As we take our places in the square, I do not look for comfort in my family, but in Katniss' silent strength. I skim the top of the crowd until I find her. Same braid down her back, same powerful posture. The only thing that has changed is that she wears a dress of sky blue, the shade you get when it's a beautiful Summer's day and the birds are singing in the trees.

"Testing, testing!" Effie warbles, and that's all I hear. The Mayor probably gave a speech or something, but I wasn't listening until I hear Effie say "As usual, ladies first!" she crosses over to the glass bowl filled with the names of all the girls from twelve to eighteen in this District. Her hand circles the bowl and lands like a butterfly on one protruding out of the middle. Trotting back to the microphone she holds the card out in front of her.

Slowly, she unfolds the piece of paper. The suspense is unbearable. "And the female tribute for District 12 is: Primrose Everdeen!" Primrose, Prim, Katniss Everdeen's sister. I come out of my shock long enough to see Katniss held back by Peacekeepers', hair flying, eyes piercing and wild, scream,

"I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" I watch Katniss take Prim's place on the stage. Retaining my oblivious state once more, I tune out both sound and movement.

"Peeta Mellark," what? I think, why has Effie Trinket called out my name? She stands there, paper in hand, but it doesn't add up. Everyone turns round to look at me. I have never had so much attention in my life, I was always the likable boy who never did anything out if the ordinary. But now, everyone stares at me.

Slowly, hesitantly, I walk to the platform and stand in my designated spot. "Well come on you two, shake hands!" a robotic movement sends my hand to shake Katniss' and for a moment I have a flashback, I see her at school when we were five. The music teacher had asked who knew the Valley Song and her little arm shot straight up. I see it in her eyes too. Recognition.

"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favour!" she says, in her Capitol accent. My thoughts incoherent, I let the Peacekeepers steer me into the Justice Building and into a room with heavy velvet sofas and curtains. I run my hands up and down the armchair I am sitting on as I wait for my parents.

They come through the door and Peacekeeper Cray orders

"You have an hour."

"Oh! My baby's going to the Hunger Games!" my mother chokes out before she sarts sobbing so hard, she has to sink heavily into one of the plush armchairs to cushion her fall.

"It's alright son, I'm sure you'll make it through!" my father says with forced cheerfulness, so I'm not sure who he's trying to convince: himself or me.

We have nothing left to say so we just sit there, not saying anything. Revelling the last silence we will share as a family. Holding each other tightly. Groping at he very last memories we will make.

when we have just over five minutes left if visiting time, my father explains, in a weak attempt at a joke, he needs to go tend to the bakery before it 'burns down'! He really just seemed like he wanted to get out of the room, before the tears started. As the minutes tick away, we only have one left before my mother is taken from me and she turns to me and says

"You know, I think District 12 might finally have a winner."