Well, here it is :) Chapter 3! I know I have a total of like, 2 readers, but whatever. I really like this story, and I hope you do too :) again, please review…feedback is much appreciated!

Somehow I keep the choked sound inside me while I watch Mica climb the steps, head down. Out of the hundreds of boys in District 4, it just had to be Mica. Why? I couldn't kill my sisters boyfriend, the person she loves most in the world. He looks up and gives me a sad smile. The effort it takes to return the smile is tremendous. I turn back to the crowd, only to see Siena has fainted.

"Do we have any volunteers? We've already had one today, let's keep up this wonderful spirit District 4!" Zaria asks the crowd. Her efforts are pointless. No one will volunteer. Wait. Is that a hand raised? What's going on?

"I volunteer." I hear the voice come from the 17-year-old section, but can't make out who it is. I hear Mica exhale in relief. Zaria is beaming, and again, I want to punch her. The boy makes his way to the stage.

"Well, this is quite an exciting start to the Games, is it not?" Zaria trills, waiting for Mica to get off the stage and the volunteer to take his place. The boy, tall and tan with chocolate brown hair and sea-green eyes takes the stage. "What's your name young man?"

"Kyson. Kyson Rivers." The name is a shock. That's the mayor's son. Why would he volunteer? My eyes dart over to the mayor, whose face looks pale and eyes hollow.

"Wonderful! Let's give it up for this years District 4 tributes, Marlhy Marin and Kyson Rivers!" The cloud claps politely, but the hushed murmurs are hard to miss. Everyone is confused as to how we ended up with two volunteers this year, when one is a rarity. I barely understand myself.

The anthem plays, and we are ushered into the Justice building by a redheaded peacekeeper. I've never been in here, but it's really quite amazing. My room is gorgeous. Murals of the ocean, with real shells imbedded in the walls. The plush couches are the color of sand with dark-brown wooden trim. The carpet is District 4's signature sea green, which doesn't surprise me. I barely have time to look around before Annie comes crashing in. She wraps me in a hug.

"What is wrong with you? Why would you do that? You shouldn't have volunteered, Marlhy." She's sobbing, which makes it hard for me to remain dry-eyed.

"Annie, we both know I have a better shot in the Arena than you would have. You're not a fighter; you're much to caring to kill. I'm not saying I'm ok with it, but I will if I need to. I can handle some weapons, so I at least have a chance." I choke out.

"Mar, we both know that's not the only reason." Annie's right. It's not.

"Annie, the love of your life just kissed you. I couldn't bear to separate you two. And quite honestly, I don't want to lose my best friend." I let the tears run openly now.

"I want you to take this in the arena with you, as your token," she says, placing her mermaid necklace in my hand. It's made of silver, inlaid with small emeralds and other gems in shades of blue and green. "I wore it the day we met. You told me you thought it was pretty." She smiles, remembering the day. Of course, I remember as well.

"Annie," I start, but just end up hugging her and sobbing. We stay like this until she speaks.

"I promise to look after Savannah and Siena. Mica will be there with Siena too, and you know Dysseus will be more than willing to comfort Savannah. They'll have plenty of support back here." Dysseus is Annie's younger brother who has had a thing for Savannah for years. The thought of all the people that will help them is comforting to me.

Too soon, the peacekeepers are there taking her away. We're both sobbing, knowing very well we may never see each other again. My next guests are my mother, Savannah and Siena. I try to hide my tears, but know it's pointless.

"Marlhy, your so strong, you can win. Just make sure you get your hands on a trident, or a spear, or something. You can use both so well. Mar, come home, please." Savannah is amazing in this way. So young, yet so strong. She is the voice of reason, always knowing what to do and what to say.

"I'll try, Sav, you know I will." She wraps her arms around me. Siena walks over, saying nothing. She just joins me in Savannah. When we finally let go, my mother walks over. Her words are simple.

"Don't make me lose a daughter too. I love you, Marlhy. Your determination will get you through this alive. I know it." She holds me close, and I feel a single tear fall onto my shoulder.

"I love you too, Mom." The three of us sit together, embracing, until the peacekeepers take them away. My next guest in unexpected. It's Finnick. I didn't know he could even visit me, being a Mentor. He opens his arms, and I walk into them.

"Marlhy, did you know? Is that why you volunteered?" Finnick murmurs. I don't know how to answer him.

"Yeah, I did. That's not the only reason though. It would have hurt me to lose her just as much as it would have hurt you. You and me both know she wouldn't last a day in the Arena. She's not a fighter. I am." I may not be extremely violent, but I'm determined, and I don't go down without a fight.

"You're so stupid, Marlhy. I guess it doesn't matter though. Either way, there was a possibility of losing someone I love. You're right, though. You have a much better chance of winning. You can handle weapons, and you're strong. Not just physically, but mentally. I'll help you win, I promise Miss Marlhy Marin." He smiles at me, but I know he's not happy in the least.

"Finnick, do you love her? As more than a best friend? Please tell me the truth."

"Marls, come on. Don't tell me you didn't know." Finnick's right.

"I know. Take care of her, ok? If you hurt her, I will come back from the dead and haunt you."

"There's a problem there. You won't be dead, so you can't haunt me. I won't let you die, all right?" Finnick's voice is fierce, and I know he speaks the truth. But there is only so much a mentor can do for you.

When our time is up, we say nothing, knowing we will see each other in a matter of minutes. I have no more visitors. The same redhead peacekeeper leads me to the train station, which is bustling with reporters. I put on a brave face and make my way to the train, my home for the next 2 days.

I know I say this about 20 times per chapter, but please review! I just want some advice, since this is my first FanFic :) Thanks so much to my readers, even though im sure there isn't many :)