It was Reaping-Day. The 77th Hunger Games was about to begin.

Simply thinking about it sent shivers down my spine. I wasn't afraid of being chosen; I was afraid of Alyss being chosen

'Alyss,' simply thinking of her made me happier, but less assured of her safety. What would I do if Alyss was chosen? What would I do if Alyss died? I tried to break from his train of thought, but my brain kept going back to the same thing. The same thing I worry about every year.

" I made you a new outfit for this…special occasion" Will's foster mother finally broke him from his train of thought, "it's on the couch."

"Thanks," was all I could say.

The outfit was simple. We didn't have the money here in District 7 for the lavish lifestyle they enjoy in the Capitol. It was a dull green button-down with grey pants. About as close to a suit as we could afford. It reminded me of my times in the forests, climbing up trees, sneaking through the forest, and practising my bow skills. The last being very illegal here, but considering the dire circumstances were in, my game bag seems to bring more of a smile to the peacekeepers than a frown.

I thought about going into the forest one more time before the Reaping but decided against it. Instead, I turned my feet towards Alyss' house. Even though I live in a poor part of the village, Alyss barely makes it past a day of her life. Which is exactly why I worry for her.

I entered her house. I decided against knocking since she always gets on to me about how we're 'dating' and should 'be more trusting.'

"Good morning," I greeted her with a smile. She also had a new dress, a simple white robe that ran down to her knees. It was the same color every year, white was cheapest.

"Hardly," was the only reply I got back. We sat in silence while she sipped her hot water.

"Your father already out working?" I finally broke the silence.

"No," she replied, "just didn't want to look at me before the reaping." The sadness clear in her voice, her father was just as scared for her as I was.

The day passed by in a blur, most of it I spent with Alyss. Finally, the bell rang, signalling the reaping.

I couldn't stand to watch it, why did they have to show this every year. A video that somehow showed the Capitol as both victim, and hero. While simultaneously playing the anthem in the background, praising the Horn of Plenty for all. I smirked as I looked at Alyss, clearly not, ALL.

The video finally stops.

"WELCOME, WELCOME," Helene Rosefield blared out, "HAPPY HUNGER GAMES, AND MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR. As usual, ladies first.

She began the slow walk towards the fish bowl of names. How many times was Alyss' name in there? She refused to tell me, but it had been 170 times last year, and things weren't any better now.

"Lydia Stanler," Helene revealed the tribute. I let out a guilty sigh of relief. Alyss hadn't been chosen, and that's all I cared about. I sneaked a smile to her, but she wasn't looking. She was waiting for the boys to be called. For me to be called.

Again Helene started the slow walk to the boys names. I out my name in there at least 130 times. I prayed silently that it wasn't me. I didn't want to lose Alyss, not when I am this close.

"Will Treaty."

I couldn't think, my body forced itself towards the stage. I heard whispers, people who knew I was. I snuck a glance towards Alyss, but she refused to look at me. Pain evident in her eyes. Finally, I made it up to the out-stretched hands of Helene. As she raised our hands, I looked back at Alyss again. She was crying, Alyss never cried.

They herded me into a windowless room. A minute had past when Alyss burst through the door still crying.

"Oh Will," she said through her tears, "Why does it have to be you? When we were so close, so slose to being able to live half a normal life. Instead of this."

I could barely understand her through the tears, but I knew I had to be strong for her.

"Alyss," I lifted up her chin that was buried in her hands. I was too short to be of any physical support.

"I will do EVERYTHING I can to get back to you."

"Promise?"

"Promise"

The Peacekeeper came in.

"Time to go," he said softly, he understood my pain, he was one of the few that lived it.

They herded Alyss out, but before they shut the door she let something out.

"DON'T LET GO WILL," I heard her plea

"Never," I whispered. It was too late, she couldn't hear me.