Hey guys! So after writing this chapter, I decided to raise Ashanti's age to 15. I think that it may come as more of a suprise to the family if she is chosen after 3 years of not getting picked.

I had so much fun with this chapter. I couldn't wait a week to post it. Thank you to the 117 of you who read my story, 5 of you who reviewed and 5 who favorited.

I will try and get a new chapter up in the next week!

R&R

Ashanti stood with her best friend, Nahla. The two of them had been through everything together. And now, this, together. They knew they were more than friends but that was not allowed. They knew that if someone found out, they would both die. So they kept their secret. The two of them held hands in the first section of girls and stared straight forward. Ashanti glanced at her 'best friend' and sighed. This could be one of their last encounters. But she put it out of her mind as quick as it came in when her mother stepped to the middle of the stage.

Effie had become more sympathetic during The Reaping. After the attempted Rebellion, she was allowed to start living in 12. That was when she realized what it did to families and children. She was required to play the video and say a certain speech but she always added parts about how she was truly sorry that this was happening.

Effie's makeup was done perfectly but her face was solemn and scared. "Ladies first." She plunged her hand into the glass bowl and plucked one name out of the masses. You could see her hands shaking from a mile away. Her bright blue dress shone in the sun and her white wig was piled on top of her head. She glanced at Haymitch. He nodded for her to open the folded paper in her hand. She opened it. Effie looked at the paper and held back a scream. She dropped the paper to the ground. "Ashanti Abernathy" She whispered.

Nahla let go of Ashanti's hand. Ashanti stared at her mother. Her heart started to race. She wanted to go somewhere else. Somewhere not in the middle of her district. Somewhere no one was watching her, waiting for her to move. She shot a terrified face to her father who was shaking and doing breathing exercises so he wouldn't lose his temper. The girls made a clear path for her to walk up to the stage. She walked slowly up the stairs. Effie was waiting and gave her a hug. "I am truly sorry Ashanti. May the odds be ever in your favor. And now onto the boys."

Effie drew a name out of the transparent dish. "Haydrian Alderam." The boys gasped. Haydrian Alderam was the most popular boy in 12. He was athletic, smart, and kind. He knew everyone's name and helped those in need. Haydrian had dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes. They shone like the ocean. He had an offer to become a Peacekeeper. He had a chance to get out of 12. But he was 18 and his birthday was in 4 days. He was so close.

Haydrian made it up to the stairs and Effie gave him a hug. Haydrian then stood by Ashanti and he hugged her. But a real hug. Not a phony side hug, a hug that makes you feel warm inside. They had been friends for years. They would run around the woods with each other. "The tributes from District 12."

Effie walked into Town Hall followed by Haydrian helping Ashanti then by Haymitch, Katniss, and Peeta. The doors closed and Effie led Haydrian to his Goodbye Room. The got to Ashanti's and Effie fell to the floor. Ashanti ran to her mother sobbing. Haymitch held the two of them in his arms for what seemed like hours until the peacekeeper told them they had to do some business outside. They parted ways as Effie and Haymitch walked through the big wooden door.

It seemed like forever until someone came barreling in. Nahla came running through the door and before Ashanti had a moment to think, Nahla kissed her on the lips. They stood with their foreheads touching and hearts racing. "I love you. You have to win. You...you can fight. I've seen you and Haydrian in the woods. You both can win."
"I love you too. I promise I will try. I will come home." They held each other until the guard pulled Nahla out.
"Be safe!" Nahla yelled.

Ashanti knew that those were the last words she would ever hear from her girlfriend.