Finnick POV-

I get up before dawn just like I always do when I am home. I find my father and brothers already in the kitchen waiting for me. I try to pretend that today is like any other day that today is no different than the others. That is the thing about pretending is no matter how much I try to pretend it is still real today is reaping day. This year I am terrified for my Annie. I never thought I would find love but little did I know I was starring it in the face this whole time. At first I was scared to admit that I had feeling for her not only because of Snow but because I was worried about how Mags would feel about it. I should not have been surprised when she told me she had known all along. I tried to convince my father that I shouldn't come this morning that I would not be of any help but he insisted that I come fishing this morning. I know they are trying to distract me of what is to come this afternoon. If only they understood the true fear and power that this day will hold for 24 individuals. Once we are on the boat I try, I try to focus on the task I front of me. When my brother Trent ask "you are really scared she is going to get reaped aren't you?"

"Trent I have never been this scared for a reaping not even the year I was selected. I can't even tell you how terrified I am that she will be reaped because I love her."

"If she is reaped it won't be your fault Finnick." My other brother Nerio tells me sternly.

I can't help it I start laughing and before I know it I am hysterically laughing at loud. Now everyone is staring at me. I take in their expressions and I realize they really do not understand. I instantly stop laughing I'm not sure why I even started laughing in the first place as this is not funny. This time I look at them completely serious.

"Sometimes the Tributes are already chosen before the reaping occurs."

"Finnick, that doesn't really happen."

"That's were your wrong Nerio, I can tell you about about five tributes who were entered because a Victor loved them without even thinking about it."

"That can't be right. You have to be wrong about that."

"I wish I was wrong but I'm not." I am trying not to get pissed at Nerio but when I look over to him I can see he doesn't believe me he still doesn't think it couldn't happen. I than look at Trent and I can see that he knows I am right he then get up and goes over to our father.

"Sometimes you are just so obvious to it all aren't you. You think I don't know what goes on; you think I don't know how Snow works. I have been a Victor for five years I may be nineteen but I have already lived a thousand lifetimes. I can't even begin to tell you the things I know because if you don't believe this then you would never believe the rest."

I can't look at my brother any longer he has no clue what I go through even though I have told him what I have had to endure in the Capitol when I am there. I don't think he really understands what happens there. If he did he would not doubt me know. I can't stand looking him right now I have to walk away. I go over to where my father and Trent are they can both see that I am so pissed I am shaking. My father comes over to me and places his arm around me.

"Son, he just doesn't understand. I'm not sure he can. What you go through everyday not many people can truly understand. I am so sorry you have to live this life son. I hope that Annie will not be reaped today because I know that will break your heart."

"I feel like my heart is already breaking. For some reason I know her name will be drawn I just know it." Before I know it I am crying and yelling at the same time. "I don't want her in any arena it would break her she is too pure. I can't stand there and watch her fight for her life. I have seen what that does to someone. I don't want this life for her even if she wins I can't protect her. I would have to watch her go through the same thing as me. I don't know how I could do that. I have seen it first hand with Gloss and Katniss. I don't want her to go through what they go through every day."

Annie POV-

Today is reaping I am nervous but no more than normal. I know my risk is higher now being with Finnick and being Mag's granddaughter. But I would not change one thing every day I am with Finnick is a day come true. He is the love of my life and I would do anything I have to in order to be with him. I know he is out fishing with his brothers and father so I go find my best friend Zale. I have never had a lot of friends growing up I was always shy and quite the only friends I ever had were Zale and Finnick. Before Finnick was reaped we spent all of our time together we all were the best of friends. Now with Finnick gone so much me and Zane are often together. I hate when Finnick has to go mainly because I worry about him. I know every time he is there he loses a little bit more of himself. Everyone sees him as someone who is confident, flirty and completly put together but he's not, well at least he's he not all the time. Zale and Finnick are similar in a lot of ways they are both as witty as they come, they are loyal, and they both have hearts of gold.

Zale and I decided to spend the day at the beach at least until Finnick comes back. I just want to forget what today is I don't want to have to worry about the reaping for a few hours. We swim, look for sea shells the one thing we don't do is talk. We finally decided to sit down in the sand.

"Annie are you scared of today being it's your last year?" I am not sure how to respond to him. I am don't know if I should be truthful. I am lost in my own thoughts its not until I hear Zale.

"Annie? Annie, are you ok?"

"No, Zale I am not ok. I am terrified that I will be reaped and no one will volunteer for me. I would not stand a chance in the arena unlike you and Finnick I did not train for the games. I can't fight." Then it hits me what really scares me and I notice that I am crying. "I don't know it if I can handle knowing he would have to watch me die. It would destroy him, we both know it would."

"If you are reaped and no one volunteers you will not be going into that arena alone I promise you that. I will go in with you."

"I can't let you do that. You can't go in with me. No, No you can't. Finnick cannot lose both of us. I don't want him to."

"He won't lose both of us because you will come home to him." I know better than to argue with him at the moment. He is not going to change his mind.

"I guess we need to hope that neither of us goes in because I don't want to lose you."

He puts his arm around me and I just cry. I don't want to think about what he just said. I just want Finnick to be back I need him at the moment. I can't stand the thought of any of this. All I can do is hope that neither of us will be going into the arena. I am panicking about what will happen in just a few hours. I look out to the sea hoping to see Finnick. I know today is always a bad day for him. I know last year he was panicking all the way up until my name was not called then he calmed down. "Annie, Annie it's time." I hear my grandmother Mags. "It's ok. I will wait for Finnick and tell him. Go I will see you soon."

Finnick POV-

When we get to the shore I see that Zale is at the beach when we dock. I can tell that he has been with Annie. I know something happened between the two of them just by the look in his eyes. Zale and I used to be really close but now he is closer to Annie then me. Which I am glad she has someone for when I am not here. We were out later then I thought we would be. I pretty sure that had to do with my melt down out there. "How is she doing?"

"What do you think?" I just look at him I know she must be terrified. Her chances increased again by being in love with me. I know we have tried to do our best to hide it from Snow. I think Zale knows that I want the truth right now.

"She is scared but she is mostly scared for you."

"No, I can't let her be scared for me I don't want her to worry about me."

"Fin, you can't stop her. She is scared if she is reaped you will have to watch her die." I don't know what to say I can't say that I will protect her that I will keep her safe because we both know I don't have that kind of control. I look at Zale and there is something about him today that looks different. He looks like he has come to a decision and there will be nothing we can do to change his mind he is determined to see it through.

"She…She can't go in I need her to remain her in Four. She can't handle the arena."

"I know that is why I told her that if she is reaped and no one volunteers for her I will be going in with her." I stop dead in my tracks it is as if I can't speak. I look him straight in the eye and I see no wavering he has made up his mind and there is nothing I can't do to stop him. All I can do is hope that she is not reaped and they are both saved from the reaping. I don't know what to say to the man that has been like another brother to me. He looks me in the eyes showing no fear and places his hand on my shoulder then pats it as he walks away. I watch him walk away. I try to stop him or at least I try to. I want to stop him but I can't. I can't bring myself to tell him not to do this. I must be a horrible person to allow him to do this if it comes down to it.

Before I know it I am sitting up on the stage with Mags and every other Victor from district Four. I look in the eighteen year old section trying to find Annie. I need to see her to make sure she is ok. I had wanted to see her before the reaping but after Zale's confession I could not see her. I did not want her to see me terrified of the situation. I watch our escourt walk up to the Girls bowl and choose a slip of paper. This is the name of the tribute unless there is a volunteer but we all know the likely hood of a volunteer is getting smaller and smaller each year especially if they are eighteen. I watch every tiny action as she is opening the piece of paper then how she moves her lips as she subtly licks her lips until she starts reading the name out loud.

"Annie Cresta."

My head shoots straight to her hoping that someone will volunteer for the girl I love. I look at her and see her tremble. I am about to jump up when I feel the Victor next to be places his hand on my shoulder blade in a way no one could see and quietly but sternly he tells me "do not move or say a word. Put your self back together. They are watching you." I instantly understand what he means I can't rush over to Annie no mater how much I want to. I need to pretend she is just like every other tribute I have seen walk up these steps in the last seven years. I watch Annie I don't take my eyes off of her as she starts to make her way to the stage. I am still praying that someone will volunteer for her. I know there are others who are prepared for the arena out there why can't one of them just stand up. Annie has made it to the stage when she finally meets my eyes I smirk at her. It's not what I wanted to do but it what I would have done to anyone else. I barely smirk at Annie and when I do it's always in a joking manner. I know I don't need to hear the boys name I already know what will happen so instead I watch Annie. I watch her try to keep her composure but I can see it all, she can't hide any of it from me. I can see how scared and nervous she is by they way she is bitting her bottom lip. I can see that her small delicate hands are still trembling but other then that she is trying to keep her composure. She has a small innocent smile on her face I know it's not a happy one but one to keep appearances. I am not sure what will happen when Zale volunteers though. Will she be able to keep this kind of composure. I see a flash of pain through her eyes and see that Zale is walking up to the stage not having to fight anyone to volunteer. They then shake hands like they don't know each other. Even though every here in district Four know that they are best friends and that they are my friends. What they don't know is Annie is more than my friend. I watch Zale up on the stage he looks almost emotionless. There is resolution in his eyes most would think it is his want to win but inly a select few know different. I watch as both of them walk off of the stage when I finally get to look at Mags I can tell she is hearbroken even though she is keeping her facade. I know it will be me and Mags mentoring this year no matter what the original plans were.

Katniss POV-

I wish I could have told Prim that she is safe and won't be reaped but I won't ever say that again. I know I have done everything I can to prevent Prim from entering the arena. I watch my little sister who is standing with all of the other fourteen year old girls I can see she is terrified. I image she will always be terrified of this date she may not know about everything that happens at the Capitol but she knows that I have not been the same and neither has Gale. The games have changed us. Not only the games but the Capitol has changed us I am sure we will never be the same people we once were. I am not suprised that we have changed we have seen and done too much to ever go back to who we were before. I am sitting on this stage in between Haymitch and Gale as we are district twelves victors.

I look over to Gale I can see he is nervous since it is Vicks first reaping. I watch him look at Vick in the twelve year old section and then look at Rory in the fourteen year old section. I notice that Rory is not looking at Gale but at Prim. I follow his line of sight and see that Prim is staring at him as well. I am forced to pay attention again when I hear Effie's shoes click on the stage as she walks forward. Now that I know Effie I can see the terror in her eyes. If you did not know her you would never see the fear and pain in her eyes. She then reaches in to the girls bowl and pulls out a piece of paper with a name on it. I look at my Prim watching her I don't even know what the girls name is all I know is it's not Prim. I can see her breathe again like she was holding her breath in that whole time. Gale is still sitting there with no real emotions on his face at least not that anyone can see. Before I know it Effie is putting her hand into the boys bowl pulling out a name. I don't recognize the name all I know at this point it is not Vick or Rory our siblings are safe from the arena this year.

The three of us head to the train as Effie waits for our tributes. I can breathe again before we headed to the train we were able to take one more look at our family standing there. At this point Prim is already in Rory's arms. With Hazel and the rest of Gale's family swooping in around them as they hug and kiss each other. I am glad that Prim has them when I am away. I know they will keep her safe. I also know Rory would do anything for her. I think to myself we are going to have to watch those two in a couple of years.

"Your right about that Catnip." I look at Gale trying to find out how he knew what I was thinking then I realized I must have said that out loud.

"Didn't mean to say that out loud, did you Sweetheart." Haymitch's says chuckling.

"No, I didn't. I was just thinking that the older those two get the closer they have become we are going to really have to watch them."

We go to to our rooms well Haymitch goes to his and Gale and I go to his. There is not much we can do until it is dinner time. I know that our tributes will be going to there rooms for awhile letting it sink in that they are going into the arena. Gale and I decided to try to get a nap in now that we have a moment to rest we all know once we get to the Capitol we won't be sleeping much.

Gloss POV

We are just about to turn the reapings on. Our tributes this year are pretty strong both of them are eighteen and received high marks at the academy. As we know that is not all you need in order to win. Yes strength helps a lot but you also need sponsors and a strategy. You can't just go in there thinking I am the strongest so I am going to win. I sit on the couch and Cash sits down next to me just like always. As the reapings starts they shows us and then two both of them also look like they maybe strong contenders this year. Then three neither of them look like much both are about sixteen but they are small and from the looks of it they are more brains then brawn.

Then four comes on I see Finnick sitting there I am not sure where he is looking though my guess he is look at his Annie. I hope that she is not chosen I don't want him to have to go through what I did. From what I have heard she would not have a chance in the arena. She is not like any of us she is pure. The moment we hear the escort say "Annie Cresta" we know that once again the worst has happened to one of us. I feel Cash has grabbed a hold of my hand and has gotten closer to me she then whispers "look at him he is about to loose it." I know she is right I can see it in his eyes not only that but I know how he feels.

"She doesn't look like much."

Cash nor I say anything we don't want them to know we know who Annie is. By this point they have already reaped a boy and a volunteer has gone up. When we hear his name I start looking the boy over hoping he knows Annie because I am trying to see weakness in this boy and none are appearing. He is tall not as tall as me but defently as tall as Finnick. I can see that he is strong and knows how to fight but the most dangerous thing of all is the determination in his eyes. When he shakes Annie's hand I can see his hand engulfs hers. I squeeze Cash's hand tighter reminding her that I am still here. I can see the sadness in her eyes. I want to pull her aside and find out what is going through her mind but I know I can't. I will have to wait until the reapings are over. I don't pay attention to any of them. Every once in a while I hear our tributes make some kind of comment about them. Truthfully I don't want to hear it I already know I want Annie to come out of this arena. I just hope there is something she can use to her advantage. It seems like it's been hours when twelves reapings are on this is one I will alway pay attention to I have too much at stake here. All I can think is please not Prim, please not Prim. When the name is called and is not Prim I am thrilled. When I am finally able to get Cash away I take her to my room.

"Talk to me."

"There is noting to say."

"Cash I know you are upset don't try to lie to me or pretend your not."

"This is why I do not want to fall in love. All it brings is heartache."

"Cash you know that is not true."

"No Gloss you are wrong just look around you tell me ehat good comes out of being in love." Cashmere is mad at this point and she is in hysterics. I just pull her close to me holding her close to me. I know she does not fully beleive in what she is saying. She may seem ruthless, hard and uncaring but that is not her true self that is what she allows people to see. She is the most caring loving person I know and she has soft heart. The problem is watching those she cares about suffer is too much for her she hurts with them.

"Gloss if she dies he will never be the same again and the worst of it is if she lives then she will never be the same again."

" Your right no matter what happens someone will not be the same person. Just like you can not stop yourself from falling in love Cash. You are not a cold hearted person and when you find the right person you won't be able to prevent it. I know it my seem painfull but I can't image my life without Kat. When I met her I was not looking for anything I was mearly trying to stay afloat but everything changed that day and I would not change it for the world."

Annie POV-

I am sitting in the nicest room I have ever been in. But all I can think about is who will be walking into this room. I am pretty sure the only ones to come will be my mother and father. Considering everyone else I love will be on the train with me so there is no reason for them to come in here. I watch the door start to open and I am taken back when I see who is coming in it is not my parents but Zale's parents. I know they must hate me and blame me for Zale volenteering. "I am sorry this is all my fault if it wasn't for me he would not have voulenteered." His mother comes over to me and pulls me into her chest.

"Hush, Hush now. We always knew if you were reaped then he would voulenteree. We also know that he wont be coming home but you will."

"But I dont want him to die so I can live."

" Annie those two boys would do anything for you. There is nothing in this world that they wouldn't do including dieing so you can live. I wish this didn't happen but I will respect my sons choice." With that is father pulls me into a hug.

"I don't want them to do all of this for me."

The peacekeeper comes into the room at that very moment. "Lets go it's time." I am given a moment to recover before I have to face my parents. I know there is still a chance I may never see them again even with Zale protecting me. He can only do so much in the end. I am doing everything I can to prevent me from crying since that is the last thing I want all of Panam seeing me in tears. When my parents walk into the room several emotions come to me all at once. I have never been close to them at least not compared to how close I am to my Grandmother, They have always blamed her for my increased chances of going into the arena. Even though she could not have prevented that. As soon as my father walks into the room he starts yelling.

"This is all his fault. I told you when that boy won that you needed to stay away from him and your Grandmother. If you would have just listened to me than you would not be in the mess. You know what it is not their fault it is your fault. If you would have listened to me then your mother would not have to morn for you."

I take a deep breath and look at my father with all the hatered I have in me.

"Get out of this room now."

Neither one of them move from the spots they were standing in so I walk past them opening the door. I look for a moment to find the peacekeeper once I find him I look straight at the man. "Get them out of my room, I am finshed here." He looks at me and then he looks at my father who it visually angry.

"Lets go you two."

"No, we will not go. We still have more time."

"You can either walk out of this room on your own accord or I can remove you. Either way if she wants you gone then you are out of time." I nod my head to the peacekeeper who starts to remove them before they start to walk out on their own.

When I am finnaly on the train with Finnick, Zale, and my Grandmother. I can't breathe, I can't walk all I can do is collapse into tears. I don't have the energy to keep it inside any more expecially after the coversation with my Father. Finnick rushes over me lifting me up. He doesn't say anything but Zale does.

"What the hell did they say to you and don't say nothing."

"It's ok, it is over now. Please don't."

I know Zale knows that they said something to me. I can see the concern in both of there eyes and it pains me. I won't say anything I can't say anything. I can see the guilt in Finnicks eyes I know he is already beating himself up about all of this the last thing I need to do is tell him what my Father said. Finnick just hold me closer even when our escort comes in. She looks at him and then back to me. I watch Finnick look at me and then to her before setting me down. He walks stright up to her only inches away when he tells her. "You will say nothing about what you see on this train or at the training center. Do you understand me?" I can see her and she is terrified all she does is nod her head. I am supprised by Finnicks reaction in a way he is normally so calm and collect but this is a side of Finnick I do not see often. This Finnick is the frightening, intimating, ruthless. He has completly scared herand she takes off running. I look over to Zale and I can see the laughter in his eyes but when I look at Finnick I can see a storm brewing in his eyes.

"Was that nessary Finnick?" Mags askes him with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Yes and you know it was." He comes back over to me holding me close then kisses me on my forehead. None of us say anything we just sit there. It is not until our escort comes back into the room. She has collected herself it appers. "It's time to watch the reapings." I notice she does not look at Finnick at all and stays far from him. I try to take deep breaths while I am watching who I will be facing in the arena in just a few days. I am starting to panick. When Finnick pulls me even closer to him reminding me that he is still there. I can also feel Zale's hand on my shoulder. I feel safe with both of them and I know that is about to change. I am about to never feel safe again no matter if I live or die.

Finnick takes be to one of the rooms before we reach the Capitol. I know we need to talk about a few things before we get there. As soon as we get into the room Finnick places his hands around my face.

"Annie, I hate to be so blunt about this but we are almost to the Captiol." I cut him off before he can say anything else.

"I already know, I know what you need to do and what I need to do."

"I don't think I can do this. I am not sure I can pretend that I do not love you and that I am not yours."

"Fin, when we get there you are to find Gloss and Cashmere since Katniss won't be there yet. Stay with them until you must part I know that they will all take care of you."

"What about you?"

"I will be ok, I will have Zale."