I grasp the knife in my hand and aim for my target. I draw my arm back and hurl the it at the dummy before me. It skewers it though the heart. I smile. I can't wait until I have a chance to throw a knife into a real body, not a human shaped figure made of straw. After practicing this for five years, I can never miss. The second knife thuds into the dummy's head. By the end of the training session, it would become merely a pile of straw.

As I look around, I can see the Gamemakers watching - or ignoring - us. I will prove to them that I have the ability to win the Games. But they keep focusing their attention on the District 12 tributes. I know that what their stylists created for them last night does not prove anything about their worth, but the they seem to be favored more than the others. The Gamemakers will see how useless they are when they have a knife sticking out of their backs.

The third knife I throw slices the dummy's throat and cuts its head off, and I savor the satisfaction of finally being able to prove myself in the Games.

...

"I think we have a shadow." whispers the blond boy, right before he throws his spear."I think her name's Rue."

"What can we do about it? " says the dark-haired girl in a harsh tone. She was the one who had volunteered for her little sister. I remember her name now. Katniss.

"Nothing to do," the boy replies, "Just making conversation."

I slip up and join them at different stations. I see that Katniss is also good with plants and climbing. They watch as I practice with the slingshots, hitting the target every time. But I know that is not enough. So does Katniss. The expression of sadness is unmistakable on her face. As she turns away, I see a flash of light on her clothing. She's wearing a pin made of pure gold. A mockingjay suspended in flight, it's wingtips barely touching the ring around it. I love mockingjays, how they sing so beautifully. Immediately, I decide that I could trust her.

The Gamemakers were drunk. I can tell by their sluggish movements. They have their eyes fixated on a feast being set up before them. I take a deep breath. Less than half of them are watching me, and I feel so nervous, but I continue at my plan. I take a deep breath and walk calmly to the climbing station and climb up the fake tree set up there. Then I jump off. A few seconds later, I was flying around the training equipment without touching the ground once. Many of the Gamemakers who are watching nod in approval, and some look slightly impressed. Finally, I jump to the center of the gym and make a low bow to the Gamemakers. The one in the center, the Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane, nods his head and says "You are dismissed." I walk out slowly, hoping that I would get a good score.

I hold my breath as my picture flashes on the screen. Then a number 7 comes up. Seven! Cecilia smiles at me and Chaff slaps me on the back. Thresh just nods, but my escort - I never even tried to remember her name - is cheering loudly. Hope blooms inside me. Maybe. Maybe, I'll have a chance to win.