Hello! Thank you for clicking my story! This story is AU, and the events of Catching Fire never happened. Please leave reviews and some constructive criticism. Right now, my Microsoft Word is not working so I apologize for the awkward spacing! I may need a couple tributes from different districts, so send me some suggestions (use any tribute form, I'm not picky) in either the reviews or PM me. Thanks and enjoy!

The cool beach air entered my lungs as I stepped outside. I looked over at the sea to marvel the natural beauty it had. I turned around and started jogging down the white path designated for it. Running was not something I really liked doing, however it was necessary for me to win. My only dream was to win, and I intended on doing so.

I looked down at the stop watch on my wrist and saw that five minutes had passed, I knew it was time to start my sprint intervals. My absolute least favorite part of running. However, I knew it would help me get to my destination faster. The sun was just starting to rise over the sea and I would much rather not be running on a hot summer day in District 4.

Eventually, after alternating between sprinting and a fast paced jog, I got to the training center. I pushed open the doors and headed down the flight of stairs to the womens locker room where I took a shower and changed into my leotard and a small pair of shorts.

I went upstairs and found a spot on one of the numerous blue mats located everywhere, I started stretching until my coach would show up, which would be in a few minutes judging by the time. I continued to stretch my body out and took in the feeling of being alone in the gym. Sometimes it calmed me, but not today for some reason. Today was the reaping for the 76th Hunger Games, which I hoped the odds were in my favor of not being picked.

"Schuyler! Happy Hunger Games" My coach, Lisbeth McCarns said, which startled me.

"Yeah, you too," I replied.

" I would not worry too much about getting picked here in District 4, after all I was reaped at age 14 and within 30 seconds of my name being called someone volunteered," Lisbeth told me, obviously trying to calm my nerves

"Its just, what if nobody volunteers for me? I have more to lose than anyone else in this district does," I said quietly

" Don't worry about it, some of these kids have been training their whole life for this moment, it wont be you," Lisbeth replied " Anyway, its time to start today! Get up and lets work on your floor routine!"

I reluctantly got up, and headed over to the springy floor where I would start. Lisbeth started fumbling with her bag, trying to find my music. I sighed, just wanting to get today over with. Eventually, Lisbeth found the CD she was looking for and popped it into the CD player. Soon the right track was picked and I started my routine. When I started dancing I forgot all about today, and just got lost in my routine. I landed my skills all perfectly, including my Arabian, which I had taken weeks to perfect.

Lisbeth looked pleased and made me do the routine a couple more times, tweaking the parts she thought did not fit. Eventually we made our way around the gym and did all my apparatuses.

"I'm honestly pretty sure you will win The Panem Games in a few months then hopefully, The Capitol Games, while we keep the good work up! " Lisbeth beamed at me

"Thanks, Lis! I sure hope so too, It's been forever since District 4 has taken a Gymnastics gold there! " I said smiling

"It sure has! I only managed a bronze back in my day! My brothers a hopeful in track this year, so it should be a good year for District 4!" Lis said cheerfully

I started packing my gym bag, just as some of the younger girls were coming to practice for the day. Lisbeth soon turned her attention to them, and I had that feeling of loneliness again. I walked outside into the hot summer day that was ahead of us. The temperature was already hitting the low nineties and it was barely nine o clock. I hailed down one of the cabs and made the short journey back to my families beach house. The missing fishing poles from the front porch showed that my two brothers had already gone out to do their fishing today. I walked in my home and sure enough, my mother and my sister were sitting at the kitchen table with breakfast ready for me.

I sat down and grabbed a heaping of wheat toast and potatoes. My mother tried to push the scrambled eggs in my direction but I grimaced at the smell of them. Oh how I hated eggs after being forced to eat them raw in the smoothie concoction Lis made when I was first training.

"How was the gym today sweetie?" My mother asked

"The usual, I landed my Arabian twist perfectly, and we are upping my degree of difficulty on vault," I said between stuffing my face

"Really, Schuyler? Thats awesome! " My sister, Fiona, exclaimed.

"Yup, So are you ready for the reaping today, Fi?" I asked her,

" Well, yeah. I cant get chosen since I aged out and all, It'll be a great reaping!" Fi said, laughing.

" I cant wait till I turn 19 and I don't have to deal with this bullshit anymore," I grumbled

" Oh Schuyler, there are literally thousands of names in those buckets, I'm sure you'll be just fine," Fiona perked up.

My mother nodded her head, agreeing with Fiona. I rolled my eyes and continued my breakfast. I reached for some of the melon in the middle of the table, and savored the flavor of it. Fiona and my mother engaged in their typical small talk, about shopping and the local gossip. Nothing I was too interested in. I never understood how they both always took the reaping with a grain of salt. I never once saw my mother panic in all the years my siblings names could have been drawn. The very same way my sister would act. My brothers and father, however took them a little more seriously. My brothers would train with my dad for hours incase they were ever reaped. My dad, attempted the same method with me but I was a failure at every weapon I had tried. I had a small gift in hand to hand combat, but thats not going to kill anybody.

After I finished my breakfast, I headed upstairs to my bedroom to get ready for the reaping. I found the dress I had bought about a week ago with my gymnastics team. It was light teal, and made of a soft lace. The skirt was loose and flowy and hit right above my knees. It was sleeveless with a tighter bodice. I laid it across my bed and headed in the bathroom to take yet another shower. After I was finished and dried my hair, I put my dress on. I started fishtailing my long black hair, and then I started to work on my makeup. I used a cranberry and gold pallet for my eyeshadow that would hopefully make my hazel eyes stand out. I stood back from my mirror, and was satisfied enough.

I walked back down stairs to my family sitting in the living room, catching a recap of what I believe to be the 43rd Hunger Games. I walked in and sat down by my dad, knowing he would atlas comfort me. He patted my back and gave me a tight hug.

" Are Patrick and Brendan going to be back in time?" I asked

" Said they would be," my father replied.

"Oh, what time are we leaving at?" I also asked.

"Oh darling, in a couple of minutes! " My mother said, pointing at the clock which read 10:45 am.

I stood up, and looked for my cat, because it could very well be the last time I would ever see him. I found him easily enough, perched by the food bowl. I picked him up and gave my a hug, then kissed his forehead. He pressed his wet nose against my face and gave a meow in my direction. I spent the rest of the time in the house petting him till my father announced we were leaving.