Reapings: The Starring Role

District Two:

Lloyd Verdinal's POV:

"Rise and shine!" A voice chirped as the curtains were flung open.

I groaned as the harsh light blinded me. I thrusted my face into my pillow, trying to fall back into the dream I was awakened from. My head pounded slightly and all I wanted was an extra hour sleep. Just one… Maybe two.

"Oh no you don't," Mom chimed as she ripped the pillow out from underneath me. She tossed it across the room and automatically grabbed the blanket that was slowly creeping over my face. She threw that too and glowered at me with her hands on her hips.

"Before you say anything, I know. You told me so."

"I did. I knew you shouldn't have gone out with your friends after our party. Look at you! You're going to be half asleep at the Reaping!"

"I'll splash some cold water on my face. I'll be fine," I grumbled as I curled up in bed with my back towards the window.

She sighed overdramatically as she nagged, "Now is that really the attitude you're going to have when you volunteer today?"

"Give me five minutes and I'll be the son you love and care for dearly," I joked as I rubbed the crust from my eyes.

"Are you thinking of not volunteering?" she asked hopefully for what felt like the millionth time this week, "Because that's completely understandable! No one would think any less of you, especially not your father and I."

I groaned as I sat up and heaved my legs over the side of the bed, "No Mom, I'm still volunteering. Now could you please get out so I can get dressed?"

She registered my near naked body and blushed slightly. That was my mother. One moment dismantling my bed and the next embarrassed because she realized I was almost nude in it. She spun around and hopped to the door.

"I'll see you at breakfast. Love you," I called as the door closed behind her.

I shook my head as I stood up. This had been our little game for almost a month now. It all started when I publicly made it known I was volunteering this year. She would say something that she hoped would change my mind, and I would have to disappoint her every time by confirming that I wasn't going to budge. Her latest, and last, attempt was the huge get together she threw last night. She invited all of my friends, every girl I had ever gone out with, and pretty much anyone who had ever been a part of my life. She was trying to show me all the things I had right here. She didn't seem to get that I wasn't volunteering because I was unhappy. Far from it; I loved my life. I was doing it for District Two. I was the best in my age group. I received the highest marks all around this year from the Career Academy. I was considered the best of the eldest and it meant it was my obligation to volunteer.

It took me awhile to wrap my brain around it so I understood why it was so hard for her, and many others, to understand. I wasn't doing this to get anything new. I had everything I ever wanted. I was doing this because it was my duty as a citizen.

I moseyed over to my dresser and grabbed the hanger that held the clothes that my mom had picked out weeks ago. I threw the undershirt on and began buttoning up the dress one. Speaking of that party, my head still hurt from it. Not only was some of my favorite music being blasted, but my parents brought out our obviously best wine.

The Verdinal family was one of the wealthiest in District Two. We came from old money and have had it for centuries. This business was started by an old ancestor back when District Two wasn't all cold, hard stone. Back then, the hills were full of fertile soil and vines covered the now barren cliffs. They started a vineyard and, over the years, achieved the method of making the perfect wine. By the time the soil was gone and nothing could be grown here, we had enough money to have the grapes imported and even have the wine made in other districts. Now it was making sure someone in our family learned the business and kept the wineries and distilleries on tract. Thankfully, that wasn't me. My eldest sister, Bethany, managed everything just fine. She had always loved bossing us around when we were younger. Who knew it was just practice for when she got to do it as a career?

I slipped into some dark pants and tucked my shirt in. Business wasn't really my thing. I found it quite dull, actually. I suppose I liked the social aspect of it. It would be cool to travel around and meet new people, but it wasn't worth spending hours buried in stacks of papers covered in numbers and paragraphs. No, I could never do that. I looped the belt around my waist and pulled tightly. I strolled out into the hallway and then into the bathroom. Just like I said, I turned on the facet and immediately splashed the chilled water on my face. The cold brought me to my senses immediately and I grabbed a towel. I dried my face off and looked in the mirror.

This water trick was one of many ways I woke myself up early in the morning every day to start my training. I usually ran several miles before I entered the Career Academy. I would then work on some hand-to-hand combat training and cardio before moving on to the long ranged weapons. By then, everyone else would have arrived and I would just go with the crowd. Whatever my friends were doing I would tag along. Granted, I had a lot of friends so I did end up usually choosing what I wanted to do.

I gave my belt one final tug before leaving the bathroom. I was proud of my body. Since I preferred to spend time with long ranged weapons, I didn't have the pounds of muscles other guys had. Instead I was lithe and lean, but that wasn't enough for me. A couple years ago when I was dating a rather pretty girl, I decided I wanted to have a little extra. Ever since then I had been on a strict diet that kept my muscles in prime ogling condition. Sure it was vain and only for looks, but who cares? Got to find some way to impress the ladies since I couldn't hurl giant metal balls across the room. I just found a different way.

By now I was wide awake and I strolled into the kitchen with a large grin on my face. The aroma of food wafted through the house along with the laughter of my family. Loud sizzling mixed in with their brash conversations. Grease bounced off the pan and seemingly disappeared as it landed on the nearby surfaces.

"Hey Marge," I smiled as I walked past my little sister. She glared at me, pausing in her story.

"I told you to call me Margo," Margaret moaned as she threw her hands up in the air.

My younger sister was currently thirteen and going through the joys of puberty. Her current phase was one that involved her deciding she wanted to be called something different every week. It had something to do with 'self-discovery'. I shrugged as she glared at me,

"Either way you know I'm talking to you."

"That's not the point, Lloyd."

"I could just say 'bitch'," I smiled warmly as I poured myself some orange juice.

"What have I said about using that language around your younger sisters," Mom barked as she fried something delicious.

"Be nice. It's my last day here. You're not going to see me for a month or so," I reminded as I took a seat next to my youngest sibling Bijou.

"How's my silly git doing," I commented as she doodled something in her small journal.

"Good," she toothily smiled as she leaned her head against me.

"Where are Dad and Beth?" I asked.

"Arguing over only the Lord knows what," my mom waved as she slipped an omelet onto a plate. She passed it to me, and I picked up a fork. I knew once I was in the Capitol I might as well throw away all hopes of sticking to my diet. They were still going to keep me fit, but not to the point I did on my own.

"Bye bye six-pack," I sighed as I took a bite of the cheesy goodness.

"It wasn't that impressive to begin with," Margaret sighed as the remainder of my family barged in.

"We need their business!"

"What we need is consistency!"

"No, what you need to do is stop talking and eat breakfast," Mom interrupted as she placed two more plates down on the counter.

Dad roughly grabbed it while he glared at Bethany. My family could be… explosive at times. Everyone was tremendously hot headed except for my mom and me. Even then it was a house full of girls… So you could imagine how drama could spontaneously erupt at any given moment. Still, even with our bickering and arguments we loved each other at the end of the day. We were family; we didn't really have a choice.

My dad and sister continued to quarrel discreetly; quieting every time Mom looked their way. Marge was gushing overdramatically about something that happened at the party last night while my youngest sister sat and watched with stars in her eyes. Mom listened meekly; looking at me occasionally as if to see if I was still there. It hurt to know she was so worried, but I would be back soon. No matter what happened, I couldn't leave them behind. I wouldn't be entering the games if I didn't think I had a chance… I loved them all too much to do that to them.

"I'll see you after the Reapings," I whispered to Mom as I hugged her tightly.

"I love you," she said for the hundredth time.

"And he loves you to," Dad smiled cheerily, "Now let the boy go! His friends are waiting to lead the future victor to his opening ceremony."

I smiled at my Dad, truly thankful that he was so encouraging and supportive. He was the only one who took me seriously when I said I was going into the Hunger Games. It took me by surprise when everyone else seemed so… shocked. I couldn't quite understand why. I had always loved training and I had proven time and time again that I was one of the best. Not only was I strong, but sociable and likeable. It made perfect sense to me why I would be a promising candidate.

I spun around to greet my crowd of friends. My closest ones, Niamha and Tiana, were in the front. Others stood out and I was thankful for their presence, but I wouldn't say I would have been overly affected if they hadn't shown up. I had always tried to make friends with everyone I came into contact with, and I succeeded for the most part. Was I extremely close with many of them? No, I didn't even know some of their last names. But it never hurt to be a nice guy. You never knew when you might need someone to talk to or vice versa.

I happily said hello to everyone as we laughed our way down the street. This was my favorite time of the year. The usually emotionless, bland district was decorated extravagantly. Banners hung from every rooftop and colorful flags were strung in the air. The entire district buzzed in excitement and everyone was in a jolly, friendly mood. It made today, and what I was about to do, feel right. Everyone back home would be cheering me on and, when I came back, I would give them even more to celebrate.

I was even cheerier knowing that I would be making so many people smile.

"Since it's your last day here, want to pick up some popcorn?" Niamha said teasingly as we passed a vendor.

"My mother stuffed me full of food before I left. I couldn't eat another bite even if I wanted to."

"Never say never," she laughed as she grabbed a carton and flipped the man some money. Without asking, she popped a piece into my mouth and I almost choked on it. We both cracked up while others chuckled at the spectacle.

"You two are ridiculous," Tiana laughed as she grabbed a handful off the top and began popping pieces in one by one.

I put both of my arms over each girl's shoulders and pulled them close, "That's why you love us."

"Love is a very strong word," Tiana said disdainfully.

"Then lust after us; whichever way you want to put it."

We continued to joke and poke fun at one another all the way to the town's plaza. District Two was very unique in the layout of the place where anything official or important happened. Our town's plaza was carved into the side of a mountain. The stage had been chiseled out decades ago and was indented firmly into the cliff's base. The large, ovular curve created the perfect resonance so that anything said on stage could be heard through the entire plaza. No sound equipment was ever needed.

We tromped up to the check-in table and the people sitting there checked all of us in efficiently. I parted ways with my friends and walked towards the eighteen year old section. A couple of the guys from the Career Academy tagged along behind me, and I listened to them half-heartedly. Most of my life I tended to get along better with girls. It wasn't that I had issues relating to guys or talking with them, but girls tended to discuss lighter subjects. Sure, I occasionally had to deal with gossip gushing and fashion debates, but it was better than having to constantly talk about fighting and gore. With the other male Careers it was always a competition of who was the strongest. I just wanted to have a good time and make some fond memories. The girls of this district seemed to get that.

Everyone hushed as the Mayor took the stage. Mayor Cynthia seemed even more haggard than usual; her face was tinged almost sickly green. Her bodyguards stood by her side as she addressed all of us. We listened, paying attention to the new rules that involved the people from the Capitol. Like most of my district, I had little to no qualms with the Hunger Games, but I also didn't really have a problem with the Capitol. Maybe it was being raised by an influential business man, but I couldn't help but admire how they stayed on top for so many years. I wasn't sure if it was what they did in the city itself or the power they had because of the Hunger Games, but something was working for them.

The crowd cheered thunderously as our escort, Sparkler, took the stage. She smiled at us all before asking, "Is my lovely District Two ready for another spark-tacular year in the Hunger Games?"

They cheered even louder as she rambled on and made several other cringe-worthy puns

"Ladies first, per usual," she smiled as she reached in.

"Rosaline Norman!"

Before anyone could approach the stage, Sparkler politely asked if there were any volunteers, already knowing the response. A shrill girl answered and I smirked as I knew the voice quite well. I managed to spot her dark brown hair swaying at her shoulders as she bobbed through the crowd. Kali Trevelle stepped out of the seventeen year old section and marched to the stage. Not a single person got in her way, even though most were taller and stronger. Kali was from another wealthy family in District Two and, since there weren't many of us, had been in my social circle since we were little kids. Even as children, she treated every situation very seriously. I remembered one time she picked up a toy in frustration and slammed it into my head because I wasn't playing the role of a doctor professionally enough. She was in tears at our imaginary patient's death because of 'my negligence'.

Even ten years later, every time I looked at her I just remembered that little girl in furious tears and couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.

"And what is your name, dear?"

"Kali Trevelle," she smiled mischievously, "And don't forget it."

"Ooh, I see a twinkle in you! On to the boys."

I rolled my shoulders and hopped from foot to foot in anticipation. Since I was at the top and I had declared my intentions, no one was technically allowed to volunteer until two seconds had passed after she called for them. Once those seconds were up, it was free game for anyone.

It still didn't mean that an ambitious Career wouldn't break that rule. It wasn't like if he won there would be a huge punishment waiting for him back home.

"Slate Grayson!"

As soon as she asked for volunteers, I happily called out, "I volunteer!"

I felt several claps on my back as I walked to the walkway. I also noticed several surprised faces, but I just shook it off. I ambled up the stairs and smiled at Sparkler.

"And you are?"

"Lloyd Verdinal," I beamed as I slung an arm over Kali's shoulders, "And you can forget it if you like, I don't mind."

Sparkler laughed charmingly and began to say something else to the audience. However, my attentions was snapped away from her when I heard a hiss,

"What are you doing?"

I glanced down at Kali. She was still smiling, but up close I could tell it was exceptionally strained. She kept her eyes straight forward, refusing to look at me. I could tell she wanted to desperately shrug my arm off of her, but didn't want to appear moody or overly angry.

"I volunteered, just like I said would."

"But I didn't think you were serious!"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

A frustrated sigh escaped her mouth. Before she could bark anything else, Sparkler announced, "A round of applause for District Two's tributes, Lloyd Verdinal and Kali Trevelle!"

Sparkler motioned to us, and I waved enthusiastically as the audience chanted our names.

"Come on, Kali, lighten up. This will be fun," I smiled, not understanding her frustration. I couldn't be more excited that I was going into the arena with someone I knew so well. It meant we would have each other's backs. She didn't respond and instead decided just to wave with me. I shrugged off her prickliness and just basked in the audience. I had to admit, it felt pretty amazing to have the starring role.

Kali Trevelle's POV:

My swift punches hit the dummy repeatedly. The thumps as well as my grunts echoed through the empty room. I rapidly began to kick it repeatedly, timing and counting each motion perfectly. I switched to the other leg and continued the exercise. Soon I was back to punching and my mind was lost in the continuity of it all. I kept telling myself to do it just one more time… And then continued that single thought again and again. Sweat rushed down my face, causing my eyes to sting. I ignored the pain, blinking furiously as the dummy rattled loosely in front of me.

"Go home, Kali."

The voice surprised me and I whirled around mid-kick. The man grabbed my leg and shoved it to the ground. Vex stood tall in front of me as I panted with embarrassment. No one should have been here at this ungodly hour, let alone today.

"Why are you here?"

"I actually work here, remember? I should be asking you that question. Today's your day to shine. Why are you training?"

"Every second of preparation counts," I huffed as I strode past him and grabbed a towel, "It gives me one more session over everyone else going into the arena."

"You weren't learning anything new," he reminded as he began to take apart the dummy I set up, "You were just repeating exercises you already knew. I don't see how that's going to help you."

I shrugged as I took a swig of water. I would tell him not to question the work ethic of someone who was at the top of their class, but that would be slightly hypocritical seeing as he used to be at the very top. Vex received the highest marks out of all the male Careers last year, and everyone knew why. When he wasn't working his butt off training, he was at the Academy doing whatever odd jobs needed to be done. Last year was his last chance to volunteer. He didn't take it, but that didn't surprise anyone. Vex had never been shy about making his disdain for the games clear. The only reason he didn't get any flak for it was because he could literally take down anyone who challenged him, bar the victors.

Now that he was out of the running, he took a job as a trainer at the Career Academy. Even though he wasn't a fan of the games, I couldn't say I was surprised. Why else would he have trained so often if not to possibly get that job offer? Not many people received that opportunity, and it paid handsomely. The only other option in this district if you weren't born into a family business was to work in masonry or join the Peacekeepers. Those who worked in masonry were underpaid and overworked, while joining the Peacekeepers meant you most likely would be moved to another district. Everyone knew Vex made the right choice.

"You would be surprised what helps," I replied as I wiped sweat off my face.

"Hey, I get it. You're a hard worker and it shows. You spend more time training than a lot of the people who come here. I'm just warning you that there is a fine line between working hard and over working."

"Little late on that advice, seeing as I'm volunteering today," I smiled as I took a seat on the mat.

"You still have another year left to train. You don't have to volunteer this year."

I rolled my eyes since both of us knew this wasn't true. In District Two, if you wanted to volunteer before you were eighteen you had to duel the older tribute for the spot. If I didn't volunteer and she missed her chance for nothing, I wouldn't be surprised if she attempted to kill me.

"Ah, but this is the games of the millennium," I reminded, "The only time children from the Capitol will be in the arena with us. Whoever wins this game will go down in history."

"How can I expect an ambitious girl like you to turn that down," he agreed as he finished putting the parts away.

I grinned at the compliment, enjoying our little conversation. I didn't get along with most people. In fact, I found others a waste of time. Instead of building friendship and bonding deeply, I could be doing something actually productive with my time. However, I could never turn someone away who noticed my work ethic or complimented me. What can I say? I'm a Career; it practically goes with the training to let people inflate our egos.

"How's the family doing?" I asked somewhat sympathetically as he strolled back towards me.

He knew who I meant by the way I asked it, "Mine is scraping by like always. Apollo's… His isn't doing so well."

"Really? Last I heard they found a new place to live."

"Yeah they did, but old Ulysses' back finally gave out on the worksite. I provided as much extra money as I could, but now they're out on the streets again."

"That's horrible," I said, truly meaning it. Although I never knew Apollo well, he had always been a nice guy. He worked hard, which was something I admired. I was really hoping he would make it back, at least for his rather large family.

"Tell me about it," he sighed as he offered me a hand. I grabbed it and he pulled me up. "Enough about that depressing stuff, though. Today's your day. Head back home. I'm sure your folks are missing you."

I nodded, not having the heart to tell him how wrong he was. Here he was working his butt off to support his own siblings while still trying to help out another family who had nothing but each other.

How could I tell this big-hearted guy that my own family couldn't care less about me?

Our forks and knives scraped against the plates in a cacophony of screeches. The clinking of our silverware filled the void of nothing in our dining room. Mother repeatedly cleared her throat after every bite while Father read through his paperwork. I forced myself not to focus on them and instead picked at my breakfast.

The three of us all had two things in common: we were determined and ruthless. Father started off in masonry like a majority of the district, but quickly grew restless and displeased with his position. He eventually made his way into architecture and started his business from the ground up. Now most renovations in District Two worked through his contractors. He got to sit back and rake in the cash while others did all the work. Mother came from a similarly poor background. She, however, managed to pave her own path with her clay sculptures and figurines. It didn't create a consistent income, but by then she was married to my father and didn't need to worry about that anymore.

Of course, I wasn't even born when all these things were happening. By the time they had their first and only child, my family was extremely well-off. However, they made sure to instill in me the importance of working hard to achieve success. In life, nothing was handed to you freely. You had to earn it and deserve to possess it.

"You're still planning on volunteering today."

It wasn't a question; it was a statement. I looked up from my food to see my father hadn't even stopped reading what was in front of him to ask this question.

"Of course I am," I replied, "Why would I put it off?"

"I'm sure he was just confirming you weren't getting cold feet," Mother explained as she gazed out the window.

I nodded, not wanting to discuss it further with them. It had been made clear many years ago that it was my parent's plan for me to enter the Hunger Games. Sometimes I wondered if they only had me so that they could get a chance at having a victor in their family. It was the only thing more prestigious than their current social standing… That, and becoming Mayor. Still, I preferred that reason than the one that was becoming more prominent as I got older… I hated thinking that I was an accident or, even worse, a mistake.

"Aren't you going to ask where I was this morning?" I asked, hoping to pique their interest.

"What is our motto when it comes to questions?" Father responded.

Before I could reply, my mother answered, "To not ask ones you don't care to know the answer of. It's a waste of time for everyone involved."

"Sorry. I guess that snippet of information slipped my mind," I grumbled as I stabbed the last bite of food.

Soon, the food was gone from all of our plates. With nothing to keep us together, we all stood up. Father strolled past me with his papers while Mother grabbed all three plates and wandered off towards the kitchen.

"I suppose I'll just head out for the Reapings now," I called as they both disappeared into different rooms.

"That's fine."

"Will you not be far behind?"

"I'll be there, and your father will try to make it," Mother responded over the sound of running water, "But what is the big fuss? You're just going to go stand on a stage and say your name."

Logically, she was right. It wasn't a big deal in a place where tributes volunteered every year. That still didn't stop her words from stinging. I grabbed a jacket and smoothed my dress out. The tiny part of me that was still a child longed to call out my love for my parents. What stopped me was that there was no love in this hollow house. The love that I sought wouldn't be returned because it didn't exist. Nothing was given (or in this case created) until it was earned, including my family's affection.

Once I brought back the crown, then I would deserve it. That was what I had been told for years.

As I signed in, bursting gales of laughter interrupted my thoughts. I peered behind the line of adolescents to see a rather large group of kids enter the area. Leading them was the always chipper Lloyd Verdinal Jr. I made a noise of loathing as I held my finger out to be pricked. Lloyd was one of the very few people to get under my skin on a daily basis. It was a mixture of his carefree nature and the fact he seemed to always be in a good mood that drove me crazy.

It also didn't help that everything came to him so naturally. He was one of the best in the Academy and he put in half the effort most of the other Careers did, me included. Then there was the fact that everyone seemed to gravitate towards him. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and by the end they would be best buds. Not to mention his family doted on him. My parents and I attended his 'going away' party (as if he was actually going to volunteer) and everything was to his taste. I couldn't even get my parents to wish me good luck the morning I was leaving.

I just couldn't stand how he had everything and still never took anything seriously.

I finished my signature and stormed away from the table. In spite of all those things, I still considered him a friend of sorts. Every day I discouraged and insulted him, yet he always came back the next with that same stupid smile. Maybe it was because we had grown up around one another and been playmates. Honestly, I had no clue. I shook the wonder boy from my mind and tried to grin. I needed to chill out. Like Vex had said, today was my day.

I stepped into my section and glanced around. I recognized many people but chose not to say anything. As I waited for the Reaping to start, two giggly voices drifted through the air. I tried to ignore them, but their constant chattering infiltrated my happy little world.

"I think he might ask me out after this Reaping," Tiana, a girl from the Academy, giggled.

"You're volunteering next year. Why would you start a relationship, especially with our best friend?"

"Believe me, if a Verdinal decided to sweep me off my feet and make an honest woman out of me I wouldn't complain. Hell, I would go for one of his sisters too."

"Try to stop sounding like such a gold digger," Niamha hissed.

"If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck…" I muttered under my breath.

Before they could finish their conversation, our escort took the stage. When the first sentence to leave her lips was a pun involving her name, I completely tuned her out. I looked past her to see my mentors. Castiel Kite and Linnet Phlight sat behind her, both appearing mildly amused. They were both amazing Careers in their own right. Castiel was brute strength and skill. He fought his way to victory; the good, old fashioned way. Linnet, on the other hand, used her small frame to her advantage. She accepted the stereotype of being the weakest Career and never showed her true talent. Once the Career Pack broke up, she had the element of surprise. Not a single one saw her sudden finesse with axes coming.

"Ladies first, per usual."

I readied myself as I straightened my posture. I fixed my most charming smile on my face, ready to volunteer. Although I was serious by nature, I knew the Capitol wouldn't appreciate it. If I wanted sponsors, I had to appear as cordial as possible.

"Rosaline Norman!" she called out before immediately following it up with, "Are there any volunteers?"

"I volunteer!" I called as I began to weave through the crowd.

Quickly, everyone began to make way for me. I marched up to the stage and spun around. I smiled coyly as I absorbed the spotlight. Sparkler asked for my name and I responded with,

"Kali Trevelle. And don't you forget it."

I heard several chuckles before the district roared in approval. A genuine smile managed to slip by, but I didn't mind. This was one of the moments I had been waiting years for. To be cheered on by my district because I was the finest Career. Finally, my hard work paid off. I was in the limelight, and I couldn't have been happier. Their support made my heart soar, and I suddenly felt like I could do anything.

"I volunteer!"

All it took were those two words uttered by that familiar, slightly high-pitched voice to send me plummeting into the stone ground. Lloyd's dirty blonde hair stood out as he strolled up on stage like today was any other day. Once the initial surprise passed, the crowd resounded twice as loud… Louder than they ever did for me. Suddenly, the crushed part of me disappeared and was replaced by pure fury.

"And you are?" Sparkler asked.

"Lloyd Verdinal," he beamed as he placed an arm around my shoulders, "And you can forget it if you like, I don't mind."

I fought the urge to grab his wrist and dislocate his hand. The audience laughed and it took all of my willpower to keep from blushing. Lloyd not only volunteered and stole the show, but he was mocking me! I felt incredibly foolish for what I had said earlier, and I couldn't help but feel like I was the butt of his joke. My embarrassment only added to my anger as I jeered,

"What are you doing?"

"I volunteered, just like I said I would."

I had no idea how I managed to maintain anything remotely similar to a smile, but I could feel the muscles stretched upwards. Oh yes, like you said you would. Just like how you said you would join the Peacekeepers or pursue a career in politics. How the hell was anyone supposed to believe him when he was constantly changing his plans based on impulses? Everyone thought this new plan was just another whim of Lloyd's that he would soon forget.

"But I didn't think you were serious!"

"Why wouldn't I be?" he asked with such sincerity that I thought my brain might implode.

I didn't know how to deal with this. Lloyd had always upstaged me at every turn with half the effort. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that it wouldn't change now that we were both in the Hunger Games. The other tributes would like him, the Capitol would adore him, and he would dominate everyone in the arena. Everyone in District Two would be cheering for both of us, but more so for Lloyd. Not a single person would want me to come back alive over him.

"Come on, Kali, lighten up," he chuckled through the ringing in my ears, "This will be fun."

Fun. Just like everything else, this was all just fun and games to Lloyd. That one word extinguished the fire within me and left a cold, steely rage. Fine. If Lloyd wanted to be all buddy-buddy and act like childhood friends, I could do that. I'd be his ally and friend up to the bitter end… But he wasn't going to take this away from me. For once, I would end up on top. If Lloyd wanted to throw his life away because of some fantasized whim, that was his problem and not mine.

I was going to have the starring role in this show, and when I was done with him he would have nothing more than a bit part.

Two more tributes I adore. All of you are going to be hearing that a lot xD I do hope the creators of these two tributes don't mind too much that I intertwined them so much. They both fit so perfectly together I couldn't help myself! Anyway, drop a review and I hope you enjoyed.

See you next week,

Europa22