This is my new story. As you can hopefully tell by the title, it's about Haymitch's Hunger Games. It has been floating around in my mind for a while but I never knew exactly how to do it. So this is it. I don't think I will have a beta for this story unless I know them and have had them beat my story before or I beta'd their story. I don't just want some random person doing it for me. For people who have never read my stories then I always dedicate a chapter to someone.

This is going to be from Haymitch's POV unless it says otherwise. I would just like to say that although it is rated T, there will be some swearing because it's Haymitch and that's what he does. Sorry if it offends people but oh well.

Anyway, on with the story.

Disclaimer:I don't own the Hunger Games or any of the characters.

This chapter is dedicated to GaleLover8 who has is a great writer, a great beta and who has thankfully beta'd my other story. Thank you, your are very loyal.

Chapter one: The Reaping

I wake up in my bed, dripping in sweat. I look around and realize that it was all just a horrible dream. Nothing about it was real. Yet. Today is the day of the reaping. The Quarter Quell. Where double the number of kids are reaped for the entertainment of the stupid, sick, twisted Capitol. I just hope my girlfriend, Jaehid, won't be reaped like she was in my nightmare. I change and then slowly open the door, not wanting anyone else to know that I'm awake. The sun is just creeping over the horizon, indicating that its just before 6am. I make my way out of the Seam to town where hardly anything is open. Just the bakery which had nothing that I can afford because we are from the Seam which means that we a typically poor. Jae, my nickname for her, and I are so close that when people talk about on of us, they always mention the other.

The Mellark's have had the bakery since before the rebellion. For over 70 years in fact. I know their son quite well from school. We are in the same class and hang out when I'm not with Jae. He is quite and reserved. I know that he has eyes for Eila Truesworth judging by the way that he look at her when he thinks no one is looking.

I walk into the bakery wanting nothing at all other than company. Imagine my surprise when I find Jae there talking with Anthrax. I quickly hide but make sure that I can hear what the are saying.

"...love him with all my heart, Rax, I really do, but I'm not sure if he feels the same way about me. He has been avoiding me slightly. Never meeting my eyes and little subtle stuff like that. I think he might even break up with me. There may even be another girl. The reaping is today Rax! What if he is reaped of if I'm reaped? I don't want that to happen but there is an even more likely chance that it will because of the stupid Quarter Quell."

I chose this moment to make myself known. I walk into the shop with a smile on my face. I try act surprised but fail horribly.

"You know Hay, It's rude to eavesdrop. How much did you hear?" Asks Jae in a slightly accusing tone.

"Enough to know that you are being ridiculous. I feel the same way about you, Jae. I love you as well. I would never leave you for anyone else. Ever. I promise. I we were older I would ask you to marry you but we can't just yet. I assure that there isn't anyone else and that one day we will both be happy," I say, expecting her to be slap me for some reason or another but all I get is a passionate kiss on the lips. She is obviously elated at my truth telling. I still can't get over the fact that you thought I was with someone else.

When she finally lets me go, I look and see Anthrax looking a bit uncomfortable and I don't blame him. That was some passionate kissing from both of us. I turn back to Jae and notice that she is slightly flushed.

"I still can't believe that you thought I was cheating on you. The mere thought is just simply ridiculous. You are the most beautiful girl in all of District 12. And maybe Panem," I say comfortingly to her. I like doing this because it makes her feel wanted and loved from people other than her family.

I hear and odd sort of cough that came from Rax, which sounded oddly like 'Eila'. I laugh and punch him lightly on the shoulder causing him to do the same. Jae looks at us like we're insane. I don't think she heard the cough which is a good thing. I think.

"Listen, I have to get going. I need to wake up my parents and younger brother. See you around yeah?" Says Jae. The she adds as though an after thought, "Oh, and Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favour," she finishes with a smirk, mimicking our escorts signature saying. The mood darkens slightly at the reminder of the reaping later on, but still continues to be upbeatish.

"Can I come with you?" I ask. Her parents are like family to me. Well, if I had my way then they will be. But we are to young and I don't want to force it, as I constantly remind myself every time I think about marrying her.

"Yeah sure. They love you like a second son. You know that right?" I nod because that is the only thing I can do. I already knew that and so does everyone else in the District that knows us.

We say our goodbyes to Rax and he says the same to us at the same time. We laugh again, but this time Jae joins in on the laughter. We are in high spirits as we leave, heading towards Jae's house which is so close to mine that we consider each other as neighbors.

As two o'clock approaches, I leave Jae's house after hearing stories from her parents for mine. My parents are tense and are dressed, ready to go. Mother helps me dry my hear and comb it while Father dresses me in some smart clothing that the people of the previous civilization of America used to find, as Mother puts it, 'stylish'.

As we leave the house, Father pulls me to one side and waves for Mother to continue on.

"Listen, Mitchy." I grimace at the nickname that Mother uses all the time. Father only used it when he is worried for me or has a sentimental moment. Like now I guess.

"We all know that the odds are definitely not in your favour. We promise that if you do get chosen we will take care of Jae. I know that Anthrax will do his best as well. We all know that his parents like you and her. She will be well fed. I know that if you are chosen, that you will do everything in your power to make sure you can get back to her. If you have to kill anyone on the way, then we won't think any worse of you. I promise," Father says. He rarely says things like this, so when he does, I always take to heart what he says. I know that Jae will be looked after. Thats not what I'm afraid about. I'm afraid that Jae will be reaped.

"It's like you can read my mind," I joke. He smiles at that.

"Well, I have known you for 16 years. And I am your Father."

We head to the square where it's starting to fill with people. I give the Peacekeeper my name and age, then quickly head over to the section for the 16 year olds.

I find Jae talking to some girls who giggle at something she said then fall silent. Everyone is so tense that it's hard to make conversation. I have always been good at hiding my emotions, so for all the other people know, I could be the happiest person in the world. Which I'm not.

Just then three people walk onto the stage. Our escort. Our mayor. And our only living victor.

Our escort walks onto the stage. Her name is Paliath Palmer and she's from the Capitol. She is 30 with long, jet black hair with chocolate brown eyes and an upbeat, slightly pompous manor. Her voice doesn't have a thick Capitol accent which we are all thankful for. It's hard enough trying not to laugh when President Snow does a special broadcast.

Mayor Naclesmith is our mayor. He's fifty and has graying hair. People say that his hair used to be blonde when he was younger. His eyes are sky blue and his face a some wrinkles in them. Many people in our district regard him as a father. He is old enough to be some of our fathers.

Our only living victor is Gunther Snalic. He won the 17 Hunger Games where all the had to kill each other with was their fists. It was a straight fist fight where only the strongest would survive. He was born the year the the Games started. He is built like a bear, with big shoulders and muscles everywhere. You would think that after nearly 33 years since his Games he would get out of shape, but no. But no, he runs everyday and lifts some form of weights as well. His face is flawless with no wrinkles and golden hair.

I'm snapped out of my thoughts by Paliath walking onto the stage. She gives her usual speech on how it's an honour to be here and all that crap. We all know that she's lying. She's dying to get promoted to District 4. It's common knowledge that she loves the sea.

"Ladies first!" She says. On by one he pulls out some names. Only one I recognize, Maysilee Donner. She's Eila Truesworth best friend. I only know this because Rax practically stalks her Eila.

Finally, after lots of shed tears and screaming, he reaches the boys. He finally gets to the last name and I know before he even calls it out that it's me.

"The second and last male tribute is Haymitch Abernathy!" I hear a wail of despair from Jae.

I knew that it was me and I was right.

I hate being right.

So there you have it. That's the first chapter. It's only a short chapter because I just want to set the scene. I'll try to get the next chapter out by Tuesday but I can't promise. I have a ton of homework. I'm planning to go through nearly every Hunger Game leading up to the 74 Games. There will be a saddening part of the story when someone that I love already(and I hape that you grow to love them as well)go to the games. Hope you like it and as always, REVIEW!