The reaping isn't really that big a thing here in district 4. I've heard that in some of the districts, it's considered a bad thing, and that all that has to happen for someone to volunteer is to plainly say "I volunteer as tribute", that's how uncommon it is for it to happen. Here, where we are part of the 'careers' alongside districts 1 and 2, we have a set of tasks to complete, in order to volunteer, a sort of 'obstacle course' sent by the Capitol.

I look over at the clock in our house, one of our few luxuries sent by the Capitol for serving them so well, and see that it's 4:20am. I could probably risk trying to slip in forty minutes of sleep, before I have to get up and start my daily training routine, for the last time ever. I try to turn off my thoughts and get a few more minutes of sleep, as it is my last ever night in this bed. I toss and turn for what seems like twenty minutes, but in reality must've only been five, maybe less. But no matter how hard I tried, my legs were trying to control me, make me move to take them on the small run I've been on every morning for the last eight months, to help build my stamina for the arena. My hands were itching to get a grip on the rope I've been practicing with, making snares and nets, just in case. Eventually, I give in to my body and dress in the 'training outfit' that my mum made for me. It's nothing really extravagant, just a pair of black leggings and a tunic type shirt. I also have a pair of trainers, from my mum's childhood, as she grew up working in her parent's merchant shoe shop. I don't really mind though, they're comfortable to train in for now, and when I return, as a Victor, i'll be able to buy any new shoes I want.

When i'm dressed, I write a quick note for my family, saying where I am, even though after the eight months, they should be used to this regime.

Three hours later, at 7:45, I return home and see my parents sitting at the dinner table, looking extremely concerned. They were deep in conversation, so much so that they didn't even realize i'd come home.

"Hello?" I asked "What are you guys talking about?"

"You, Tessa," My mother said bluntly "We know how much this game means to you, but it's not a game. People die, Tessa. Almost everyone dies." she's trying not to cry, and making it obvious by squeaking at every other word. I go over and crouch next to her, making myself feel like a child again.

"Mum, it's going to be fine, I promise. You know how long i've been training, and i'll have more training, with real weapons. There's no way I can't win. Really."

"Tessa, we're both really worried," my dad says "we believe in you, but we've seen these games, we don't wan't anything to happen to you, just for the country's entertainment."

"Well I believe in myself, I think I can do it. It'll be better for us all when I win. Promise."

"There really won't be any changing your mind will there?"

"No, I know I can do it, and i'm doing it." and with that, I run upstairs to the bathroom and boil mine and my brothers bath. I get in, and ten minutes later, i'm out again. I'm really going to miss this house.I think, the victors village will be better though.

I go into my room, and dress in the reaping dress i've worn for the last three , with a little bow on the back, and a knee-length skirt. I put my hair up into a bun, and by the time i'm ready it's time to set off to the town centre. It's really a beautiful setting, despite the irony of the setting, and sending at least one of the citizens to their death. It's right next to the dock, so you can see for miles over the sea. It's always sunny in district 4, so even that helps with the ironically gorgeous scenery.

It feels like forever from when we're signing in, until we're in the pens, and another infinity until Venus, the district 4 escort, the mayor, and the previous Victor, who will be our mentor, Mags Cohen, come and take their places on the stage.

Venus steps forwards first "Welcome, to the 65th Hunger Games! It's finally upon us once again, and now it's time to select our tributes for this year's games! Ladies first! she announces in her over-bubbly capitol accent. "Meagan Waite". I don't even know who that is, but I still don't waste a second before rushing forwards

"I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE" I yell, making sure I could be heard over the chaos of the district. Except, there was no chaos. I was the only one who'd stepped forwards. Usually there were over twenty people who'd volunteer. But one? Had I transported to district 6?

"Okay, come on up to the stage, dear" chirps Venus. I steadily make my way up the stairs, and stand next to her, suddenly panicking. Why had I been the only volunteer? "What's your name?"

"Tessa Gray." I say in the most confident voice I could manage

"Okay, lets move onto the boys." she strides over to the glass bowl containing the boys' names. "Finnick Odair."

Before anyone could volunteer, Finnick was already at the stairs to the stage, I blinked again, and he was stood right next to me. "Well, go on you two shake hands." We shook, watched the compulsory video sent from the capitol, and with that we were hauled away to the justice building.

There it is Chapter 1 of my first ever fanfiction!

Reviews would be very much appreciated!

If you want to be used as one of the tributes in this games, then please PM me, Name, Age, Gender, small appearance description and District. Thank you!x

Ellie!x