'Palomar Hune'

Looking at the crowd I picked up his flaming hair before he had reached the stage. There wasn't anyone I'd rather have as a district partner, we'd known each other for years. Originally meeting in the academy, our relationship was based on competition to start with. But over the years we grew closer, a solid friendship built on seeing who was better.

As we shook hands our faces wore identical expressions, wide grins at the chance of proving who was better.

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

Walking into the justice building , I matched Palomar's stride. The noise from the crowd and the unbearable heat being blocked out by the thick wooden doors. I dug my elbow into Palomar's ribs , getting his attention ' I'm glad it's you'. He was looking forward to where Maxrill was explaining the day's timings, and nodded at me ' me too, but i'm not gonna let you win' I'd never thought he would.

'Here you go' Maxrill had stopped in front of two doors gesturing for us to separate.

Smiling at my district partner I went for the right door and winked at him ' See you soon Sailor' He chuckled, his face lighting up with his smile as he replied 'Not if I see you first'

Sitting in the plush armchair I was alone, briefly, before the door opened revealing my family. Standing up my younger siblings clung to my skirt, the material soaking up their tears. Even Jason, who was a year younger than me, had tears on the brink of escape. 'Come on buddy, you're gonna be the oldest for a while. I need you to look after these two scamps' I told him, ruffling the two youngest curls. He smiled but still didn't let go. Looking up, my parents looked sad and my father almost disappointed. ' I thought you would have told us' He said, his voice bitter, he gave me a hurt look before leaving the room. I sighed, this wasn't what I expected. ' I'm sorry' I told my mother, 'I thought he would be happy' she gave me a sad smile before embracing me and my siblings in a hug. Kissing my forehead, we said our last goodbyes as she pressed her bracelet into my pocket. ' As a token'

My next few visitors were my friends and other relatives, passing through quickly giving me wishes of good luck. The door opened a peace keeper bringing in my boyfriend, Surf. ' 5 minutes left' he said, shutting the door. My boyfriend locked me in a kiss, it was overpowering , full of lust. Pausing for breath, he looked hurt. 'I wish you'd of told me'

'Why? Would you have volunteered to be with me?'

He scoffed 'No, then there wouldn't be any district 4 victors'

My face dropped 'You don't believe in me?'

'No, but you wouldn't want me anyway I've seen you with your buddy Palomar round the academy, I'm sure there isn't anyone else you would rather be with' His face was tinged with red, but his face softened as there was a knock on the door as the peacekeeper walked in.

' You know I don't mean it like that babe, I'm just worried. I'm sure you'll do my best and I'll wait for my winning girl to come home' he said kissing me, before leaving.

My head was still spinning from the emotions when we were on the train. I went through the motions of showering and dressing, my head finally wrapping itself around the day I had.

I volunteered.

My best friend was reaped.

My father didn't support me.

And Surf didn't believe I could win. And to be honest, I was too sure that I had done the best thing. I wanted the adrenaline rush and I was confident in my skill, but thinking about it now my plan probably wasn't the way to do it.

A call to dinner interrupted my stupor. My doubts left my thoughts as I sat around the table. Dinner came through in courses. A thin chicken broth, one similar to my mother's when we were sick, a roasted pig paired with chunks of apple and a fish smothered in garlic, leaving an artificial taste in my mouth. Desert came and went, brittle sugar with chocolate cake, along with alcoholic drinks that my mother would let me sip on when we went to fancy meals with the district's richest people when I was younger. Accepting the drink,the thought brought a smile to my face, comforts like that wouldn't be found in the capitol.

The rest of the train ride passed in a blur and before long the bright lights of the capitol came into view. Finnick ushered us to the window. It was beautiful,tall buildings twice as high as the highest ship's mast in the boats in the dock. Lights danced into the nights, making the city seem alive under the moon. The awe must have been on my face as Finnick chuckled beside me. I felt my cheeks go hot as I blushed in embarrassment.

Following Finnick we ventured out onto the platform. The occasional camera flashing and recording our arrival.

'Welcome to the Capitol'

The air was still warm and despite the wind, the faint noise from the street parties could be heard. The capitol citizens celebrated the start of the hunger game period. Most of them are probably discussing the chariot outfits which would soon become the latest capitol fashion. The popular choice probably being 12's fiery introduction to the games. The spectacle did particularly bode well for Marina and Kai's chances of sponsors. Most of them will be infuriated with the pair from 12, not giving much wiggle room for the other tributes. It wouldn't be an easy year again.

A soft click could be heard as the door to the roof shut.

Watching the crowd, I didn't spare a glance over my shoulder. 'About time, I've not seen you in under a year. You sure know how to keep a girl waiting' I briefly laughed before turning round.

'Oh'

It wasn't who I expected. Instead of the tall blonde victor from 1, it was the blonde tribute from 12.

The district 12 boy stood there, a sheepish expression on his face. ' Sorry, I'm probably not who you expected, you're from 4 right?'

I walked over to him, extending my hand ' Corrine, and it's fine 12 '

He took my hand ' Peeta'

Looking him over he didn't particularly look very impressive or victor worthy material. But he has a welcoming and approachable air to him. He'd changed out of the black uni-tard, and without the makeup enhancements he looked young a possible hint of naivety on his face. Shame the games would eat him alive

' You certainly made a spectacle. I would even say it suited you'

He laughed ' Really? I was more concerned about being on fire'

I smiled glancing past his shoulder Gloss stood watching us. 'Well, it looked good. Nice touch of rebellion, it'll make this year memorable. Good luck 12' I offered a smile and breezed past him , linking my arm with Gloss's and we strolled through the door venturing down the stairs. 'Sizing up the competition?' he asked as we stood outside the stairwell's entrance for floor 4, his arm winding round my waist. My hands were either side of his head, my palms cupping his cheeks. I learnt forward my lips brushing his, teasing him 'That would be telling'.

With my back pressed against the wall , he had me trapped as his lips locked mine, full of passion, making up for lost time 'Not here, Finnick won't be impressed'. Gloss looked me up and down, almost weighing the idea of us two spending more time together. 'We'll be quick' he said grasping my hand leading me onto the floor. Giggling, I followed him, into my room.

Here's chapter 4, I want to say a big thank you to my newest follower Madelaine Fiction. It means a lot for me to have followers as a new writer. Hope you like this chapter, sorry about any mistakes! Feel free to review.