A/N: Hey guys! It's been forever since I've updated, and I'm so sorry! I have been really busy and I totally forgot about the story, but you guys are lucky because this is my favorite chapter! If you don't remember, I am already at I think the District 6 or 7 Reaping because I started uploading it when I was already way ahead, and I'm just going to keep updating till you guys are caught up. I have figured out a schedule and all my parts will be uploaded on Thursdays and Mondays! Oh my gosh, it's Halloween! For your treat I will be uploading two chapters today! Anyway, I love Halloween so much I have my costumes picked out for the next four years! Love you guys! Enjoy the chapter

Jo Keener was 14 years old. She was training to volunteer for the Hunger Games when she was 18. She planned to master a different weapon and way of hand to hand combat every year. She had already mastered knife throwing, boxing, sword fighting, karate, spear throwing, tae kwon doe, archery and Kung fu. She had been training since her 10th birthday. She was the fastest runner in district 2. She could also swim as if she was from district 4. She could barely wait for her 18th birthday. Jo's favorite tribute was Clove she had always admired her knife throwing skills. Both her and her training partner used custom built weapons so they would have an advantage in the games if they were at a loss of resources which wasn't likely. She only had one friend, her training partner, but she didn't care. Her only friend was also her crush, his name was Gabe Duncan. She would do anything for him.

When Jo woke up she put on her blue tank top, matching sweat pants and running shoes. She walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. She took out a carton of milk. She opened the pantry, and took out a box of Honey Nut Cheerios. She opened a cabinet and took out a small bowl. She closed the fridge, pantry and cabinet as soon as she realized she forgot to close them. She poured some cereal into the bowl and then poured some milk into the bowl. Jo opened the silver ware drawer and took out a spoon. She closed the drawer, and put the spoon in the bowl. She put the cereal and milk away. Jo picked up her cereal, and sat at the dining room table. She ate her breakfast, and put the dirty dishes in the sink. Jo walked into the bathroom and brushed her hair and teeth.

She put her hair in a messy ponytail. Jo checked to see if her dad was awake. If he wasn't she would have to practice by herself. She checked the living room, the guest room, the back room and lastly his bedroom. He was passed out on his bed. Her dad didn't usually ever sleep in, but she decided not to wake him. She wondered if Gabe would be up at 6:30. Probably not. Jo really didn't want to train by herself, but she also really didn't want to be the reason why the whole Duncan household woke up at 6:30 A.M. She grabbed her phone, and put it in her pocket. Jo jogged out the door and started her morning jog to The Training Center.

Gabe Duncan was 14 years old. His family didn't train for the Hunger Games, but Gabe rebelled against that. His parents knew, and were fine with it, but worried. They didn't want to lose Gabe. Gabe had a training partner named Jo Keener. They decided on Jo's 10th birthday every year they'd learn a new weapon. Gabe excelled in sword fighting, knife throwing, spear throwing and archery. Jo was better than he was in knife throwing and archery, but he was better than she was at sword fighting and spear throwing. He had a small crush on Jo, but he wasn't sure if she liked him back so he never mentioned it.

When Gabe awoke it was 6:35. He usually didn't wake up until 7:00 So he was a little groggy. He put on a white t-shirt, black skinny jeans and blue high tops. Gabe walked down the stairs, and into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and took out some bread. He put the bread in the toaster, and waited for it to toast. As soon as the toast came out he put some butter on it and put it on a plate. He started eating his buttery toast. When he finished, he walked into the bathroom, and brushed his hair and teeth. Gabe picked up his phone and called Jo. "Hello? Gabe? What are you doing up?" She answered. "I decided to wake up early this morning. Anyway want to walk to The Training Center with me?" He asked almost flirtatiously. "Sure, I'm almost to your house. Wait for me." Jo asked clearly stunned, but since Gabe is oblivious to everything he didn't notice. (A/N: Why did I write that, and why is that the most hilarious thing in the world to me? I guess I'm just weird like that. By the way I write this with my iPad so if there is any misspelling PLEASE TELL ME! Oh, and only the kind of rich districts get cell phones if you are confused.) "Okay, I will be outside my door." He replied not knowing what else to say. "K, I will be there in a few minutes." She said awkwardly. "Bye, Jo." He said going off into LaLa Land. (A/N: What am I writing?) "Bye, stupid." She said playfully.

Gabe hung up, and was disapointed that she used her old nickname for him. (A/N: So many Author's Notes, but again oblivious to everything he wouldn't know playful if it hit him in the face. At least that's my version of him. Some things he can see, but he can't tell about the little things ironically that's usually the most important, Self: Shut up, you are boring the audience. Madness: I'm sorry!) He shrugged it off, and went outside to wait for Jo. Within a few seconds he could see Jo sprinting to his doorstep. He smiled at how fast she could run. Who was he kidding? He was smiling at everything about her. She reached his doorstep and smiled at him. He was staring at her which was making her blush. "What?" She asked starting to worry if she looked horrible or repulsive. "Huh?" He asked snapped out of his daze. "Why are you staring at me, Gabe?" She asked growing impatient. "Oh, um, I, uh, No reason." Gabe said stupidly. "Oh yeah, I'm going to believe that. What's going on Gabe?" Jo asked with a tint of aggravation. "Nothing, I just was waiting for you to start our walk." He said trying to play it cool. "Oh, okay, I can live with that for now, but I will find out what you're hiding from me." She said intimidatingly.

Ugh what if he wasn't hiding hiding anything... gosh I'm so stupid, she thought. She didn't want to keep him waiting so she grabbed his hand and started running to the Training Center. He wasn't nearly as fast she was so he was struggling to keep up so she started to slow down to a walking pace, but she didn't let go of his hand. It almost felt right in hers. He liked it so he didn't question it. They walked past a group of popular girls that like to flirt with Gabe because they know it annoys Jo. They tried to get Gabe's attention, but Gabe ignored them. He kept walking with Jo. "I hate them. Always trying to flirt with you." Jo said annoyed. "Is someone jealous? Does Jo like me?" Gabe said pushing it way too much. "Me? Jealous? And liking you? What planet do you come from?" She jabbed with a disgusted face. "Then why have you been holding my hand this whole time?" He said rudely and failing to be witty like her. She looked down at their hands, and she let go. She started running again to get away from him and annoy him. He started running after her and yelling for her to slow down. She didn't listen, and kept running. He started sprinting towards her, and got right behind her. Before she could speed up he grabbed her arm.

WARNING: MAJORLY UNNECESSARY DRAMA AHEAD

"Jo. Stop. Running. Before. I. Pass. Out." He said panting. She came to a complete stop, and turned around. She had her mad face on. "Why? So you can start accusing me of liking you again!" She yelled over dramatically. "I was joking. But I know you were jealous." He said with a sly grin. "I was not jealous! I was mad that they distract you from training with me." She said as a matter of factly. "That's called jealousy, Jo." He said patting her shoulder and trying to keep a straight face. "Oh, that's what you thought I was jealous about. I thought you meant something different." She said instantly regretting it. "What'd you think I meant?" He asked OBLIVIOUS TO EVERYTHING. "It's nothing important so lets get walking!" She said nervously thanking President Snow that he was so clueless. They started jogging because it was now 7:00 and the reaping started at 11:00. So if they hurried they would have one hour for each weapon, and that doesn't even include Jo's hand to hand combat. With that schedule they would be late for the reaping so they would have to skip practicing two weapons.

WARNING: MAJORLY UNNECESSARY DRAMA ENDED

They finally got to The Training Center at 7:05. They rushed in and Jo started practicing archery. She never misses so practicing is almost pointless. She only does it to keep her at the never missing level. Gabe started practicing sword fighting. Before they knew it it was 8:00. So, Jo switched to knife throwing, and Gabe switched to spear throwing. Neither of them ever missed so if they were in the Hunger Games they'd win for sure. For those of you who don't live in Panem ever since the 74th Hunger Games two people could win as long as they were from the same district. Another hour went by and it was 9:00. Jo and Gabe started jogging out of The Training Center, and set out for home.

The walk back to Gabe's house was uneventful. Jo and Gabe walked on to Gabe's front porch. "See you at The Reaping Gabe." Jo said shyly. "One more thing before you leave." He said a smile appearing on his lips. "What is i-" Jo was interrupted by Gabe's lips on hers. She certainly wasn't expecting it, but once her brain processed what was going on she put her arms around his neck. He put his arms around her waist. Teddy and PJ, Gabe's older siblings, were watching them through the window, and celebrating. They'd always thought Jo and Gabe were perfect for eachother. When Jo was about to pull away due to lack of oxygen PJ and Teddy ran away from the window. Jo and Gabe were blushing. Jo was a little pink meanwhile Gabe was a cherry tomato. "See you at The Reaping stupid." She said thinking that her crush on him was obvious. "Why do you always call me that?" He asked stupidly. "If you havent figured it out yet you really are stupid." She replied mysteriously. (A/N:Oh my gosh this paragraph totally reminded me of How To Be A Heart Breaker by Marina and the Diamonds! If you have never heard that song you need to listen to it, NOW! I'm going to save the rest of my author's notes til the end.) She started running back to her house leaving him in shock because he had just figured it out.

He walked into his house grinning from ear to ear. He walked into his room he shared with PJ, and started picking out his Reaping clothes. "So, do you have a new girlfriend or what?" PJ asked excitedly. "She's not my girlfriend." Gabe retorted clearly annoyed by his question. "Then why did you kiss her?" he asked clearly not getting the hint to stop. "You spied on us?! Why?" Gabe yelled outraged. "Gabe, when Toby comes home with a girl you will understand." PJ said wisely Toby was Gabe's baby brother. He also had a little sister named Charlie, short for Charlotte. Gabe shrugged off the fact his big brother spied on his first kiss. He went back to picking out his reaping clothes. He decided what he was wearing was good enough. He picked up his phone and started texting Jake, his only friend besides Jo. "Hey Jake! Guess what I just did." "What did you just do?" Jake texted trying to be smart. "I kissed Jo, and she kissed back so obviously she likes me." Gabe texted cockily. "The only thing that would make this more awesome would be if you guys started going out. When's that happening?" Jake teased. "Probably later today because that's when I'm asking her out." Gabe texted excitedly. "Awesome! See you at The Reaping. Happy Hunger Games." "And may the odds be ever in your favor." Gabe texted thinking about that stupid capitol accent.

Jo couldn't believe Gabe just kissed her moments ago, and that she pretty much admitted her feelings for him. She could still feel the kiss on her lips. Jo wanted to look extra special for Gabe now. She ran to her room, and started looking through her closet for the few dresses she owned. She found the dress she wore to her first reaping with Gabe. Jo decided to put that on because he was all over her that day. The dress had a pinkish purple skirt and black top. She put on some black heels, and went into the bathroom to curl her hair. Jo couldn't wait for Gabe to see her. She may be aggressive and a tomboy, but she likes to dress up too.

When she was finished getting ready it was 10:00 so she had 30 minutes to text Gabe, but first she had to check if her dad was awake yet. She walked into her dad's room, and he wasn't there. She didn't investigate where he was because she wanted to text Gabe. "Hey Gabe! You ready for The Reaping?" "Yep, and I know why you call me stupid." "Why do I call you stupid then?" "You have a crush on me." "What? Me? Have a crush on you? Haven't we already had this discussion?" "Just admit it. You ❤ me" "Don't flatter yourself." "We're still walking together right?" "Yup. ❤❤❤ ya as a friend. -_- " "Ya right..."

Jo ran out the door to meet up with Gabe. This was going to be a long walk.

CAUTION: MORE UNNECESSARY DRAMA AHEAD

Gabe was waiting for Jo when Taylor Flint started flirting with him. "Hey Gabe, looking hot today." She said flirtatiously. "What do you want Taylor?" Gabe asked with heavy annoyance in his voice. "You Gabe, thats what I want." Taylor said creepily. (A/N: Wow what a slat, [Haha instead of saying bad words I say words that are close I read that and laugh at myself] I swear I want to just end every sentence that comes out of her imaginary mouth with she said Slattily) "Taylor, either go away by yourself or in an ambulance, either way works for me," Gabe threatened. "You couldn't hurt me, and you know it." She said like a tramp. "True, but my girlfriend could." He lied. "You don't have a girlfriend." She said rudely. "Oh, yes I do. Here she comes now." He said stupidly. Gabe pointed to Jo, and Taylor pecked him on the lips and skipped away. Oh boy, Jo is going to be mad, he thought. Jo started stomping towards him with what he could've sworn were tears in her eyes, but he knew Jo doesn't cry for anybody. Not even him. "What was that? Do you have a new girlfriend." She yelled raging. What NEW girlfriend I didn't even have an old girlfriend." Gabe said confused. "Why do you think I kissed you back hmm?" She screamed in rage and agitation. "Oh, so you do like me? You said you didn't so you lied to me." He said raising his voice. "Ugh boys are so stupid. When a girl says she doesn't like you it means she does! Idiot!" She screamed. "I'm confused. Do you like me or not?" He asked confused.

CAUTION: MORE UNNECESSARY DRAMA ENDS HERE

She was getting tired of explaining things to him so she grabbed the collar of his shirt and crashed her lips on his. He put his arms around her waist, and she got her fingers tangled in his brown hair. Of course PJ and Teddy were spying on them again. They were doing a victory dance because they told Taylor to start hitting on Gabe. They knew Jo would get jealous, and accidently admit her feelings for Gabe. They never thought she'd do it like this. That was a bonus. They hid again because Gabe and Jo were starting to pull away. "Does that explain everything to you?" She asked in a normal voice again. "Yep, pretty much." He said smiling. "So, will you go out with me?" "What do you think, Stupid?" She asked giggling. "I'll take that as a yes." He said charmingly

They started walking to The Justice Building hand in hand. They walked past the girls that always try to flirt with Gabe. Jo was about to lunge on them, but to show her that he only has eyes for her he grabbed her face and kissed her right in front of Jo's enemies. They stared at Jo and Gabe with their jaws dropped. When the couple pulled away Jo smiled at him, and they started walking again. They were still holding hands, and Jo put her head on Gabe's shoulder. They walked the rest of the way to The Justice Building uninterrupted.

The couple finally arrived at The Justice Building just in time. They waited in line to get their fingers pricked, and were forced to split up. Jo walked to the 14 year old girls' area, and Gabe walked to the 14 boys' area. They watched Debbie Dooley, the district 2 escort, walk on stage with an obnoxiously bright yellow peplum dress with matching 9" heels and a matching bow hat. She wore banana yellow lipstick and eyeshadow with light yellow eyeliner. Behind her came Enobaria, Brutis, and Mayor Bob. (A/N: Not Bob as in Gabe's dad Bob as in Bob the Builder! Get it Masonry, Bob the Builder? Sorry, bad joke, but all of my mayors are like this I remember district 1's is Paris as in Paris Hilton because it's the luxury district, but yeah I'm done now.)

"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor. Before we get started we have a special treat from the capital." Debbie said in her annoyingly peppy voice and accent. The 'treat' wasn't anything special it was the same video they show all the districts every year. Jo and Gabe looked at each other, and Jo pretended to fall asleep. This made him laugh. They both found Debbie very annoying, so Gabe decided to imitate her facial expressions. Jo giggled. The video ended, and their attention went back to Debbie. "Now, the time has come to pick our tributes for The 78th Hunger Games. Ladies first." Debbie squealed and smiled like an idiot. She is always trying to be like the district 12 escort Effie Trinket. Debbie pranced over to the bowl full of girl's names. She picked out a name at the very top. She walked back to the microphone and read the name on the paper. "Teddy Duncan." She practically yelled because Jo could've sworn that district 12 could hear what she said. Jo looked from PJ to Teddy to Mr. and Mrs. Duncan to Gabe. She couldn't let his sister die so, she did something she wasn't ready for. "I volunteer as tribute!" Jo shrieked with passion.

"Looks like we have a volunteer. Come on up dear." Debby said warmly. Jo walked up to the stage. Gabe was frozen he couldn't believe his training partner had just volunteered without consulting him. They were supposed to go into The Games together. He mouthed to Jo. "What are you doing?" "I'm sorry." Jo mouthed back. "What is your name, dear?" Debbie asked with fake sincerity. "Josephine Keener," Jo snapped harshly. She wasn't putting up with someone who is 100% plastic surgery, Makeup and being fake "Well, let's give a warm round of applause to our volunteer!" Debbie said peppily again. People clapped, but the Duncan family touched three fingers to their lips and held them up. They could never repay her.

"Now, for the boys." Debbie said awkwardly. She walked over to the bowl full of boy's names. She picked one at the top again. She walked back to the microphone and read the name. "Rodney Dabney II!" Debbie cheered. "I volunteer!" Gabe exclaimed before anyone could process who got picked. Jo looked at Gabe with widened eyes. She shook her head. He nodded his. He walked up to the stage. "Another volunteer! What's your name?" Debbie said with more pep. "Gabriel Duncan." He said flatly. "I bet my hat that was your sister called earlier. Wasn't it?" Debbie said recycling yet another Effie Trinket phrase. "Yes, yes it was." He said a little bit more enthusiasm.

"Go on you two shake hands." Debbie said pushing them towards each other. Jo didn't want to shake hands she wanted to leap into his arms and feel safe, but they wouldn't let her do that. She didn't care she still didn't shake hands with him. Instead she hugged him. Gabe hugged her back. He could tell she wanted to stay there forever, but she had to let go so she did. So did he. They walked into The Justice Building so people could say their goodbyes to them.

A/N: Really corny I know, but the next one is filled with drama and it's really long. I think. So, yeah stay tuned for the next chapter! I think I'm going to put Introductions and Reapings together too so the chapters will be longer and everything will run so much faster. Since there were so many Author's Notes all I have to say is DAWWWWWW! I love this chapter soooooo much it's so cute! Anyway, I'm so grateful for the readers that stuck with me when I took a 50 million year break. Also, I'm going to try a schedule for this story so updates will be MUCH quicker. I love you guys so much! Bye! (SPOILER ALERT: The schedule didn't work and I'm slow as ever)