Chapter 1

If I am chosen, I will tell her the truth. She will despise me for the rest of her life. But, I am going to tell her the reason for her father's death. She deserves to know it. Today is the day of the reaping. I am terrified that I might get reaped for the 74th annual Hunger Games, and I might not survive. Thus, before leaving District 12, I want to confess to Katniss.

We live in district 12. The Capitol is in power, and they ensure that the districts are in control by holding the annual Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a reminder to us, of the power the Capitol possesses. It is a punishment for the past rebellion against the Capitol, known as the Dark Days. They compel the districts to send one boy and one girl into the arena. 24 tributes, from 12 districts compete in the arena until a lone victor remains.

I am devastated by the thought of getting reaped today! The odds are not in my favour. I despise the Capitol. I would not like to be a part of the Hunger Games. I would rather die with a bullet in my head. Nonetheless, I don't have a choice.

I am snapped back to reality when I hear her steps. The woods are a tranquil chamber for our escape. Katniss and I steal a moment to flee the starving faces. It's a moment of joy. She is a cautious hunter. Yet, she can't help the crackling sound of the dry leaves.

"See what I have shot, tonight is going to be a real feast."

I watch her in amusement. We settle at the top of the sloping mountain.

It's a huge terrain, thick and full of life. A sudden thought troubles me.

"We could do it you know," I say quietly.

She looks at me dubiously.

"What?"

"Run away. Live in the woods!"

She looks stunned by the idea.

"If we didn't have so many kids," I add quickly.

She glares at me!

"Forget it," I snap back.

I remember Katniss telling me about not having kids. She would not like to send her kids to the arena.

"Let's fish at the lake," I suggest.

She doesn't argue, so we move downhill crossing the lush bushes and the tall trees. The woods have been forbidden; no one from the district is allowed here. Yet, Katniss and I hunt here without being too exposed. We move around the woods quietly, absorbing the silence and listening to the soft rustle of leaves.

I did not notice her until the mine explosion blew our fathers to ashes. She was there to collect the medal at the justice building for her father. I have known her since I was 14 years old and she was 2 years younger.

I loved watching her hunt with her bow and arrow. She was vigilant and precise at the mere age of 12.

We first met in the woods.

It is a sunny day. The water in the stream is calm and it is a perfect day for hunting. I am waiting by the bushes for the snare to show its magic. When I see her emerging and examining my snare. She seems bewildered by the work.

"Are you stealing from my snare?" I inquire.

She is taken aback.

"I am just examining it," she replies curtly with a turkey hanging from her waist belt. She fastens it tightly around her waist and takes flight.

"Let's move. I'll see you in the square," I say flatly.

It's almost noon. I take a last look at the woods, assuming it would be my last chance.

I immerse myself in the hum of the bees. The sunlight travels through the leaves and lands on my bare skin.

My younger siblings Rory, Vick and Posy are getting ready for the event. They look terrified. Sympathetic glances are exchanged across the room. Hazelle, my mother gives me a nod. I know exactly what that nod means. Like always, we are supposed to protect the young ones.

We get into a circle and hold hands, while everyone wishes me luck!

There is no time to get emotional. I need to prepare to face Katniss. I need to tell her the truth!

I walk towards the square. The square is like a large podium! Everyone files in with their children and assembles as per age. The air gets tighter as the crowd fills in. My attention is on the bowl that holds the paper slips, from which the boys will be reaped. 42 slips have Gale Hawthorne written on them. I glance at Catnip. She looks equally tense.

I mouth, "It's ok."

She gives me a brief nod.

This is the same place where I first met her. The justice building. She is trying to control her tears as they pour down from her eyes. The authorities make us say a few lines about our dead dads. It is her turn, but she just stares blankly at all of us. Moments later she swiftly walks towards her dad's tomb and sits there for a long time. She keeps stroking the stone, where the name "James Everdeen" has been engraved. All of a sudden she starts to sob, "I will miss you, dad. With you, I have lost mom too! She doesn't eat or talk. She keeps staring at the fireplace. Her screams are an alarm for midnight! I feel so miserable. I hope I could come to you, only if I could leave Prim behind!"

This is a moment when I decide to tell her the truth when we grow up.

I decided that today is the day to tell her the truth. Firstly, I won't have to face her if I am chosen. I don't stand a chance to win the Hunger Games. It would be better to die without guilt.

EffieTrinket, starts with the most ridiculous Capitol accent! I am forced to focus my attention on the temporary stage that is set up for the event. The whole act of ceremonies is carried out. I don't even bother to pay heed to the series of speeches. Right now, I am more concerned about facing her. I wonder if she would wish me to die in the arena after listening to the truth.

A sudden realization hits me when I hear Katniss yell,

"I volunteer. I volunteer as tribute."

I am drawn back to reality as I see Prim walking towards the stage. The reality takes seconds to sink in. I see Prim crying as the peacekeepers shove her away. Yet, she refuses to budge. Everything Shatters.

Now, Effie moves to the boy's bowl. She smoothes the slips. I am ready to hear my name. My heart pounds, I bet the boys standing next to me can hear my heartbeat too! The rush of memories runs through me. My starving family, the elegance of the woods, Katniss and our deal. Our deal! If one out of us is chosen at the reaping, the other has to provide security of food to each other's family. What if both of us go to the arena? What about our families?

Then, I hear Effie Trinket read the name of the male tribute.

It's not me!

It's Peeta Mellark!