I do not own the Hunger Games. I do, however own Lillianne. Just not her grandfather.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRIGIMENT INTENDED.

After two hot irons curled the pale blonde locks around my head, I fashioned a half updo, letting the curls fall down the shoulders of my silk blouse. Juniper kept checking on me, exuberant that it was reaping day. She went on and on about the 74th Hunger Games, and how she was so excited that Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark were mentors for district 12 this year. She gushes on how jealous she was over Katniss, how Peeta is all hers. I just nod absently, pulling on silver flats.

"And I so totally know Cinna is going to move up this year-"

A suttle knock interrupted Juniper's babble about Cinna the district 12 stylist. We looked back and saw our mother standing at my door frame. She smiled weakly, then moved into my room. "Let me get a look at you girls," She breathed. We obeyed, standing beside eachother, Juniper and I, and mom surveyed us. She eyed Juniper's headpiece, then her yellow and green ensemble, finally giving her a curt nod. She moved on to me, reaching for my hair, then smiling as she backed away to see my outfit.

"You two look…nice," She said quietly, leaning on a stray chair. She sighed. Silence filled the room as my mom and I stared at eachother. Juniper broke it and spoke.

"I don't understand why you two are so sad on Reaping Day," She huffed, "It's just for fun! Gosh."

I clenched my teeth. Mom beat me to the punch. "Now June," She began, "Just because we like the Games doesn't mean others do.

That's not how I would've worded it.

I opened my mouth to talk, but father's booming voice reverberated from downstairs, announcing that it was time to go. I looked back at mom as Juniper rushed out of my room to reapply her make up. Once alone, we spoke.

"It's not fair," I grumbled.

Mom smiled. "But you're alive and well. That's all that matters." She reached for my cheek, but I backed up, looking away. I straightened my skirt. "It's still wrong." I added. Mom frowned.

"We shouldn't be thinking like that. We should be proud we don't have to-"

"I heard a rumor." I interrupted. "There's talk of rebellion.

My mother's eyes widened and she froze.

It was true. I had, in fact, heard this. I don't know why I decided to say it, but I did. I remembered it was lunch time, and several kids were sitting at a table beside me, making a huge cacophony. They talked about how Katniss and Peeta had been linked to this huge scandal and Districts 11 and 12 were wanting to rebel. I think they realized that I was listening, because they gave me a nasty look, turning away.

"Where," She whispered, "Did you hear that?"

I shrugged. "Around."

Mother opened her mouth, but my father called for us once more. I looked back at mom.

"Lillianne," She cautioned. I nodded curtly.

"It's just a rumor," I assured. Sidestepping around her, I headed downstairs to meet my father and Juniper. I pondered my answer. Just a rumor, right?

Mayor Wanderlust Snow smiled up at me as I came down the stairs. Juniper jumped up and squeeled from her parlor seat. Mom met us down here, a blank look on her face. I sighed.

"Let's get this Reaping over with."