AUTHORS NOTE: I do not own 'The Hunger Games', I just liked the story.

SHORT SUMMARY: When Joanna's brother (Levy) is picked as a tribute for the 98th Hunger Games, she only wants to be close to him to help him. Yet, her father does not want to lose her. Help comes from quiet an unexpected corner. But can she be of any help for her brother?


Prologue: Reaping Day

Joanna Stormfury climbed out her bed and looked out the window. The sun was slowly rising and the morning fog was still covering the town. It was way to early! Joanna sighed and looked at the town she had been living in her entire live. It was a pretty town, not that big. Since she lived in District 7, all the houses were not only made of wood, but were also beautifully decorated with wood. There had been some true artist in this town. But Joanna could not enjoy the craftsmanship, for today was the worst day of the year: reaping day. Even at the age of 17, it was the worst thing she could ever think of happening to her. She had spent the last days praying that neither she or her brother would be chosen to fight.
Four hours later the Stormfury family was ready. Father Jaden looked at his children. They all had red-brown curls, like their late mother. His three sons Flynn, Robb and Levy looked more like him, now they got older. But his youngest child and only daughter, Joanna, looked just like her mother. Only Joanna and Levy could be chosen to fight. The last time they would have to worry about Levy and next year would be the last time to worry for Joanna. If they would both make it through this year. So far, they had been lucky all four.
'Alright,' Jaden sighed as he stroked his grey beard and looked at his children, all dressed in taupe. He was nervous and so were they.

Half an hour later, Joanna walked through the crowd. She was searching for her best friend Rain, a pretty black girl with bright eyes. Just like Joanna, Rain was 17 and each year they would stand together hold each other's hand – and be save. Finally Joanna found Rain and immediately they grabbed each other's hand. The man on the stage said some words after the video. Joanna always wondered why people from the Capitol wore so much make-up on their face and dressed up so weird. Well not, all people from the Capitol. Joanna looked over her shoulder and found her brothers and him – Deletrius Seperentoria. His family originally came from the capitol, and he moved back and forth between the district and the capitol. But he never wore make-up or weird clothes, at least Joanna had never seen it. Just like her oldest brother Flynn, Deletrius was 26 and he had always been a very good friend of the family. Deletrius turned his head and smiled to her. Joanna smiled back and quickly turned her head back.
'Of the ladies,' the green haired man on the stage said as he grabbed a piece of paper. Rain and Joanna clinched each other's hands until their fingers turned white. Their breath quickened and no-one made a sound.
'Danee Sawir!' Joanna had no idea who she was, but she thanked the gods she and Rain were safe for one year more. Rain exhaled slowly and raised her eyebrows. A small girl, with long straight black hair walked on the stage, Joanna guessed her around the age of 13. The man congratulated her, but Danee looked like she could cry any moment.
'And of the man,' the man grabbed another piece of paper as the district held its breath, 'Levy Stormfury!'
Joanna felt her heart go cold as the sound around her faded and she only saw her brother step on the stage with his head held high. Arms were lifted and the tributes left.

'Anna!' Joanna blinked with her eyes, Rain and Deletrius stood next to her, 'Come on, girl, your brothers and your father are waiting.'
'For what?' she asked Rain.
'To say goodbye,' Deletrius replied.
'More like a farewell.'