I'd never really kept a secret from my family before. We were a close knit family, but I knew if I shared my plan they would try to persuade me not too, plus it was a taboo subject at home. The games never got brought up by our parents , so I never spoke much about it with them either.

4 o'clock on the 4th of July was when the readings took place,a breeze lingering from the waterfront provided relief from the sun, as there was little shade to offer. My parents were standing on the outside of the square, as my younger siblings and I went to register, being 16 , Jason had only one less reaping under his belt so he wasn't my main concern, the twins being 12 was experiencing their first reaping and clung to my skirt .

'The sooner we get it done, the sooner we can go' I reassured them, as we made our way to the sections. There wasn't a chance they would be reaped.

At 5 minutes to 4 the party made its way onto the stage. The mayor looked the same as ever, graying hair and thick mustache, and was followed by Finnick Odair, Mags Flanagan and 3 other less prominent closest encounter I had with the victors was Finnick, being a year older than me I had seen him around school and the academy. After he won, he became a constant topic of conversation with my friends and with his looks it was clear why. He had the typical bronze skin associated with the district and hair darker than mine. It was obvious why he was a Capitol favourite.

The newest addition to the stage stuck out like a sore thumb. It was clear that he was the new escort from his outlandish appearance. He had obviously tried to tie his appearance with the district, with flamboyant blue hair and a fish patterned suit. Introducing himself as Maxrill he moved over to the female tributes bowl. He rummaged before picking up a slip.

'Sellie Arnus'

I didn't even look to see who the girl was, as I thrust my hand up into the air. ' I volunteer as tribute'

'Well what a change of events!' Maxrill exclaimed as I made my way up to the stage' what's your name darlin?' I puffed out my chest, giving myself a proud appearance and straightening my posture. ' Corrine Aquino' Maxrill laughed and batted me on my back before going to the male tribute bowl. 'Palomar Hune'

' Corrine Aquino and Palomar Hune, tributes for district 4!'

Dawn was just peeking up from the horizon lighting the room in a soft glow.

Rising from the bed, the light showed me where my clothes were discarded last night. I moved into the bathroom,fingering my hair trying to look less at the mirror,I applied a fresh coat of lipstick , seeing Hanson's sleeping form in the reflection.

He was passed out into oblivion on the bed, his limbs tangled in the sheets. He and the rest of the capitol wouldn't be awake for at least a couple more hours. Picking up my shoes, I glanced back to Hanson before reaching over to the room's bar. Last night's glasses were next to a half drunk bottle of red. Grasping the neck, I took a swig before corking it and tucking it under my arm. All that would greet Hanson would be his floor strewn with clothes and lipstick marks on his body, besides he knew where to find me.

The ride back to the training center was uneventful, the capitol and its inhabitants still asleep. The elevator doors opened into the district 4 suite, Avoxes prepping the room for after the parade. Ignoring their presence I walked into my room, stripping as I went into the bathroom. There was no point being shy.

Dressed in a sleeveless top and sequin shorts, I tapped my heels waiting for Finnick.

'Good of you to join me' I said mirth lacing my tone. He flashed me a smile, his hand gesturing to my neck where my concealer didn't quite hide the bite mark on my neck ' I was busy, you've missed a bit' he said as he rubbed my neck blending the makeup, ' Nice night?'

I laughed , 'I could ask you the same thing'. Sex didn't bother us anymore . The fact we were glorified prostitutes didn't either. It was leaving in the early morning that bothered me. I hated being the one that had to sneak out, it made me feel worthless and ashamed like I was hiding something. The walk out always reminds me of sneaking back into my parents house, guilty for breaking the rules. Something I didn't want to think about, not after what had happened last night. My family was oblivious and intended it to stay that way.

Another quiet ride took us to the remake center where breakfast was being served. Maxrill had already woken them and had them sitting waiting for us. Dramatically dropping to my seat, I was greeted with giggles. ' God that meeting was boring last night' I told the tributes 'Good job you have more today then' Maxrill said, a smile lighting up his features . After eating , we all parted ways, the tributes to be prepped and maxrill,finnick and I going to meetings, trying to make our tributes stand out from the others.

Glancing at my watch, Finnick and I made our way to the stables where Marina and Kai stood dressed in swaths of blue cloth, reminiscent of the waves at home.

'Good news! We've potentially already scored some potential sponsors, so the next couple of days are important. Make a good impression,wave to the crowds,act inviting' Finnick told them.

' Have you thought about allies yet?' Both tributes shook their heads as they clambered onto the chariot. ' I'll talk to 1 and 2 about our options, good luck!' I said, already walking over to where Gloss and Cashmere was, their tributes already leaving the stable.

'Hey, how's the tributes?' I said a smile graced my lips. Both siblings looked up

'Good' cashmere answered, embracing me in a hug behind her back I spoke to her brother

'Rooftop Tonight'. He nodded as Cashmere let go. ' Wanna be allies?'

'You are cheeky! No asking how I am! ' she answered, pretending to scold me aware of mine and gloss' relationship

Walking away, I glanced back ' Think about it'. I stood next to Finnick, his face disapproving ' You need to stop, it won't end well. He wont like it' I shrugged my shoulders, keeping quiet

' I know'

Here's chapter 3! Chapter 4 is in the works, I'm just not sure whether to continue the story. I don't want to be a writer that starts it and never finishes the story, but I don't particularly see the point of writing if no one reads it. That being said thank you mcufan92 for following the story. I hope you enjoy it