Chapter One

As I sit there next to my brother and sister, Snow's words finally sink in. I pray silently that my district does not sent me and my brother max to our deaths as my eyes hone back to the TV screen.

"As well as the districts choosing there tributes, there can also be no volunteers," Snow continues. "Remember to choose wisely, and may the odd be ever in your favor."

The broadcast finished then and the TV immediately went blank. My sister burst into tears then and I pulled her towards me.

"Lucy. Lucy listen to me, they are not going to pick you," I whispered. "Everyone hates it when the younger kids are picked and you're only thirteen."

"I know that." She sobbed. "They're going to pick you and max.

I felt my twin Max put his hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him and could see in his eyes that he is silently agreeing to what our sister has just said.

Every day, Max carried the bags of grain that I had harvested from the fields to the market after I spent 9 hours cutting it

Being a knife specialist in District 9 is a great skill and not many in my age group possess it. Certainly, none as talented as I am.

We are the ideal candidates at eighteen years of age, and being very skilled with a knife, I am definitely likely to be chosen. As is my brother being the strongest.

If I were in any ones else's position, I would nominate me and Max. People want food for their families and we are the most likely female and male to give that to them I just hope it does not come down to him and me because I will not kill my brother.

But I do not want to be in the games, neither does Max. If we did, we would have volunteered. We have to stay alive of our sister; we are all she has left.

If we go to the arena and die, so will she.

The mess hall was so busy I doubt any one saw me leave except my brother and sister. I had to get air or I might throw up. Just the idea of killing someone made me sick.

Don't get me wrong, if came to them or me and max, I would kill them because one of us needs to be there for our sister. But that doesn't mean I'd do it easily.

One Month Later

How could this be possible, standing there with everyone else in my age group as Dorian Luck takes out the envelope and opens it.

I hold my breath.

There's still a chance that we won't get picked isn't there?

She pats the microphone. "Kate Vina."

My heart dropped the minute my name was called. I looked up to see thousands of guilty faces on me as I started the short walk up to the podium.

Hush voices whispering to each other and no-one could really meet my eye.

As I walked up the stairs and stand in front of my district, sad faces look up at me. At that moment, I take it upon myself to walk to the front of the stage and take the microphone off Dorian. My tone gradually increased as I spoke what had been on my mind ever since my name was announced.

"I just wanted to say that I don't blame you because I am one of you. I been trying to convince myself that you wouldn't vote for me, but truth be told I would vote for me. I am the most likely female to get food to your families, so how can I be angry at you for that."

The moment I finish talking I am pulled back from the podium and barely have time to hope it not my brother. Dorian shots me a look of disgust and takes the microphone quickly, putting a smile back on her face.

"Now for the boy," she continued. "Max Vina!"

My worst nightmare just came true. Not only will my brother be going through the same nightmare as me, but who's going to look after our sister?

We are told to shake hands, so we do, then we are ushered into the Justice Building and split into separate rooms. I sit down, not expecting anyone but my sister, so am surprised when the mayor walks in.

"I will look after your sister," he said the moment he walks in. "If neither of you make I back I will keep her safe."

When the mayor had finished talking I had tears in my eyes at the old man's kindness.

"Thank you," was the only think I could say.

He nodded and walked out without another word.

About five minutes later, Lucy walked in with red-rimmed eyes and tears still running down her cheeks. She ran at me and we hugged.

I really hoped the mayor would stay true to his word and look after my sister. She was still so young.

When she spoke it nearly broke my heart.

"Either way, I lose one of you, or maybe both. Katie what am I supposed to do?"

There was nothing to say that would comfort her so I just hugged her tighter and whispered that I loved her and to be safe until our time was up.

I could not believe this could be the last time I see my sister.

The peace keepers came back then and nearly had to drag Lucy out.

By the time she had left the room was crying so hard I could barely breathe. Fear was pulsing through me, not just for me and Max, but for Lucy as well. As I sat there waiting, all I could think of is worst case scenarios of either me dying or Max dying, or even of Lucy dying of starvation back here because neither me or Max made it out alive.

Ever since our parents died, my job has been to keep the rest of my family alive, and this does not change anything. It just made it that bit more difficult.

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