Chapter 1
It's time again.
We line up according to our ages, males to one side and females to the other. I watch the screen project the history of Panem, from beginning to the evolution of greatness. With District 13 long gone, we're all dependent on the Capitol for our magic.
"Hermione, come on," calls Sarah. She tugs my hand and shoves our way to the front of the lines, all the better to see them. "It's almost time."
The Reaping. Only Sarah could be so excited today. Everyone hates her for it, and me by association - after all, we've only had our name in twice, despite our age. When your parents were victors, you're either reaped or pardoned depending on their relationship with President Umbridge. And ours would kiss her feet if they could. Lick in between their toes.
"There they are!" she trills. "Oh, look at them. They're so powerful."
Ron Weasley takes the stage with Nymphadora Tonks and Narcissa Malfoy. The mayor is there as well, but it's Nymphadora Tonks that approaches the microphone. Her bright green hair matches her lips and pants. The rest of her is covered in black leather with spikes.
"Welcome to the 74th annual Hunger Games," she says, voice booming. "As always, ladies first."
"I wonder who it's going to be," whispers Sarah.
"Well, we know who it's not going to -"
"HERMIONE GRANGER."
My face is captured on screen so well, clips of my parents' games playing in the lower right hand corner. I don't know where the camera is, but I smirk and reach out to Sarah, closing her jaw with my index finger. Blow a kiss to the audience as I climb the steps to the stage.
I don't even stagger when the boy's name is read.
"HARRY POTTER."
They're playing very different clips on his screen. Of course he was chosen. Of course we were both chosen, together. Him, anyone but that boy. I would have rather anyone but him. But it could only be him.
Welcome to Victory.