Chapter One

The sun shone down on the whole of District 5. A light, gentle breeze swept through the crowds as they were ushered into the town square. Strangely, the pleasant weather seemed to contradict the grim occasion that was playing out. It was reaping day. Just in time for the 113th Annual Hunger Games, and the Capitol assured it would be one to remember.

Amongst the masses, glances of doubt and fear were shared. Younger children were weakly reassured by their older siblings, although they all knew there was always the slightest chance they would be selected as a tribute and forced to brave the arena. Moral was weak at best due to the reminder that both last year and the previous year's tributes from 5 had been slaughtered only moments into the bloodbath at the cornucopia. After a few too many moments of silence, a sharp voice rung out from the stage.

Dotty Delamarre, the Capitol spokesperson stood at the microphone. Her hair was eccentrically curled in dramatic ringlets, as well as being bright pink, which looked to be her theme of sorts for this year's games. White powder was caked on her face along with touches of bright pink makeup to contrast the paler elements of her ensemble.

"Greetings, District 5, and welcome to another Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor."

The audience remained fairly quiet, only a few hushed whispers could be heard. Dotty began making her way to the glass bowl which held the names of every eligible adolescent in the district ages 12-18. She discreetly reached her gloved hand deep into the bowl and plucked out a slip of paper.

"This year's female tribute for District 5, is Katrina Acosta!"

She smiled for the cameras as a young golden-haired girl made her way on stage from the 14 section. A forbidding look of determination was plastered on her face, and she carried herself with confidence to stand next to Dotty. The girl was tall, about 5'7 maybe, and had a lean build. She was also rather attractive, somewhat resembling many of the blond tributes that primarily came from District 1. The people in the crowd murmured amongst themselves, because it was rare to see someone of Katrina's age appearing so confident after being selected.

"Any volunteers to take this young lady's spot?" Unsurprisingly no one came forward, however many people were interested in the prospect of this new tribute. She had a strange intriguing quality about her.

4 Hours Earlier

The clock read 9:00am, and Katrina Acosta rolled out of bed and began to prepare for the days activities. Today is Reaping day, She thought to herself. Oddly, she wasn't afraid like many of her peers were. Although she didn't think she would like to volunteer, at least not while she was 14, the Games had always interested her in a way that was mostly unheard-of in her District. Katrina had always been hungry for fame and wealth and becoming a Victor would bring just that, but if she ever spoke of this secret desire to her friends or family she usually got some sort of scandalized reaction. Oh, Katrina that's a horrible way to think they would say, disgusted that she would even think to voluntarily enter an event that caused so much grief in the community. She rolled her eyes and flopped back onto her bed, her head spinning. Her family was well off and didn't need to put her name in more than one time in exchange for food or other resources. I probably won't be chosen anyway, she told herself and went on with her morning.

Present

After Katrina was chosen, Dotty then proceeded to choose a slip from the bowl of male names. "Joining Katrina in the Games will be… Kaden Hayes!" A boy from the 14 section rose up and trudged up to the stage, the audience making way for him to be seen by the cameras. He appeared muscular with a head of ash brown curly hair. It was obvious he had a careless demeanor about him, and when he eventually made it on stage to stand next to Katrina he leaned closer to her and uttered something which she promptly rolled her eyes at.

"Any volunteers?" She turned her head profusely looking into the crowd. There were no volunteers.

2 Hours Earlier

Kaden Hayes stood outside the town square with his little brother, watching officials begin setting up. "Do you think I'll be chosen?" His 12 year old brother, Atticus asked warily. Kaden knew he couldn't guarantee anything, but there was almost no chance of his brother being reaped. To the dismay of his parents, Kaden had entered his name 22 times into the reaping and refused to let Atticus enter more than the one required time. Times were tough at the moment and money was tight. It was the least he could do to make sure his brother and baby sister always had food to eat. Kaden hoped it was worth it. "Nah you won't be chosen. Your name is only in there once and there are thousands of others." Atticus's worried expression softened.

"That's good" he began, "but what about you? They won't pick you either, right?" Kaden looked at his little brother and said, "Nah they won't pick me either." His words were empty, but he wanted to put his brothers mind at ease for now. From time to time, Kaden thought about what would happen if he were reaped. He knew he was smart, and could hold his own in the Games, although even if he made it he would never be the same as he was before. The Victors never were. But he knew if he were picked, he would do anything to win.

Present

Dotty briefly examined the two and concluded the Reaping by stating "District 5, your tributes for this year Katrina Acosta and Kaden Hayes!" The applause was more evident than it had been in years. From the sidelines the only remaining Victor from 5, Diana Odling, who was now nearly 50 years old watched on with fascination. It had been awhile since District 5 had strong, capable looking tributes. Peacekeepers flanked the tributes and led them through a hallway to wait for their respective families and board the train to the Capitol.