way the Gamemakers won't force us together because the Capitol will love watching the relatives of two victors fight each other. But that doesn't mean I can't use her to get rid of some tributes first.

We're soon led into the Justice Building and I look over at Maylene as we leave the stage. Roxanne has started talking to her and I just hope she can help comfort my sister during the games. One of the older victors, Bronn, is comforting Sylvia and I start to feel a little bad that I will force her to watch her granddaughter die if I'm to be the one who returns. And I plan on winning.

We're taken to separate rooms by the Peacekeepers and close the door behind them. I sit down on the couch, a sense of dread filling me as it starts setting in that my worst fear has happened. I don't know if I have what it takes to kill children. Who knows how old some of them will be? There might be twelve year olds who don't have a chance against older, trained tributes.

The door opens and before I can look up, I'm tackled by my sister. She has a death grip on me and I can feel her start to shake with tears as I hold on to her, very aware that there is a possibility I might not come home alive. As I hold on to my older sister as she cries, it's almost as if we went back ten years in time, before she started training and standing up for herself. It's hard to believe the woman hugging me earned a twelve in training, killed many kids, and won the games. I can feel myself start to cry a little as I remember sitting in a room just like this five years ago, saying goodbye to my sister. Except then, it was here leaving for the Capitol and I was confident she would win and save us from our abusive father. Now, I have no idea if I'll make it home.

"Lance, you have to win," Maylene speaks up after a couple minutes, knowing we don't have very much time. "The Capitol will give you attention. Don't push them away because sponsors can be the difference between life and death." She sits up and wipes her tears away, looking determined and like the girl I watched become a victor. She grips my arm tightly with a sense of urgency. "You have what it takes to win. And don't trust her, Lance."

I know immediately who the 'her' is. Glacia. "I wasn't planning on it."

"You don't understand," Maylene shakes her head at me. "I've trained with her a bit. She won't let anything get in her way of winning and proving herself. And the Gamemakers will put you in her way."

I know she's right. I was already thinking the same thing. "Well I can still use her for popularity. It wouldn't hurt to have as an ally for a while."

Her face tells me that it would but she doesn't voice that, probably not wanting to argue with me. "If you do, just be careful. Allies can end up being the most dangerous people in the arena." I nod my head at this and we stay quiet for a minute before she reaches up and pulls the silver chain off from her neck. Hanging from it is the gold ring with an emerald in the center that Maylene says our mother used to wear all the time. She puts it in my hand before closing it and hold on to my closed fist. "Take it. Wear it as your token in the arena. Become a victor with it on."

"I will," I say and hug her again as the door opens. The Peacekeepers step in, signaling that it's time for her to leave. "I love you, sis."

"I love you too, little bro," Maylene says, responding with the nickname we used when we were younger. She stands up and nods at the Peacekeepers, letting them know she understands that she has to leave. She turns back around and smiles down at me. "Lance, I know I'll be seeing you again. You're a Henderson and we are good fighters."

I smile at her as she walks towards the door and pauses to look back at me. "I'll see you for dinner in my new house in a few weeks." She laughs as a Peacekeeper lightly puts a hand on her back and leads her out the door. It's nice to see them treat victors with respect and not force her out of the room.

Once the door is closed, I sigh as my somewhat good mood fades away with Maylene gone. She would be my reason for making it out of the arena alive. I open my fist and slip the necklace around my neck, tucking the ring inside my shirt. I've never seen Maylene take it off before, she even wore it as her own token in the arena. And even though I never met mother, it will be nice to have her ring with me. Who knows, maybe guardian angels are real and she'll be watching over me in the arena.

The door opens again, surprising me since I didn't think I would have any other visitors. And the person who walks in is even more surprising.

Lysander stops in front of me, saying nothing as he stares at me. He's as silent as always, staring at me with his calculating eyes. I start wondering we he's here yet he doesn't say anything for a minute or even sit down. Finally, he speaks up. "Good luck in there, kid. You have tough completion but if you're anything like your sister, you'll figure out a way to win."

I don't know where this is coming from since I haven't really talked to Lysander in years. I don't say anything, not sure how to respond to him. After a couple minutes, he nods his head at me once and starts walking towards the door. He pauses with his hand on the doorknob and looks over his shoulder at me. "I'll keep an eye on your sister during the games, just like I've done for five years."

"Thank you," I respond but he's already out the door, never one for unnecessary words. His visit was a little odd but then again, he's always been a bit of an odd person. I think he was affected by the games but will never bring it up to anyone for fear of being judged like Sylvia is. A victor from District Two is supposed to be strong, especially a volunteer. But his words about Maylene are a nice comfort. I don't want her to be alone watching the games, no matter who wins.

I sit back, knowing I really won't have any other visitors. Saying goodbye to Maylene has filled me with a new anger towards the games. I might have started with a bad first impression by hesitating but I won't let that moment define me. I have to win the games because Maylene has done everything to build a great life for us. I can't ruin that now. And I will do what it takes to win the game, regardless of how determined Glacia also is to win.

Soon, the Peacekeepers enter and instruct me that it is time to go. I follow their directions without any fuss, knowing my fight isn't with them. They lead me out to the back of the Justice Building where the train to the Capitol is waiting for us. As soon as I take a step out the door, there are tons of cameras waiting for me. I steel my face, wanting to show the sponsors that my hesitation at the Reaping is not how I am going to be once the games start.

Glacia is already outside, standing tall and proud as she waits for us to be able to go on the train. She turns to look at me, her face tough and I return the look to her. I won't be intimidated by her any longer. Before she turns away, I see a hint of a smirk on her face and wonder what's that about. Maybe she also knows that we'll be forced to fight before the games end. Or maybe she plans to have me in her alliance and is happy I've found the will to fight. Either way, it won't matter. The train door starts to open and from the Justice Building behind us, Flannery walks out. She starts leading us inside, Glacia waving at the cameras while I continue to glare. Oh, they'll get me to play their games and fight, but they won't get me to enjoy it.

Not like Glacia. But I might enjoy fighting her because defeating her means that I can be District Two's victor.