Katniss's POV

This feeling was so unnatural. Heading to a reaping without having a fear for my family swelling in my gut, or hunger for that matter. My fear of having kids, just to send them out to die was no-longer a risk to me. But I still wasn't comfortable with someone else's children being sentenced to death. I stared vacantly out the window as the green meadow whizzed past the train. The train that delivered Peeta and I to our fate was now free for anyone to ride through the districts. But this wasn't a free choice, I am required to attend the reaping, due to being the rebellion's Mockingjay. Peeta sat beside me scribbling away in his notebook, drawing something beautiful.
The landscape soon changed dramatically as we entered the Capitol, several degrees worse than its former 'glory'. As we drove past I recognised the streets where I had experienced so many negative memories; Mitchell agonisingly suspended in the air...Boggs...
We soon arrived at the station. Peeta's hand on my wrist pulled me out of my sudden grief as the train pulled to a stop, as he helped me rise to my feet, ready to dismount the train. Walking through the crowded streets we passed the sink hole in the ground where I had failed to kill Gale to save him from torture. In hind-sight I'm glad, else I won't have Gale with me today. When we arrived in the square my worst memory hit me hard in the chest, leaving me gasping for air. Prim...
The square was now pristine again, thoroughly cleaned. But I could almost see Prim's remains across the cobbled square, sending another stab of pain through my chest. A steady flow of people was beginning to flood into the square, some Capitol tributes, others spectators eager to have tables turned. I see where they are coming from but I can't bring myself to think in the same way: no-one should have this inflicted on them. Not even the Capitol. But my need to avenge Prim overpowered any motherly instincts.

Peeta led by the elbow to the far end of the square where a small stage had been erected in front of Snow's old mansion. Once standing centre stage along side some of the council members I looked out around the square taking everything in. On balconies and on top of buildings were people from the districts, either now residing in the Capitol apartments or making a special day trip. On the floor of the square stood row after row of Capitol children, no-longer so distinguishable. Behind them stood their parents. The sight of their faces were a little unnerving, seeing them drowned with anxiety rather than plastered with fake smiles. My eyes then narrowed in on a young girl, two rows back on the far right. Her braided blonde hair reminded me loosely of Prim. It seemed I couldn't go anywhere in the Capitol without constant reminders of my sister. This is why I'm glad I stayed in district 12, where only happier memories can remind me. Gazing at her delicate face I knew instantly that it was staring at Snow's grandaughter, Elizabeth, but I couldn't find it in me to feel any hate for her blood. It just didn't seem fair.

Elizabeth's POV

Nerves shook my body as I stood shoulder to shoulder with every other Capitol child, like cattle in a pen. I felt the eyes of district people appraising us, weighing me down. The heaviest eyes of all: Katniss Everdeen's. She stood in black on the stage, her whole face blank and emotionless. And to think I had been hoping for her as she fought her games. I stood silently, staring back as I waited of her to seal our fate.
Eventually a voice rose above the noise of the crowd, intensified be the microphone stood centre stage.
'Welcome to the Capitol Games.' Paylor boomed through the microphone. A lump formed in my throat, making it hard to swallow, as I tensed in nervous anticipation.
'Twelve boys and twelve girls names will be drawn from the bowls, and you will fight to the death. As usual, ladies first.' She called almost mockingly. 'Katniss?' She continued signalling towards the bowl. Katniss followed her hand and took her place behind the girl's reaping bowl. She threw her had in hastily diving to the bottom before plucking out a single slip of paper. She handed it dutifully over to Paylor before retreating to her previous position.
'Sophie Castor!' she announced crisply. A squat girl emerged from the crowds after a few gentle shoves: no-one wanted to provoke the rebel guards who met her in the walkway. I didn't recognise her name but I still pitied her. One name down eleven to go...

The process was repeated several more times running slickly: Katherine, Amelia, Anne-Marie, Marilyn. That name threw me into a panic. Of all the people my best friend. I couldn't see her die. My private panic distracted me blocking out the sound. Then I felt several elbows nudge me as I looked up to see Katniss staring directly at me, a hint of sadness wahsed across her face.
'Elizabeth Snow.' Paylor's voice repeated. My breathing started to quicken as I felt my feet shuffle slowly towards the stage. Not only would I have to see my best friend die but now I might end up being to one to do it.
The rest of the reaping blurred past, the names only an echo in the back of my head as I stood beside Marilyn gazing helplessly into the crowed. My worst fear was coming true.