I own nothing but the idea. Enjoy.

I live in a beautiful place filled with people, friends and everything I could ever dream of. I'm at the beach in summer, hanging out in the snow with my friends and my boyfriend in winter and everything you could ever imagine is in between. I'm with my boyfriend and friends all the time. I'm at a good school, passing my classes and I have the most amazing Gran in the world.

But when I open my eyes that magical world disappears. I like to believe that that world exists somewhere. My name is Nina Martin. I live in the city of Panem IN District 12. I'm am 15 years old I have 2 12 year old twin sisters Alexander (Ally) and Nicole (Nikky). After World War 3 destroyed North America the citizens created a country with 12 districts and at the centre is the capital. The capital is the richest part of Panem. It controls everything and everyone. The way I see it the capital is trying to make us believe that with it we wouldn't survive. The capital gives each district a job.

I live with my Gran in the poorest part of District 12. Apart from the capital districts 1, 2 and 4 are the richest districts. District 12 is the poorest. I've lived there being raised since I was 5 and Ally and Nikky were 2. My parents died trying to find a way out. They were caught and killed.

100 years ago there was a rebellion and the capital wipe district 13 off the face of the plant now we have to suffer. Everybody in the capital thinks it's an honour to represent the district but it's not. It's the capital way of showing the districts that they control us. The Hunger Games is torture people parade around for about a week then you're in an entertainment show for amusement.

I lay awake knowing that in 4 hours anyone of us could get chosen to be one of the tributes. Today is the start of the 100th annual hunger games. We learn about the hunger in school as history of the country. When you turn 12 your name is entered into the reaping ball once but you are allowed to enter as many times as you want as a way of supporting your family. You get bread and meat. I'm lucky enough that Gran works in a clothes store and I work at a butcher shop so I get a little money there. To make the game more interesting for the citizens every 25 years there is a twist. This is called the quarter qwell. Last night we sat watching the presentation of what the twist would be on the small TV.

"In the 100th annual hunger games every tribute must bring a relative from the age of 12 to 18 with them into the arena but only 1 comes out. Good luck to all citizens of the districts of Panem and may the odds be ever in your favor." I mouthed the last part because it was said every year more than 100 times.

I got out of the bed I shared with the twins careful not to wake them. I took a cold shower than got them up. When I walked over to the bed Nikky was comforting Ally. Nikky was always much braver than Ally. They were identical by looks but by personality they couldn't be more different. Nicole loved sports and hated school. Alexandra loved Fashion, school and dancing. Nicole hated fashion but she knew how to look nice and be comfortable. "Nina are we going to the arena." Alexandra asked crying into Nicole's arms. I sat on the bed in a shirt that belonged to my dad I put my arms around them.

"Of course not I will do whatever I can to protect the two of you. Nicole why don't you have a shower and I'll talk to Ally?" I looked at Nicole with eyes saying 'please go'. She got the idea and left the room.

"I don't want you to go into the arena either." She started to cry again.

"Look at me Alexandra you won't get chosen your name is only in there once." I knew the only way to calm her down was my necklace. I was in the shape of an ancient Egyptian symbol. The Eye of Horus. I took it off and put it around her neck. "This necklace was Mum's great grandmas. Her name was also Nina. She was given it by a lady called Sarah Forbisher-Smythe. The symbol means protection. Hide it from everyone ok. Mum gave it to gran to give to me before my first reaping."

"Ok" she managed to get out. After a while she stopped crying. She went to brush her teeth and I lied out the best clothes we had on the bed. A pink short sleeved skirt with a pale blue top for Alexandra and a pale blue dress with a pink ribbon around the waist for Nicole. They liked to match when they had to dress fancy. They both had small white ankle boots to go with the outfits. I had a green dress with sleeves and a pair of black flats. Once they both had a shower and got dressed I did their hair. Ally had one braid and Nikky had two Gran than did my long brown hair in a braid with a green ribbon on the end. It was than time for the reaping.

We walked hand in hand down to the centre of the district. There was a stage at the entrance of the justice building and a table at the back of the area. The centre was roped off with a side were all of the parents stand with the children under 12. I walked up to a peacekeeper that was in a white uniform with gloves on. She hold out her hand and pricked my finger so could read the details. I than walked to the centre of the crowed children all scared. I saw Fabian Rutter, My boyfriend, talking to Eddie Miller, my cousin. I gave Eddie a hug and Fabian a quick kiss.

"I really hope Ally or Nikky doesn't get picked." I said holding Fabians hand.

Effie Trinket walked on stage and after the usual introduction and the video was played it was time for the reaping to start. "Ladies first." As she walked over to the bowl with the girls names in it she remind us that twice as many people would go in but family members would join the tributes. She snatched a piece of paper from the bowl and walked to the microphone with the paper in view the whole time. "Alexandra Martin" she called out. What? No. No. No. this wasn't happening not Ally. I looked up from the floor and saw my sisters face. It was full of scared and nervous emotions. I ran from the spot I was standing in to the stage. I took Ally's hand. "I volunteer" I cried. Ally got off the stage and I climbed the stairs. I stood next to Effie scared but I wouldn't let Ally go through that.

"Please tell everyone what your name is and who you will bring into the arena with you." I was so busy worrying about Ally and Nikky I didn't think of that.

"Nina Martin." I looked at Ally and Nikky. Ally was crying and Nikky was comforting her. Nikky looked up at me and mouthed 'I will go'. I shook my head. Then I looked at Fabian and Eddie. Eddie saw me look and started to walk to the stage and climb the stairs. "Um Eddie what are you doing" I whispered.

"Going with you." He replied.

"Well than let's move on to the boys." Effie walked over to the other bowl and put her hand inside. She pulled out a name and walked over to the microphone. "Fabian Rutter."