Effie looked at the paper and held back a scream. "Ashanti Abernathy." Tears started to streak her makeup. She glanced at me. 'Our daughter is not going into those games' AU

So excited this is my first THG fanfic and Hayffie is my OTP. I have been wanting to read a story like this and couldn't find it so I wrote it. I hope to post at least once a week. Thank you for reading hope you enjoy. XOXO tkvuk

"Haymitch..." she croaked.

He looked her in the eyes so intently. Our minds and hearts were connected. "I know."

Haymitch and Effie Abernathy were celebrating not only their 14th anniversary but their daughter Ashanti's 12th birthday.

"What are we gonna do? There has to be some kind of rule. They can't put her name in that glass bowl."

"I know." Haymitch held her close to his chest. "The odds are not in our favor." They stood there a second before Ashanti ran in with her friends. They let go of each other and watched their daughter. Their Daughter.

They called her inside and all sang Happy Birthday. Even though it was nothing happy. With The Reaping next month, everyone's nerves were on edge.

"Mama. What if I get chosen." Ashanti asked. Her grey eyes were so serious. She looked between her mother and father.

Effie forced a smile. "You won't get chosen honey. Your name is only in there once. This is your first year. Don't worry." Her face was covered in Capitol crap but Ashanti could still tell her mother was scared.

"You're right. Even if I did, I would win." She hopped up onto the sofa and grabbed a roll of wrapping paper. Her father got up and grabbed a similar tube. "I'm pretty good at fighting you know." The two of them bantered back and forth until the 'sword' 'slashed' Haymitch's throat. "See. Told ya."

Haymitch lay in awe of his daughter. She had fit in the length of his forearms and now she was beating him in his own game. He couldn't help but laugh. "You know what sweetheart?"

Ashanti put the roll down. "What?"

"THIS!" Haymitch screamed. He lunged for her and landed on top of her. "Gotcha now."

There was an eruption of laughter from the living room. That was a truly happy time. One of the only ones left.

"Today's the day Ash." Haymitch whispered.

"Today's the day Dad." She repeated.

The three of them looked at each other and Effie tried to smile but couldn't muster it. The had a group hug and started to walk. They walked through Victor's Village, through the Seam, and ended up behind town hall. Effie entered from the back of Town Hall so she had to part with her baby. "Mama." Ashanti cried.

"Shhhh. No tears dear. Where are your manners? I love you so much my darling. I will see you soon." Effie and Ash held eye contact for about a minute when Effie broke it and started to walk.

"Come on Ash. You can't be late."

Haymitch and Ashanti trod. She watched the mud get on her boots and the smoke-tinged air hit her face. She prayed to whatever God was out there listening that her name wouldn't be chosen. She stopped when they made it to the registration desk. "This is where I leave you." Ashanti started to let tears fall from her face one by one. Haymitch held her close. "No tears, remember. I will be right up there." He gestured to the Victor's box. "I am here." He pointed to her heart. "I love you." He kissed her on the forehead and sighed. She hugged him weakly and got in line.

Ashanti was waiting in the queue and turned to look back at her father. He was crying. He had never cried a day in his life. He turned and started walking. This made it real. There was no going back.

1st chap done! Please r&r. If you read please review even if you just send a smiley face. Thanks!