I thank whatever the people in District 12 believe in that I work with fires. Having spent a good five hours in the forge with dad, I have to take a bath to get all the soot off before attending the reaping. Having constant access to fire means warm baths.

After drying off, being careful in the small room that was built onto the back of the forge, I get dressed. We use this most days after work so we don't have to come home a complete mess. I'm grateful even more now, because it means one less chance to see that look in mom's eyes. Or Cass's.

As I walk into the square, I'm startled at how silent everyone is. Back in District 2, possible tributes were constantly crowing of their battle skills and couldn't wait to be chosen. Here you could imagine someone had already died. Sure, their last tributes had both survived. But it was only the third time in 75 years for them to do so. It seemed like District 12 doubted that their luck would hold out.

Stepping in line, I wait to have my blood drawn for identification and attendance. They then direct me to a group of girls my age, none that I actually know. I find a place among them and look around. I spot my family on the outskirts of the general crowd. Cass smiles and waves, still not really understanding what's going on. How can he? To a child, this drastic change in the approach to the reaping would appear as if it was something else entirely.

If possible, the clearing seems to grow quieter. I hear a distinct tapping sound, like on a microphone, and look towards the stage. I'm honestly surprised to see Effie Trinket returned to her previous role. I guess the Capital is trying to calm the district by presenting a familiar face. Like that will help.

"Welcome to the 76th Hunger Games, everyone! Wasn't that a lovely break we had?" I can tell she is trying to put on a show. But I can't quite tell for whom. Maybe the Capital. Certainly not the citizens of District 12. Effie continues through what I assume has been her usual speech, explaining the reaping process. The big change is the fact that the use of District 13 and the original rebellion as reasoning for the games is completely left out. All explanation, really, is left out.

During all of this, I take a look at the rest of the people gathered on stage. I recognize Haymitch. He is a well known member of the district, from before and after the war. While he seems to have sobered quite a bit from what I remember in the television recordings, he still can be seen most nights staggering back to the Victor's Circle. Alone.

Next to him is the ever fierce Katniss, who I saw just yesterday. She looks different. Fake. Prettied up for the cameras, and completely furious about it. As I notice Peeta next to her, he lays his hand discreetly on hers, trying to calm her. It doesn't quite work, maybe because he doesn't look too happy either. I'm surprised at the difference between the smiling, light hearted man I met yesterday, and the guarded persona that Peeta displays now. No one could question the solidity of that persona, but having met the real Peeta, the one I assume is never caught on film now, my heart feels weighted.

I'm brought back to reality by a loud throat clearing by Effie. "Let us shake things up a bit and start with the boys this time!" It's sad, in a way, that after everything Effie has witnessed, she can be so casual about resuming her role. Retrieving a ball from the boy's bin, she reads loudly, "Rory Hawthorne."

I would think nothing of the young boy who steps forward from his age group, except for the commotion on stage. A guttural yell comes from Katniss, her face flushed red as she fights against the Peacekeepers holding her arms. They silently escort her into the building behind stage, with her kicking and yelling all the way.

Effie, ever the show saver, motions for Rory to join her on stage. She asks him how he knows Katniss, given her reaction. He simply replies, "She's…my cousin." I can't believe the chances. And I know Katniss has no choice but to mentor him, since she is the only female victor for this district.

When it comes time for the girls to be drawn, I look over at my family, not wanting to face the chances. Cass is fiddling with the new buttons I got yesterday. It seems so long ago that I was simply walking through the Hob on a regular errand for dad. Before all of this crashed into my life. It feels as if that time in the Hob is reality. And this is a terrible dream. I guess mom hastily sewed those buttons on for him to wear on this "special" day. Dad keeps his eyes on mine, trying to send his courage through his gaze. But I can still see how white his knuckles are on the railing…"Briar Kraine."

I can't breathe. There is an audible confusion from the crowd, some not recognizing my name. Since I don't attend school anymore, and tend to keep to myself, the only ones that know me would be customers at our shop.

As I step out of my group, Ii can hear my mom bawling. Sweet, innocent Cass is trying to console her. I have to hold back both a smile and a tear, thankful that he still doesn't understand. I walk up to the stage, and am greeted warmly by Effie.

"Now, I don't believe I've seen you around here before, Miss Kraine. Where have you been hiding yourself?" I can tell Effie is genuinely curious, but trying to play it up for the cameras.

I move towards the microphone, as directed, and say, "I'm originally from District 2. My father was a blacksmith there."It is all I can muster. I know the Capital citizens will go nuts with that alone. The chance to see me battle my past and my present on live television. If they only knew.

There isn't much after that, closing remarks. Everyone on stage is then ushered to where I saw Katniss taken. I'm not able to speak to anyone, not that I would know what to say. Too soon for me to collect my bearings, I am thrust into a plush room, alone.

I am used to these types of furnishings. They were common place back in District 2. Though the smell in here is different. The air smells stale, and I can make out layers of dust on things. I wonder if they have even bothered to look at this room before today.

After a while, my family bursts through the doors. My mom is in hysterics, mumbling incoherently. All I can do is hug her, relishing the warmth and the familiar smell of honey from her favorite soap. "I love you, mom," is all I can think to say.

Next it is Cass's turn. Our dad takes mom to the door, where she is escorted out of the room. I know she doesn't have the heart to see her daughter sent off to slaughter. Trying to focus on Cass, I pull him into my lap. "I love you, you little runt. You know that?" Cass was born premature, and therefore it had turned into my own nickname for him.

Cass, confused still, simply hugs me and plants a big kiss on my cheek. I try to hold back tears for his sake. "Dad says you're going away. He says I can't go with you."

"He's right," I reply. "But I'll be back before you know it! And maybe we can get more of those cinnamon rolls like last night." I poke him in the stomach, earning a laugh. When I can't take it anymore, I give him one final hug and stand.

My dad simply enfolds me in the tightest hug I've ever known. He smells of soot and heat and home. "You're my daughter, Briar. You're more skilled than these kids in District 12, and you have more heart that District 2. You will win." His resolve, whether true or false, is what I need right now.

"I will, dad." Nothing more needs to be said. He kisses me one last time on the top of my head and leads Cass out the door.

Drained, I move to the window, expecting to wait a while for the other tribute to say his many goodbyes. I am surprised to hear the door open again. Especially since the person in the doorway is Greasy Sae.

"What…"

"Come here, child." Sae seems to have no time for nonsense. She motions for me to come to her, she I do. In her hand she holds a black ring. It is a simple band in a black so dark it seems to swallow the light around it. But the polishing on it is extremely thorough and precise. Wonderful craftsmanship.

"Sae, where did you get this?"

"I had you're father make it up this morning." At the surprised look on my face, she continues. "I had a gut feeling it would be you. I wanted to give you something to remember who you are in there. Something like this could have never come from my district before you're father came here. But it's pure coal, something not found in District 2." She slips it on my finger. "It's the best of both."

With that, Sae gives my hand a final squeeze and leaves the room.