Roman Hoxda, 77, District 2, Victor of the 66th Annual Hunger Games

When I heard that for the 125th Annual Hunger Games, the tributes will be selected from the victors, my first reaction was shock.

I was training the academy students how to survive mutts before the reaping started when I heard the news. Soon after teachers, and students were released. As I made my way to the victors village I greeted my neighbor, Shelly Wendell, the Victor of the 67th Annual Hunger Games. We've been really close since I mentored her in the 67th.

"Hello Shelly, did you hear the news?" I asked her.

"Yes Roman, everyone in the district has been talking about it non-stop." Shelly says as she was watering her rose garden.

I mean she isn't wrong. It only took 5 minutes and then everyone in the district was talking about it.

"Is the reaping today still?" I asked.

"Yes it is, it's happening in half an hour. I'm getting everything before I go." She sighs.

"Mind if I help you?" I asked with a gentle smile.

"Be my guest." She smiles slightly back at me.

I pick up a blue water can and put some water in it, and watered her garden of colorful roses.

A lot was going through my mind, this victor's quell wasn't fair. Victors were supposed to live in peace after their victory, but now this bullshit had to ruin everything. Whatever happens, the Victor selected doesn't deserve the pain to experience this again.

As I continued to water Shelly's roses, I noticed several peacekeepers beginning to walk down the victor's village and gathering each victor.

I looked over at Shelly who had a nervous expression over her face. I held her hand and looked at her.

"Shelly, it's gonna be OK. Don't worry." I calmly tell her.

She nods at me as I set down my water can as the peacekeepers approached us.

"Please follow us." The commander says.

I nod as I help Shelly as I follow them in the group of Victors. As we made it to the reaping center, me and Shelly were separated. I was put at one end, Shelly at the other end.

Before long all of the victors arrived, and it was time for the reaping to start. My heart was pounding, as the escort began to walk towards the microphone.

That's when I realized something, I was the oldest victor to be alive in Panem. Plus In the past few years my health hasn't been the best. Out of everyone here, I should be the tribute the most.

"Welcome to the reaping of the 125th Annual Hunger Games!" The Escort cheered.

I looked over at Shelly and mouthed to her.

"It's gonna be alright."

"The victor representing District 2 is…."

The escort pulled a name out.

"Shelly Wendall!" She exclaimed.

As I looked over to Shelly who began to weep as her name was called, she didn't deserve this. She has a family unlike myself, and has a brand new granddaughter. I took no time to think as I jumped out my the line and screamed at the top of my lungs.

"I volunteer as tribute!" I say as tears nearly exploded out my eyes.

The Escort cheered as I volunteered and raised my arm in the air.

"The Victor Tribute of District 2….Roman Hoxda!" She cheered.

I was quickly escorted to the train, turning to Shelly who thanked me with tears.

"It's ok Shelly, I'm gonna be ok." I hugged her as if it's the last time and walked onto the train.

Thank you for reading this chapter! Next chapter we will meet District 3's Victor! Thank you and don't forget to review!

- Gomex