I was at the reaping of the dreaded Hunger Games. Our escort for little poor District 12, Effie, was standing up on the stage placed in the middle of our town square while we stood below her situated into age and genders. Which means I couldn't be with my sister, Katniss nor my mother who was standing with the Occupants of District 12 that couldn't participate in the games.

The Hunger Games was created 74 years ago by the Capitol. A way for them to pluck 2 children, a boy and a girl, from their home and place them into a random arena they had crafted with only one thing on their minds; Entertainment.

Cruelty comes to mind, Does it not? It's bad enough that the outline districts have to work all day and night for just a scrap of what they get in an hour. Our District was probably the worst off, and District 1,2 and 4 the well-kept. And that was only because they we're the Capitol's pawns, spawning them uniformed Peacekeepers, riches and sea-food. Most importantly, giving them Careers.

In the games the Tributes form District 1, District 2 and District 4 form an alliance, it's just the way it is. Even though it's illegal those three districts have set up training academies' and camps. The capitol allow it, because it provided 'good' entertainment. They're the ones who are most likely to get sponsored, to win. The rest of us are practically sitting groosling's.

So here I am, at the reaping, where they place every person's name that is eligible into a glass bowl. My name was in there once. 1 out of 1000 there's no way it'll be me. Katniss made sure I knew that. This was her last year that she was eligible for the reaping and my first year that I had to take Part.

I re-focused my attention on Effie with her wild pink hair, But no sound was coming out of her moving lips. The only sound that I could hear was a scream, My sister's. Katniss was screaming my name then it hit me.

I'm a tribute.

And no one's there to help me, that's the way it is. Every man for himself.

In no time I was standing on the stage after being ripped by peacekeepers from my place in the roped off areas. Looking over the familiar faces of the people of district 12. Most we're portraying pity, other anger. The same emotions they always feel, I always felt, when a 12 year old was picked for the Games.

I locked in on my sister who was being held back by Peace keepers and her best friend Gale Hawthorne, my mother was beside her looking exactly the way she had for the past 12 years that I can remember; Numbness

" Now for the Boys." Effie's high pitched, Capitol accented voice chirped. I didn't watch as she strolled over to the glass bowl holding the boy's names, I just looked at the floor.

What was I going to do, I can't hunt. My aim's alright I guess, but I'm not strong enough for a weapon. I'm a healer, mother taught me enough about that. But that might just be enough if I could stay hidden -

"Peeta Mellark." Effie Called interrupting my thoughts.

A group of boys moved away from the so called 'Peeta'. He was blonde haired and Blue eyed like me, obviously not apart of the Seam. A merchant's child. I watched him as he walked up to stand next to me, shooting a sorrowful look in my direction.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our Tributes from District Twelve." The Capitolite lady called, clapping joyously. Slowing when no one else joined her, instead they had pressed their middle three soot covered fingers to their mouths and raise them into the air.

The hope I had held shattered. The occupants of District 12 were giving us the Final Farewell.

Hurriedly, Effie placed a delicate hand on our backs and lead us into the Justice Hall where we would say goodbye to our friends and family.

My Mother came in first, her once numb face contorted with pain and tears. She gathered me into her slender arms like she had when I was younger and held me to her chest.

''I love you mom " I croaked.

" I love you two my sweet beautiful girl" I felt the salty tears drip onto the Blonde hair that I shared with the crying woman

'' You will be fine." I promised, my own tears rising in my blue orbs. "Promise me, that you'll be alright?"

Mother nodded and held me closer, the two minuets were up a second later. I hadn't realised how long we had been standing there, crying into each other. I screamed as she was torn from my grip.

I wanted to beg, to beg them to let her stay. Or even to let me go home to the seam, but it wasn't going to happen

" I love you mother" I whispered to myself as the doors slammed shut only to be thrown open again.

Katniss.

" Prim" She gasped " I'm sorry, I'm so very sorry"

" You can't be sorry Katniss, what could you have done"

" Something" She replied " Anything. Volunteered."

I shook my head and let a tear fall " Look after everyone for me?"

She nodded hesitantly "As long as you come home"

I didn't reply, I couldn't reply. It would have been an empty promise that would have to be broken

"Prim there's a chance you could win, play to your skills, don't show weakness and Don't create bonds with anyone you, may have to kill them later on" She said. Kill, I would have to kill if I was to come home. Was there really no other way?

I threw myself into her arms and broke down. I wasn't a fighter, I'm not a killer. I sobbed into her, staining her blue dress with my tears.

"I love you," I gasped. " I'll try to win."

"I need you to come back to me alright little duck" She gave a sad smile and tucked my shirt in like she had done this morning

" Yes Katniss" I nodded.

"Good girl Prim ,I love you "she said before the men clad in white suits dragged her away from me.

"Katniss!" I cried out. "No, Katniss. Don't leave me!"

I stood for a moment in the centre of the room and took in a few breaths. Gravity weighed on my shoulders, making me knee's buckle. Sobs shook my body as the feeling of hopelessness swallowed me. I suddenly hated my petite figure and scrawny limbs. They weren't going to help me win the games.

I need to win the games.

Easier said than done