Today was the day that my life was going to change forever.

Today was the day I, Arianna Clare Reynolds, was going to volunteer as tribute for the 74th annual Hunger Games.

I examined myself one final time in my bedroom mirror. My blonde hair was up in a sleek high pony tail, and my teal off the shoulder dress fit me nicely.

I slipped on my beige sandals and headed downstairs, where my father was waiting, his eyes distant as ever as he crossed his arms, examining me. " Perfect. " He mumbled, heading out the door.

I sighed softly, heading for the door behind him. I stopped at the picture of my mother and examined it for a moment. I kissed my fingers, placing them on her portrait, before continuing out the door and into town, my father just a bit ahead of me.

He had been waiting for this day since I was born. He wanted nothing more or less than for me to be a victor of the hunger games.

My opinion on the matter was obsolete to him.

I wondered what I should expect to happen today. District three rarely got any volunteers, but then again, distrcit three didn't really have anyone else like me.

Since I was nine, my father has been training me for this day. Nearly every weapon I was at least somewhat skilled at, although the bow and arrow was always my favorite.

He had forced me to study the previous years, and always, always made me comply to his rules.

It's like I've been living in a permanent Hunger Games, with my own father as the head gamemaker.

I snapped out of my thoughts as we reached the square, my father walking off to stand with the other parents as I stood, examining everything. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment as I thought, this is it Aria. This is it.

After checking in and finding my place with the other seventeen year old girls, I watched as Belladonna Batsmith, the district three escort, began the long and boring speech she made every year, ending with the same familiar video clip with President Snow's voice narrating.

I rolled my eyes, What rubbish, I thought, What honor is there in killing everyone else for riches?

Of course I knew I was being a bit of a hypocrite, considering I was about to volunteer to do said thing.

It's not like you have a choice. If you don't volunteer you'll just as quickly be killed here. At least there you have a chance of living.

I left my thoughts as Belladonna said " And now we will pick one young man and young woman to represent District Three in the Games! Ladies first."

This is it, I thought, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

"Do we have any female volunteers?" She asked, pausing for a moment.

I opened my eyes, and as calmly as I could I rose my hand in the air, a few people gasping quietly. The other girls made a path as I walked into the open space between the boys and girls. I looked up at the stage at Belladonna, who looked both baffled and delighted. " I volunteer as tribute. " I spoke calmly, my face like stone; completely void of emotion.

I made my way onto the stage, walking to Belladonna at the microphone as she said " And why don't you tell everyone your name dear?"

I cleared my throat slightly, saying " Arianna Reynolds ".

" Let's hear some applause for our District Three female tribute, miss Arianna Reynolds.

A bit of applause followed, my eyes scanning the crowd, landing on my father, who simply nodded, his face also void of much emotion.

I remained calm and collected as she picked a boy from the large fishbowl, picking some boy I'd never seen before. He didn't look scared though, in fact he looked somewhat happy.

After the proceedings ended we were ushered into the justice building, Belladonna yapping away about how maybe this year we'll get a winner in district three.

She placed us both in seperate rooms, saying our friends and family would come say goodbye. I didn't bother waiting for anyone to come see me.

I didn't exactly have many friends.

But then again, with a father like mine, how could anyone expect me too?

My father. There was no way he was coming. He told me this last night. I can still remember the way he looked at me, saying " I won't be coming to see you off, because you'll just get emotional."

Emotional. I thought with a scoff as I crossed the room, looking out the window, seeing people beginng to file back out of town towards their houses.

Forgive me for even thinking of getting emotional about possibly entering a death trap.

I rolled my eyes, sitting down on a plush chair, still staring out the window.

Dad hasn't been the same since mom died. I thought, biting my lip slightly at the thought of my mother.

My mom died when I was nine. It was a terrible loss, for me and dad. Ever since he has pretty much shut himself off from emotion and love, choosing instead to train me to become a fighter. Someone who could kill before they would let themselves die.

" Time to go." A peacekeeper said, pulling me from the room.

This is it. I thought.

This is where it all begins.

[-]

WAHH. I'm writing a Cato/OC story too?

Crazy right ;)

Even though Cato's a complete ass, he's simply to devious to ignore :)

Anyway, I'll update tomorrow if I get at least one review, although more would be nice.

Just a heads up;; This is quite a bit different from the books, like Katniss & Peeta & Rue & Thresh aren't in the books, but most of the other tributes are. Just stick with me okay, I promise you guys will like this one :)

Cato's in the next chapter, so Review :D

- Also do you like it in this first person POV, or would you perfer another POV? Thoughts should be left in a comment :P -

- In case you were wondering, I don't own The Hunger Games...unfortunatly. -