It's beautiful out. There's barely a cloud in the sky, and the waves are crashing against the shore in a rhythmic motion. They lap against the sand over and over again.

The ocean seems to be glowing with that blue-green color I adore so much. It's so deep and clear. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was fake. How can something so pure exist in such a cruel world?

I can hear a bird in the distance, singing, like it doesn't have a care in the world. A melody soft as a lullaby, threatening to lure me to sleep. If only it were that easy.

I carefully put away the book that I've been reading. I have to get going soon, but I want to spend a few minutes here first.

Leaning back, I bask in the early morning sun. It warms my body, washing over my unusually pale skin. I smile softly, bliss overcoming me. I lie there for another ten minutes, soothed by the nature surrounding me.

Eventually, I peel myself off the ground, brushing the sand from my clothes. Running my fingers through my long, dark hair, I secure it in a messy ponytail. I collect my belongings, stepping into my shoes.

"Lilith!"

I turn around, smiling as Ryder, my twin brother, approaches me. It isn't hard to see the resemblance between the two of us; we both have the same pale skin, despite how long we've lived in District 4. Our eyes are the same blue-gray, and we both have dark brown hair.

"Hey, long time no see," I say, punching him lightly in the shoulder.

"Very funny," Ryder grins at me. "heading over to Bina's?"

"Of course," I turn to my brother, "I'm going to drop off the... merchandise," I whisper the last part, winking at him.

"I don't know how you do it," Ryder says, shaking his head in amazement.

"What do you mean?"

"Not that long ago, you hated people." He wraps an arm around my shoulder as we walk, though, he has to bend down to do it.

"And I don't anymore?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Oh, you still hate the majority of Panem," he says, chuckling. "The difference is that you're opening up to certain people now."

"I hope you're not including yourself on that list." I swat at his hand, forcing it off my shoulder.

"No, but I do include Damon."

"I hate you." I glare daggers at my dear brother, willing him to stop before I make him regret it.

"Correction: you love me." Ryder wears a smug smile.

"I also know some very interesting methods of killing. Or did you forget?" I smile innocently at him.

"I'm not scared," Ryder says, rolling his eyes at me.

"Ever heard of a blood eagle before?"

"No."

"That's what I thought." I pat him on the cheek before turning away. "I've got to go now."

"Well, don't let me keep you from your task." He shoves me playfully. "See you at lunch then. Don't be late."

"Like I'm ever late." Giving Ryder a hard look, I walk away. I love my brother, but that doesn't mean he isn't annoying.

Walking through town, I cherish the smell of salt that seems to follow you no matter where you are in District 4. I often feel fortunate to have been born in 4; everyone gets fresh air and sun every day, instead of factories that pollute the air with smoke.

The streets are crowded, but I'm used to it. I can easily weave my way through the writhing sea of people. Some of the store owners and other citizens roaming the streets recognize me as I walk by, I'm no stranger to shopping in some of the struggling businesses.

I try my best to buy what I need from those who require money the most. It's a way of convincing myself that some good can come from winning the Games that take so much.

I wind my way through the streets, out of the busy businesses and into the poorer area of District 4. Walking the familiar roads, I continue until I find the building I must've seen thousands of times growing up. Stepping towards the front door, I give it a couple of firm knocks.

"Coming!"

There's a crash from somewhere inside, and the sound of thumping feet on stairs greets my ears. I can just imagine the havoc that must be ensuing. Smiling, I can't help but think how similar it is to how it was just over a decade ago. Some things never change.

I wait patiently until the door flies open and I'm greeted by a young woman about my own age. "Lil, it's so good to see you." Shabina gives me a hug, "come in, come in, the children will be glad you're here."

Shabina is taller than me, taller than most of the women I know. With her tanned skin, bleached blonde hair, and green eyes, she embodies what people expect someone from District 4 to look like. Despite the obvious differences between our appearances, I've always claimed that Bina was my older sister.

We were all orphaned, me, Bina, and Ryder, at young ages, and grew up in the community home together. Now, all these years later, Shabina runs the home herself, trying to help the children in any way she can. It's something that I respect her for, her selflessness has always been something that I've admired about her.

"It's so good to see you too, Bina. The kids will love what I've made them this time," I say, laughing as I follow my friend into the kitchen. I sit down at the table, Shabina offering me a cup of tea. "Thank you."

"Children, Lilith's here, and she's got something for you!" Shabina called out.

The yelps of excitement and pounding of feet on the stairs cause both of us to laugh. The sounds grow louder, as the kids start running towards the kitchen.

"Hi, we missed you so much!" One of the kids, Griffin, says, throwing his arms around me in a big hug.

"It hasn't even been a week since I've visited!" I feign shock, causing the children to burst into giggles. "Well, to make it up to you I've brought some toys."

After I won my Games, I had a lot of free time. Since you're supposed to take up a hobby, I spent my time learning to whittle wood. I create all sorts of different things; from furniture to pieces of art. But one of the things I enjoy the most is carving toys for the children. Little dolls, boats, animals, and everything in between. They absolutely adore them. Knowing how hard it could be not having family, I happily provide what little joy I can.

"Thank you so much, Lilith," one girl gasps as she picks up a doll. A big smile quickly engulfs her face.

"Of course, Betha, it's my pleasure." I love watching them play with their new toys, smiles lighting up their faces like these creations are the best things that have ever happened to them.

"If you have time, why don't you stay for a while?" Shabina asks, smiling down at the children.

"I would, but I promised to have lunch with some of the others. I guess I'll just have to come by again soon," I whisper the last part conspiratorially to the children, winking at them. This causes another burst of giggles.

"I guess you will," Bina rolls her eyes, smiling.

"Bye Lilith!" the children call out.

"Bye," I wave at them, getting up to leave. "Thank you for the tea, Bina."

"I should be the one thanking you." She pulls me into a hug that only lasts a few seconds.

"See you soon," I say, exiting the building.

Time to go meet the others. I just hope we can steer clear of the subject of the announcement due to take place this evening.

The Quarter Quell. President Snow will announce the twist that will be taking place during this year's Hunger Games. How can it possibly get worse?

Even though I know that I can't be reaped anymore, I still worry about it. It's an irrational fear, I know that, but my stomach refuses to stop tying itself in knots at the mere thought of it. I dread the news, and dread mentoring the tributes even more.

With these gruesome thoughts swirling around in my mind, I head back to Victor's Village. Back home. Back to the Hunger Games. Little did I know that my world was about to be violently upheaved.