Annie's P.O.V

"Annie Cresta!"

I walk confidently towards the stage, showing how I wish I felt, not actually how terrified I am.

"And now for the gentleman!" Saria dramatically twirls her thin hand around the glass bowl, preparing to pick out the unfortunate tribute that will be joining me in the games. "Luka Ganning! Ladies and gentleman, I present, our tributes for District 4, Annie Cresta and Luka Ganning. Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favour." With that Luka and I shake hands and then are directed to the Justice building were we will get to say our final goodbyes. I'm not ready for this, not ready for my older brother and sister to come in and say goodbye … forever. I don't want to die but I need to be strong for them, they have after-all, always been strong for me. When our parents died four years ago, they took the job of caring for our once five-man family to our current three-man family. Maaka walks through the door sweeping me into his arms. Raiza follows in suit holding me so close, my head resting on the crook of her neck. I can hear Maaka going on about how I can win, I just need to be careful. His blonde hair falling over his eyes as he goes on and on. Raiza silences him with her hand.

"Annie, you can do this, know that. Always remember how much we love you. You have to come home to us; and to remind you of that, while your in the arena, I want you to take this as your token." She reaches into her pocket and grabs out a small silver locket on a thin chain. Her blue eyes full of sadness as she clasps it onto the back of my neck. Maaka's strong arms encircle me and I feel one tear fall on the top of my head. I pull back to look at my brother. He is very handsome, by no means a Finnick Odair, who is said to be the sexiest man in all of Panem, but handsome enough to have many girls chasing him. His broad shoulders and his emerald eyes are very similar to my own. Of course my sister, Raiza is just as wanted by the opposite sex as my brother. Her long, chestnut hair, falling in waves down her back is all I have that looks like her. With her perfect proportions she has many admires, none yet to gain the courage to ask for her hand. A peace-keeper comes in directing my siblings to leave. Raiza races past him for one more hug, "You owe me a hug, remember that!" She smiles sadly and walks away with my brother. Enters next is my two best-friends, Taavi and Nabilia. Nabilia walks over and gives me a very rough hug. She never was one for words.

"Give 'em hell Cresta." And with that she gives me another, less rough hug and leaves. Taavi looks after her and sighs. They are so different. Nabilia with her bright blue eyes and straight black hair and Taavi with his turquoise eyes and walnuty hair. He comes over and pulls me onto his lap.

"Annie, to tell you the truth I'm scared.' His voiced hushed and he continues. "But the thing stopping me from being scared is you."

"Why me?" My voice dry and cracking.

"Because … well, we have all been training even though we don't like it and you exceled without meaning to. Just remember to look at the boring stuff in front of the other tributes then show what you can do to the game-makers. You're bound to get at least a 10 or maybe even more. Be secretive yet alluring. Be unforgettable." He stood up, making me fall off his lap. He smiled, "Give 'em hell Cresta." He winked at me and walked away. No one else came, not like I was expecting anyone to, it wouldn't have mattered even if they did. The people that mean the most to me came and that's all I need.

Finnick's P.O.V

I gaze over the crowd, acting like I'm so higher then them, and in their minds, I probably am. In real life though, the side of me that no one sees is a scared little boy having so many nightmares without a loving parent to care for me. Sure I had parents at one point but because the Capitol didn't like how I won my games, my parent died mysteriously. I look over to the 17 year old girls. I wonder who will volunteer this time. The first year after I won we had not five but ten girl volunteers. I look around until my eyes catch a pair of startling emerald eyes. I look over the girl some more. Her beautiful long, chestnut hair falls in waves to her waist. Her well fitting sky blue dress, that hugged at all the right spots. She was by far the most beautiful women there. Sure, there were sexier girls but probably only because they were dressing in more flirtatious outfits. Like a blonde 15 year old wearing a tube top and a short mini skirt. I look in the direction of the podium when Saria's voice rings out all over District 4. "It's such an honour to be here. Now, let's get straight into it. Ladies first." She spins her hand dramatically around the glass bowl, probably hoping for some sort of suspense or anticipation. "Annie Cresta." I look around for the unlucky girl who will be contending in the games this year, only to find the starting emerald eyes belong to none other then this, Annie Cresta. At first I'm shocked when Saria asks for volunteers and none come forward, such a difference from the last couple of years. So with that the beautiful green eyes might not get to see District 4 again. The thought is strangely startling and quite unpleasant. I am almost immediately wanting this girl with the green, no, green isn't the right word. The girl with the emerald eyes needa to come back. I've missed the boys introduction and reaping completely. Not good. He looks strong. I sigh, I have to pick between being selfish or being smart. I know immediately who I will pick. I am a selfish person. We walk towards the Justice Building. I don't know why it's called the 'Justice' building. Some of the most sinicere things happen there. I hate it. That's where I was told of my families 'unfortunate' death. I sit with my own mentor Maggs for the time. She grabs my hand and smiles sweetly, but sweet is deffinately not what her eyes are betraying. Anguish, sadness, despair and a hint of hope. Hope that we might bring someone home this year. We have only had one victor since my winning. Of course I mentored him but that's beside the point. A peace-keeper directs to the car waiting outside. We aren't in the same car as the tributes. For this, I'm almost thankful. I know that if I don't get those eyes home, they will haunt me for longer then any other. Waving, smiling and blowing kisses. This is what I do until the train door closes and we are out of the station. On the way to the place of my nightmares. I'm sure that once we arrive I will have 'friends' to visit for 'dinner'. I hate the Capitol. I want everyone to rebel. Like that'll happen though. Except for the poorer districts, everyone is happy were they are. Everyone but some victors. Like the one I am searching the train for now. Johanna Mason. My best friend since the winning of her games, one year after my own. We agree on pretty much everything. I walk until I see her short spiky hair and I do what I know she detests almost more then the Capitol … I pick her up and spin her around. I am rewarded with a punch in the arm, the a smile. This is how I will spend the train trip, instead of with my tributes. She will do the same. We will scream from nightmares together. Wake the other up and assure them it's alright. Because that's what we do. Fight the arena together.