The moment he had been waiting for had arrived. No, he was not happy. And no, he feared the moment. However, it was inevitable and it would be better to face this problem head on. He crossed his legs and bit his lip, staring at the television in front of him. It was too big in his overly large house, something he could never get used to. He had come from a poor family; how could he even think of such a luxury?

He watched as President Verity Lucas walked to the podium. Verity was a man of forty only, too young to be in such a powerful position. However, his ruthlessness, his hunger and his dedication, along with his willingness to take drastic steps, had ensured that he get the chair. His brown hair was swept back and his blue eyes twinkled with a childish mischief. It would be hard for anyone to say that he was the same monster who could kill anyone in a blink of an eye.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began in his soft, slow voice. "Today is the day I announce the twist in this year's Games. Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for being present and for your patience. It's your patience that makes Panem a strong nation.

"However, there are other factors too. The willingness and spirit that the Districts show, the courage of our children and our understanding with each other make us strong. I thank all the parents and the brave friends for supporting their beloved ones even as they fight in the arena. The event every year shows what human determination can do. They're all children but only one returns. One, who is willing to give one's best. Panem needs children like them. Brave. Strong. Intelligent. And yet they should know where they stand, what their position is.

"This year, we will honor their bravery. This year, we will relive our glorious moments after the wonderful event. This year, we will choose the representatives of the districts from the victors. One victor from one district. And this year, there will be two victors, the last male and the last female that are standing strong.

"This year we will test the valor, the skills and the intelligence of our young heroes and heroines. Please give them a big round of applause."

The man stared at the Television screen blankly. This couldn't be happening… He couldn't go back!

"NOOO!" Timothy Valiance screamed. He still remembered the time he had spent in the arena. Timothy had lost his left eye for the Capitol's entertainment. He wasn't ready to lose his dignity and life.

The man hurled the nearby vase at the television. The vase shattered, the screen shattered but Timothy kept screaming. He couldn't be Reaped. He had won his right to live. Nobody could take it from him. Nobody had the right to do this to him.

"There are others," he said, looking around, his right eye widening in fear and relief, "It may be one of the others."

But what comfort would that give him? Timothy felt disgusted at himself for feeling this way. There were many victors in Two. The newest victor, Amira… she didn't deserve to be back in the arena. Amira had gone insane as an aftereffect. No, if Amira would be Reaped, Timothy would volunteer. He had done his best to bring her back alive, his best to heal her. He was not going to lose her.

But for the rest of them, he wasn't going to volunteer for them. They could hold their own. Not Amira though, not her. And only for her, Timothy was willing to sacrifice himself.