A/N: Well hey there guys! Time for a new story me thinks! Now this one is a little different from what I'm used to writing so it'll be fun for the both of us xD Don't forget to read and review!

Chapter 1 - Reaping Day

He woke up clutching his chest, gasping for air, the images from his dream still flashing before his eyes. "Damn nightmares," he muttered, turning his head to the side. His little sister, Anzu was still sleeping soundly, curled up against their mother.

Heeding his chance, he slipped out the bed they shared and tiptoed out the room, grabbing his shirt, trousers and cap on the way. Dressing quickly he stood at the dinner table, eyeing the upside down bowl while he brushed his spiky hair back into a ponytail, fixing his cap in place.

Swatting away the flies, the boy lifted up the bowl, revealing a small chunk of goats cheese half wrapped in a cloth. Anzu must have prepared it before she turned in for the night. Smiling slightly, he pocketed the cheese and headed for the door, feet slipping into his hunting boots as he grabbed his jacket.

District 12 was unusually quiet on this particular morning, lacking the steady stream of coal miners that lazily make their way from their homes down into the mines, shoulders hunched over as they prepare for another long day. But today is different from the others. Reaping Day. The boy shuddered at the thought, tugging his cap down lower and hurrying to the edge of town.

Reaching the Meadow is always the boys favourite part, he could just hear the calls of various birds that lay beyond the metal fence that made the perimeter of District 12.

Concealing himself in the long grass he made his way over to the fence, pausing only a second to check the fence wasn't live. But, like every other day, the electricity was turned off. Flattening himself on his belly, he wiggled under the gap in the fence. Dusting himself off he jogged away from the fence, taking the all too familiar route to the hollow tree, where they boy kept his bow, a sheath of arrows and his hunting knife.

Buckling the belt with his knife attached around his waist, he shouldered the sheath of arrows and carried on down the path, still checking behind him every once in a while. You could never be too careful in these parts.

Taking out one arrow, he slowed his pace as he crouched down behind a few bushes, spotting a deer just grazing 10 feet in front of him. Too easy, he grinned as he readied his bow.

"And what do you think you're doing?" The boy jolted, accidentally shooting the arrow and scaring off the deer. Gritting his teeth, he stood up and faced the interruption.

"I was fixing dinner for the both of us for a week, you're the one who scared it off!" The boys spat, smiling despite himself. Stood before him was his childhood best friend, Seto Kaiba.

"Come on Yams. How were you going to get that down to the market anyway? There are twice as many Peacekeepers around today," Seto said, grinning when he got a reaction out of the nickname.

"It's Yami, and I would chop it up into pieces we could both carry," Yami smirked, "If I'm going down, you're coming with me."

"Oo, nice try. But I'm not that stupid. Mokuba only has me," Seto hook an arm around Yami's shoulders, guiding him back onto the path, "Speaking of Mokuba, he was able to get us one of the best loaves made fresh this morning, said for us to share it."

"What? For real?" Yami watched in awe as Seto pulled out a bundle of cloth from underneath his shirt, holding it out for Yami. Yami carefully took the bundle off Seto, unwrapping it to reveal the golden brown loaf, "It's still warm."

Seto chuckled, "Of course. Do you really think Mokuba would let us down. He pulled his puppy dog eyes on the baker. Poor man didn't stand a chance."

Handing Seto the loaf back, Yami pulled his own bundle, grinning, "Well Anzu prepared some cheese, looks to me like we're having a feast!"

After finding a nice quiet spot on top of a hill, Yami and Seto settled down, digging into the food. Yami relished every bite. It wasn't everyday he got to fresh bread. It was a rarity for families like his.

"We could make it you know," Seto said, brushing the crumbs off his shirt. Yami stuffed the last bit of bread and cheese into his mouth, chewing slowly. He knew what Seto was going on about. Ever since their first reaping, Seto had talked about how they could both run away, leave District 12 behind. They were both 17 now.

"You've said the same things for 5 years Seto and my answer still remains the same. We can't leave Anzu, Mokuba and mum behind," Yami said, leaning back against the grass, arms behind his head, "And we certainly couldn't take them with us. Anzu doesn't know the first thing about being quiet when it counts and I'm pretty sure Mokie would end up running off."

"I'm just saying. We could make it," Seto looked down at Yami, "We could eat all the deer you wanted."

"I sell it, not eat it." Yami huffed, closing his eyes, "Besides, we wouldn't get out of this forest. Odds are someone would notice we're gone and we'd have the Capitol on our hides. Then its bye bye tongue and that'll be the end of it."

"I wouldn't get caught," Seto sighed, lying down by Yami, "Happy Hunger Games."

Yami opened one eye, smirking at his friend, "And may the odds be ever in your favour."

o0o0o0o

After their food, Seto did help Yami hunt down a few pieces of game, even though he said he didn't feel bad about scaring the deer off.
Yami was standing just outside of one of the stalls, waiting for the old lady to come back with his payment. For such a small catch, he was able to earn enough money to buy half a loaf of bread. Which, if rationed carefully, lasted his small family 3 days.

"Here you go dear, oh and tell that sister of yours that I'll buy more of her cheese in the future. It's very tasty," the woman said, pressing a pouch of coins into Yami's hand.

He smiled, bowing his head a little, "Thank you, I'm sure she'll be pleased."

The journey to his home was quick. Mokuba has spotted him as he walked past and tackled him to the floor, his long black mane falling in his eyes. Seto came out moments later, picking the smaller Kaiba off of Yami and taking him back inside. Yami chose that moment to run back to his before the boy ran after him again.
This year was Anzu and Mokuba's first year being reaped and even though they were both hiding it well, Yami knew his sister better than anyone, she was terrified.

"Anzu, I'm home!" He called, kicking his boots off before walking in. He found his sister and mother sitting at the table, his mother brushing Anzu's hair.

"Hey Yami, I went to the market this morning! Traded Bella's cheese for some bread and some cow's milk!" Anzu beamed, her hand diving in her pocket, "Oh, and this lady gave me this pin, said it'll bring me good luck!"

"Did she?" He asked, bending down in front of his sister.

"Yeah, she said the bird is a mockingjay. You know the ones that can mimic any song they hear?"

"Of course, dad used to hum a tune and we used to have to listen really carefully for them to sing it back," Yami smiled, taking the pin out of her hand and pinning it to her collar, "It goes beautifully with this dress."

Anzu's eyes lit up as she smiled up at their mother. "I've … laid out your clothes on the bed Yami." He nodded, patting Anzu's knee once before getting up and leaving the room.
Quickly bathing, he pulled on his clothes, fishing out a belt for the trousers, as they were once his fathers, they were a little too big for him.

"Yami, can I come in?" Yami looked to the door, sighing a little.

"Sure, come in," he called back, buttoning his shirt up as his mother walked into their room.

She stood awkwardly by the door, twiddling her thumbs, "I, um, wanted to know if you wanted help with your hair?" Yami smiled and nodded, sitting down on the bed while his mother silently brushed his hair back into one ponytail.
"I'm … sorry. I know I haven't been much use since …"

"Since dad died," Yami finished. His father had been a coal miner, as had Seto's, and just like any other morning, he left for work. Only, they didn't come back. The mine they were working on, collapsed, killing every one of the miners working down there.
That had been 3 years ago. Seto, his father being his only parent after his mother dying during childbirth, had to take over looking after Mokuba. Yami's mother fell into a deep depression, some days not even getting out of bed.
Being only 15 at the time, Yami had tried to look after his family. Only to be struck by the same thing that had rendered his mother useless.

No. Not today, Yami took a deep breath. It was by chance that he was saved, by the baker's son of all people. But Yami refused to look back. He had to keep moving forward, so he could keep his family safe.

"Yes …" His mother whispered, turning her son around to hug him, "I'm so sorry." Yami returned the hug, stroking her brunette hair softly.

"Don't let Anzu see you like this. She doesn't need anything else to worry about."

She nodded, pulling back and wiping her eyes, "Let's get this hair of yours sorted."

o0o0o0o

Anzu was beyond nervous, continuously pulling her hand out of Yami's grasp to wipe it on her dress, to play with her pin and then hold his hand again. Sadly, because they sorted everyone out by their gender, he had to send Anzu off on her own to be registered. She smiled at him as he kissed both her cheeks, promising she'd find some friends to stand with.

"Come on boy, get in line," a Peacekeeper said, coming up behind him and pushing him towards where the boys were being registered.

"I'm going, I'm going," he muttered, falling into step behind the rest of them. After having his finger pricked and given the 'OK', Yami moved into the crowd watching the girl's side for any sign of his sister.

"Welcome, welcome," Mai's voice boomed through the speakers, cutting off any last minute chatter between the crowds of people. Yami was desperately looking around for Anzu, hoping his sister had at least found one of her school friends to stand with. He ignored Mai's speech about being proud to even be considered being a part of the Hunger Games. The whole thing made him sick.

Spotting his sisters head just sticking out in the crowd, Yami calmed down a bit, rubbing his neck. Seto turned around from where he was standing a few rows in front. He had his little brother clutching his side, shaking every now and again, and yet Seto still mouthed 'are you okay?'

As if he didn't have enough to worry about.
Yami rolled his eyes, but nodded anyway. He didn't have time to worry about himself. Like Seto, he had a younger sibling to look out for.

The two minute film Mai had put on had finished, and she was back at the microphone. "I just love that part, don't you? Now, shall we pick our tributes? Of course, ladies first." She strutted up to the bowl of names on her left side, her long blonde hair swaying in sync with her hips. Yami almost rolled his eyes at how faked she looked, but the majority of people who came from the Capitol looked like that. Fake and reeking of wasted money.

She waved her hand over the bowl before diving in, fingers gracing across every slip of paper before grasping one. Keeping it pinched between her thumb and forefinger, she swayed back over to the microphone, "Now let's see who we have here." As if to add to everyone's suspense, she unfolded the paper slowly. "Anzu Sennen."

His breath caught in his throat. No. That can't be right. Her name is only in there once.

"Anzu! Where are you sweetie?" Mai called, looking through the crowd of girls. Yami could see his sister. All her friends had backed away, leaving her alone in the centre of the crowd, her hands shaking. "Come along honey," Mai called again. This time, two Peacekeepers had come up on either side of Anzu, guiding her up the middle to where Mai was still wearing that stupid grin.

No! Yami burst through the crowd falling into the line of Peacekeepers who were standing guard, "Anzu!"

She spun around, eyes wide, "Yami!"

"Get back son," one of the Peacekeepers spat, pushing Yami back by the shoulders. No, he couldn't let this happen.

"I volunteer," he said, raising his voice when no one responded, "I volunteer!" The Peacekeepers backed off, so Yami ran forward standing in front of Anzu, "I volunteer as tribute!"

"Well, isn't this a surprise! Come on up honey!" Mai smiled. Yami bent down in front of Anzu, who was crying now.

"Anzu, go find mum."

"No! I'm not letting you do this!" She cried, clutching to Yami. Her grasp was loosened when Seto came up behind her, picking her up by her waist and carrying her to the back of the crowds, "No! Yami! Seto put me down!"

Yami whispered his thanks before standing up again. All eyes were on him as he made his way to the stairs, watching Mai eagerly waving him onto the stage.

"My, my, that was an excellent performance, what's your name?" The microphone was thrusted under his nose.

"Er .. Yami Sennen," he answered, not liking the way microphone made him sound so weak.

"Oooh now this is interesting, I'll bet my shoes that that was your sister right?" She squealed, "Well, let's give Yami a round of applause for being the first volunteer tribute in years!" Mai started clapping, slowly stopping when everyone pressed three fingers to their lips and held them in the air. Yami almost laughed at Mai's face.

"Well, let's carry on shall we," she mumbled, going over now to the bowl on her right. Repeating the same process as before, "Yugi Mutou."

Again, the crowd parted, leaving the boy alone in the middle. Yami closed his eyes, exhaling though his nose. It had to be him.
"Come along Yugi!" Mai called out. Yugi hesitantly made his way up to the stage, taking his place on the other side of Mai. "Well, now we have our tributes! Let's give these brave two a round of applause!" She started clapping again, only getting a slow, hesitant clap in return. "Ookay, lets finish this off with a handshake!" Mai stepped back, leaving Yami and Yugi standing next to one another. Yugi turned towards Yami, holding out his hand. He couldn't help but notice the slight tremors shook the boy's hand. Yami took a deep breath, grasping Yugi's hand with his own, squeezing it ever so slightly. As of today, they were each other's enemy. Yami couldn't afford to be going soft on anyone, even if the boy standing in front of him had saved his life.

"Good, now let's get you two sorted and ready for departure!" Mai said, placing one hand on both Yugi and Yami's shoulders, squeezing slightly as two Peacekeepers came up behind them, guiding them off the stage and into the Town Hall.

o0o0o0o

Yami was pacing back and forth in the room. The Peacekeepers had escorted Yugi and himself off the stage and into separate rooms, for what? He wished he knew. He stilled his pacing, bracing his hands against the windowsill and looked outside. The crowd of people had dispersed, obviously going back to their everyday lives now the reaping was over.

The door opened behind him, with a gruff "You have three minutes," from the Peacekeeper standing outside, Anzu and his mother bustled in.

"Yami!" Anzu cried, running into his arms.

"Shhh, shhh, it's okay, you're okay. Now listen to me," he pulled back, placing his hands on either side of her face, "You do not, whatever you do, put your name in that bowl more than once, okay? No matter how much food they offer. Seto will catch you game and you can sell the cheese from your goat. Okay?"

She nodded, pulling the mockingjay pin off her dress, pressing it into his hand, "You have to win Yami, please." He smiled, pulling her into a hug.

"I promise I won't give up," he whispered, kissing her temple. He looked over at his mother, "You need to be there for her now."

"I will try-" he stood up, grasping her shoulder, shaking her slightly.

"No, you have to be there. No phasing out like you did when dad died. Anzu needs you now," his heart broke a little when his mother's eyes started to water, pulling her into a hug, he stroked her hair, "Don't cry, you have to be strong."

"Times up," the Peacekeeper barged in, clapping a hand down on his mother's shoulder.

"No! Yami! Please, don't go!" Anzu sobbed, pulling back against the Peacekeeper.

"It's okay Anzu, I'll see you real soon!" He called, flinching back when the door was slammed in his face. Fighting the tears that were threatening to escape, he turned away from the door scrubbing his eyes. He opened his palm, staring at the broach Anzu had given him. So this is what these rooms are for. Last goodbyes. Yami choked on a laugh, it's torture before it's even begun.

The door opened again, only this time Seto came in, closing the door behind him and enveloping him in a hug.
"I'm fine," Yami muttered into his shoulder, balling his fists in Seto's shirt.

"I know you are," he gave a tight squeeze before pulling back. His blue eyes meeting Yami's crimson ones. "You can win this, I know you can."

"Seto, there's 24 tributes, and only one comes out," Yami muttered miserably.

"But you can hunt, get your hands on a bow and you'll be set."

"I've only ever hunted animals!"

Seto smiled sadly, "It's the same thing, Yami."
Yami faltered, his eyes welling up as he pressed himself into Seto's chest, his breath catching in his throat as Seto wrapped his arms around Yami's small frame.

"You have to look out for Anzu and mum, Seto," Yami mumbled, clutching his friend closer.

"You're coming back Yami. Before you know it, this whole thing will be over and we'll be back in the forest hunting for those damn deer you like so much."

Yami coughed out a laugh, "Those 'damn deer' are a week's worth of food," he pulled back, smirking at him, "If a certain someone didn't keep scaring them off."

"What can I say? I'm a scary person," Seto smiled back before trapping Yami's face between his hands, "Don't you dare give up."

"I wo-"

"You're already doing it!" Seto interrupted, pressing their foreheads together so he was looking Yami straight in the eye, "Stop asking me to look after your family. Just come back alive. You hear me Sennen? Just … come back."

Yami stayed silent, surprised by Seto's sudden outburst. Neither of them were the type to show what they were actually feeling. Too used to putting aside their own feelings to make sure everyone else around them were okay. But now, Yami was pretty sure Seto was scared and that terrified him more than the games themselves.

Untangling one of his hands from the back of Seto's shirt, Yami placed his smaller hand over Seto's, "I'll do whatever it takes to come back," he whispered, smiling a little when Seto relaxed.

"Too right you will," he smirked, pulling back only to plant a kiss on Yami's forehead, "Until then, please stay safe."
Yami closed his eyes, relishing at the feel of Seto's lips on his skin.

"I will," he said, keeping his eyes closed as he heard Seto move away and the door closed. Only then did he open his eyes, letting the tears he'd been keeping at bay, spill freely down his cheeks. "I promise, I'll come back."

Yami had only 5 minutes to himself before the Peacekeepers came in to him, escorting him out of the room, down various corridors and outside to where Mai was standing in front of an expensive looking carriage. Yugi came out seconds after Yami, his amethyst eyes bloodshot. Yami assumed he'd probably been crying, just like he had moments ago. Luckily, Yami was better at hiding it. Clutching the pin tight in his hand, he stared straight forward. There was no backing out now.

Mai clapped her hands together, grinning at the two boys, "So, whose ready to see the Capitol?"

Annnnd scene. WHAT DID YOU THINK? I'd love to know! I've been working on the idea for this for a month or so now (with the help of pharaohsthrone who more or less told me I was writing this whether I wanted to or not xD LOVE YA REALLY 3)

I'd love to know what you think!

Scythemeister xx