The day of the reaping for the 51st Hunger Games arrives. I wake early, and take my usual breakfast of two shots of white liquor. Just so the pain isn't crushing. I finished Dad's bottle three months ago. This one I bought from Ripper at the Hob. I figure she deserves my business, since it's my fault she's missing an arm.

I reach the town center, suitcase in hand, and the anxiety creeps up on me again. One year ago, I was filed in here like so many are today. I had a sister and a father. I had normal problems, like math class. Now two more kids will have their lives ripped from them.

I ascend to the stage in my place of honor. Applause breaks out. I wave half-heartedly and just take my seat. Gimma is all smiles and strange fashion. I'm just trying not to have a panic attack up here. I pick at my fingers while all the crap is read. Finally, the drawing of the names.

"Leah Reinhart." I look up. Leah looks very young. I'm guessing by where she's standing that she's 13. She does a good job of acting brave, walking purposefully to the stage while tears leak out of her eyes and down her olive skin. Gimma reaches into the second bowl.

"Trenton Robinson." Another Seam kid. Age 15. I see the fear in his face that I'm sure I wore last year. I want to tell him it will be okay, but I know it won't. As the newest tributes get their final words with their loved ones, Gimma checks on me.

"Haymitch, have you packed for the trip?"

"I brought a few things, yeah." I had thrown a few outfits from my time in the capitol plus my bottle into the suitcase.

She nods curtly. "I'll have the stylists look things over in the train, we'll want to keep you up on the latest in Capitol fashion, but some of what you have may be sufficient. Meet you at the platform in twenty minutes."

I turn and begin to make my way toward the station when I'm joined by a face I haven't seen in a while.

"Ash." I greet my old friend.

Ash Prentice extends his hand, which I shake. "Haymitch. I know it's been a while. How have you been?"

Shitty, is what I want to say. "Hanging in there." Is what comes out of my mouth.

"Listen, I hate to do this to you, but I'm marrying Birch next month, and her baby sister is the one that just got reaped. I just wanted to say…I'd really appreciate it if you could take her under your wing, just, teach her as much as you can. I know it's a long shot, but, it would mean a lot to me."

I nod. "It's my job now to give them the best possible shot. I'll do everything I can, okay?"

Ash smiles. "Thanks, man. I really appreciate it."

I continue on my way. Maybe this is the purpose Heather was pointing me toward. Maybe I can help District 12 tributes have a fighting chance.

I stifle a laugh as Leah and Trenton enter the train and see the trappings of the Capitol throughout. I was just as wide-eyed a year ago. At dinner, I assure them I'll do everything I can to help them succeed.

We watch tapes of the other tributes later that evening. The Careers look very formidable. There is a lot of analysis on the Capitol channels. I try and take in as much information as possible. District 12 is not getting much attention, since our tributes are quite young. I stay up all night taking notes on the other districts and making suggestions for things to focus on during training.

I train Trenton and Leah together. We work on survival skills, improving reflexes, and hand-to-hand combat. These are the things that saved me at the Quell. They aren't as fast as me, but they try hard. Leah has a bit of adoration in her grey eyes around me, hanging on my every word. I can't believe how young she is. She brings me a flower on the last day of training.

Her eyes avoid mine. "Thanks for being such a great mentor, Haymitch."

I take the carnation slowly. "Leah, this is so nice. You didn't have to. Thank you." I force the emotion threatening to boil up back under the surface and look her straight in the eye. "I will do my very best to help you while you're in there."

She nods, then throws her arms around me. I gingerly reciprocate the hug. "I know you'll do everything you can, Haymitch."

That night and early the next morning, I attend all the mentor functions, and talk to every person that will listen about supporting the tributes from 12. They all say the same thing. Once the bloodbath is over, they will be interested in showing support.

The next morning, Leah gets slashed in half by a machete and Trenton gets shot through the chest with an arrow within the first three minutes of the 51st Hunger Games.

Jenny Forrester and Hunter James are also killed in the bloodbath of the 52nd Hunger Games.

Kelly Garner and Jimmy Walsh don't leave the cornucopia of the 53rd Hunger Games.

I try not to remember their names after that. It's just too painful when they die so soon after. People in the district stop talking to me. I was able to win my own Games, but can't seem to help any of their children. The only good thing about the Games is that I get to see Chaff. Once our tributes are dead, we retreat a room and get completely smashed. Sometimes Chaff calls girls in. I usually decline, but one year, a girl of slight build and curly blonde hair enters. My breath catches. Chaff retires to his room with a dark-skinned girl with bright red hair, leaving me and the blonde alone.

"I heard you like blondes." She states, sauntering toward me.

I'm pretty drunk, but not completely out of it. I lick my lips. "Do you mind if I call you Maysilee?"

She smirks. "Not at all. Whatever you want, Haymitch."

I reach over and take a long drink from my bottle. "Then come on over, sweetheart."

Thanks again for reading! Please leave a review! Love, SC