Tesla's POV

This is my final year being a part of the reaping. Turning 19 is like a blessing in Panem but I won't do that until next month. I've already lost a cousin to the Hunger Games, I don't want my parents to loose me. The only good thing about this district is that if I get voted up, someone else might volunteer to take my place. It happened once before when I was 13. It felt like the whole world stopped when they called my name then. I made my way to the stage but someone else volunteered instead. I didn't know her but it seemed like she knew me. I never even got the chance to thank her.

Still, even with the fear of fighting in the Hunger Games, I want to be selected. Not for eternal glory or for my family. I want to prove myself to other people. Everyone here in district 3 has pushed me around all my life. I am sick of it. Coming back as a winner for the Hunger Games will definitely shut everyone here up.

Making my way to the town square, I see other teenagers looking depressed. Some are even crying. I did too during my first years.

On the stage in the middle of town square stood our Capitol escort: Albus. Behind him was the mayor and this year's mentor: Beetee. I have always admired him. He completed the Hunger Games with wits instead of strengths. If I would be selected, it would be an honor to work with him.

"Welcome, welcome!" Albus stated gleefully. "A new year holds a new Hunger Games, and with it; new victors!" And new slaughters. "I will soon choose our tributes but before that, we will watch a movie!"

The same movie every year. About the 12 - previously 13 - districts, the failed rebellion, and the birth of the Hunger Games. I've always blamed the rebellion for this massacre. If all the districts wouldn't have bothered with it then there wouldn't be a Hunger Games.

While not paying attention to the movie, I didn't realize it had ended. Albus already had his hand in the girl's names. I kept thinking Not Me, but at the same time Please say it.

"Compta Cord!" Not me, I guess. Probably better this way. That way I won't have to worry about killing. But I still can't get it out of my head. What it would be like to return as the victor. Eternal Glory doesn't sound too bad either.

"I volunteer as tribute!" I heard someone say. Looking around to find the culprit, I only found people staring at me. It was me who said it. It just blurted out like it meant nothing, but it does. I have now risked my life only because I couldn't keep my mouth shut.

On the stage, I see Albus waving for me to come, but I stood still, frozen. I could see him growing impatient. I diverted my gaze elsewhere and saw a girl, merely the age of 14, staring at me with wide eyes. That must have been Compta. I saved her life and regretting my decision might kill her. I mouthed 'Good Luck' to her, as if she would be selected during the following years.

I finally started to move my feet to Albus. His previous impatient smile had grown to a big, bright smile. I felt sick just looking at it. Nothing could ever make me sicker.

"Well, that was exiting!" Albus proclaimed. I lied. I hate his voice even more. "What is your name, dear?" I had been looking at Albus this entire time and I now looked out to the audience. Far in the back, I see my parents. Both of them are crying, afraid they will loose their only child. I don't know if they can see my face from all the way back there but I am giving them a smile. Not a bright smile like Albus, but an apologetic smile. I am truly sorry for volunteering.

"Tesla" I said after what felt like forever. "Tesla Copperlane". I never diverted my eyes from my parents.


What have I done? I scream at myself over and over again in my mind. The reaping was over and district 3 now had their tributes. The male tribute was a boy who looked like he could be 10, but I know that would be impossible. His name is Cypher Brighthill. Albus called him out and no one volunteered to take his place. Panem is a selfish world where only the selfish wins in the end. That's what I've learned during my entire life. I will probably keep believing that until my death, which will probably come sooner than later.

I keep my head buried in my hands. My parents had already been in here and said goodbye. I can't believe I did this for them, leaving them. No, I tell myself. I did it for myself. For my own personal wants and needs. I am selfish and proud. I will win. If not for me, then for them. For my parents, my district, that girl who I sacrificed myself to. It is good to be selfish most of the time but if you need motivation for something, do it for someone you love.

I hear the door creak open and I see Cypher standing there. His eyes are red and puffy, probably like mine.

"Ca-can I come in?" He asked. I nodded at him. He shut the door behind him and walked into the room with a hunched back.

"You know, if you show yourself as a weak target then they will attack you first." I stated at him as he sat beside me on the couch.

"I'm sorry" he muttered, almost like I couldn't hear him.

"Don't apologize" I replied. "Not because of how nice I am but because humility will get you nowhere in the games".

Cypher looked down and nodded at me. I see what he is doing. He wants me to feel bad about him so that I can go easy on him.

"Look, kid." He looked up at me again, slowly. I think I just found a new nickname for him; kid. Not the nicest nickname, but it will do. "I will help you with practice later on, and we might form an alliance in the arena, but that is it. If I have to kill you, I will. I hope you will think the same. Not just about me but the others as well."

I could see the tears forming in his eyes. I don't really care. He deserved to know the truth. It is better I tell him now than betraying him later.

He got up to leave. It is probably better to leave each other alone for now. Just as he was going to step out through the door, he stopped.

His eyes locked in mine as he said "Thank you" and left. What did he mean? Thank you for the truth? Thank you for letting me train him? Cypher left me in the room to ponder over the confusing statement.

I hear loud footsteps making their way towards my door. Once opened, I notice that it was peacekeepers. "It is time to go" one of them said with a low, menacing voice. The train is going to depart soon to the capitol.

Time to begin this godforsaken journey.