My mind was too focused on Katniss and what I now thought about her to even realise the fact that Effie was picking the male tribute. Well at least I didn't realise until I heard the name I had been so worried about.

"Peeta Mellark."

My body crumpled at that moment and I heard a noise come from inside of me that wasn't human. How could this be happening? It must all be a nightmare. A terrible, terrible nightmare. The girls around me looked at me as if something was wrong with me, but then they stopped after they realised where we were. I called out Peeta's name but my voice was muffled by my own hand. I had to be strong for him. I stood back up and look at him to see how he was holding up. His face was fearful. I wish someone would volunteer for him. I would, he has too much happiness in him for something like this to happen.

Only one of his brother's was still young enough to volunteer for him but it was clear he wasn't going to. I understand family love only goes so far and I know that Basil loves Peeta but dying for him is just too much.

Peeta walks up to the stage and it's clear that he's trying to be as strong as he can but it's just not working. I can see how terrified he is, but nobody judges him for it. At this time the mayor and Effie say a few more things than the tributes are taken by the peacekeepers to a room where their family and friends can say goodbye to him. I walk over to Peeta's family and see that they all have tears in their eyes. Basil is sobbing though, he keeps repeating:

"I should have volunteered, I should have volunteered when I had the chance."

I walk over to him and gently hug him and comfort him. I tell him that's it's Ok, that I'm sure Peeta understands. I tell him that Peeta is strong and that there is a possibility that he will come back to district twelve. Come back to me.

Peeta's family and I make our way to the Justice Building. Peeta's family go in to see him first, then Delly Cartwright. Then finally, me.

As soon as I get in the doors my arms go around him. I hugged him like it's the last time I ever will. It probably is the last time I ever will. We stand in silence for a few seconds.

"You know I'm not coming back, right?" He whispers. "I'm not strong enough. My mother said that maybe district 12 will have a victor this year. But, she didn't mean me. She meant her. I'm going to do everything in my power to get her back home. Even though it means dying."

"Peeta, don't. You can't do this. You can win. I need you, your family needs you. Please at least try. I can't live without you; you're all I have left. Please." I beg.

Once again we fall silent, we only have a minute left but I can't seem to find anything to say. We're still holding on to each other when the peacekeepers come in to take me away.

"Peeta, I... I." I stammer. Just say it, Echo. Just do it. It's the last time you might ever see him alive.

"You what?" He asks.

"I. Nevermind. Just come home alive. Come back to me." I can't say it. I can't tell him that I love him.

Then the peacekeepers drag me out of the room before he can respond.