This story is just for the funsies. Anything I write includes Cato :):)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the characters I made up.

Jacqueline POV

"J.J." A gentle voice pulls me out of my pleasant dreams. "Time to get up."

My eyes reluctantly flutter open to meet the loving gaze of my mother.

Pale green eyes with the ability to perceive and understand almost everything; soft blonde hair that is cut short at the shoulders; and a nice set of straight white teeth would be the first few things someone notices about her. Then, as you learn more, you will know of her unusual kindness and the sheer wit inside her mind. Never on a first basis would anyone spot the well concealed grief behind her mask of mirth. With the only exception of me, no one else can spot any sorts of trouble amongst the Stone family. Yes, my family gets along just fine. No, we are not as happy as we should be. It's hard for one to discern the pain in another's loss if he or she hasn't experienced it in the first place.

Just last month, my father and older brother were killed attempting to send a surge of extra electricity to the demands of the Capitol. I can not fathom why they needed even more power than what's already being given. Everytime they require more just to end up wasting it, the other districts (including ours) pay for it. Sometimes most of Panem has a blackout for a whole day due to the Captitol consuming unnecessary amounts of power. They stuff their bellies full every day while most other districts starve, they live in the finest homes with no jobs while we work our asses off for insignificant pay, and they also are completely worry free while the districts fear for their lives at the dreaded reapings.

And the dreaded Hunger Games.

If I was privileged with the authority, I would indefinitely reverse everything to the Capitol's dismay. Then those ignorant selfish freaks can suffer the way we had for many decades. But sadly, wishful thinking will get me nowhere in this cruel world.

I wish my older brother and father hadn't died. I wish life were easier for my family and everyone else. And I also wish that my name wasn't drawn in the reaping today.

After leaving the comforts of my safe haven (aka my bed), I cleaned myself up for the horrible event soon to arrive. A knee length purple sundress accompanied with black flats will have to do. I studied my tidied image as I observe everything that meets the eye.

I'm not repulsive, but I'm also not one who catches all the male attention. Sure, many have complemented my curly flame-like hair, soft emerald eyes, and bright smile, but I don't have the accentuated curves or the plump lips or anything much that brings on a sexy demeanor. I am plain and proud, but my best feature is my mind. Just like my mother I can learn quicker than most kids and some have mentioned my fox-like slyness. Which is why-besides the nickname J.J. and Jackie-people may call me Foxface. I do actually resemble a fox in multiple ways.

"J.J. , you're going to be late!" My younger sister, Jezebel, shouted from the kitchen.

Jezebel is eleven, so this is the last year before she has a chance to be sent to her death in the Capitol. She doesn't need to worry, however, because if she were reaped, I would not hesitate to volunteer. Death is the preference for me if it ever had to come between the two of us. She inherited her mother's traits all the way down to the utter kindness and cunning mind. This kind of makes me the physical outcast of what's left of our family.

I decide to leave my hair down in soft curls before heading to the kitchen. We aren't the richest family mostly because we're an irrelevant district to the Capitol (even though it is us who supply them with daily electricity). My family only has just enough to get by with a small one story home and simple clothes.

Mother slides me a plate of sausage and eggs which I devour gratefully. If I were to be reaped today, I need to fill my stomach to the best of my ability. Jezebel watches me with amusement.

"Hungry much, J.J.?"

I smirk at her as I wash my now empty plate in the sink. After kissing my mother and sister goodbye, I pushed through the screen door of our house to start my dreaded way to the town center. I silently acknowledged Willow and Dempsey, my best friends since I was nine years old.

Willow has already started biting her nails from anticipation. Her frail, short body frame and wide innocent eyes give her the frightened childish appearance. Even though she's sixteen, you could mistake her to be twelve. She is almost as bright as I am, but her fear of everything wouldn't keep her alive for long in the games. Sponsors, however, are easy for Willow to gain due to her purity and young beauty. Hip length midnight hair that tumbles down in perfect waves, clean tan skin that anyone would be envious off, and dark brown eyes that melt your soul. Dempsey is a lucky guy.

Dempsey and Willow have been dating for a year now. As much as I am happy to see them together, I can't help but feel the slight tinge of loneliness. Third wheeling is not exactly fun for me.

This is Dempsey's last year before he is free from the reapings and certain death. Shaggy light brown hair, intense blue eyes, and a permanent crooked smile plastered on his face doesn't make him the most handsome guy, but he is quite attractive to most of my classmates. I wouldn't know because I only view the stocky boy like a brother. Dempsey is fearless; the complete opposite of his girlfriend. But much to everyone's amusement, Willow always keeps his temper and rebelliousness in line.

I wish I could see Jezebel, but she is so small that it's nearly impossible. Her exuberant expressions always comfort me in times like these and I could use some of that now. As Electra, our district escort, stumbles on stage with her five inch heels, I attempt to stifle a laugh. The Capitol fashion trends are quite atrocious and over the top. Electra's outfit consists of a ridiculous poofy yellow dress that ends at her knees, bright yellow skin with yellow stockings, and those painful looking yellow pumps. I could never move in those, I was always a flats and sandals kind of girl.

"Hellooo District 5!" She practically shrieks into the microphone. "Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

Practically the whole audience rolls their eyes and mumbles to get on with it already. The anticipation is killing us.

"Ladies first!" Electra chirps before slowly sliding her neon yellow hand into the pink bowl.

'Please don't be me, please don't be W-'

"Willow Sparks!"

Shit.

Willow's large eyes widened even more as terror crept onto her pretty face. People were trying to help her along to the stage while peacekeepers restrained a very distraught Dempsey. We all know innocent little Willow would never survive something as brutal as the Hunger Games. People were sad, angry, and just causing plain commotion in the town square. They, including myself, love Willow and would never want her to die in such a cruel way.

Before I am cognizant of my actions, I step away from the crowd and in front of my best friend. Everyone went deathly silent as all eyes turned to me. Even the peacekeepers and Electra froze, uncertain of what to do next.

"I volunteer."

"JACQUELINE NO!" Willow screeched. But she couldn't grab me in time because Dempsey charged through the peacekeepers and lifted his girlfriend in his arms. He shot me a pained look which made me want to cry. I just signed my death sentence.

And for some reason, I'm okay with it.

Confidently, I stride onto the stage. Electra seems to gain what little senses she has and quickly straightens herself up. Her overwhelming perfume of who-knows-what almost causes me to gag.

"And what might your name be?"

'Did she just not hear my name being screamed out loud?'

I'm not going to reveal my real name to these sick Capitol barbarics. Instead, I use a better one. One that will fit with my personality and one that is quite mysterious.

"My name is... Foxface. Foxface Stones."

The crowd snickers at my response and I return the mocking grin despite the certain end that is soon to come.

Of course, bubbly dimwitted Electra doesn't notice. "What a lovely name. Let's have a round of applause for our female District 5 tribute!"

Usually, we don't even clap as a form of subtle rebellion. Yet the crowd goes wild cheering the name Foxface over and over again. My smile widens at the support and then wavers toward my now visible sister in the back. Her blue eyes are filled with sorrow while the corner of her lips are tugged up. Then the reality of the situation hits me like a ton of bricks; I will never see my family again.

I mouth the words "I'm sorry" to her before turning my attention back to Electra.

"And the male tribute for this year's Games is...Bolt Jamison!"

Instead of focusing on Bolt, half the audience turned to none other than Bolt's girlfriend, Jezebel Stones. She immediately broke down into heart wrenching sobs as she watched Bolt solemnly trail up the stairs to the stage. What a horrible reaping for my sister...

Bolt is only twelve years old with spiked blonde hair and sea green eyes. He is a feisty little guy, but treats my Jezebel with respect and kindness. I've come to love the boy and now we might have to kill eachother. No, I will never hurt him. Infact, I will do everything in my power to bring him home to Jezebel. Twelve year olds don't deserve to experience this; this is torture, barbaric, and everything else that I can't put into words.

"J.J.!" Jezebel cries out before breaking down into my outstretched arms. "D-don't leave me too!"

I kiss her forehead as I rock her back and forth slowly. "I'm sorry, but I promise you that I will try my best to bring Bolt back home to you."

Jezebel sniffled and nodded letting go of me so my mother can hug me. She left without another word to say goodbye to Bolt. Mother squeezed the life out of me with her usually gentle arms.

"I am so proud of you, Jacqueline Stones. You are so strong and brave, don't forget."

"Thanks Mom. Take care of Jezebel and Dempsey and Willow for me."

Tears fall silently down her face as peacekeepers pull her away from me. They roughly escort me and Bolt to the train that will whisk us away to the "wonderful" Capitol. Once I board, however, my jaw drops at the stunning sight. I enter the food section of the train and my jaw slacks even more. Food of all colors, sizes, and smells are piled on one large table. I can feel my mouth watering just staring at the abundant morsels. At least I get to live life to the fullest before I die.

"I'm sure you're hungry!" Electra's sudden high pitched voice causes me to jump. "Eat away, darling. The train will stop in the Capitol in a few days so enjoy your time!"

Thankfully, she scurries out, but another person enters. My mentor, Saphira Evans slides in soundlessly with a hard gaze studying my every detail. She won the 66th Hunger Games by poisoning the Careers with a potion she concocted with the arena's plants. Then, she outlasted the remainder with her survival skills. Saphira is the victor who proves that brain can overcome brawn.

Her gray eyes soften after she stopped observing me. "Small build suggests you're not the most fit...you move lightly which shows you are sneaky. You study me and your surroundings very precisely indicating a sharp mind."

Whoa.

Saphira smirks as if she read my mind. "If you want to live, use your wits like I did."

And with that, she silently left the room. I pluck a few grapes from a bowl deciding to only eat a little until dinner time. The only remainder apple is beckoning me to eat it, so I obviously don't object. But when I reached for it, the door to the compartment opened again. This time it wasn't a female. A huge six foot boy with rippling muscle saunters inside with a cocky smirk like he owns the world. Without hesitation, he snatches the apple I was about to take.

"Excuse me." I try to say politely. "But I believe I was about to eat that."

He snickers. "Oh you mean this?" The male holds the red fruit teasingly high enough so I can't reach it.

I roll my eyes in slight annoyance. "What are you five? Be mature."

"I'm eighteen, little girl, so watch your mouth." He scowls as he drops the apple on his plate.

I take a step closer to him. "I'm seventeen. Not much of a difference there except clearly I actually act like my age. Now hand over the damn apple, Career."

It's obvious he's from District 1 or 2 just look at the hulking stranger. He could snap my neck without much of an effort at all and yet, I'm not even intimidated. I know the rules: tributes cannot harm one another until the Games. Plus, I'm probably quicker if this boy doesn't abide to the rules.

"Make me, little girl." He challenges with determination gleaming in his alluring blue eyes. I'm not going to admit it, but he is quite attractive. It's a turn off, however, because he and I are going to kill eachother in a few weeks.

He didn't even notice that I already slyly stole his/my apple from his plate. I waved it in his face before confidently strutting out the compartment. "I didn't have to."

Little did I know that I just caught the unwanted attention of the most ruthless killer in the Games.