I couldn't sleep that night. Although the whole train was dark, I kept the lights on and walked around until a servant came in who gave me a book so I wouldn't be bored the rest of the night. 'The others will get it towmorrow' he said 'But please, be quiet and try to sleep.'

I sat down on the bed and looked at the book. It was about a hundred pages and the title was 'A despcription of the 97th Annual Hunger Games'. I found a note inside it. It was made of thick paper and had the Head City mark in the top corner.

Dear Tribute who's about to participate in the 1st New Games,

You've been given the exceptional honour to participate in the very first Games of the New Continent. You ought to be happy that you are given such an experience. We, the Head City, wish you much luck with your journey to fame, fortune and honour. This description of the most recent Hunger Games may help you in that journey. You'll find tactics, methods and the stories of the tributes. And, of course, may the odds be ever in your favour.

Note: Although most of the programme of the New Games is still secret, you must know that the events in this book are different from the ones you are going to face. Don't focus on them.

I started reading and eventually stopped when I saw the sun appearing at the horizon. I looked out of the window. I didn't reconize the landscape – I hadn't been out of District 4 since I was seven. We used to have a second house in District 10, but they decided to guard the borders more strictly eight years ago. The visits to our holiday home stopped. District 10 was partly mountain, partly flat. It was beautiful.

A few hours later Euphoria knocked on my door and said I had to prepare myself because we would soon be arriving at the Head City. I sighed, stood up and walked to the breakfast coupé. Everybody seemed tense. Gabriella looked like she was about to vomit. They were watching some programme on today's arrivals on the television. A presenter stood next to a man.

'I am here at the train station, along with Leopeth Mackenzie. Leopeth, as a member of the ministry of District Relations, you've travelled a lot to District 4, who will be arriving in half an hour, can you tell us about it?'

'Well, District 4 is quite small, but quite tight-populated. It has about 17 million inhabitants, the people are healthy and strong. It is a typical Western District…'

'What are the expectations – the tributes?'

'Most say District 4 sent boys, but there are also rumours it will be girls.'

'So it is not confirmed yet. Right, back to the studio while we're waiting here along with the crowd!'

Someone turned the television off. 'All these people…!' said Lisa.

'Get used to it' spoke Chase 'What if you survive the preliminaries, what if you win? This is just the beginning. Don't you realize how big this is?'

We ae a few minutes in silence, until Annie shouted: 'There it is!'

My heart started beating and we all ran to the big windows. And it was true. We could see an enormous lake and behind the lake there was the Head City. I saw it so many times on television, but in real it was even more beautiful. It was enormous. When we drove closely, I spotted a waterfall in the middle of the city, which turned into a river as soon as it hits the ground and the river ended in the lake. Most of the buildings were light brown, built in classical style. I was so overwhelmed I sat down again.

'Ah, I'm home' said Euphoria. Chase murmured something like: 'even worse than the Capitol.'

Then we could see the enormous train station and Euphoria ordered us to line up by the door. Nobody wanted to be first, but eventually Lisa ended up being first. I stood fifth, with Annie behind me.

'Now. There are several very important things you have to remember in an instant. At the platform you will be greeted by Franq Pillano, the secretary-general and Head Gamemaker. Don't be afraid the crowd will attack you, the peacekeepers have it under control. Try to smile, don't look tense or afraid. You have to make a good impression. Get out of the train one by one and do not trip!'

The train shook and stood still. We could hear the noises of the crowd behind the door.

A voice sounded in the station. 'The Intermanche 4.1 from District 4 has arrived.'

The door opened and I almost became deaf. The countless people on the station were cheering so loud. We were blinded by flashlights. Sophie poked Lisa in her back. Lisa looked terrified, but took a deep breath and got out of the train. Then Sophie, then Gabriella. Poppy didn't seem afraid at all. Now it was my turn. I stepped on the platform and tried to smile. I saw all those faces, who were excited about the people they were going to kill. I felt an urge to show them my middle finger, but didn't do it. I walked on, while looking nervously at the peacekeepers. They looked strong, but did they really have control?

A tall, thin man surrounded by more peacekeepers was waiting for us. He shook our hands one by one. He kissed Euphoria on her cheek and greeted Chase like an old friend.

So this was the man who would be responsible for our death.

'Welcome, District 4' he said 'please, continue your way out, while exploring the magnificent Head City. I hope your stay will be a nice one.'

Chase pushed us so we would walk on and we entered the station hall, which was so enormous it bedazzled me. So much luxury. I knew District 4 was quite rich and I had nothing to complain about. Panems Districts were way poorer, even the richest, District 1, was poor compared to us. But this was decadence, maybe even richer and bigger than the Capitol.

An enormous, really enormous painting hang on one of the walls. I knew that face well. The thick, dark eyebrows, long, black hair and a moustache. This older man was the President of the New Continent. I believe he was the cousin of Panems actual president.

It was warm outside the station building and we got into two cars who would bring us to the Tribute center. Annie, Poppy and Euphoria got in the same car as I did and the moment the doors closed, it was silent again. The windows were darkened, which was nice.

'You did very well, girls' Euphoria said.