You'd think being a victor would be amazing- something to brag about. Living in a lap of luxury , showered in more then enough money , a large , luxurious house . Well , it's not like that for me. And , I can only guess that's what it is like for all the other remaining victors. You're plagued with indescribable nightmares every night . You feel guilty all day , every day. Some victors even come away with unspeakable injuries . Like me , I lost a leg during my games. Something I rarely speak of.

My name is Peeta Mellark. I'm 18 years too old . Blonde haired ,blue eyed – whatever .

I won the hunger games aged just 16 – the second youngest person to ever win. Without any kind of strategy , I thought I was doomed . I was wrong. Apparently , years of hauling sacks of flour around had done me justice ; more then I thought anyway. My stylist , portia , has to take some credit though. She portrayed me into a desirable , good looking ladies man. She said I already had the looks – I just needed to boost my confidence . Slowly , I began to train with my mentor . I learnt how to flash grins that would make every capitol girl go weak at her knee's . I practised everything; even how to flick my hair just right. Well , I guess it paid off because , I was showered with sponsors in the arena. I won single – handedly. No allies. I promised myself I would never ally with someone – it would hurt to much to have to kill someone that trusted you. Life never really returned to the normal state that I prayed it would . People's eyes automatically flit away when they catch mine. I'm no longer seen as the bakers son , but a ruthless victor. This year , is the first year i'm becoming a mentor. After witnessing years of our district's tributes failing miserably , I realise I can't keep letting this happen . I have to try and save our districts pride – and more importantly, lives.

As , I stand near the stage , I begin to wonder if i've made the right decision. If both of these tributes die , won't I feel more guilt ? The clock strikes two , my palms begin to sweat. These next two tributes will be depending on my skills and knowledge to get them through their games. Effie trinket hasn't changed in the slightest. Same ghastly hair , outfit and make-up. Same irritatingly bubbly personality. Last time I spoke to her , I was on the verge of snapping. This should be fun. She makes her way to the stage and places both hands on the microphone .

"Welcome , to the 74th annual hunger games. May the odds be ever in your favour "

The crowd look solemn and scared. It feels strange to stand here and not feel terrified . I used to be , now I know , my name isn't in there. As per usual , we all have to stand and watch the proponganda Most of us know it off by heart. It's played at every fucking reaping. My eyes scan to the line of 12 year olds ; pale and shaking , they stand and stare at the screen with their fists clenched. My heart aches for them. I know how it feels. To feel like your life is going to be torn apart from one simple slip of paper. After the propoganda's finished , Mayor Undersee steps forward to read the list of victors. In 74 years , we've had exactly 3 victors. 2 alive , one dead . He reads the names , and everyone's eyes flick to me and Haymitch. My mother gives me a sturdy nod . This is the only thing i've done that has made her proud. Sick , really . Finally , it's time for the reaping . Effie takes control again and speaks , loud and abrupt into the microphone

" Ladies first ! "

The silence Is deafening. A pin drop could be heard from the stage. Effie reaches into the bowl and retrieves a slip . Everyone breathes in – Including myself.

" Primrose Everdeen "

My eyes widen in absolute horror. I know her ! Well , her sister more. Prim's face turns white as a ghost. Her little fists are clenched by her sides. Thats when I see katniss. Her older sister , and the girl i've loved since I was 5 , run forward only to be pushed back by peacekeepers.

" I volunteer as tribute ! " She cries in a strangled voice. My heart drops to my stomach. Oh shit. Her friend Gale runs forward and grabs Prim . He whispers something to Katniss , then pushes her gently towards the stage. Effie reaches a hand down to katniss and practically pulls her up. She looks beautiful and brave standing on the stage. She's dressed in a stunning blue dress that compliments her eyes beautifully. Her hair is up in am eccentric braid with a few wisps stuck to her forehead. Effie asks for her name , and she gives it. Her gaze is fixed at something far in the distance. The capitol will be relishing in this. The outline district never get any volunteers . That's left for the career districts. Everyone is still In shock. Family dedication only goes so far in district 12. What Katniss did was unrecognisably selfless. Now , it's the boys turn.

" Lucas Matthews "

Everyone watches as he steps forward and walks onto the stage. He's a merchant alright. Fair haired , and fair skinned. However , his eyes are a deep grey meaning one parent is from the seam , another from the town.

The rest of the districts shoulders slump in obvious relief. They are safe for another year. The whole process can be pushed into the deepest depths of their mind for a while. Katniss and Lucas shake hands but , she doesn't look him In the eye. Then , they are escorted into the justice building to bid their families goodbye. Hopefully , it won't be their last goodbye. Almost painfully , I turn towards Ms Everdeen and Prim. They are holding each other. Prim is sobbing , the tears pouring down her cheeks . Ms everdeen is obviously trying to hold her emotion back from Prim. Her face is painted in an emotionless mask – just like Katniss. I stand , a shadow in the crowd trying to swallow back all of my emotion. I have to comfort them. Slowly , I walk towards the two of them. They both look up at me , piercing me with their bright blue eyes.

" I'm so sorry " I whisper , reaching out to grasp Prim's hand. She squeezes it tightly .

" It's not your fault " Says Ms Everdeen , wiping stray tears off of prim's red face .

" I'll bring her back " I say sternly . They both stare at me , their eyebrows furrowing in confusion. I clear my throat.

" I'll bring her back , I promise. I won't let her die – never " . Effie shouts for me , and I go to turn but , Ms Everdeen grabs my hand.

" Thank you " She whispers . I nod , then turn and walk into the justice building swallowing big gulps of air.

Hope you guys enjoyed !

Next chapter will probably be up later on today . Or at the latest – tommorow.

Disclaimer – All credit goes to the brilliant suzanne collins. I'm just taking her characters on a test drive ;)