Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games.

Hi everyone, I hope you enjoy this story. It just came off the top of my head and it probably won't be good but please read and review. I would love some constructive criticism aswell. Also, this story is told in Layla's POV! Thanks. Leila xx

'The 90th Hunger Games are about to begin! Here is the tribute list for this year's annual Hunger Games. Good luck to everyone and may the odds be ever in your favour!' shouts the new president of Panem, President Foxton.

District 1: Michelle and Jake (Careers)
District 2: Maddie and Stanley (Careers)
District 3: Courtney and Dima
District 4: Maisy and Mounir (Careers)
District 5: Katie-Anna and Vincent
District 6: Kate and Dane
District 7: Jordan and Luke
District 8: Layla and Owen
District 9: Ana and Jamie
District 10: Nicole and Ryan
District 11: Sophie and Rahul
District 12: Keira and Hamzah

I woke up on reaping day with Ellie tugging on my outstretched arm.
'What do you want, Ellie? I'm still tired.' I mumbled.
'Mummy says you have to get up now and get ready for the reaping!' Ellie recites.

Ellie is 7 years old so she is still out of harms way in the Hunger Games for a few years. I also have a younger brother, Cameron, who is 4. Gladly I know that they are both safe for now.
I gingerly pulled the covers off of my skinny frame and cautiously stepped out of bed and onto the cold floor. It was freezing so I decided to run to the bathroom. Mum had already put out the hot water that we had for me to have a short bath. Usually we only get one once a week but there is always a special exception on reaping days as we have to look nice and neat.
I quickly had the short bath and then dried off quickly. When I had gone back to the bedroom I shared with Ellie, Mum had already put out a black dress that had once belonged to her. I quickly changed into it and pulled on a grey blouse over the top. I then fetched my white flats and shoved them on my feet before sorting out my hair. I was finally ready to leave!
I quickly ate a small amount of breakfast but I didn't eat too much in case there wasn't enough left for dinner tonight.

Mum was waiting for me and as soon as I was finished Mum, Ellie, Cameron all walked down to the Justice Building together. It might be the last time we were together if I was picked. If I said this out loud my mum would say that I might not even be picked but my name has been entered so man times because I am 15 so there is quite a possibility that I will be picked. I had already prepared myself for the harsh reality that might come.

When we got to the Justice Building before I got into line mum whispered to me, 'Layla, your father would be so proud of you if he was here today, you know that right. He is watching you right now, making sure we are all safe and well. Just remember that. We all love you very much. Good luck! See you soon! I love you!' Mum calls as I am swept away in the crowds of young adults ready to face the reaping.
I kept all Mum has said in mind and thought about my dad the whole way in the line up to the front where I gave the strict lady my name, Layla Harris, and then she pricked my finger, sending a short stab of pain through me which quickly subsided.

I was directed over to the 15 year old girls line where I stood next to my best friend, River Cartwright. She stood there chatting away to me as if we were just at school and not in a reaping line. My attention faded away from River and I scanned the boys crowd to look for Aaron, my good friend from school. He caught my gaze and gave me a reassuring smile. It wasn't very reassuring but it would've been better then anything I could do.

Just as River stopped talking the microphone on the makeshift stage gave out a lot of feedback, causing us all to cover our ears from the sound. In front of it stood Mayor Wilson.

He stood there giving us the speech of the History of Panem and the Districts Rebellion. It was very boring and I started daydreaming all the way through the video that accompanied the speech.
Next thing I knew Kerry Poser was standing at the microphone wishing everyone a 'Happy' Hunger Games. She walked to the end of the stage where the girls bowl was and slipped her hand inside. It swam through all the bits of paper as if it was looking for a certain one until one was grasped inside Kerry's closed fist. Everyone took in a short intake of breath as Kerry slowly unfolded the paper revealing that unlucky girls name. She paused for effect before announcing, 'Well done to District 8's girl tribute, Layla Harris. Could you please make your way up to the stage.'
I couldn't actually believe it was me she was on about. I thought I had prepared myself for this as I knew it was coming but obviously not. I mustered up all the strength I could though and I slowly walked forward through the crowd. Everyone parted as I walked past. Everyone stared at me as I made my way up to the stage and stood next to Kerry.

Kerry talked to me for a few minutes but I answered her questions with a short grunt or 'hmm'. In the end Kerry took the hint and moved to the other end of the stage to the boys bowl. Her hand did the same thing before emerging from the bowl with a single slip of paper. As it unfolded I could hear the audience holding in another breath.
'Well done to Owen Hart, our other tribute. Would you please make your way to the stage!' Kerry exclaimed.

I knew Owen briefly from school and classes but we weren't very close and only talked if we had to. He made his way to the stage quicker than I did and we quickly shook hands as Kerry asked. Owen was asked the same questions as me but he answered them confidently and as if he wasn't worried about this at all. He might not be though. But I know I am. On the inside I am silently dying.

My mind wanders back to what Mum had said about Dad making sure we were all safe and well. And suddenly I had anger inside towards him. Was I not part of that deal? Everyone else is safe and well but not me. I am being entered into the Hunger Games to fight to the death. Was I not worth being kept safe? Did Dad not care about me anymore, now that he was up in Heaven?

As soon as the anger had appeared it disappeared and I was quietly sending silent prayers to keep Dad safe in Heaven. I hope he keeps me safe in the Games though. I quickly sent one last silent thought to him, I love you Dad, before I was ushered with Owen into the Justice Building.

We were put in separate rooms. My room had thick, luscious crimson carpets with velvet furniture around the room. It was slightly beautiful to be honest. I sat down and waited for my first visitor…

Well, what did you think? I will update as quickly as I can. Please review Leila xx