It was a dream...it had to be...right? WRONG! I felt myself in a daze, my feet moving slowly, dragging on the gravel. Not even a full day of being 12 and I'm in the Hunger Games. As I walk, I accept reality, and then I embrace it. With a determined grin, I strode onto the stage and gave a swift, nonetheless elegant bow. Though I was dying inside, I was going to just have to be the embodiment of confidence. Effie shook my hand and was about to speak when I shoved her aside and the words flowed like a gentle, beautiful stream.

"Time after time after time. Did you know my Aunt I never met died in the Games."

Peeta Mellark's head slowly turned, cocking to one side inquisitively.

" Before that, my Grandfather died in the last Quarter Quell."

Peeta's eyes widened.

" And my dear, dear Aunt, the most important thing to my father before he had a family. Yes, in these Hunger Games. The games took Primrose. The games took Haymitch. The games took..."

"KATNISS!" Peeta fell out of his chair. He scrambled over to me and grasped my hand. He rose it high in the air and bellowed. " This is a true Tribute, one who can be a Victor!"

The crowd went wild. Effie rushed me to the justice building where my family and I said goodbye. Then we were in the train, full speed ahead.

I watched the recap of the Reapings. Mine was by far the most dramatic. But there were the Careers.

District 1 had 2 gigantic Careers, Nova and Plush.

District 2, 2 more Careers. Vinny and Cream

District 4 with a girl Career, Boanna. District 10 with a volunteer girl, Harpa.

The others were crying and terrified. The food on the train was delicious. I stayed in the dining area, but averted my gaze from Maysie. I was going to have to kill her. Maybe, maybe not, but if I was going to win, she was going to be dead.

The Capital came into view and we went in to meet our stylists. Mine was a large, skinny woman named Venia. She opened a safe marked 100. Below that was Boy drawings by ~~Cinna~~. I asked her what we would be wearing for the opening ceremonies. She just smiled a knowing smile.

I gulped.