"Holly, wake up. You have to get ready."

I opened my eyes to see Quill standing above me, gently shaking my shoulders.

"Hey sleepyhead," she smiled.

"Hey Quill."

Today was the day. I would be entering the games. There is no turning back now. No where for me to run. I sat up, rubbing my eyes.

"Listen," Quill said gently, "today you are entering the arena. I want you to stay on your toes. As soon as the horn blows, book it as fast as you can. If you plan on surviving this, you need to get out of the Cornucopia as fast as possible. You know just as well as I do that you wouldn't survive more than five minutes in that blood bath."

Yeah, thanks for reminding me of my chances Quill.

She brushed her blonde hair to one side and continued.

"Holly, you're smart. You….you show more promise than I have seen in a long time. I believe in you. If you just put your mind to it, well, I think you stand a chance."

"You do?" I said, almost whispering. My mind flashed back to my conversation with Max on reaping day. He told me almost the same thing.

"Honestly and truly," Quill smiled, "but you can't expect to win by sitting around! Get up missy! Nico told me he would have your outfit when you get into the plane. For now, you can wear whatever."

With that she got up. As she headed out of the room she turned back one more time, "See you at breakfast."

I nodded and headed for the closet. I threw on a navy blue tee shirt and a pair of grey sweatpants. I put my red hair up in a ponytail and headed out to join Quill.

I had to force the food down my throat. I wasn't very hungry, considering the circumstances, but I knew I had to eat before entering the arena. Once there I may have to go days without food. Might as well stock up now.

The tone at the table was somber. Our last meal together. No one felt like keeping up a conversation, not even Maya. I think the bubbly escort actually found a liking for Dune and I. Nico and Laurel even joined us. After everyone was finished, we got up to say our final goodbyes.

Maya started to tear up as she squeezed the life out of me.

"Oh Holly," she sobbed, "I truly enjoyed knowing you."

"Maya," I managed to choke out through my suffocated lungs, "I'm not dead yet."

"I know, but…it's just…I will miss you."

"I will miss you too, Maya."

I meant it, too. She really grew on me.

Next, I said goodbye to Harrick and Laurel. Laurel gave me a big hug and a "good luck."

Harrick said "Watch yourself in there, kid," and gave me a pat on the back.

"I will," I promised, surprised at the warmth in his tone.

Then I said goodbye to Quill. It was the hardest goodbye of all. I feel as if I have known Quill forever, even if it's only been a few days. She was like a sister to me.

"You'll do great," she whispered through our embrace.

"I hope so," I whispered back, trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to escape.

"Use your head, Holly. Go in, find shelter, food, and keep to yourself."

I looked her straight in the amber eyes.

"I will do my best."

With that we let go.

Nico waved me with him. We hopped on an elevator along with Laurel and Dune and headed off to catch our flights to the arena. We reached the ground floor and Laurel and Nico hopped out. I started to follow them, but was stopped as Dune reached out his arm in front of me.

I turned to face him, looking him straight in the eyes.

"Do a good job, Holly," he said.

I nodded. "You too, Dune."

"Whatever happens, I…I want you to know that I really enjoyed getting to know you. Maybe, well maybe if we were back in District 5, we coulda been friends. Sucks that this had to happen for us to even meet each other."

"It really does," I agreed.

The next few seconds were like a blur. I thought we were done. I turned to leave, but he pulled me in towards him. He held me tightly in his arms. As he let go, he swooped down and kissed me softly on the cheek.

"Nice knowin ya, Holly," he said and headed off to join Laurel.

I don't know how, but somehow I got myself to move, shocked as I was. I went with Nico on to the plane. As I sat back into my seat, the only thing I could think of was the brown-haired boy I had just left. That was probably the last time I would ever see him again.

"Come here sweetie," Nico said. It was the first time he ever called me over without waving. Nico helped me fix my ponytail and get comfortable in my outfit. I was wearing an oversized black hoodie that could reflect body heat, cargo pants, and heavy leather boots.

"Do a good job, Holly. Make me proud," Nico said, holding out his large, plum-like hand to me.

I took hold of it and let him lead me to my launch pad.

This is it. The arena is only a matter of feet above my head. Soon I will be before the shining cornucopia, ready to battle for my survival.

"I won't let you down, Nico," I promised.

With that my plate shot up, and I flew into the arena.