A/N: Hello all and welcome to our new story. I meant to post this yesterday, but I was having on and off computer issues, so here we are.

Enjoy!

Chapter 1

Katniss woke with a yawn, simply lying in her wonderfully soft bed and only dimly aware that it was reaping day. She threw the covers off herself and headed down stares finding Prim already at the table eating breakfast.

"Prim! Ready for the day?" She asked taking the seat beside her.

Prim nodded swallowing what was in her mouth. "It's my first year."

"I know, but it won't be you."

Prim nodded. "I'm sure of it."

"Yeah, so just stay calm."

"I am calm."

"Good, slept well? I hope."

"I did. You?"

"Yeah, this day is just irritating is all."

"Tell me about it." Prim laughed slightly. "At least there's a little break from training though."

"True, at least there's that."

Prim nodded and her eyes instinctually darted around the room but there obviously weren't any Peacekeepers in their house. "It'll be nice."

"Yeah, we're safe."

"Should be."

"What if one of us does get picked?"

"2 gets a new Victor."

"What about the other?"

"I'm not sure."

"Of course not." Prim sighed.

"Sorry."

"I just don't want to lose you, Katniss."

"I don't want to lose you either, Prim. We won't have to though."

"Yeah, I know. I just worry."

"I know. Try not to though."

"Okay."

"I should get dressed now though."

"Yeah, me too." They both got up and headed to their rooms.

Katniss had a large room painted a deep forest like green. She put on a black lace knee length long sleeve dress with a hole showing off the skin on her back. She smiled at her reflection.

She applied a bit of dark makeup and pulled her hair into a high braid hoping it's for nothing. 'Well maybe not nothing, I might find a guy.' She thought shrugging. She slipped on some black heals and headed out of the room.

She was the first one back down. It wasn't much longer before Prim came down as well though. She was wearing a black laced shirt with white blazer jacket and scarf and animal print on the cuffs and scarf. Her blond hair was down and put back with a white scaled headband. "How do I look?" She asked.

"Beautiful, Prim."

"Thank you, you do too."

"About time to head down though."

"Yeah, I know." She said.

"You'll be okay. It'll be over before you know it."

"Right, okay." She said nodding.

"Let's go then." Katniss took her hand and together they set off towards the square.

It was quite a long walk through the different towns. She felt calm.

She looked down at Prim noticing she seems to as well. 'That's good she has stopped worrying.' Katniss thought.

After a while they made it to the square which was really filling up. "See you soon." Katniss said.

"See you soon." Prim nodded. With that they separated. They of course signed in and headed to their own sections.

Meanwhile in 12, another girl was waking up. She found herself alone in the room which though it's shared she was pretty much always the last one asleep. She rose exited her small room to look for the rest of her family. "Mom, Dad, Kawino," she called out.

"We're outside dear." Her mother called.

She headed out of course really nervous as the rest of the district is. She found them all sitting outside looking calm, though Kawino appeared to be catching his breath. The mother shot a look at Kawino that she didn't notice. "Hey, Sis." He said smiling a little.

"Hey Kawino, someone's a little happy for Reaping Day."

"No, just happy to see you."

She laughed figuring it was a joke. "I meant despite, not because of."

"Right, I know."

"You nervous?" he asked her.

"Aren't we all?"

"Well, yeah."

"Yes, I am." She admitted.

"We'll be fine," he told her.

"You seem so sure."

"I'm trying to be."

"That's good."

"It's the best we can do really."

"Yeah, we should get ready." Kawino nodded getting up. "Let's go."

"You can go first."

"Okay."

She headed back to their room to change.

Kawino waited until she was out of sight before rising again. Both of the parents rose as well staring down at him. "You think we didn't notice that?" the mother asked in more of a growl.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. Her appearance caught me off guard."

Her fist connected hard to his gut. "It shouldn't have."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"What do you think, Drusus?" she asked her husband well knowing the answer.

"I say a few more hits then he needs to get ready."

"Would you like the honor?"

"Yes I would." He said stepping over to his son. He sent an uppercut right at Kawino's jaw. Kawino took it toppling over. Drusus growled and yanked Kawino up by his shirt. "Stand up!" He said hitting him in the gut.

"Sorry, Sir." Kawino gasped.

"Sorry is not good enough!"

"I know, Sir." Kawino gulped preparing for another blow. It came in the form of a back hand to the face.

Drusus dropped him to the ground and sent a hard kick to Kawino's chest before saying. "Alright, go get ready you useless piece of shit."

"Yes, Sir." He quickly got to his feet and headed towards the bedroom.

"That boy." He sighed.

"I know." The 'mother' sighed. "I don't know what we're going to do with him."

"Make sure he improves."

"That all we can do I guess."

"Yes and we will."

"Of course."

"Now, let's get ready."

"Right behind you, Honey." He led the way in.

Back in District 2, there were no cameras, no welcomes or other pleasantries as there Head Peacekeeper Frol took the stage and went right over to the girl's bowl pulling out a name. Every 'Career' knew the rules all too well, whosever names are drawn's families are captured and they 'volunteer' or the Peacekeepers kill their family then them. Then if they're not brutal enough in the arena the family will be killed. It's an incredibly cruel process but there was nothing that could be done about it. "Katniss Everdeen."

'No! No not me!' Katniss thought. Unlike later that day and any non-Career district she was not supposed to go to the stage. In fact, she was trapped as more Peacekeepers took and restrained her mother and Prim. "No Prim!" She said trying to grab her sister.

As soon as she tried though a few dozen guns were trained on her. "If you want to save her, you know what to do," one of the Peacekeepers said coldly his gun trained at her head.

"Right, okay." She said.

She swallowed a lump in her throat trying her hardest not to start crying as Frol moved onto the boys selection. "Cato Harring."

"Cato." She muttered. Just as with her, the Peacekeepers took his parents and six-year-old sister, Cady. "No, why him?"

The area was soon cleared besides Katniss and Cato. There was an hour until the televised Reaping. "Why you?" Katniss sighed.

"I don't know, Katniss." He sighed. She sighed and hugged him. He just returned the hug not really having anything that could be said.

In 12 things were slightly different because it was time for the actual reaping. Effie took the stage as perky as always. "Welcome, welcome, to District 12's Reaping for the 74th Annual Hunger Games." Clove rolled her eyes this woman was always annoying.

She went through all the speeches and video and everything before it was time for the actually drawing. "Now, as always, ladies first." She smiled and went over to the girl's bowl digging for a name. "Here we are, Clove Yetter."

Clove felt her stomach drop. This couldn't be happening. "Clover!" Kawino's voice rang out before she could even move. She looked back to see him held in place by Peacekeepers.

She gulped and made her way to the stage, her legs shaking. Effie just waited smiling. Soon she made it up.

"Now for the boys." She said heading over to the boys bowl. She pulled out a name from there as well. "Peeta Mellark!" Clove sighed with relief at least she didn't know him well.

Peeta made his way to the stage just as afraid as Clove. He stopped and stood beside her. "There we are. Ladies and gentlemen, this year's tributes!" There were no cheers as they were lead into the Justice Building.

Meanwhile, back in 2, it was time for the televised Reaping with their own escort, Accailia. Katniss didn't even listen to the girl who had been drawn and said, "I volunteer!" She held herself up tall and made her way to the stage putting on the trademark career smirk despite what was really going through her head.

"And you are?" She asked.

"Katniss Everdeen," she answered sounding very proud.

"Katniss Everdeen, Everyone!" Everyone erupted into cheers. "Now for the boys."

Cato didn't pay attention to the name either before calling out as well. "I volunteer!"

"Oh! Another volunteer"

"What? Surprised?" Cato asked strutting onto the stage. "Name's Cato Harring."

"Cato Harring! Ladies and gentlemen your tributes!" The crowd erupted even louder. They were lead into the justice building.

Back in 12, Kawino went straight to the justice building making sure to get into Clove's room alone. "Clover!" He said running over and hugging her.

"Kawino," she barely whispered returning the hug.

Kawino turned his head back making certain they were alone before whispering, "There's something I really need to tell you before you go."

"What is it?" She asked.

"About Mom and Dad, they've been abusing me for about eleven years now."

"What?!" Clove gasped. Kawino just lowered his shirt sleeve figuring it to be the easiest prove revealing multiple knife wounds and scars in his shoulder. "Why? How did I not know?"

"I don't know why but I made sure you didn't find out."

"Why did you do that?"

"To protect you from them. If you knew, you'd want to save me and just get hurt yourself which I couldn't let happen."

"Kawino, this is awful!" Then she realized what this meant, she's about to be carted off to the Capitol and will most likely be dead in a few days leaving him along with them. "I won't lose," she said. "I promise I'll win and then I can take you to the Victor's Village with me and keep them away so they won't be able to hurt you anymore."

"You think you can?"

"I'll do everything to make sure of it."

"If I don't make it, tell the Peacekeepers."

"Even I know the orphanage isn't much better though."

"Then go see Madge."

"Madge?"

"Yeah, she's my best friend and the mayor's daughter."

"So, you're sure she'll take me?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well… okay, I'll tell them if I have to."

"Good, I will try to make sure you don't have to."

"I trust you, Clover."

"Good, I hope I succeed." She said hugging him.

"So do I. I really don't want to lose you."

"I know and I don't want to leave you."

"There's another important thing I need before my time's up."

"What?"

"If our parents come in, you need to act like you would have before this talk. If they find out I told you..."

"They'll hurt you more," she said.

"Exactly."

"Okay, I promise." She said.

"Thank you," he said just as the door opened.

"Time's up." The Peacekeeper said.

"Of course," Kawino said, letting go of her and heading out.

There was a short time before her parents came in. She kept in mind Kawino's one request and went over hugging them despite the bile in her throat. "Clover, are you okay?" Her 'mother' asked.

"Of course not, I'm scared."

"I can't blame you, but you will be okay."

"Thanks, Mom." She felt her mother's arms gently wrap around her. Of course she believed him but it was hard to imagine that they could be responsible for such evil deeds.

"You can do it." She said.

"I'll certainly try everything but those Careers."

"You are smarter than they are."

"Think it will be enough?"

"Yes, brains beats brawn."

"I guess so."

"You can do it."

"Thank you."

"We love you."

"I love you, too." Clove said, trying to will it to come out naturally.

"Times up."

They were taken out of the room leaving Clove in shock. Even now that she knows the truth about them… she just can't see it. You look into their eyes and hear their voices and there's no malice, no heartlessness. Just seemed like two concerned and loving parents.

This time though. It couldn't fool her. 'I will be back, Kawino.' She thought.

Soon the door opened a third time and Madge came in. "Clove!" She said rushing over and hugging her.

"Madge," Clove said, returning the hug.

"I can't believe it was you."

"Well, my name was in the bowl 20 times."

"Still." She said.

"Yeah, I think I might have a chance though."

"Nervous?"

"Of course I am."

"I'm sorry stupid question. Do you have a token?" Madge asked as a not as stupid question.

"No, I don't." She sighed. Madge took off the golden Mockingjay pin and gave it to Clove. "I can't take this." Clove said surprised.

"I insist."

"I... are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes, I am," Madge said, and closed Clove's hand around the pin.

"Okay thank you...listen Madge could you do me a favor?"

"Anything, Clove."

"Keep an eye on my brother please?" She asked.

"Okay, I will. I've never actually met him though."

"I know, so go over to my house, and invite him over please?"

"Okay, I will."

"Thank you."

"Times up." Madge nodded letting go.

No one else came until the Peacekeepers told her it was time to go. She rose and followed them out. She was soon met by Peeta who appeared to have been crying. "Oh man up." She said. It didn't help though as he just sniffled. "Weak." She muttered. "You're never gonna get sponsors acting that way, you know."

"What do you know?" He asked.

"More than you clearly." He glared at her. "What?" she asked innocently.

"You know what."

"You realize we're pretty much gonna be alone, right?"

"In the arena you mean?"

"Before it as well."

"Yeah so?"

"So it could serve you well to simply accept a bit of advice."

"Fine, I suppose."

"Right."

"You're cranky."

"Let's just say it's been even less of a good day than you'd expect."

"I see." He shrugged.

"Just move."

"Right." Clove just sighed as they headed to the car to take them to the train. She stayed quiet as they went. Despite everything to say otherwise she felt at least partially responsible for what they did to Kawino. 'How did I never notice?' She thought. 'I promise I'll make it up to you, Kawino,' she thought getting into the car.

Back in 2, Katniss was just sitting in a room waiting. At least the captive families are allowed to say goodbye as well so soon her mother and Prim came in. Prim bolted to and hugged her. Katniss of course wrapped her as close as possible. "You'll be okay, Prim. I won't let them kill you."

"I'm scared."

"I know but you'll be okay. I'm gonna pass no matter what it takes."

"I know."

"Just try to calm down."

"I am trying."

"I know it will be hard, Prim." She nodded. "I know you're strong enough though."

"I am?"

"Yes, you are."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. You're not crying now are you?"

"No, I'll be strong."

"Good exactly."

"Will you?"

"Of course I will."

"Okay, for you then."

"Good, you'll be okay."

"So will you right?"

"Yes," she said, though wasn't sure with Cato there.

"You can do it."

"Thanks, Prim."

"It's my pleasure."

"You need to head out now though."

"I know." She sighed.

"I'll see you soon though."

"Right." They both headed out knowing the Peacekeepers hate having to come get them and Katniss sighed.

Meanwhile still in 2, Cato was back in his own separate room. The door opened and Cady bolted to him. Cato immediately pulled her to him as she started crying. "I'm so scared," she said.

"I know, Cady. I know," he said trying to calm her down.

"I can't lose you."

"I'll try and make sure you won't."

"You have to be careful though."

"I will."

"And what about Katniss?"

"I don't know."

"I hate this."

"So do I," he sighed.

"I love you both."

"I know that."

"I just don't know."

"You'll be okay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am."

"Okay, okay."

"That help?"

"Yeah, a little."

"Good."

"Now listen, you need to be strong; act like you don't care."

"I'll try." She sniveled.

"I know you can do this, Cady," he said.

"It's hard."

"It will be."

"How can I?"

"You have to."

"What will that do?"

"I don't know."

"Why then?"

"I just...I don't know I'm trying to figure things out."

"We don't have the time."

"I know, alright just be careful what you say and do; don't give them a reason to hurt you."

"Okay."

"I love you, all of you, so much," he said.

"We love you, too, Cato."

"Thank you, now you all should go, they hate having to drag people out."

Cady nodded and let go heading out the door. "I love you." She said one more time before leaving.

"I love you, too," he said, right before the door closed.

The door opened again and in walked a short boy with dark red hair, blue eyes, pale skin and a muscular build. "Cato." He sighed.

"Ennius."

"Not thrilled it's you."

"Well, I'm not too thrilled about it either."

"I know, just I want you to know you can do this."

"I'd be sure if it wasn't Katniss."

"I know, I care about her, too, but only one of you can come out of this."

"I know but I'm not sure I could kill her if it comes down to it."

"I know, but maybe it won't."

"Unlikely and I have to kind of make it seems like it doesn't bother me."

"I know, and that will be difficult to say the least."

"I guess I can do it for Cady and my parents though."

"That's what you need to remember."

"Right, for them."

"Just remember that."

"Hard to forget."

"I know."

"I just need to keep reminding myself."

"It's all you can do."

"It'll be enough though."

"Good."

"I'll be back for you."

"You had better." He said in a tone of brotherly affection.

"I will."

"Good." He said hugging him. Cato returned it but it was more of a brohug. "Good Luck." He said handing Cato his necklace. "Your token."

"You sure?"

"Definitely."

"Okay, thank you."

"No problem." With that he headed out.

Apperently avoicing 12, soon they we both headed to the train as well. "What a day." Katniss sighed when they were off.

"Tell me about it. Of all the people in 2."

"I know. I don't get why it was us."

"I don't either. It isn't fair."

"No, it's not, but that is what we are stuck with."

"I don't know what to do."

"Neither do I."

"Maybe for now we should see which our mentors are and talk to them?"

"Right," he said.

"Where to look though?"

"The dining car?"

"I guess that's a good bet."

"It's the first place to check."

"Do you know where that is?" Katniss asked.

"I think towards the front."

"Okay." They headed off neither happy with the situation.

They found Enobaria and Lyme at a table.

"Hello you two."

"Hey, advice?" Katniss asked, and she and Cato took a seat.

"Well, first as you know play to the crowds."

"Right, traditional Careers."

"Exactly, unless you can think of a better strategy."

"No, that's always the safest."

"Agreed."

"Then there isn't really any problem there."

"Guess not."

"Anything else?"

"Yes, the prep."

"What about it?"

"It will not be fun, and you won't like it." Enobaria said.

"You still have to do what they say though." Lyme added.

"Why?"

"Because they help make you what the Capital wants."

"Fine," Katniss sighed.

"Good."

"What should we expect?"

"First off a crowd obviously."

Katniss groaned. "I don't like people."

"They will be gone by the time prep starts. Which is good because then you'll be naked."

"WHAT!?" Katniss shouted.

"Yeah… that can't be avoided," Enobaria said awkwardly.

"Why not?"

"They have to make sure everything's perfect."

"Am I going to have to ride in the parade naked?"

"Extremely unlikely. That's only happened last year and that was 12. They're always disasters."

"Still it COULD happen?"

"Come on, our stylists have a bit more respect than that."

"Maybe."

"Come on, it's never gonna happen."

"Again maybe."

"If they do I'll kill them," Lyme said simply.

"You would?"

"You can't mess with my tributes that way and get away with it."

"Thank you." They both said.

"She's serious you know." Enobaria laughed.

"We know."

"So don't worry about being put in the parade naked."

"Got it." They said.

"Anything else about the prep?" Katniss asked.

"Trust that your stylist knows what they are doing because they do. They wouldn't have made it up here if they didn't."

"That makes sense."

"Exactly."

"Okay, we can do this." Cato said.

"Then for the actual parade?"

"That's simple smile and wave."

"Okay."

"And a touch of arrogance." Lyme added.

"A touch?" Cato asked knowing the typical Career routine well.

"By our standard."

"Okay, yeah, we will."

"That's all for now."

"Okay."

"Now, try to relax."

"And eat." Enobaria added. They both nodded.

Meanwhile finally back in 12, Clove and Peeta were just getting to their own train. Clove led the way in. Clove ignored Peeta and headed straight to try to find Haymitch and see if she could get SOMETHING.

She wandered to the bar car predictably finding him there. "Haymitch, we need to talk."

Haymitch hiccupped and turned to her. "Calm down, most aren't so eager."

"Most don't have a reason to go back."

"And what do you think makes you so special?"

"It's hard to explain."

"Well… do you have any skills?"

"I have a talent with knives."

"Can you hit anything with one?"

"Just about yeah."

"Prove it," he said giving her a kitchen knife.

"What do you want me to hit?" He pointed to a cushion on the other side of the room. Clove nodded and threw; it flew across the room and hit the center. Haymitch was surprised to say the least. "Good enough?" She asked.

"Well… it looks like I might finally have something to work with. How are you with people?"

"Decent." She admitted.

"Well, you need to be great as soon as we get off this train."

"Explain."

"You'll need sponsors."

"Got it so be likable?"

"Exactly, think you can do that?"

"I can do that."

"Good, now get out unless you want a drink."

Clove eyed the bottle seriously considering it. Maybe it could take her mind off Kawino and what those monsters might be doing to him as they speak. "Can I have a glass?" Haymitch raised an eyebrow at her a little surprised but poured her a glass sliding it to her. "Thanks." She said taking a drink and feeling it burn all the way down her throat.

"Not usually one to deny anyone the power of a drink."

"Well, I needed it."

"Drink up then." She nodded and took another swig. It wasn't long before she started feeling the effects. She felt more at ease with everything. She reached for the bottle to pour herself more. "Don't overdo it, Girlie."

"Look who's talking." Clove hiccupped cracking up.

He chuckled. "Well you have a point there, but I have nothing to lose." Clove just laughed not really comprehending what he just said and just reached for the bottle again but Haymitch pulled it out of her reach. "That's enough for you, Girlie."

Clove huffed. "That was lame."

"You need to be of a clear head."

"Not yet."

"Yes, but the hangover will get to you. Let's get you out of here," he said, hoping to remove the temptation. She stood and then fell down. He got up using the counter as support helping her to her feet. "See, you can't even walk.'

"Says the guy who fell right off the stage last year?" She hiccupped.

"I had too much that day."

"That day." She laughed.

"It happens sometimes."

"Are you EVER not drunk?"

"Sometimes."

She looked skeptical… or at least as much as she could. "I don't believe you."

"It's true."

"Let go of the counter." He let go and they both stumbled a little. Having more practice he sort of caught his balance until he tried to catch her and then they both fell.

"Maybe we need a sober person." Clove laughed.

"Probably best. Effie!" Haymitch called.

"What?!" She asked.

"Can you come help my tribute out of the bar car?!"

"What is she doing there?!"

"Getting advice then getting drunk."

"You let her drink?!"

"It's not his fault!" Clove hiccupped.

"Yes it is."

"How?!"

"He shouldn't have let you." She said coming in.

"There's no rule against it and I cut her off." Haymitch grunted as Effie helped Clove up.

"Right, well, you stay there," she said. Haymitch grumbled something unintelligible. "Yes, and you off to bed."

"Why?" Clove groaned.

"To sleep this off."

"But I don't wanna."

"You have to."

"Then I have to face the truth."

"What truth?"

Despite how giggly the alcohol had made her even her drunk brain knew this was sure as hell no laughing matter. "That my parents have been badly abusing my brother for years and who know what'll happen now that he's left alone with them."

"They are what?!" Haymitch asked seriously righting himself on the floor.

"They've been beating, even stabbing, him for eleven years and I never even realized until the goodbyes or I would have told a Peacekeeper or done SOMETHING. I'm such a terrible sister!"

"No, you're not kid if what you say is true they clearly made an effort to make sure you didn't know," he said.

"That is what he said."

"So you're not a terrible sister; they are just great liars.

"I still should have known."

"You had no way of knowing."

"There must have been some way."

"Not if they didn't want you to."

"Really?"

"Really, if they were determined for you not to know then there was nothing you could do. I could call the Peacekeepers now if you want?"

"I would like that."

"Okay, I'll get right on that soon as I can stand."

"Thank you, Haymitch."

A/N: We hope you enjoyed this if you want to learn more about Kawino see Better a Freak Than a Fake's profile he's like our Hunger Games gem. See you next chapter!