Chapter 1

I spent an hour looking for Phil's room, but didn't find it.

My stomach rumbled and I realised that I hadn't eaten since the morning of the reaping. Well, it was 5am, and everyone will be awake soon, so what harm would it do in having an early breakfast.

The food here was so elegant and tasteful. I hadn't seen anything like it. There was so much to choose from, and half of the things available I hadn't even heard of.

I just stuck with simple tea and toast. Maybe I would try something fancier when everyone else is awake.

I noticed that there were some books in the corner of the room. I took my breakfast over to the corner and picked out a book. It was a book that I knew very well. A book that started mine and phil's friendship.

The Fault in Our Stars.

It was a cold rainy day in district 10, but it was a special day.

John Green was one of district 10's most well-known victor. He wrote short stories as his talent when he first won the games. Short stories turned into long stories. Long stories turned into chapters. Chapters turned into books.

He wrote books and the people in the capitol went wild for them.

John always requested that he could have a box of books to give out to the children of district 10 – free of charge – so that every child could read his remarkable stories.

Today, he was giving out his newest book, and what is apparently his best written work yet.

I set out to journey to the victor's village. Not many people actually turned up to collect their free copy as lots of people didn't know how to read.

I knew how to read because my father taught me. The first book he read me was called "Don't forget the bacon." It was a pretty stupid book. There was this lady who sent her son out to buy some groceries and that he mustn't forget the bacon, but he kept getting it mixed up with other things. If you haven't already guessed, the boy forgot the bacon.

I've read many books. I have possibly the biggest collection of books in district 10. I love learning new stories.

A few seconds later, I heard another figure approach me. He was tall, but still slightly shorter than me. He had dark hair that was soaked due to the rain. And he had beautiful blue eyes.

"Oh, hi there! Are you getting the new book too?"

Wait? He was talking to me?

"erm…yea. Are you?"

"yea! My names Phil. Phil Lester."

"I'm Daniel. Daniel Howell, but my friends call me Dan. At least they would if I had any friends."

Way to go Dan. You just met a kid that may like books just as much as you do, and you tell him that you are a loner.

"Can I walk with you to Mr Green's house?"

"Um….sure."

Phil looked pretty surprised that I said that we could collect our books together, like he thought that I would turn him away.

"So, have you read any other books?"

"I've read a few. My dad taught me how to read when I was five. Ever since then, I've been collecting books. I could probably start a library."

Phil giggled. "I don't understand how people can't read. The books I've read have given me hope that I might actually have something to do with my life."

Since that day, me and Phil Lester met up and talked about books. Talking about books turned into talking about other stuff, like our interests. Eventually, we ended up being best friends. I still have my copy of The Fault in Our Stars under my pillow. It's comforting to know that it's there, so I know that Phil wasn't just a figure of my imagination. Phil is real and he wants to be my friend. He shares the weirdness that I have…

"Are you getting the new book too?"

I jumped out of the flashback that I was having. I looked up and I saw Phil standing in front of me. He had tearstains flowing down his cheeks and his blue eyes were red and bloodshot.

"Oh Phil!"

I stood up and hugged him. I don't understand why this was happening. This is awful.

"I'm going to help you get through this Dan. I promise. But I want you to understand that I have to help Laura too and give her just as much advice as I give you, otherwise it wouldn't be fair. Now, I want you to know that Laura was my neighbour and she was also in my class in school. She is a really nice girl. This is completely your choice, but I would recommend that you should make an alliance with her. She is the only tribute that you sort of know. I trust her and she said that she would be happy to be your ally as she trusts you because she trusts me."

"Phil…"

I move away from him slightly, a bit overwhelmed with what he was saying. I never expected a mentor speech from Phil.

"Why does this have to be me?"

It was the morning of the reaping. The reaping of the 67th hunger games.

This was my first reaping ever. I had a panic attack the night before. I had nightmares about entering the games. I spend endless hours wondering what would happen to my family if I died.

I went to the Special Place. The place where I first met Phil. We agreed to meet here on the first reaping day. I anxiously waited.

"Hi Dan."

"What's up Phil?"

He seemed to be a lot sadder than usual.

"I don't know what I would do if you were reaped. If you were forced into something as gruesome as the games."

"I would fight. For me. For my family. For you."

"Just promise me that if I go in, promise me you won't do anything stupid."

I was really confused at this comment. How would I do anything stupid?

"No matter how you are feeling or what is going through your mind; do not volunteer to take my place. You are probably worth ten of me."

"Phillip Lester!"

It was another panic attack. Worse this time. I ran to the stage screaming for phil. Tears were streaming out of my eyes. I felt dizzy. Wheezy. Sick.

Why.

Why him?

Why anyone?

The peacekeepers dragged me away to my mother. I hugged her tightly.

"Mum, what happens if he dies?"

"He won't. You know Phil. He is a fighter."

"Dan? DAN! Are you actually paying any attention to what we are talking about?"

I must have dozed off again.

I was sat at the dining table, with Phil and Laura.

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I was saying that you shouldn't go directly to the Cornucopia, instead, you should grab the nearest backpack to you, maybe a knife if its close by, the leg it. Get out of there as soon as possible. They are just trying to pull you in to make more of a scene. To make the show more entertaining for the sick fucks that live in the capitol."

Okay Dan. Take mental notes. Phil will save your life.