Ambrosia McIntosh's POV

"How you doing, 'Brosia?" Jon asked, stroking my hair. It took everything on my power not to swat his hand away.

"I'm fine, just a bit of Pre-Reaping Jitters," I snapped.

"Oh, I feel so sorry for you, baby," He sighed. "The Reaping is terrible to pretty young girls like you."

I groaned, and stared at myself in the mirror. My black hair was oddly tamed, in a tight bun, which made me look like an old lady. My dress was black, and went down to my knees. I was wearing black heels, and white tights. I was so ready to just go to The Reaping.

"Honey, it's time to leave," Mom chirped, opening the door.

Finally! I screamed in my head.

I got up, and walked to the Reaping arm-in-arm with Jon. He dropped me off at the sign in, telling me stuff like, "See you afterwards, Boo, alright?" and "See you soon, honey bear." I was so embarrassed. I simply let the Peacekeeper take my blood, and that's that.

"Fuji! Empire!" I called, waving as I ran.

"Ambrosia! You're here!" Empire cried. We all high fived.

"I wonder if Golden is going to make it," Fuji wondered.

"Why? What's wrong?" I asked, worried.

"Yesterday she was diagnosed with Cancer," Empire told me. "She barely moved. I wonder if the Peacekeepers will classify this as 'Death's Door'."

"I never knew she had cancer," I whispered.

Empire shrugged. "You were on a date with Jon, we didn't want to bother you."

The bell tower struck two, and the three of us settled into the 17 square. Our escort, Felina Tiger, walked up to the stage. She looked like a feline, with her tiger print robe and face-painted face.

"Welcome, District 11 to the Reaping," She told us. "As usual, we will have the ladies go first." She walked over to the bowl, and stuck her hand in.

Nathan Cottonmouth's POV

"NATHAN! WAKE UP NOW!" Dad shouted, pounding on the door. I sat up, on the ground again.

"I'm up!" I called.

"Prove it by coming to breakfast right now!" And then he left.

I opened the door, and walked down the hall to the dining room. Brian and Suzie were already sitting there, Mom was busy in the kitchen, and dad was leaning against the wall. I sat down next to Suzie, and mom brought some Reaping pancakes to the table. Dad refused, and the rest of us ate in silence.

"I have to leave, make sure the Peacemakers at The Reaping are ready," Dad told us. "I don't want any funny business going on while I'm gone."

His boots stomped on the wooden floor, and he slammed the door.

"Mom..."

"He was a different man when I married him, Nathan," Mom sighed. "I don't know what happened."

Ambrosia McIntosh's POV

"And, the Female tribute for District 11 is...Ambrosia McIntosh!"

Wait, what? Was that my name? That was my name! Honestly, I'm pretty excited. Sure, I'm scared, but The Hunger Games? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I jogged onto the walkway, and strutted up to the stage. I smiled at the escort as she went to the boy's ball.

"And the Male Tribute for District 11 is...Nathan Cottonmouth!"

Nathan? The bot who's dad is-

-Head Peacemaker.

Oh no.

Nathan Cottonmouth's POV

"...Nathan Cottonmouth!"

The name rung in my ears for a moment, then I walked out of the 16 square. My feelings were so mixed, I didn't know what to think. I guess I was excited that I would be leaving my father...but who would protect my family from him? I walked onto the stage, and shook Ambrosia's hand.

"Out tributes for District 11!"

Justice Building

"Three minutes," I heard, of all people, my dad saw as Mom and Suzie walked in.

"Nathan..." Mom began, her lips going thin.

"It's not my fault!" I snapped. "I didn't sign up for tessare or anything!"

Mom let out a breath. "I know you didn't. I just though that you'd want to be around when I did...this." She took a paper out of her bag and gave it to me.

"What, what is this?" I asked.

"Read it."

"You..you," I couldn't believe my eyes. "Mom! You're finally doing it!"

"I guess I am!" Mom laughed, a glimmer in her eyes. She gave me a hug. "Good luck, Snake's Boy!"

"Times up!"

Mom and Suzie left, and I wondered.

Would I be alive when Mom files those divorce papers?

Ambrosia McIntosh's POV

"Oh, Ambrosia," Jon stroked my hair like this morning. "My beautiful baby, going into the games! This is unbearable!"

"Yeah, I suppose it is," I rolled my eyes. Are the three minutes up yet?

After an eternity, the Peacemaker told him his time was up. My parents had come in before, scolding me for leaving Jon. Who was left? Anyone? Oh, right, my friends.

"Ambrosia!" Empire called, tackling me. "I will KILL that Reaping bowl!"

I started laughing so hard, I snorted, which made all of us laugh.

"Good plan," I told her, still giggling. Then I thought of something. Now is the time.

"Hey, Fuji," I began.

"Yes?"

"I..uh.." My brain was suddenly telling me not to do it.

"I..uh..what?" Fuji asked.

"I have a crush on you!" I leaked. Fuji just stared at me, a confused look on her face.

"Sorry, A, but I'm not gay or something," she told me.

She and Empire did give me another hug before they left, but I've never felt so humiliated in my life.